Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
The Counter Force
Despite McGonagall's discretion, it didn't take long for the whole school to learn a fourth champion had been selected. A second Hogwarts champion. An underage champion. In fact, it's quite hard to keep secrets in a castle where the portraits like to gossip. "The Durmstrang headmaster was beside himself", Violet, a painted friend of the Fat Lady reported to the entire Gryffindor common room. Apparently, her painting resides in the chamber the champions were meeting in and she had a first-row seat to everything. "He seemed to believe this was all planned to give Hogwarts greater odds of winning".
All Gryffindors, minus Harry, crowded under the painting Violet occupied. Watching it like one does with a TV. "Madame Maxime was of similar mind. But not everyone was upset. Ludo Bagman saw this as a right boon. 'Extraordinary!' He kept saying".
Fred, George, and I chose to sit on the stairs leading up to the boys' dormitories as we listened to the news. "I need to talk to Adrian", I kept saying.
"Tomorrow", they kept promising.
"Potter insisted he did not put his name in the goblet", Violet shared when asked about what Harry'd been doing during all this. "Though few seemed to believe him. Mostly, just his godfather. Professor Karkaroff kept threatening to pull out of the competition and leave. Brought it up whenever he could. Quite irate. Although, he had a nasty smile on his face the whole time".
It was unheard of from the common room to be this crowded and this quiet. Though, at least it made it easy to go unnoticed in the background. "We need to make a plan", I said; my eyes on the Creevey brothers as they whispered excitedly amongst themselves. Some nonsense about how great all this was. "We need to think this through".
"Tomorrow", George promised. "When we're all together".
"Don't rush into this", Fred advised.
"Do you think Potter is lying?" A fifth-year asked. "That he actually did submit his name and just won't fess up". The question wasn't directed at anyone in particular.
However, Violet was quite enjoying her audience, so the painting immediately answered. "Well, not many believed him. Just Professor Black. And surprisingly the other Hogwarts champion, the Slytherin. Couldn't puzzle that one out.
"The only thing everyone could agree on was wanting to deny Potter from competing in the tournament. But that Umbridge character, an unfortunate-looking woman, insisted the rules had to be followed. Potter must compete. Professor Black threatened to pull Potter from school if that would spare him. But entering a name into the goblet of fire is a magically binding contract. There is no way to get out of it. Or so Umbridge stated".
Somewhere in the middle of all our housemates, Ron pushed through them. "Ron, where are you going?" Hermione called after him. But Ron didn't stop. Not even to acknowledge her.
"Move", our little brother said as he came to stand in front of us; blocking the sight of the gossiping Violet from our view. "I want to go to bed".
Never ones to do what Ron wanted, us triplets didn't budge. "Ron", I started. Voice croaking a little. I hadn't cried, although it felt like one more push was all it would take to make me start. "Harry's going to be scared and upset… He's going to need you". My words seemed to confuse Ron as he blinked with his lips twisting uncomfortably. Caught between two conflicting traits; loyalty and jealousy.
"Scuffing the rug with the toe of his shoe, Ron jammed his hands into his trousers' pockets. "Yeah, well. He should have thought of that before he put his name into that bloody goblet".
Fred snorted in derision. "You've met Harry, right?"
"You know, your best friend who hates the limelight". George added.
Ron scowled at us. "You believe him", he accused. "Bloody unbelievable…" he trailed off; his nose scrunching up in disagreement.
"Just think about it", I tried as I stood up; bringing Fred with me. "Does entering the tournament sound like something Harry would do?"
Grumbling something unintelligible under his breath, Ron pushed passed us, nearly stepping on George as he bounded up the stairs. "What's wrong with him?" Fred asked after we watched Ron go.
"He's acting like he and Harry don't spend every minute they can together", George said as he pulled himself to his feet to join us. Behind us, Violet was still going on about what occurred in that chamber. Apparently, Sirius threatened to sue the ministry if they forced Harry to participate. Magical contract be damned. "Harry would've told him if he was planning something. They tell each other everything".
"I know", I said; agreeing with my brothers. "Ron knows that too. Deep down". Picking at one of my fingernails, I tried to think of how I could defend my little brother. If only he didn't make it so difficult. "Ron's just… he wants people to be singing him praises for once. It's always Harry, Hermione, or us; his siblings that people talk about. At least from his viewpoint".
Fred and George gave me incredulous looks, causing me to shrug. But it was true. Bill had a reputation for being extremely smart and popular. Now, as a curse breaker working abroad, extremely successful could also be added to Bill's resume. Charlie had been a prefect and was on the quidditch team. Percy was the golden child of the family. Then there were us triplets who often got Mum's full attention. Mostly because of how much trouble we always seemed to find ourselves in. But negative attention is still attention. And that's without mentioning all that Wonder Weasley stuff. Ginny was the youngest and the only Slytherin in the family, which made her stand out. For Ron, the only thing people seemed to notice about him was that… he was Harry Potter's best friend.
"Well, that's something we can fix", Fred said after a moment when I hadn't offered any more information. Fix? What was he going to fix?
"If Ron feels neglected, we can remedy that with a bit of quality time", George explained; making his words sound like a vague threat.
"We'd hate for our little Ronnikins to feel like we don't care", Fred continued. "We'll see what his viewpoint is once he's sick of us".
Running a hand over my tired face, I sighed. "Don't torture Ron for having feelings".
"Oh, it won't be torture", George assured me. "We just need to remind our dear little brother how much he means to us".
"It won't be anything he can't survive", Fred continued as he cast a calculating eye up the stairs. "Who knows? Maybe Ron will even be able to… let go of some of his 'feelings' once he's spent enough time with us".
We fell silent. Blinking and waiting for someone else to say something. Meanwhile, Violet had moved on to talking about what Bagman had said the first challenge would be testing.
"Damn it", I broke first. Turning on my heels, I made for the stairs leading to the boys' dorms.
"Where are you going?" Fred called after me.
"I need to apologize to Ron", I said as I stomped my feet up the stairs.
"Why?" George asked; pretending to sound perplexed, but failing.
"For whatever you two are planning to do to him", I called over my shoulder. Normally, I wouldn't bother. Ron was used to our pranks. Quite a few I was guilty of myself. The difference this time was that Ron didn't deserve to be the butt of a joke for being human. Even if he was being a prat.
"The first task is scheduled for November the twenty-fourth", Adrian shared the next day as we occupied Flitwick's classroom. It was Sunday. Meaning there was no real reason for us to be in this room. But I needed to organize a last-minute YUP meeting, and Adrian needed to tell me everything (by my demand). So, the privacy of Flitwick's classroom was perfect.
"Which means we have twenty-three days to figure out how you're going to steal an egg from a dragon", I said as I put the last touches on the letter I was writing. "There", I said once I finished signing my name. "What do you think?" I asked; holding out the letter for Adrian to read.
Straightening from where he'd been leaning against a desk, he walked in front of where I was sitting and took hold of the letter. "To Our Dear Supreme and all-knowing Leader of the United Party", Adrian read aloud. His forehead immediately wrinkled as soon as he encountered the first whiff of sarcasm. Though, to his credit, he kept reading.
Thank you so much for announcing the existence of the United Party without informing any of your supporters at Hogwarts. Your younger party members were just floored to learn they had been secretly participating in a political movement these last odd months. Why, they were just thrilled to know they had been kept in the dark. Just about offered their complete trust when they learned that not all YUP members were unaware of some greater plan. Although, reading about UP in the paper without any forewarning was a shock for all.
I'm afraid it will be extremely difficult for you to outdo yourself in the future, my lord. But you must try. You see, under your guidance and encouragement Adrian Pucey, My Adrian, was selected to be Hogwarts champion. As I'm sure you know, the tournament has a history of being dangerous and fatal. And I demand you take full responsibility if anything unfortunate were to happen. Of course, something unfortunate has already occurred. As I know you are aware. Since I've been informed Professor Black has asked for your legal assistance in this alarming matter. Harry Potter, another loyal supporter of your movement, was entered into the tournament against his will. Although, as of yet, no one has found out how that's possible.
I know it was your wish to have YUP represented in the tournament to serve as some sort of mouthpiece for you. And now you have two representatives. How great… For you. Naturally, I know you will be assisting YUP as we take every measure we can to assure the continued well-being of all club members. How you will do that, I haven't the foggiest. But I know you will, being our leader and everything. You don't have a choice.
There will be a YUP meeting this coming Friday after classes have ended for the day. I encourage you to attend if you can make it as we'll be making a stance on how we will be supporting Adrian and Harry through this tournament. You aligning UP with our decision would be greatly appreciated.
Yours Sincerely,
Holly Weasley,
President of the Youth of the United Party
(P.S. I'm not above crying to Percy if don't get what I want).
"Well? Thoughts?" I asked once Adrian lowered the letter.
He pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger as if pained. "I think it's a wonder Lord Flint still finds you amusing enough to allow you to get away with this… audacious absurdity", he said; gesturing to my carefully crafted letter.
"No", I disagreed as I held out my hand for the letter. One Adrian was only too willing to release to me. "What's absurd is that no one can figure out how to get Harry out of this mess". What was also absurd was how Harry was now being seen as some sort of glory-hog cheater throughout the school. But I left that one unsaid; knowing it didn't apply to Adrian. Inking my quill, I readied myself to address the letter. What name should I use? Would Lord Flint's name suffice? Or should I use the same title I wrote in my greeting salutation? Though that might confuse the owl… "So", I moved on. "That's it? Nothing to say about how this letter is inappropriate? You're not going to try to stop me from sending it?" After all, that was how Adrian felt about a lot of letters I've sent in the past. Especially those addressed to Lord Flint.
Adrian's lips curled back into a small smirk. "Considering how I've never been able to prevent you before, no", he answered as he moved to lean against the desk I was working on. "Besides, I'd find it difficult to dissuade you from sending a letter where you so plainly claim me as your own".
Finishing with the address, I set the letter aside so I could seal it later. "Good", I said. Meeting Adrian's smirk with a smile. "I wanted to make it clear who I'd blame if… something happens".
"Yes, you did that threateningly well", He said leaning her torso closer to me as he reached out. The Back of his knuckles brushed against the length of my jawbone. "So well, in fact, that others might accuse you for spending a little too much time amongst Slytherins".
Catching his hand with my own, I pressed my cheek against his cool calloused skin. "There are far worse things", I assured him; basking in the pride shining through his grey pupils. But I couldn't allow us to get too distracted. There was still much to do. "Dragons", I said as I let go of his hand. "Are you ready to talk about that?"
"Yes", Adrian agreed, returning to a more comfortable position. "We'll need to decide how we'll warn Potter about the first task".
"Charlie makes this easier", I said. "I have the perfect excuse for knowing. So that shouldn't be too difficult". Seriously, thank Merlin for Charlie and his career. I know it's plot convenient. But having a dragonologist as a brother who also happened been assigned to assist the tournament with this first task definitely made this job a piece of cake.
"You said Potter uses a summoning charm in the first task", Adrian prompted as we moved down the list of things we needed to work on before a plan was complete.
"Yeah, to summon his broom", I explained as I crossed my arms across my chest. "He uses his broom to outfly the dragon and steal its egg. We'll have to help him with that charm. If Harry still chooses to use the same method. Flitwick said he just taught his fourth years the summoning charm. It's unlikely Harry's mastered it yet".
Adrian nodded once as he stared out the window; mulling things over. "And you're sure the dragons they'll use will be a Welsh Green, a Chinese Fireball, a Swedish short-snout, and the Hungarian Horntail?" Adrian double-checked.
"Positive", I affirmed. "As long as something doesn't get changed. But we can confirm when Charlie gets here".
"And if things haven't further changed from how you remember them, I'll pick my dragon third and Potter last", Adrian thought aloud. "It shouldn't be difficult. I should be able to discern which dragon is which. I'll choose the horntail. While still not ideal, the other dragons will still present a lesser danger than the horntail".
Biting my lip, I nodded slowly. It definitely was not ideal. While I appreciated Adrian was trying to spare Harry as much as he could, it… bugged me he was choosing the dangerous route for himself. Experience aside. "You know", I started slowly. "Maybe Krum or Delacour will end up with the horntail". Adrian turned away from the window to look at me. "Maybe something will happen to make them choose the horntail".
Scoffing, Adrian returned his gaze to where it was before. "Holly", he complained. "The last thing we need is to get caught cheating".
"Oh, please", I argued. "Everyone's focus is going to be on Harry. People will hardly pay attention to what you do". And that was true. It had only been one day since the champions were chosen and already Harry and his mysterious admittance to the tournament was all anyone wanted to talk about; negatively and positively.
With a rueful shake of his head, Adrian moved on. "What's the next thing we need to discuss?"
Holly Agatha Weasley,
That letter was completely inappropriate. I'll have you know, Marius is working hard to ensure the debut of the United Party is a success. Announcing his intentions to the Daily Prophet was a carefully calculated and well-thought-out move on Marius' part, let me assure you. While YUP's endeavors continue to be important to the United Party, YUP is not the party's main priority. Therefore, please refrain from expecting first-hand notices of our dealings. You are not owed explanations.
In regards to the tournament, thank you for updating us on the outcomes. It is certainly a benefit to have people who are able to get the latest developments to Marius before the news outlets break a story. Please send Adrian my congratulations. Being selected is a great honor. And promoting the United Party's message is even more so. Marius and I are confident Adrian will be an exemplary representative of what the United Party has to offer. Marius has asked me to assure you that Adrian will receive the party's full support throughout the tournament. Along those lines, please stop referring to Adrian as yours. You sound possessive and it's unbecoming.
Now, in regards to Harry, Marius is indeed aware of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Harry's entry into the tournament. I am unsure how you are aware of Professor Black's intentions. But I've been given permission to share with you that Marius and his firm will be looking into the legal ramifications of entering a minor into a binding magical contract without the knowledge or consent of the minor or his guardian. However, that is all I'm at liberty to say. Though I can assure you the process to uncover the truth and holding those involved accountable will be thrilling. Law is truly a riveting field of employment.
In light of Professor Black seeking Marius' expertise, you and YUP are in luck. Current events have required Marius to be present at Hogwarts this Friday. Marius has asked me to inform you that he would be honored to attend a YUP meeting. He is looking forward to this opportunity to share with the members of YUP everything the United Party has to offer them. However, Marius is uncertain how long his other obligations will take. He recommends organizing a dinner for YUP to enjoy during his visit. I'm sure Professor Flitwick can help you get the necessary permission for such an event.
On a final note, my expectation is that you will mind your manners and show the proper respect Marius is afforded. It was lovely to hear from you. I do miss our heart-to-hearts. Please write soon.
Love Percy
Once I finished reading Percy's letter, I lowered it to look to my left where George was feeding Hermes bits of bacon. "I think we have two mums", I said.
"Why?" Fred asked from my right as George looked at me with a perplexed expression; Hermes pecking at his fingers for more food.
Turning to my other brother, I handed him Percy's letter. "What did Percy say?" George asked as Fred read.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I picked up my coffee and breathed in its warmth. "Lord Flint is going to attend the YUP meeting this Friday. Hopefully to explain to everyone that Harry's a victim and is in need of friends". Taking a sip of coffee, my face screwed up at its bitterness. It needs milk.
"He does sound like Mum", Fred commented with a snort as he reached over my head to hand George the letter. "I can't believe he used your full name".
"Definitely a Mum move", George agreed. As George skimmed over the letter Hermes stopped waiting to be fed and started to help himself to the contents of George's plate. "I like the part where he called you possessive and unbecoming".
"Merlin", Fred expressed as he grabbed another piece of toast. "Just imagine Percy as a parent. He'd be just like Mum. Only without a sense of humor".
"That's why Percy has us", I said; forgoing milk and taking a big gulp of coffee. It would be time for potions soon. I needed to finish and get the dungeons if I wanted to be on time. "We're the only ones who will be able to save his future kids from a life of rules and stuffiness".
"Thank Merlin for us", George said as he handed the letter back to me. Only to return his eyes to his place and realize Hermes had claimed all his bacon for himself. Not that he minded. Owls should get to eat first. Considering how they made post possible for magical kind. "Between Ron's feelings and Percy's propriety, they'd be lost without us".