The Recovery
Harry winced as Hermione squeezed the air from his lungs having all but sprinted from the door to the Hospital Wing to the far end where he was situated.
"Well, the merepeople failed to kill me but you just might," he wheezed.
Hermione released him immediately looking fearful that she'd hurt him.
Harry waved her off as he turned to greet the others that had arrived.
"How're you feeling mate?" Ron asked.
"What a stupid question," one of the twins snorted. "He got skewered by a bloody trident."
"And almost filleted," the other added. "He's feeling amazing, Ronald."
Ron scowled as Angelina and Alicia pushed their way past Fred and George, both eyeing Harry worriedly.
"Does it hurt?"
"Another stupid question."
"I swear I will swing for you, Fred," Angelina retorted.
"She's getting too good at telling the difference between us."
The other twin nodded.
"I'm fine," Harry chuckled, grimacing as the skin across his chest pulled tight. "Well, I will be. How're you, Diggory? All your limbs intact?"
Cedric nodded as he held both his arms up tauntingly.
"Show off," Harry grumbled.
"I can't say I have much else to boast about," Cedric sighed. "I'm in third place after you and Krum."
"What score did they give me?"
No one had told him thus far, though only Katie and Dumbledore had been to visit since he'd woken last night.
Harry was surprised that Madam Pomfrey had allowed so many to come at once.
"What other score could they give you?" Cedric huffed good-naturedly. "You're far in front. I don't what that means, but it can't be a bad thing. Still, I didn't have to almost die to be where I am, so I'll take it."
"Git," Harry muttered. "I didn't intend on ending up here."
"No one ever does."
Harry could only shake his head.
"In all seriousness, how are you feeling?"
Harry shrugged.
"It could be worse," he answered. "Madam Pomfrey seems to think I'll make a full recovery."
"And you shall so long as you are not overstimulated," the healer said firmly as she entered through the curtains. "I do not remember giving permission for so many of you to be here. Come along, there are others that wish to see Mr Potter."
The sizeable group did not appear to be pleased, but they knew better than to argue with the woman.
"Any idea when he can leave?" Ron asked.
Harry too was keen for an answer to that question. He'd only been awake a number of hours and was already growing restless.
"That is to my discretion," Madam Pomfrey replied, "but the longer you linger, the longer I will keep him here for his own good. He needs his rest, and Merlin knows he'll be getting little of that today."
Without further prompt, the group bade him farewell, choosing not to test the healer's patience.
"Is there any reason you have not left, Miss Bell?"
"Do I have to?"
Madam Pomfrey's gaze shifted between the teens.
"If Mr Potter is happy for you to stay, then I see no issue with it. It is not as though you have a history of listening, is it?" she asked pointedly.
Katie smiled at the woman awkwardly and Madam Pomfrey sighed.
"It has been brought to my attention that you will be receiving more visitors shortly, Potter. Professor Dumbledore tells me they have travelled from France to see you. I can turn them away if you wish?"
Harry shook his head.
"No, I'll see them."
"Very well," Madam Pomfrey replied. "I will send them in when they arrive."
With that, she returned to her other duties and Harry leaned back against his pillows.
"Sorry," Katie offered as she sat on the edge of the bed. "When I told them you were awake, I couldn't stop them."
"It's fine," Harry chuckled. "I see you managed to find the shower. Did you get any sleep?"
"Not much," Katie admitted. "I had a nightmare."
Harry's formative years had been plagued by them and he reached up and took her hand.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Katie swallowed deeply.
"I dreamt that you didn't wake up, that Madam Pomfrey couldn't save you and when I woke up, it felt so real."
"Is that why you were here so early?"
Katie nodded.
"I just needed to see for myself that you were okay."
Harry smiled, his eyes widening as two new arrivals passed through the curtains, both unrecognisable by their appearance, but he knew who they were immediately.
"Harry!" Perenelle greeted him, cupping his cheeks and pressing her lips to his forehead before taking in his appearance. "I knew the tournament would be nothing but trouble. I have already torn strips from Albus's hide."
"She has," Nicholas guffawed. "It is nice that it is not me in her bad books for once. How are you?"
"Better than I was."
Perenelle began murmuring in her mother tongue, fawning over Harry, much to the amusement of Nicholas.
"Let her make her fuss," the man urged.
Harry rolled his eyes, flushing in embarrassment as Katie looked on, bemused by what was happening.
"I'll give you some time," she declared as she stood.
"Nonsense, I insist you stay," Nicholas replied before Harry could. "Is this the young lady you escorted to the ball?"
Harry nodded.
"Then it is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bell," the alchemist said with a smile.
"I'm sorry, I do not think Harry has mentioned you," Katie said apologetically.
"I do not suspect he has," Nicholas chuckled. "Harry comes to stay with us when he is not at Hogwarts. As you can see, myself and my wife are very fond of him. He has spent much of the past few years with us."
"That is why he can speak French," Katie realised.
"It is," Nicholas confirmed. "I am sorry, but there is a pressing matter we must discuss, Harry."
"What is it?"
"Albus has made us aware of your situation regarding what happened during the task. Two life debts is quite the magnanimous occurrence, particularly with whom the debts are tied to."
"I don't suppose I can just forget them?"
"You could, but it would be taken as quite the insult by Mr Delacour," Nicholas sighed. "He would see it that, to you, his daughter's lives hold no value. It would be quite the faux pas to make such a suggestion."
"So, what do I do?"
"Well, you must first understand the man you are dealing. Mr Sebastien Delacour is one of the most powerful men in all of France. Only the Minister and his Deputy hold more power. Delacour has cultivated quite the formidable reputation for himself, despite having married a veela who most see to be far below him. He could be a good friend to you, Harry. Unless you are certain of what you would ask, I would advise that you request his hand in mutual friendship. As a citizen of France, it could prove to be most useful to you, and it will lighten the burden on Delacour. He will see that you are acknowledging the debt, yet you do not wish to hold it over him in a way that would belittle him or his family."
"I can do that," Harry said thoughtfully.
Nicholas offered him a smile.
"Good, and I would expect them to arrive shortly. Albus told me that they returned to the castle this morning to enquire after your condition. They granted you the courtesy of waiting, but I can assure you that Sebastien Delacour is keen to address the problem imminently. It would not do to make him wait long, Harry."
The teen nodded his understanding.
"I suppose I should hear what he has to say," he murmured. "Maybe he will have a solution?"
Nicholas smiled encouragingly.
"Just be yourself and I am sure both of you will feel better about the situation. A life debt does not have to be such a burden."
"It feels like one."
Nicholas chuckled and gave Harry's shoulder a squeeze.
"We are both so very proud of you. You have once more proven the kind of man you will be. Now, how are your injuries?"
"Sore," Harry answered honestly. "I still have a long way to go. I doubt he would have come out of it like this."
Nicholas nodded gravely.
"Under the circumstances, you did well. It is not necessarily what you achieved that is seeing you being praised so highly, but the selflessness of the act. You could have chosen to flee and there is not a single person that could have held it against you."
"I couldn't do that," Harry denied.
Nicholas smiled as voices could be heard drawing nearer.
"That will be them."
It was only a moment later that a head peered around the curtain belonging to a man that Harry had only seen once near the lake.
Mr Delacour looked tired, even strained a little.
"I am sorry to intrude," he offered. "I was hoping for a few moments of this young man's time."
"Of course," Nicholas allowed as he stood. "Come, young lady. Perhaps you would do us the honour of showing us around the castle? Maybe you should consider telling her who we are," he added in a whisper to Harry. "She has shown you unwavering loyalty, hasn't she? It would be good for you to have someone you can trust and Miss Bell has proven herself worthy of that. Come along, my dear."
Katie looked towards Harry and offered him a tentative wave as Mrs Delacour and Fleur joined her husband, each of them wearing a similar expression to the patriarch of the family.
When they were gone, an almost uncomfortable silence prevailed until Mr Delacour broke it.
"How are your injuries, Mr Potter?" he asked nervously.
"I'm just about in one piece," the teen snorted. "Harry is just fine."
The man relaxed somewhat as he offered Harry a nod of gratitude.
"Oh, what a mess," he sighed. "I must begin by thanking you, Harry. My family is the most important thing to me. I am kept awake at night by the most terrible of thoughts since what happened during the second task, and I fear I find myself in a position where I have nothing that could possibly equal the worth of what you have done. My wife and daughters are my most treasured things."
Harry nodded.
"I understand," he replied. "I do not have a family of my own, so I know how precious it is to have one. I do not envy your position, Mr Delacour, but I do not want you to think I have any intention of taking advantage of this situation. I didn't help Fleur or Gabrielle to gain anything, it was just the right thing to do."
The man nodded.
"Yet, there is still a debt I could never hope to repay," he pointed out. "You are an interesting young man, Harry Potter. Of course, I have taken it upon myself to look into you. Any man in my position would be foolish not to, and I must say, I was surprised to discover that you are a citizen of France, and even more so at who submitted the request for your citizenship to be granted."
Harry frowned, unsure if Sebastien Delacour was attempting to blackmail him.
"Naturally, your secret is safe with me, and there are very few who have the authority to learn of it. I just found it to be rather curious. For one of such fame, I found little else. I expect you lived a sheltered upbringing before you came to Hogwarts."
"I did," Harry confirmed.
"Probably wise, given the circumstances," Mr Delacour murmured.
"How is Gabrielle?" Harry asked.
"Her condition is improving. She wanted to be here for this, but she is not well enough to travel. As I'm sure you understand, it has taken quite the toll on her."
"She wasn't hurt, other than the issues with her magic?"
Mr Delacour shook his head.
"Thankfully not. Judging by the injuries sustained, you went to great lengths to ensure that. Now, perhaps we should get to the reason we find ourselves here? What do you know of life debts, Harry?"
"Not much," Harry answered honestly.
"Then allow me to explain. A life debt is incurred when one person saves another from certain death. Make no mistake, Harry, Gabrielle was on the brink of it when you pulled her from the lake, and it is my understanding that you managed to bring Fleur back after she…"
Mr Delacour choked and his wife rubbed his shoulder comfortingly.
He took a moment to compose himself before continuing.
"Having saved both of my daughters, two life debts were incurred. The nature of the magic is rather complex, but a bond of sorts is formed between the person saved and their saviour. In essence, neither Gabrielle nor Fleur are able to act against you in a way that could lead to your death. The complication we face beyond their being two separate life debts is that Fleur is of age and is responsible for fulfilling her own debt to you."
"I hadn't thought of that," Harry mused aloud.
Mr Delacour nodded.
"I understand that the two of you have not exactly had a positive relationship since you met. As a man, Harry, I am asking that you do not hold that against Fleur. Believe me, I married her mother, I know that veela can be difficult at times."
The woman quirked an eyebrow at her husband and Harry fought back a smirk of amusement.
"We haven't," Harry agreed.
"Can I speak?" Fleur requested.
Mr Delacour gestured for her to do so and the girl stepped forward, her expression difficult to read, but for the first time since Harry had met her, she truly looked rather humble. Something he was not entirely comfortable with.
"I am sorry," she offered sincerely. "Gabrielle told me I was wrong about you, but I wouldn't listen. It's not easy for me to admit I was wrong. You did not have to help me and you didn't have to go back for Gabrielle. Thank you, Harry Potter, for not being the little boy I thought you were."
Harry nodded his acceptance.
They hadn't gotten along, but Harry had much more important things to focus on than a petty disagreement with a girl he would likely never see again in a few short months.
"Is there anything you would request of Fleur to fulfil the debt?" Mr Delacour asked nervously.
His wife too shuffled uncomfortably, waiting for an answer.
"Is there something I am missing?" Harry asked.
Mr and Mrs Delacour shared a look of concern before the woman chose to speak.
"We are worried because there is very little that you could ask for that we would be able to refuse. Anything short of something that would directly result in Fleur's death would be granted to fulfil the debt."
Harry frowned as he pondered what Mrs Delacour had said.
"I see," he said in realisation. "I could even ask for her to marry me and she would have to agree."
"You understand our concern," Mr Delacour sighed.
"I wouldn't do that," Harry assured them. "I'm willing to let the past lie, but I do not think we would be a good match. Besides, I'm only fourteen. I'm a long way off thinking about marriage."
"You are a better man than most," Mr Delacour replied, breathing a sigh of relief. "You see, Harry, most would covet the idea of a veela being their wife, and even more to merely use as they see fit."
Harry grimaced at the thought.
"I think for now it is best to do what my guardians advised," Harry suggested. "They believe I should request a handshake of mutual friendship from you. I have no idea how this can be resolved, but I don't want this to continue being a burden for either of us, or I don't want you to think for one moment that I would take advantage of this situation. I understand that for you this feels like a huge debt, but there isn't anything I could ask of you right now."
"That is very big of you, Harry," Mr Delacour said, offering him a bow. "I would gladly shake your hand in gratitude for what you have done for me and my family."
Harry accepted the proffered limb and immediately felt the burden lighten.
It was strange that such a simple gesture could have such a profound effect.
"What does this mean for the life debts?" Mrs Delacour asked.
"It means that both debts are no longer to be paid to a stranger," Mr Delacour answered with a smile. "Harry extended the hand of friendship, and as friends, he would not ask anything of us that would be considered an insult. It is an agreement between two men who respect one another deeply."
"I do not understand the difference."
"My dear, it makes all the difference in the world," Mr Delacour assured his wife. "Come, let us allow Harry his rest."
Both females seemed confused by what had happened but left once Mrs Delacour had placed a gentle kiss on Harry's cheek.
"Oh, before I forget. Gabrielle has requested the opportunity to thank you in person," Mr Delacour informed Harry. "I'm sure she would appreciate it if you can perhaps make time to visit her over your summer break."
"I will," Harry acquiesced.
Mr Delacour offered him a final nod of gratitude before following his wife and daughter, leaving Harry to ponder what had happened.
In truth, he'd rather be done with the entire situation, but it was not to be.
Nonetheless, he was glad that there no longer seemed to be any tension for the man. Harry could only imagine what he had endured this past week having almost lost both his daughters, only to be faced with the problem of life debts.
Not that this was the end of the matter.
However, it was no longer so pressing so Harry could now focus his time on figuring out just how the task had been sabotaged and who was behind.
It was concerning to say the least, and more so that the perpetrator had not been identified.
(Break)
"No, no, no!" Barty growled, screwing up the piece of parchment he had been scribbling on and threw it into the fire.
For hours he had been sitting in his quarters, running through the plan the Dark Lord intended on carrying out.
"SHUT UP!" he snapped as he heard the laughter of the auror secured at the bottom of his own trunk.
The plan did not sit right with Barty. There were too many variables that could go awry, and either Potter would be killed before he had the opportunity to do what Barty required of him, or he would escape.
There was no telling what condition the Dark Lord would be in, and it was possible that Potter could even kill him if the ritual did not work as intended.
Barty trusted the Dark Lord's judgement, but this was something that had never been done before and he simply couldn't put all his faith in it.
No, something needed to be done to ensure the outcome Barty desired, but what?
It would be most helpful if Potter would be complicit. Something Barty knew would never happen, not unless he was given the right motivation and he remained ignorant of what was to transpire.
Barty hummed as he tapped his chin with his quill.
"It could work," he murmured as he began penning an addendum to the Dark Lord's plan.
Pettigrew certainly could not be relied upon for anything beyond providing the required flesh.
Potter would murder the man before the ritual could even begin, and the Dark Lord was insistent that no other Death Eaters be present until it was complete.
Barty, despite his misgivings, was to remain at Hogwarts, but that did not mean he had to be idle, and he grinned to himself as he nodded.
"It could work," he decided.
It was still risky with many variables, but so long as his master was returned to his body, that was all that mattered for this phase of the plan. If Potter was to somehow survive, he would live another day to carry out Barty's wishes, though the man currently posing as Alastor Moody would remain hopeful he could take a few of the traitorous bastards down upon the Dark Lord's revival.
He grinned to himself as he poured a generous measure of Firewhiskey into a glass.
Yes, it could work. Not as he had initially envisioned, but given the right motivation, Potter could become the monster Barty needed him to be, until he inevitably met his end at the hands of Lord Voldemort.
(Break)
It had been a long day for Harry. A slew of visitors had been and gone to check on him, and if truth be told, he now wished only to sleep. Katie had left around midnight at his insistence. He appreciated her wishing to remain with him, but the girl could barely keep her eyes open.
It had come as quite the surprise to her whom it was she had been showing around the castle, and Harry took no small amount of amusement of her bulging eyes and chastisement for him not telling her.
She had forgiven him quickly and had once more applied the salve to his wounds that looked decidedly better already.
Harry was hopeful he would be able to leave the Hospital Wing soon enough, though he was not looking forward to being subjected to questions of what had transpired whilst he was in the lake.
He was pleased that both Fleur and Gabrielle were seemingly doing fine, and that he had made the acquaintance of someone who could prove to be a most useful ally in the future, but he would rather the circumstances had been different.
As he'd told Sebastien Delacour, he had merely done what felt right in the moment.
He didn't want plaudits, and he certainly could do without the reminder of how far he yet had to go before he could consider himself a competent wizard.
Compared to those in his year group, and perhaps others older than him, Harry knew he was far ahead in his education and magical ability, but he was still far from what he would need to be.
What happened in the lake reminded him of that.
"Who's there?" he demanded to know, lighting the tip of his wand as he noticed the very edge of the curtain being disturbed.
"You're quite sharp, Potter," Daphne Greengrass said appraisingly as she removed her disillusionment charm.
Harry was impressed.
The spell was not an easy one to master and Greengrass seemed to be doing quite well with it.
"And to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked.
"I thought I'd best make sure you have no intention of dying on me," Greengrass answered with a slight smirk tugging at her lips. "I'd be furious if you died without claiming the favour you owe me."
"Is that what you're here for now?"
Greengrass shook her head as she took a seat on the edge of the bed, glancing at Harry's chest wound.
"That looks unpleasant," she commented. "No, I still have no idea what I could request of the great Harry Potter, hero of the hour," she added dramatically.
"Bloody hell," Harry cursed as the girl laughed. "You came here at almost three am to mock me? That's cruel, Greengrass."
"That's about right," she replied with a shrug. "Maybe I was a little worried about you. I must admit, it didn't look good from where I was sitting."
"It wasn't," Harry chuckled as he sat up. "Well, whilst you are here, there is another favour you could do for me."
He had been pondering where to begin looking and couldn't help but think that simply asking a pureblood would be a good place to start.
"I'm not emptying your bedpan or touching that thing," Daphne huffed, nodding towards his wounded chest.
"It's nothing like that."
"Good, because I would have to finish you off myself if you asked. So, what is it this time, Potter?" she enquired curiously.
"What do you know of the Gaunt family?"
Daphne frowned at the question.
"I know that they used to be prominent because they were related to Slytherin," she answered thoughtfully. "They've not been relevant for centuries. Why?"
"It's nothing important," Harry said dismissively. "Any idea where they used to live?"
Daphne shook her head.
"No, but I don't suppose it would be too difficult to find out," she murmured. "What are you up to, Potter?"
"The less you know, the better, but if you could find out, it would be another favour I owe. I would really appreciate it."
Daphne eyed him speculatively for a moment before nodding.
"Alright," she agreed, "but this stays between us. I'm not stupid, Potter. If you're desperate enough to owe me another favour, it must be something important to you."
"It is," Harry confirmed.
Daphne hummed as she stood.
"Is this going to cause trouble?"
"I hope not," Harry chuckled. "I've certainly had enough of that."
Daphne released a deep breath.
"I will see what I can find," she assured him. "Remember, Potter, not a word."
"My lips are sealed."
Daphne shook her head before reapplying her disillusionment charm and exited the Hospital Wing.
Harry was not keen on obtaining outside help, but if it could save him potentially days of research, then he was not beyond asking for it.
Besides, Daphne had proven to be reliable, and though he didn't relish the thought of owing her yet another favour, it would be worth it if her information led to him possessing the stone.
Being stuck here had given him ample opportunity to consider the ominous words of the cloaked figure, and Voldemort's origins undoubtedly began with the Gaunt family.
It was a good a place as any to begin the search, and if he was fortunate, his efforts would prove to be fruitful.
(Break)
"Are you any closer to figuring out who is behind this?" Nicholas asked.
Albus shook his head grimly.
"With so many people coming and going from the castle, it's not easy," he admitted. "Before the second task, I had thought that Mr Pettigrew had submitted Harry's name."
"Pettigrew?"
"He is the man that betrayed James and Lily Potter to the Dark Lord," Albus explained. "He is an Animagus, a rat."
"A useful skill and a most difficult creature to watch out for."
Albus nodded.
"I no longer believe it is him," he revealed frustratedly. "The first task was not sabotaged, but the second was. The lake is accessible beyond the protections around the school, so it could, in essence, be anyone. Whomever it is knows how to cover their work well. Mr Pettigrew could have introduced the potions into the lake, but the spells used are far beyond his ability, and nothing could convince me that he possesses the skills necessary to remove all traces of his own magic. No, we are dealing with someone far more dangerous."
Nicholas frowned as he nodded his agreement.
"Karkaroff?"
"No," Albus denied. "Igor would not be welcomed back by Tom, no matter how desperate he is, and he would not take such a risk without protection. Igor Karkaroff is no fool. The moment his former master re-emerges, he will vanish."
"Then who?"
"I truly wish I had the answer, Nicholas, but I'm afraid I am stumped."
"It worries me that even you are being fooled, Albus," Nicholas murmured. "I do not expect that Harry is idle on the matter. He will be looking to discover the identity himself. He is not an eleven-year-old boy anymore, and if he is successful where we have failed…"
Albus released a deep breath.
He had considered the very same thing and it was deeply concerning.
For better or worse, Harry seemed to have quite the knack for finding himself in the right place at the wrong time or merely working things out through his own diligence.
Whomever was behind what happened during the second task had undoubtedly got Harry's attention now, and with the third and final trial for the champions to face approaching, Albus had no doubt that Harry would not be caught out by such trickery.
No, the person acting against him had only one last chance to achieve what it was they had set out to do, and it appeared that they may have already played one hand too many.
Harry would be ready for any sign of interference, and from now until the tournament ended, he would be excessively vigilant and likely carrying out his own investigation into the matter.
(Break)
Madam Pomfrey hummed as Harry demonstrated that he was capable of stretching his arms above his head. His wounds had all but healed, and though the skin was still tight and viciously scarred, he could not stand being in the Hospital Wing any longer.
He'd been here for four days now, and nothing untoward had happened regarding his health.
"Very well," the woman sighed. "You may leave in the morning."
"If you don't mind, I'd rather leave now," Harry replied. "I would prefer to do it when the castle is quiet."
Madam Pomfrey nodded.
"I can understand why. I imagine you will get little peace for some time. Go on then, Potter, on your way. But I want you back here every evening after dinner for the next week so I can check you over myself."
"Of course," Harry complied, finding little he'd be willing to agree to so long as he could leave.
Doing so in the evening when the other students would be turning in meant he would not be bothered until the morning at the very least, and if truth be told, he wanted nothing more than the opportunity to get some fresh air, though he would not be taking a turn around the lake.
He intended on visiting with the merepeople still, just when he was ready to do so.
Now, however, he wished only to clear his head for a while.
Dressing, he took his leave of the Hospital Wing, casting a disillusionment charm over himself in the absence of his cloak. That, along with the map, had been left in Gryffindor Tower and he would be retrieving both shortly.
When it came to entering the third task, he wished he could have access to the cloak at least, though he knew he would be disqualified f he was caught with it.
Perhaps he could find a way?
Simply walking through the corridors of the castle felt like a treat he had been deprived of. Four days was not such a long time, but with the additional week he had been unconscious to consider, Harry's legs felt jelly-like for some time before they became accustomed to supporting his weight once more.
"The charm does not work as well as the cloak, does it, Harry?"
"Not even close," Harry chuckled, greeting the smiling Dumbledore who emerged from one of the classrooms with a smile.
"It is good to see you on your feet again, my boy. Would you mind if I joined you for a walk? I find that when the castle is quiet, it can provide much peace."
"Feel free," Harry responded.
The two immediately headed towards the Entrance Hall and stepped outside into the darkened grounds. With it being February, there was still a chill in the air, but after being cooped up in a stifling Hospital Wing, it was a most welcome change for Harry.
He took a deep breath and simply enjoyed the freshness of the outdoors.
"We tend to take the simplest things for granted when were are deprived of them," Dumbledore sighed. "For me it has become the prospect of a regular schoolyear without the responsibilities and, forgive me, additional unpleasantness the tournament has brought to Hogwarts."
"Did you expect it to go so smoothly?"
"I anticipated complications, but nothing of the sort we have faced, Harry. I must say, I believed I had prepared for all eventualities. I did not, however, even consider that your name would have emerged from the Goblet of Fire. For that, I was woefully unprepared."
"You cannot prepare for the unexpected," Harry pointed out.
Dumbledore chuckled as he nodded his agreement.
"Your mother said the very same thing to me, and it is as true now as it was back then," he sighed.
"Did she?" Harry asked curiously.
Dumbledore smiled.
"The war against the Dark Lord and his followers was one unpredictable occurrence after the next. That was what made everyone so fearful. There were no battle lines drawn where to opposing armies were to meet. Tom's Death Eaters became experts in ambushing the unsuspecting, striking hard and fast before fleeing. There was little that could be done to prevent it, although we managed to intervene more often the longer the war went on. We were losing the war the night he came for you, Harry. I do not believe we could have held out much hope if it continued as it had been for another year. Aurors were dying, as were any others who opposed him. Those that did not wish to die either fled or joined him. I cannot emphasise just how close we were to being defeated."
"It will be the same when he returns, won't it?"
"You wouldn't attempt to fix something that wasn't broken, would you, Harry?"
The teen shook his head.
"Then if he won't change his tactics, we will have to. I do not plan to sit and wait for him to come for me, Professor. I know you will not agree with me, but I won't hide from him."
"From you, Harry, I would expect nothing less, though I must urge caution and tactfulness when dealing with Tom. I do not need to tell you how dangerous he is, nor warn you of the keenness of his mind, but it is not only him you need concern yourself with. His followers are as ruthless, and some exceptionally talented in many ways. I am only urging you to not pick a fight you are not ready for, Harry."
"It will come for me whether I'm ready or not," Harry pointed out, "just as the third task will. It's not only a coincidence that we are discussing being prepared for the unexpected, is it?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"I am trying to discover whom it is at fault for the misfortune that has befallen you, Harry."
"But you don't think you can."
"I do not," Dumbledore admitted ashamedly. "I have almost nothing to go on, yet the task must go ahead."
"So, I should be prepared for everything?"
"We already established that you cannot," Dumbledore said sadly. "I expect that exceptional resilience you possess will be required. Of course, all possible measures will be taken to prevent any such occurrences."
"But we cannot be prepared for the unexpected."
"Exactly, Harry. Exactly."
"Then there is nothing else to do until I am faced with whatever it is that will happen during the task. Any ideas?"
"I'm afraid when it comes to Tom, it is impossible to speculate on what he intends to do. However, his mind is brilliant, but his ego has always been the cause of his shortcomings."
Harry nodded his understanding.
"Caution, then."
"Caution," Dumbledore reiterated. "In the meantime, my own efforts will continue, as I expect will yours. Do come to me if you discover anything of note, Harry. We can only be as strong united as we are weak divided. We perhaps will not always see eye to eye, but we are chasing the very same end."
"Have you been speaking with Nicholas?"
"He does keep me abreast of some things," Dumbledore chuckled. "He is so very proud of you, Harry. You have grown considerably from the boy we both met only a few years ago. I must admit, I had my concerns, but your actions give me peace of mind. Remember, Harry, caution. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Professor," Harry murmured and watched until the man disappeared back into the castle.
It had been a rather ominous conversation, and yet, Harry had learned many things.
As much as he wished he knew what was coming in the third task, Dumbledore was right; he couldn't be prepared for the unexpected.
Nonetheless, Harry had no intention of being caught off guard as he had whilst in the lake, and though he may not be able to ready himself specifically, he did have a few months ahead of him to get continue improving.
Whether it would be enough or not was another thing entirely, but the one thing he was certain of was that he would not make it easy for Voldemort and whomever it was acting on the Dark Lord's behalf.
No, Harry may not be able to prepare for the unexpected, but such a thing went both ways.
Voldemort had likely envisioned what was to come, dreamed of Harry's demise, but Harry was not going to let either either to come to fruition, not so easily at the very least.
If Voldemort wanted him dead, Harry would ensure it would take everything the man had to achieve it.
