Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.

A/n: So this chapter is rather rough around the edges, but I cleaned it up rather well. Unfortunately some things have come up and kept me busy in real life, which has prevented me from writing. Without my old buffer, I haven't gotten chapters out, but I'm doing my best.

I updated this within five minutes of posting it, there was an error in the first three paragraphs.

Chapter 28: An Announcement

September 1st, 1994

Hogwarts Express

Harry stared at the red engine of the Hogwarts Express, knowing he was early to the train. After how good this summer had been, he wasn't sure he wanted to get on, but he would anyway.

After all, the summer had been his best one yet. Dinner the night before had been pleasant even if he had some soreness from the ritual that morning. The ritual in question had been to further increase his healing speed, though it was only a pinch of an increase compared to the last ritual for the same thing.

As for the dinner itself, the two sisters had been overjoyed and emotional at seeing one another for the first time in a long time. It took them twenty minutes to get everything out of their systems, both a bit of shouting in anger, happiness in being reunited, and further happiness at giving Dora a hard time. Of course, his cousin had been a joy to be around as always, and even Draco had smiled at her antics. Lucius watched in indifference, only showing some semblance of happiness at his wife being happy. Though Harry had to admit, he was surprised the man held a conversation with Ted, a muggleborn.

"You'll be safe, right pup?"

"Always." Harry smiled, his thoughts of the night before being derailed. He turned to face Sirius with only a small amount of stiffness from the second healing ritual to further his healing speed. "I'll miss you, but I have no doubts you'll get to see me at times too."

"Always. We have the mirrors, after all." Sirius grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug, before holding him at arm's reach, "Do your best this year, and try to avoid this event that's coming."

"I'll do my best." Harry hesitated, "I love you."

"I love you too pup. Now get on the train and make your parents proud."

Harry smiled and nodded, before boarding the express. It was only ten, leaving nearly an hour of free time before the train would leave. Thankfully the train wasn't busy yet, and he was able to snag one of the larger ten-person compartments. With the larger friend group, it'd make things nicer.

It was only a short while later that Hermione arrived, being the first of the group to do so. Harry saw her out of the window and ran out, greeting her parents warmly before letting her say her goodbyes. Harry didn't know them extremely well, but they were good people.

"Looking good, Harry. The tan suits you well." Hermione commented as she hugged him. She quickly fell into the chair next to him. "Did you enjoy Italy?"

"Enjoy it? I loved it!" Harry grinned. They quickly fell into discussions about the magical history of the country, Susan and Hannah joining them soon after.

"Where's your boyfriend?" Hermione asked cheekily.

"Running behind, apparently. We all agreed to get here early after all." She replied, her cheeks pinkening as she sat down next to Susan.

"He'll be here. Much like Ron will be. Though knowing the Weasleys' penchant for coming at the last moment, it may be a close call."

"Perhaps that's how they have so many kids." Katie said cheekily.

"Katie!" Hermione yelled, her cheeks following Hannah's at the innuendo. "Don't say those things!"

"Why not?" She asked, kissing Harry on the cheek and plopping down to his left, "After all, it is possible. Late pulling out, late periods, late for the train, late to class… perhaps the Weasleys are just good at being late in general."

"Katie." Harry said, shaking his head fondly, "Let's not discuss those things. Mrs. Weasley is plenty kind enough, and I don't need those scarring images in my mind."

"Fine." She pouted. "Hey Neville."

Said boy had barely entered the car when Hannah knocked him over. Harry only laughed as Neville landed against the other wall with a solid 'oomph', his arms coming up around his girlfriend in an effort to ensure neither of them fell.

"Hi Hannah." He gasped out.

"Sorry! Hi!" The girl exclaimed awkwardly, but not letting go of him. They could only stare at each other, much to the other's amusement when someone else arrived.

"Neville! You're blocking the hall mate." Seamus' yell was enough to make them both jump and move away from each other with a flush to their faces. "Thanks. See you this evening."

Conversation seemed to go easily around the group, rotating in topics like the upcoming school year, future careers, and Harry and Sirius pranking each other, something that Harry hated as he was sporting bright gold and red hair that he couldn't seem to dispel. Most likely, it was a potion charm combination with a delaying effect, which meant that it would take a purging potion to remove before it wore off.

It was twenty minutes before the train left when another knock resounded on the door, only for silence to fall. "Hello Harry."

"Draco. Come on in. I'm sure you know everyone?" Harry asked. Draco opened his mouth. "No. No titles here. We are all equals."

He nodded stiffly, apparently a bit out of his own depths, "Of course."

"Harry?" Hermione asked uneasily. "Care to explain why he is here?"

"I'm his cousin-" Draco started defensively. Harry held up his hands, stopping Hermione from retorting and cutting Draco off. "- and I… go ahead Harry."

"Hermione. You are my best friend, and Draco is blood. You remember what Neville has been teaching you, and the others too?" Harry waited for her to nod, "Good. Draco has been welcomed back into the good graces of House Black. It's rocky, admittedly, but that means he is welcome to spend time with me. I expect you both to be respectful to each other. Alright?"

There was a tense moment, before she nodded, "Of course. Apologies, Heir Malfoy, for being rude."

While it sounded just a touch insincere, and lacked the proper grace to it, Draco accepted it. "And to you as well for the insults over the years. At least some muggleborns are learning the old ways."

"Thanks to Neville and Harry." She replied evenly. Draco sent a nod towards Neville in appreciation as she continued speaking, "Do you think Ron will accept it?"

"He doesn't have to." Harry shrugged indifferently, "I get that the Weasleys and Malfoys have bad blood between them, but either Ron agrees to keep the peace in here, or he gets out and can see us later. There's enough room that he can ignore him if he can't be peaceful, but I can't and won't simply kick Draco out."

Not that the thought hadn't crossed his mind as a method to keep the peace, but Sirius had insisted that he not do it. He wanted Harry to have less enemies, and picking a publicly known Blood Traitor over family was enough to get branded as a Blood Traitor himself without having enough cause, regardless of his status as a duel-heir.

"Oh boy." She muttered. Apparently she realized that Ron may very well attempt to commit homicide after he discovered Harry's choice, willing or otherwise.

"Five galleons says Ron lasts two minutes." Harry heard Hannah whisper to Susan. He sent her a perplexed look, but she only smiled cheekily from up against Neville.

"So Mister Dueling Champion, I hear you made a veela friend." Neville prodded with a grin. "Is she pretty?"

"I mean… yeah? I'm largely unaffected by her charm." Harry replied, his brows furrowed. "What does her being a veela have to do with anything?"

"They were at the World Cup. A shame you missed them. They were pretty and had most men trying to jump off the stands, even got the referee once, though the fireballs seemed nasty." Hermione said with a huff, rolling her eyes.

"She didn't throw any fireballs." Harry said with a grin, "She was a good duelist though. It was a good match. How'd you find out about her though, Nev?"

"Sirius mentioned you and him dining with her and her family. Have you written to her yet?" Neville asked, his joking demeanor falling. Harry shook his head, feeling a pang of guilt and self disappointment hit him at the reminder of the promise he failed to uphold.

"I need to. I did say I would." Harry muttered. "...I should do that now, actually."

"Wait a bit, Harry. I know that another hour won't make a big difference." Hermione replied, her face turning stern. "You best apologize though, and apologize well."

"Of course, Milady." Harry dipped his head, his tone dripping in sarcasm. Only a minute before the train left did he hear the door open, and Ron entered. "Just in time, like always."

He flopped down next to Hermione. "Always arriving at the last minute. Good summer Hermione?"

"Of course." She replied with a frown, "You just saw me a week ago."

"Right. Was it a good summer everyone? Hello Malfoy?" He seemed to speak without paying attention, before suddenly freezing as it dawned on him who he greeted, "Malfoy? What are you doing in here!"

"Ron." Harry said firmly, the redhead turning his angry gaze towards Harry, "Draco and Narcissa, his mother, are related to Sirius. They've made amends, and Draco has apologized for his actions towards Hermione and I."

"But Harry-"

"No buts." Harry said firmly, "While I may not trust him yet, sorry Draco, he is blood. You understand?"

Harry could see his gaze flicker between him and Draco, before he fell back into his seat. "Fine. Don't expect me to be mates with him though."

"For what it's worth, Weasley, you wouldn't be half bad if you had some decorum. Eat less like a pig and more like Harry, and perhaps at least recognize some of our traditions, and you wouldn't be looked down upon." Draco said quietly. "The only thing that holds you back is that."

Ron's ears turned red, but he didn't say anything, just glaring at the wall.

"Great. Now, where were we?" Harry asked, pleased that it hadn't just outright blown up in his face to have the two in the same room.

Break…

It was late evening, and Harry could honestly say the train ride hadn't been a complete disaster. Ron and Malfoy hadn't thrown spells, only arguing once over the Quidditch World Cup and the outcome of the match, while the rest seemed to get along with Draco well enough. Of course, the blonde hadn't stayed the whole time, leaving after about an hour and a half to see his own friends.

Harry had wandered just after two, visiting Draco for a few with the boy's friends, if Crabbe and Goyle could be called that, as well as Pansy Parkinson, who glared at him, and Blaise Zambini. The boy seemed quiet and kind enough from the twenty minutes he visited before returning to his compartment.

He had written to Fleur too, hoping his apology would be sufficient, and it'd be sent after dinner when he could get to visit Hedwig in the owlery. He felt terrible about having forgotten to write to her, but it had been an honest mistake. Sirius had kept him busy with their vacation and he had been rather occupied with his and Neville's birthday, taking up his attention when he wasn't learning from Salazar. Still, he had neglected the new and tentative friendship he had made. While the list of reason weren't really acceptable in his own mind, he hoped the apology and explanation would be enough for Fleur.

The feast had been amazing as well, the new students being unevenly sorted into Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, with only eight and seven new students in Gryffindor and Slytherin respectively. However, dessert had already been served and many, like him, had already finished eating and were only waiting on the upcoming yearly announcements, ones that would not include a new Defense teacher for the first time in... well, Harry wasn't actually sure how long it had been, but likely it had been years.

"Ah yes." Dumbledore stood and made his way around the table. "Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts, or to our first years, welcome. Now, as many of you are noticing by now, I am pleased to have welcomed back Remus Lupin, holding the post as the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts for a second year."

Many claps rang out at that, and people seemed more welcoming of him. Then again, it was easy to see that Remus looked to be in better condition than he had been at the start of last year. In fact, Harry would say he looked genuinely healthy.

"I know! A feat of its own!" Dumbledore smiled, "There aren't any new additions to the staff this year, actually. A first in a long time. Secondly, another first for Hogwarts in a long time, is that one of our students won the Under-17 World Dueling Championship. Congratulations to Mister Potter on his win as Professor Flitwick's apprentice. It was a most impressive display. You make Hogwarts proud!"

An applause broke out, the loudest from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, before Dumbledore held his hand up.

"But onto other things. As all students should know, the Forbidden Forest is exactly that, forbidden. It houses many dangerous beings and creatures, not to mention that it is easy to get lost in, and thus, is out of bounds."

His gaze lingered on the twins for a moment.

"Now, onto the more important announcement. I am sad to announce that Hogwarts will not be having its inter-house Quidditch League this year-"

The pandemonium was instantaneous. Shouts from every table broke out in anger, Someone, Harry suspected either Katie or Fred/George, even threw an actual tomato at the headmaster, which vanished before it made impact. Even Harry couldn't suppress his exclamation of disappointment at the loss of his favorite sport.

"Enough!" His voice rang out, "I understand your disappointment in this, however, I daresay the event taking its place will be an adequate substitute."

"Nothing can replace quidditch!" Fred yelled. A muttering broke out in agreement.

"Not even… say, the Triwizard Tournament?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

Crickets.

Harry could nearly hear them as everyone either processed those words, or stared in confusion. "Sir, what is the Triwizard Tournament?"

"An excellent question Mister Fawley." Dumbledore replied, "The Triwizard Tournament is a competition that was once held between ourselves, Durmstrang Institute, and Beauxbatons' Academy of Magic. This tournament was a test of power, of knowledge, of cunning, and of bravery. It was meant for the best, who were selected by an unbiased judge, to represent each of the three schools in three tasks spread across a school year. The prize? Fame and Money, or more specifically, international publicity, ten thousand galleons and the best offers for careers!"

Dumbledore's words brought excitement to everyone. After all, it wasn't just a lot of money or popularity. Many would desire to enter just for the opportunity for the best jobs as that would easily set up a person's career for life... if they didn't die, become crippled, or embarrass themselves that is.

"Yes, yes." Dumbledore spoke cheerfully, "An amazing reward. However, the tasks are dangerous, not nearly as dangerous as they once were, but still dangerous enough. It is why, by the order of not just the other schools and their ministries, but of the ICW in the interest of keeping children safe, that only those of seventeen years or older shall be allowed to participate."

He allowed the new wave of discontent to run its course, some, like the twins, being upset they were just barely too young, while others were upset because they were entirely too young. Meanwhile, Harry only hoped that whatever precautions they placed, they were enough to keep him from being entered into the event. He was content with observing this spectacle.

"I understand your frustration, which is why, with the agreement of the Board of Governors, I have been granted permission to allow Hogsmeade weekends every other weekend for this year. There will also be two balls hosted, the Traditional Yule Ball that is a part of the tournament, as well as a Valentine's Day Ball, a compromise that everyone Third year and older may participate in. Remember though, these are a privilege and can be taken away as a punishment. To those younger, I do sincerely apologize, but you will be permitted to attend the tasks as spectators."

That seemed to quell the largest of the upset population, but not all of it. Of course, Harry could understand, he was upset that there wasn't quidditch this year, but it just meant more free time, especially without Oliver's insane plans for practice at times.

"When will this begin?" Someone at the Slytherin table shouted.

"An excellent question! It is quite fortunate, but we are the ones to get to host this tournament. This means Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their groups of students come October seventeenth. This will give them a few days before the Goblet of Fire will be unveiled and lit on the twenty fourth. From then on, the Triwizard Tournament will officially begin."

There seemed to be another wave of muttering at the schools spending time here, but no one contested it.

"Now, it should be unspoken, but I will say it once and only once, I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. That means no insulting or pranking our guests, nor dueling in the hallways or degrading one another. We will be in the international spotlight, and we should show that we are better than such things."

Dumbledore's voice was stern and rather unlike him, but then again, as the Supreme Mugwump and the Headmaster, if something went wrong, it would likely hit his reputation on an international level.

"Excellent!" He smiled, his serious visage disappearing entirely, "More details about the tournament and events will come out later. No doubt you are all tired, so have a good night."

Harry only looked at the seven sitting around, "What do you all think?"

"I'm entering." Angelina said firmly.

"Bullshit." The twins replied a second after, "We are only a month too young to enter if it's at the end of October."

"What about you, Harry? You like to get into anything dangerous." Katie asked curiously.

"I'm good." He shook his head, "Dueling, fine. Accidentally fighting a basilisk to save my friend, alright, a bit much but it was needed, but willingly fighting things like dragons and manticores, no thanks."

"What!" Angelina hissed. "You cannot be serious."

"That's my godfather." He retorted cheekily, "But really. Sirius had told me about this tournament a while back. I did a few hours of research. It had a forty percent death rate of the champions and twice did creatures they use get loose, killing indiscriminately. I have no interest in participating, though I'll happily watch and support whoever represents Hogwarts."

No one seemed to have anything to say after that. He could only hope they felt properly warned about the dangers of entering. Personally, he didn't want to see any of the Gryffindors entering and facing the creatures they'd likely use. Especially if they were actually planning on bringing something like dragons back into the mix.

September 3rd, 1994

Black Lake, Hogwarts

Harry sat on the flat stone as the sun came up. It was cool out, pleasantly so, as the wind blew across his skin. The smell of the late summer forests drifted with the wind, and the only sounds aside from the birds and ruffling of leaves was the squid, splashing water out a ways into the lake. It was soothing, and he felt his pulse slowing as he sat still, his eyes closed.

While he was missing Sirius, he couldn't deny his happiness at being back at Hogwarts with the activity, the comfortable, if somewhat exciting, atmosphere. He loved it, and being around his friends more. Truly, Hogwarts would always be his first home.

Yet, it was the tournament and his future that were on his mind the most. He wanted nothing to do with it, but Sirius had his fears that somehow, Harry would end up involved in it. Reasonable, when he considered his first two years of school, and of last year with Pettigrew's presence being revealed.

Whereas, his future was another concern. Sirius had brought up the fact that next year was career consultation time, and his electives meant that whatever grades he obtained, he would have opportunities in the future. Perhaps going for a few masteries?

'Riddle comes first.' He mentally corrected himself. Obviously the Dark Dumbass needed to be killed first, but perhaps after, or even during, he could work on gaining his masteries. The Department of Mysteries called to him a bit, as did professional quidditch and being a professor at Hogwarts.

'Or professional dueling.' He mused. Flitwick would have no issues training him further, and would likely love to apprentice him for both charms and further in dueling. A conversation with him and Sirius was in order for the future.

The sun was fully up, he realized, as he pulled himself from the unwritten future. Stretching and cracking his back and neck, he made his way back to the dorms where he showered and headed down for breakfast. "Hey all."

"Hey. Are we continuing our practices from last year? They really helped me?" Neville asked eagerly between bites.

"If you want to?" Harry offered as he grabbed some toast.

"Then yes." Neville smiled warmly, "I hope you've got plenty to teach me."

"Eh, if not, we can just duel and help you get better at it." Harry replied with a shrug.

"Well I, for one, will skip out. The last time left me sore for two days." Katie spoke up from a few seats down where she was eating with the other chasers. She seemed to be in a rather happy mood despite the sarcastic comment.

"You had fun though." Harry pointed out.

"The fun was in what came after." She quipped. Harry just sighed, grabbing his face and dragging his hand down it.

"Not in the Great Hall." He groaned as he felt his cheeks heat, "Please?"

She only smirked, turning back to the other two chasers and ignoring the three sitting and talking. Hermione frowned as she looked around, "Where's Ron at?"

"Bed. You know him." Harry shrugged indifferently. "He'll wake up later."

"But he is missing a meal." She pointed out with a smile.

"Who is?" Ron said, appearing from behind a group of sixth year Ravenclaws and flopping into the space next to Neville.

"Well, not you anymore." She sighed. Harry watched him eat with a bit more dignity than normal, and at a more sedated pace.

"Yeah. Slept in some. Dean and I were playing Exploding Snaps until midnight." He said between bites. The three others shared a look, before staring at him in shock. He swallowed, "What?"

"You aren't talking with your mouth full." Hermione pointed out, her brows furrowed. "Are you actually Ron? I think you're an imposter."

He swallowed again before talking, "Imposter? Nah. I just… maybe Malfoy was right that I should have some dignity."

"You're definitely an imposter." Neville said with a laugh. "Taking advice from Malfoy…"

They continued to rib him good-naturedly, much to his misfortune.