Moon Child

by W1tch0nParad3

Can a fourth year Harry Potter manage to stay alive for the Triwizard Tournament and defeat Voldemort all while learning to be a father and a future husband? He will if Luna Lovegood has a say. Follow Harry as he breaks free from everyone's expectations and forges his own way for the betterment of them all. Harry/Hermione/Gabrielle Delacour Harry/Luna

14. Chapter 14

oooOOOoooOOOooo Chapter 14

Harry was nervous when Saturday came around. He stood in front of the mirror for more than 20 minutes, trying to get his hair to do something, anything other than stand up all over his head. There was no hope for it. Harry sighed and headed down to meet Hermione before breakfast.

He stopped in the doorway and gasped. Harry hadn't had much luck with his hair but Hermione certainly had. The usual bushy mane that went to Hermione's mid-back in a giant frizz ball now fell in luxurious curls down to her waist. She was wearing light makeup that accentuated her eyes and lips while letting her naturally beautiful caramel skin tone shine through. She was wearing a lovely day robe of light blue that further accentuated the bright color of her skin and the chocolate brown color of her eyes.

Dan noticed Harry's reaction. He laughed.

"That's a lad that can appreciate both true beauty and the beauty that runs skin-deep," said Dan, slapping his leg as he laughed. Hermione looked up and noticed Harry's shocked look. She blushed almost as red as Harry did.

"You look fantastic, 'Mione," Harry said, appreciating how nice his friend could look when she felt like going through the trouble of doing so.

"Thank you," she said, quietly. Hermione's looks were the one thing she was insecure about. People had targeted the non-traditionally beautiful parts of her until they were all she could easily see.

"Really," Harry said, earnestly. "Your hair. I've never seen it like that. The dress. It makes your eyes and skin, just wow," Harry said, babbling. He finally made himself stop.

"I found a relaxing potion for my hair. The deep conditioning treatment only needs to be done once per month. It's actually a Sleekeazy's Hair Potion. The formulas were created by your grandfather, Fleamont Potter. You probably still own a significant stake in the business," Hermione said, babbling herself.

Dan laughed again at the adorable byplay. Hermione gave him a look and then went primly to her breakfast. Emma just smiled gently at the adorable teens. The babies seemed to get in on the laughter. They were cooing and giggling up a storm. Harry smiled at the babies.

"Be good for grammie and pop pop today," said Harry, touching their little hands and smiling at their adorable, bright expressions.

"Popopopopop," said one baby. The other baby laughed and joined in.

"We can see who the favorite will be today," said Emma, grinning at the adorable babies.

"Too right. Pop pop is going to take the boys to his favorite park today, if it's okay with their da?" Dan said in a funny voice. The boys started babbling popopopopop again.

"Fine by me. If you need anything, just call for Dobby or Winky," Harry said. The elves quickly agreed.

"We'll do that. I found a tiny tots reading program and a swimming class we hope to join next week," said Emma.

"They have reading programs for three month olds?" Harry asked, confused.

"Technically, it's for six months and up but we got special permission for our smart boys to attend early," said Emma in a silly voice. The boys made cooing sounds at her. "They're already learning some baby sign language."

"Really?" Hermione asked, intrigued.

"Yes, they can sign milk, more, change, outside, hold, and sleep already. They only started learning a month ago," said Dan, like he was the proud father instead of Harry. He showed the signs to Harry and Hermione as he said them.

One of the boys made the sign for outside. The other boy joined in. Harry laughed.

"I'm absolutely getting them their first brooms for Yule," said Harry, grinning at his brilliant lads.

"We'd best get going, Harry. Breakfast starts in 10 minutes. Gabrielle will be waiting," Hermione said, picking up her dark blue cloak and saying goodbye to the twins and her parents. Harry did the same and followed Hermione out of the trunk. Neville was waiting to walk to breakfast with them.

Neville was very pleased today. Professor Sprout invited him to work in Greenhouse 1, which housed the water based plants. He was right chuffed to be so trusted.

"That's wonderful, Neville," Hermione said, praising the shy lad.

"Yeah, mate. That's amazing, if that's what you want," said Harry, slapping Neville's back. They met up with Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones in the Great Hall. They heard Harry praising Neville.

"What's Neville done now? I know it must be something good," said Hannah, shyly.

"He got promoted to greenhouse 1!" said Hermione enthusiastically.

"That's wonderful, Nev," said Susan, in a booming voice. She was an authoritative figure. She learned it from her aunt.

"Yeah, you must be very proud," said Hannah. She looked at Susan pleadingly. The other girl smiled back at her.

"Let us treat you to a butterbeer in celebration?" asked the fearless Susan.

Neville blushed hard but nodded his head enthusiastically. He couldn't answer.

"Great. We'll meet you in the Great Hall after breakfast," said Susan, brusquely. Hannah giggled and glanced demurely at Neville. She was really hoping the boy might be open to a throuple situation like Harry was obviously getting into. Susan would need to marry someone who accepted all her children would bear the Bones name. Hannah just wanted both the girl she loved and the boy she had a crush on without needing to choose between the two.

Neville managed to stammer out a choked, "Yeah, okay." Susan waved to them all and pulled Hannah along behind her to the Hufflepuff table. Harry grinned and elbowed Neville.

"I might not be the only one with two love interests soon, huh, Nev?" Harry teased.

All the color left Neville's face at once. "Do you think so?" he asked in a squeaky voice.

"I wouldn't worry about it, mate. If that's what they want, they'll be sure to let you know," said Harry, wisely. "Just think about it."

Neville nodded but couldn't swallow around the lump in his throat long enough to speak. He didn't know how to talk to one girl. What would he do with two?

The trio suddenly saw Gabrielle. Now Harry and Hermione were both stunned into silence. Gabrielle looked gorgeous in a cornflower blue dress that matched her eyes. Her skin was as pale as moonlight and her hair was like liquid honey, pouring down her back in silky tresses. She looked just as shell shocked to see her two budding beloveds.

"Mon ami, your hair looks gorgeous, Hermione. Harry, that color brings out your eyes. They stand out like the stars in the sky," the girl said breathlessly. Harry looked down at the green casual robes he was wearing. An embroidered raven spread over the back and shoulders of his robes, looking like its wings were fluttering with his every movement.

"You look so beautiful, Gabrielle. That color matches your eyes perfectly. It makes your skin practically glow," complimented Hermione.

"Your hair looks silky smooth and you smell very nice, too," said Harry, also complimenting Gabrielle. The students sat in mutual admiration for a few more minutes before Neville coughed awkwardly.

"Shall we go in now?" he asked, afraid to interrupt but feeling awkward just the same. The other students agreed. They walked over to sit in their usual spots at the Gryffindor house table.

Suddenly, Ginny appeared out of nowhere. She grabbed Gabrielle by her hair and tried to yank her off of the bench seating. She kept screaming that this trollop was trying to steal her fiance.

"You witch! Get away from my fiance!" Ginny said, grabbing two thick handfuls of honey blonde hair. Gabrielle grabbed her head and let out a shriek of pain. Professor McGonagall stood and started hurrying over from the head table. One of the twins grabbed Ginny from behind but she wouldn't let go of Gabrielle's hair. Harry hit her with a stinging hex. Ginny looked betrayed but she let go of Gabrielle.

"How could you, Harry? After you asked me to be your wife? You'll choose this hussy over me? She has you ensnared, you dolt!" Ginny screamed, struggling to get away from her brother. She succeeded in squirming out of his arms. Ginny got a good handful of Hermione's hair this time. Hermione smacked at Ginny's hands but she didn't want to hurt the other girl.

Professor McGonagall finally reached them. "What on Earth is going on here?"

"This creature has my fiance ensnared! This bushy haired bint is helping her steal my husband away!" Ginny shrieked, starting to cry.

McGonagall looked uncertain. She knew Harry wasn't Ginny's fiance. If anything, he was on his way to being affianced to the two witches who were being accused of snatching him away.

"He promised! We'd be married! He'll give away those two little bastards and we'll start our own family once we leave Hogwarts. I'll be Lady Potter and I'll go to all the parties in the best clothes, dripping with jewels!" Ginny said, sobbing.

Now everyone was looking uncomfortable. Ginny suddenly got a dreamy look on her face. She was still hiccuping with sobs but she stopped crying immediately.

"Of course, Harry. I forgive you. Yes, I'll go to Hogsmeade with you. I won't let those cunts near you again," said Ginny, giggling. She was staring off into the distance. Dumbledore had silently approached. He could see now how unwell Ginny really was. He bowed his head.

"Please, Professor McGonagall. Let's take her to the infirmary. I'll call her parents," Dumbledore said. It was time he made good on his promise to Bill.

McGonagall and Dumbledore took a compliant Ginny with them to the infirmary. The girl kept talking to "Harry" as they walked. Everyone broke out in whispers. They were all staring at Hermione, Harry, and Gabrielle. Gabrielle was still holding her head, tears in her eyes and strands of honey blonde hair on the ground around them. Harry took both girls in his arms.

"Are you okay?" he asked, lamely. He didn't know what else to say. Gabrielle started sobbing. Hermione grabbed them both as tightly as she could manage. Harry found it hard to breathe but he didn't complain. Instead, he started leading the girls out of the Great Hall and back to his rooms.

They arrived back in the trunk. The Grangers were outside with the babies. They saw the distraught group and hurried over. Winky stayed with the babies.

"What's wrong?" asked Emma, checking everyone over to make sure no one was bleeding. Hermione started crying. She grabbed her mother and pulled her into the three way hug. Emma found a way to wrap her arms around them all.

"Ginny," said Hermione.

"Attacked me," said Gabrielle, between sobs.

"Couldn't stop her," said Harry, with so much sorrow in his voice.

"She's crazy," Hermione said, holding on tighter to her mother.

"Called me a creature," Gabrielle said, burying her head further into Harry's shoulder. Emma tightened her grip on the other girl.

"Thinks we're to be married!" Harry said, in disbelief.

"Called me a cunt," cried Hermione.

"In front of everyone," sobbed Gabrielle.

Emma worked to lead the upset teens over to the swinging bench. The babies were watching. Their eyes filled with sympathetic tears.

"There, there, now lovelies. I'm so sorry that disturbed young lady attacked you physically and emotionally. She needs help," said Emma, consolingly. "You didn't deserve that. Not at all. You're right to feel upset."

"I'll go find her and pull her hair!" said Dan, angrily. "Little bully. Let me at her! Witch or not, I'll show her!" he said, all angry bluster.

The adults consoled the teens for a bit longer. They finally calmed down enough to retell the whole story. Emma and Dan were angry. The children they now considered theirs were being treated horribly in this school! Did the magical adults have no control over their charges?

Emma and Dan exchanged a look. It was time to talk to the teens about their suggestions.

"Darlings, I know you love being at school, but I honestly don't know why. You face danger and persecution here on a regular basis," said Emma, trying to be calm.

"Those damnable teachers don't do anything to help you!" said Dan, slamming his fist down into his palm.

"We think you should consider leaving after this year. I know Harry has to stay because of this tournament, but I think it might be best if you finish your education somewhere else. Perhaps with private tutors or at this Beauxbatons that Gabrielle attends," said Emma, gently.

The teens still clung to each other. Harry looked at the girls. He was already emancipated and a lord. If he and the girls married, they'd become legal adults, too.

Hermione looked contemplative. Gabrielle looked hopeful. She'd love to have Harry and Hermione join her at Beauxbatons. Gabrielle was already planning to leave after her OWLs. She saw the trouble her sister went through after she became a pubescent Veela. She didn't want hormonal schoolboys all over her all the time. While Fleur could shake them off with disdain, Gabrielle couldn't help but feel threatened.

"I would be amenable to leaving after our OWLs, if you wanted to join me at Beauxbatons next year," Gabrielle said, persuasively.

"I'd be interested in furthering our muggle education as well as our magical. Remus also mentioned this might be a good path forward for us and that was before everything else," said Hermione.

"Maybe Padfoot and Remus could come with us, too. Padfoot might be able to get a proper trial in France. Goodness knows Dumbledore hasn't been trying to get him one in England," said Harry. His mind was made up, if the girls agreed.

"We love France," said Dan. "We can all speak French, except for Harry. He could learn," said Dan, enthusiastically. Harry wasn't so sure about that but he was sure he could get by. Most of France was bilingual.

"With your excellent home, it will be easy to pick up and move away," said Emma. Even the babies seemed amenable. They kept gurgling and kicking their feet.

"Best of all, your titles will still apply in France, if you apply for asylum," said Gabrielle. Her papa was the Minister for Magic in France. She was sure he could see it done. "Plus, we will get to live near my mama and papa." Gabrielle was feeling much better after her trauma at that thought.

Emma smiled gently at the girl. "We'd certainly love to get to know our potential future in-laws."

The teens blushed but smiled at one another. They were all hoping that was the way this would go.

"Enough of that. You were supposed to be having a special day together today. Why don't you sneak off to London instead? Maybe go to the cinema and get a pizza, on us," said Dan. "I'll drop you off. You can call for Dobby when you're ready to come home."

The teens thought that sounded perfect. The girl's went to Hermione's room to freshen up while Harry changed his clothes. Having crying girls clinging to him wasn't good for his outfit. Also, he would need muggle clothes now, instead of wizarding.

In a half of an hour, the girls were back down. Harry thought they looked beautiful in wizarding robes. In skirts that barely came to their knees and tight knit sweaters that showed off their curves, they looked even more enticing now.

Harry spent some quality time with his sons while he waited for the girls. The Grangers were ready to go, too. They decided to take the babies out to the zoo while the teens went on their date. No one felt like being in this castle anymore today.

Harry woke up the next morning, floating on a cloud. He had gone with the girls to see Legends of the Fall. It had just enough violence to be entertaining for Harry while the swoon worthy Brad Pitt and the sappy love story made it entertaining for the girls. They held hands through the entire movie. They decided to go out for a good curry rather than pizza. They laughed and talked. By the time they were ready to head back, it was almost dinner time. They waited in a park for Dan and Emma to arrive with the car.

That's when the most magical part happened - they kissed. First Harry and Hermione, then Harry and Gabrielle, and, finally, Gabrielle and Hermione. Harry had never felt anything like it. He felt so heavy and yet like he could fly. It didn't seem real and yet he could still feel the tingle on his lips. Despite the crappy start to the day, he was so happy, he could burst with joy.

The notification during dinner that the Champions should meet at 9am sharp for the first task was a real bucket of cold water on Harry's joyful fire.

Breakfast the next morning was a nerve-wracking affair for Harry and his little crew. Everyone was there at Harry's home to have breakfast with him before they headed out for the event.

"Remember, fenghuangs are impervious to fire. They must be killed with ice. Hippogriffs will stampede if you enter their nesting grounds, and fairies form swarms to attack," said Remus, trying to make sure his students remembered everything he had taught them. Fleur's teammates were hanging on his every word. Harry couldn't concentrate on a single one. He was too busy cuddling his babies, just in case.

Finally, it was time to head out to the field. The entire group, including Sirius as Padfoot, headed out to find their seats. They wanted to be able to see everything that was happening. Harry split off after one last kiss on the cheek from Gabrielle and Hermione and one last cuddle with each of his sons.

Harry walked nervously into the tent to find his teammates and competitors starting to arrive.

"Harrykins!" said Fred, most likely.

"Our best and brightest teammate!" said George, probably.

"Our only teammate?" asked Fred.

"Nonetheless!" said George.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Hey guys. Ready for this?"

"Ready as we'll ever be. Got you a little something," they said, pulling what looked like a regular belt out of nowhere.

"What's this?" Harry asked.

"Our best products," said Fred.

"Ready for use!" said George.

They showed Harry that the belt had tiny pockets all the way around. Each pocket held a joke product.

"This one is darkness powder. It turns everything around you to pitch black dark for about five minutes, so be careful not to spill it unless you want to use it," said Fred.

"This is a filibuster firework. It will go off for about 15 minutes. It spins and zooms around," said George. They had canary creams and puking pastilles, jumping jacks, and blow-up animals of all kinds.

"Best of all we have this, an invisibility hat. Put it on and you'll disappear for a good 10 minutes," said Fred.

"We also have a machete, a wooden shield, and a spear on here. We are fighting for our lives, after all," said George with a wink.

"Don't remind me," said Harry. The twins gave him a sympathetic look.

"If all else fails, accio your broom and fly like the dickens," said Fred.

"Might be your best solution no matter what, mate," said George, slapping Harry's back. "Flying is your best skill." Harry looked contemplative.

"It really is, isn't it?" Harry said.

The twins were just agreeing with him when Ludo Bagman and a squat woman in a pink cardigan walked into the room. The woman made an awful "hem, hem" fake coughing noise to get everyone's attention.

"Good morning, boys and girls. Today is the first task in the Triwizard Championship, or I guess that might be a loose interpretation of the word, considering," the woman said, tittering a fake little girl laugh. She was looking right at Fleur as she said it. Fleur's face flushed. Ludo noticed and nervously tried to move things along.

"Yes, well. Today is the first task! Step forward and pull a number from the bag. That's it, just one," said Ludo, handing a small money sack around. The students reached into the bag, one at a time. One person from each team ended up with a 1, 2, and 3. Harry got the number 3.

"This will be a race! Number 1s! You'll be going first. Your goal will be to make it across the platform to press the blue rune! That will signal an alarm to alert your teammate who drew the number 2 to begin. They also have to fight their way across the platform to press the blue rune! This will let your last competitor, the person who drew the number 3, know to begin. Number 3s! Your job will be to steal the golden egg from your final obstacle. The golden egg has a clue that you'll need to be able to complete the next task! Your team will be judged on your speed, creativity, spellwork, and your success at retrieving the golden egg. Any questions?" Ludo asked. He didn't give anyone time to ask.

"Good, let's go then. Best of luck!" he said, hurrying from the room. The pink toad lady stayed and gave them all dirty looks. She especially had an evil eye out for Fleur.

"I'll just stay here to make sure no one cheats, shall I?" she said in a high-pitched voice. The students all gave her disgusted looks.

Finally, it was time for the students to leave the tent. They walked outside and saw three sets of three platforms, each higher than the one before. There was a tall ladder with a number and a school crest on it at the bottom of each platform. They each found their number and school. Then, they started climbing.

Harry's ladder was so tall, he was above even the bleachers for the quidditch spectators. He finally made it to the top of his ladder and found himself standing on a small platform inside a semicircle. Harry made sure to stay back against the wall. The semicircle was open to the field below. A door was on the opposite side of the opening. Harry tried to open it but it was locked. He turned to watch the platforms below. Suddenly, a loud, booming voice filled the arena.

"Good morning! Welcome to the Triwizard Cup. We'll be starting in 15 minutes. Please make your way to your seats. Champions, please wait on the platform until you hear your school and number called after the starting blast. Then, the door to the competition area will open! Good luck!" said a voice Harry was fairly sure belonged to Ludo Bagman.

The minutes passed by in a slow crawl. Finally, the voice started speaking again.

"One minute until the competition begins, one minute!" said an excited voice. The final countdown began. "Get ready champions! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1! Number ones, go!" A loud blast went off and the doors for competitor number one opened. The Champions ran out onto the platform and found the first beast they would face - a griffin. The large beasts with the body and hind quarters of a lion and the forelegs, head, and wings of an eagle screamed its rage when the number one champions ran into their territory.

Harry couldn't tell if it was Fred or George facing the thing. He saw whoever it was freeze for just a moment. The griffin pounced forward with an ear splitting shriek. The red head pulled a large wooden shield from seemingly nowhere and threw it over his head just in time for the beast's talons to loudly scrape across the top of the shield.

Harry couldn't help but shout a warning as the beast circled round and came back at the red head from behind. The twin dodged and rolled out of the way.

Suddenly, a large, whirling firework spewed forth onto the stage. It flew in a flaming pinwheel straight towards the beast that scrambled to get out of the way. The twin didn't waste any time. He rolled forward and tried to run for the glowing blue rune. He got halfway across the platform before the best jumped again and took a swipe at him. A stream of blood flew out as a deep cut appeared on the red head's arm. Harry screamed in fear.

The twin dodged a second blow and came up with the machete. He slapped the knife against one of the razor sharp talons and several griffin fingers fell to the ground. The griffin shrieked in pain. It jumped back away from the twin. It was all the time he needed. The twin rolled suddenly forward and slammed his hand against the blue rune. A shield appeared around him and a door opened for him to exit through.

A blast sounded and a loud, "Hogwarts Number 2," was called out and a loud buzzer sounded. The second twin ran through the suddenly open door. He came face to face with a small dragon-like creature the size of a horse. It was a Wyvern.

Wyverns were smaller than dragons and could spit acid instead of breathing fire. What they lacked in size and firepower, they made up for in speed and agility. They moved like snakes. Fast and deadly.

The wyvern didn't hesitate. As soon as the red head entered the platform, the beast struck. It lashed forward, quick as lightning. The twin flung his shield out. The wyvern caught the shield in its jaws. For a moment, the beast flung its head around wildly, the shield forcing its jaw open. The twin didn't hesitate either. He jerked something out of his belt and just disappeared. The crowd gasped.

The wyvern snapped its jaws hard and the shield splintered. The dragon-like creature roared terrifyingly. It looked around, suspiciously, then sniffed the air. It roared again and started snapping wildly at apparently nothing. A sudden burst of blood let everyone know it was catching something. Harry winced and hoped desperately that the twin was okay.

The invisibility hat rolled off of the red haired boy's head and fell off the edge of the platform. Harry saw that his leg was injured badly. It was still attached but just barely. Harry wanted to help! He didn't need to.

The twin suddenly dropped a handful of black powder. The platform went completely dark. Not a thing could be seen by the crowd and apparently by the Wyvern. It suddenly rushed right off the side of the platform, like it was bum-rushing someone. It ran right off the side and skittered for a second in the air before it started to fall. It hit the ground with a meaty thwak. It didn't move. Everyone was in complete confusion.

A buzzer suddenly went off and Harry's door flung open. Harry hoped the twins were okay.

Harry didn't rush out. Instead, he stood with his back against the wall, near the door. He cautiously looked out the door. A spear of bright blue, superheated fire flew right by his head. A great roar shook the platform when the thing on the other side missed. Harry felt a pit of dread open in his stomach. He dropped to the floor and looked out again. He almost fainted at the sight.

A giant, gleaming black dragon with leathery wings, each the size of the platform stared back at Harry. A Hungarian horntail with a long, barbed tail and spikes around its head like a halo and down its spine glared back at him. Harry barely had time to move out of the way before another spear of fire shot through the door and burned the doorframe.

"Shite!" Harry cursed. His mind was coming up blank. The beast suddenly took to the skies, to try to come around the wall and get Harry from the other side.

Harry chomped one of the jumping jack treats. He suddenly felt light as air. He jumped out of the way and over the wall just in time. The dragon snapped its vicious jaws and took a chunk out of the platform. It roared in rage again.

Harry thought he might be able to jump across the platform in a few hops but the dragon had other ideas. Its long, barbed tail slapped around the side of the platform and smashed a hole right where Harry was planning to jump. Harry couldn't change his trajectory. Harry flailed his arms and legs but he still shot right through the hole.

The crowd screamed in horror as Harry started to fall from the great height of the platform. He windmilled his arms. Somehow, he managed to grab onto one of the support posts under the platform. He dangled by one hand as the crowd literally roared out a warning. The dragon stuck its head under the platform and blew a spear of flame at Harry. Harry flung himself at another support post. He almost slipped. He couldn't keep this up for long.

Harry swung his wand out and yelled, "Accio Harry's Firebolt!"

The dragon smacked its tail around. Harry grabbed the center post and started to slip. He caught one of the support posts with his foot and barely held on.

The dragon flapped its wings and dropped down beside Harry. It snapped its jaws and Harry had no choice. He had to let go.

Harry fell through the air, praying that the organizers of the competition had put something to break his fall underneath. He remembered the Wyvern and didn't have much hope.

Harry was five meters from the ground. He couldn't close his eyes, even though the ground was wickedly close. Suddenly, a great whistling sound echoed in his ears. His Firebolt flew straight at him like a missile. Harry was sure it would be too late.

Two meters from the ground and the broom smacked into Harry's palm. He curled in a ball and gripped the broom.

One meter from the ground and Harry desperately pulled up on the handle.

10 centimeters from the ground and Harry felt his velocity shift. He jerked upwards.

He lifted his toes and winced as they dug furrows into the ground beneath him.

The crowd practically broke the sound barrier as Harry flew in a fast spiral back up into the sky. The dragon had already forgotten him.

Harry shot up level with the platform and looked frantically for the egg. He saw a glimmer of gold in the center of the platform between shards of sharp rock. The dragon saw Harry.

It didn't bother with an angry roar this time. Instead, the giant dragon growled and flung itself off the side of the platform. Harry flew like the dickens, trying to shake it off his tail.

He flew in wild loops and deep dives. The dragon outclassed him at every turn. A spear of flame signed Harry's broom's twigs, causing the broom to jerk violently. Harry barely held on. He flew in a tight spiral around the central post. The dragon had had enough. It snapped its jaws forward hard and snapped the central post in two. The platform veered crazily to the side. All the eggs rolled off the platform. The dragon roared in anguish. It managed to catch two of the eggs but two more and the golden egg fell helplessly towards the ground. The dragon let out another muffled anguished cry but did nothing to try to catch the remaining eggs.

Harry flew in a deep, wonky dive thanks to the missing twigs. First, he caught the golden egg. He shoved it down his shirt and kept flying. He held his broom firmly to keep it under control during the wild dive. He caught one of the dragon's real eggs. He caught it as gently as he could, fearful that it would crack. He kept it tucked in his arm, like the baby it was. He felt something moving inside the egg. His determination to catch the other egg grew.

Harry spiraled straight down, holding on to the broom with one hand. About a meter from the ground, he pulled level with the last egg. He prayed and threw his feet out. His old footie skills did him justice. He caught the egg, light as could be, with the tops of his feet. He clenched the egg as gently as he could and jerked the broom up. He went up about six meters and leveled off. He had done it. He'd saved the eggs.

"Potter's done it! He saved all the eggs! Good show from Hogwarts. His official time will be calculated from when he caught the golden egg," said Ludo Bagman. Harry looked up. He could see the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students still battling their dragons, even though Harry could see that they were different dragons from Harry's own.

Harry spiraled slowly down to the quidditch pitch. His dragon was still flying where she was chained to the remains of the central post of the platform. Her muffled brokenhearted cries echoing around the pitch.

Harry landed and two dragon tamers and Madame Pomfrey ran straight at him.

"You're mad!" Madame Pomfrey said as she reached him. She didn't wait. She started checking him over. He was a little singed but otherwise unharmed.

"That was bloody brilliant!" cheered a red haired dragon tamer. "Charlie. Charlie Weasley. You out-flew a dragon, lad!" the man exclaimed, grabbing Harry's hand for a shake. The other dragon tamer took both real dragon eggs and hurried off the field.

"Nice to meet you, I guess," said Harry, trying to deal with Charlie's enthusiastic handshake and Madam Pomfrey's poking and prodding at the same time. The golden egg fell out of Harry's shirt and landed on his toe. He let out a yelp of pain. Madame Pomfrey was on his arse faster than the dragon ever hoped to be. She healed his toe and set him loose.

"You're fine, despite your shenanigans," she said, giving him the evil eye. Harry looked abashed, just a little.

"It was an accident?" Harry said, uncertainly. Madame Pomfrey just huffed. Another buzzer sounded. The crowd made a sound of disappointment.

"Durmstrang has done it! They have the golden egg! Shame about the real eggs though. Looks like only one survived.

The red and gold dragon was literally crying little drops of flame. It cried out in horror and sadness. Its children were dead.

Madame Pomfrey hurried over to the Durmstrang ladder. She rushed up the ladder and, later, floated the injured person down. It was one of Viktor's teammates. They were missing half an arm but they were clutching the golden egg with the remaining one. Madame Pomfrey was cursing a blue streak.

Harry made his way over to the waiting area for the champions. He was supposed to wait for everyone to finish before the final scores would be announced. As he reached the tent, the buzzer sounded again. Harry looked up.

A beautiful golden half bird, half woman was flying quickly down towards the ground. She landed on graceful feet and changed forms back into a pure woman. Harry watched the feathers retract from her face and her hands slide like water from talons to long fingers. He thought it was fascinating and beautiful. Fleur caught his look and smiled with pride. This one might just do for her baby sister.

"Congratulations, Harry. You were first. I'm afraid I did not see your performance but I did hear the applause. You must have put on quite the show," Fleur said, complimentarily. Harry rubbed the back of his neck and looked at her from under his eyelashes.

"I did alright. You did well. All your eggs stayed safe. You were right behind me," Harry said, sincerely. Fleur threw her hair behind her head.

"I am proud of my performance. I met my goal and gained time back for my team," she said, with not a little bit of pride. Harry smiled at her antics.

The Durmstrang champion that had fought the dragon was carried off the field on a magical stretcher, burns marring the side of his body. Krum shook his head at his weak competitor. He looked at Harry and nodded before exiting the field. Harry watched him go.

"Come. Let us meet our loved ones and teammates," Fleur said, sidling forward into the tent. Harry followed her.

They entered into pandemonium. The twins had set off some strange smoke that made everyone squeak when they talked.

"Harry!" said one twin, probably Fred, in a high pitched voice. He was laying in the bed, bandages on his shoulder.

"Mate!" cried the other twin, probably George, in a voice that rivaled Dobby's. His leg was wrapped to the hip. Harry winced at all the high pitched sounds. He cast a spell and cleared the air before he could get caught up in the madness.

"Spoilsport," said the twins, together. They had big grins on their faces.

"You alright?" Harry asked the troublesome duo.

"Right as rain, considering," said Fred. He jumped up and used his good arm to take Harry in a headlock.

"I see you're just dandy. Quite the show you put on," said George, who was thumping Harry on the thigh with his fist. Harry jumped back to escape the thumps and pulled his own hair with Fred's fist. Both twins laughed when Harry yelled ouch!

"I didn't do it on purpose," Harry said. He slapped Fred in the stomach with the golden egg. Fred fell back on George's bed. George barely kept his place and his leg out of the way.

Fred looked at the egg curiously. George just snorted.

"Your spirit name is "not-on-purpose"," said George. "You get into more excitement than anyone I know and it's never on purpose."

Harry got a moody look on his face. "Don't I know it."

Just then, Hermione and Gabrielle burst into the tent, followed closely by Remus, Padfoot, Bill, and the Grangers with the twins in kangaroo pouches on their chests.

It was a few minutes of chaos as the girls and Emma checked over Harry. Dan gave a rundown of the entire Hogwarts showing and Fleur's own exploits. The babies shrieked and laughed, probably at the other set of twins who were putting on silly faces for the little ones. Finally, it all settled down as a rude "hem hem" sound filled the space. Everyone grew silent and looked to the opening of the tent. A disapproving woman in a pink cardigan was staring daggers at Harry and his crew.

"I won't have this hullabaloo while an official inquiry is underway! Potter, you used an unauthorized item during the competition," accused the woman, glaring daggers at Harry.

"What? When?" asked Harry, confused.

"When you called for your broom. Flying was not a permitted response to the dragon challenge. You were expected to fight your way across the stage," said the woman officiously.

"That's not in the rules," said Hermione. She and Gabrielle both whipped out a fat book entitled "Compendium of Triwizard Tournament Rules". The pink toad woman scoffed.

"I don't care what that ratty book says. I'm the official ministry representative to this tournament. I set the rules," said the woman, importantly. Gabrielle flipped to the front of the book.

"Actually rule 14 states that no ministry may set the rules. The rules are set prior to the start of the tournament by the three schools. The rules must be published a minimum of 30 days prior to the first task and must be provided to each school, contestant, and relevant government agency or the prior rules are considered in effect for the duration of the tournament," Gabrielle read.

Hermione flipped open a newer but not brand new book. "This is the last published copy of the rules. It was published in 1765, during the last Triwizard tournament. No official copy was published this round."

The three headmasters and the Minister for Magic were also listening.

"I'm changing rule 14 first. Rules can now be determined on an ad hoc basis. No notice to the competitors, schools, or relevant government agencies will be required," said Madame Umbridge to the competitors in the room. "Consider this your only notice."

"Preposterous!" shouted the Durmstrang Headmaster, Karkaroff. "Durmstrang will not have the rules used against us! We prepared based on the rules set forth in 1765."

"As did Beauxbatons. We will not have the Eengleesh ministry changing the rules to favor their own!" said Madame Maxime.

Minister of Magic Fudge looked very nervous indeed. He laughed fakely. "She was just joking. Weren't you, Dolores? The rules are the rules! We have a copy, right?" Fudge asked Dumbledore. Dumbledore nodded. He hadn't bothered to give Harry or the Weasleys a copy of the rules but he did in fact have a copy in his office.

"We do," answered Dumbledore.

"See? No harm, no foul. Do the rules prohibit brooms or outside items or what have you?" asked Fudge, nervously.

Hermione and Gabrielle searched voraciously for a few minutes. "No. Only the competitor's wand may be brought in with them, other than items worn as clothing or a close personal weapon, such as a sword. They may summon or conjure any item of their choosing," answered Hermione.

Gabrielle held out her rule book to her Headmistress. "Please see rule 273(b)."

Madame Maxime nodded and handed the book over to Karkaroff. He scoffed and shoved the book at Dumbledore. He read slowly and carefully both the rule in question and the rules above and below it. He looked at Fudge.

"I agree with the reading of the rule. Harry did nothing wrong when he summoned his broom, just as Krum did nothing wrong when he pulled his scimitar, and Charise did nothing wrong when she conjured a mirror to reflect the Wyvern's stare," said Dumbledore. Fudge looked jubilant.

"See? No harm, no foul. Now, we all know where the rules can be found. Come. Let me treat you all to drinks in the VIP tent," said Fudge, ushering the Headmasters away. Umbridge stayed behind. She gave all of Harry's group the evil eye but she paid special attention to Harry, Gabrielle, and Hermione.

"I won't be embarrassed in front of the Minister again, understand? I can make life very unpleasant for you, children," said the woman, threateningly.

Fleur stood up taller and threw her hair over her shoulder. "My father will be at zee next event. Perhaps he will bring his contingent and sit with your Minister, non?"

"I highly doubt that would be allowed. The Minister is a very important man," said Umbridge, turning her nose up at Fleur. Fleur laughed. Even her mean laugh was alluring.

"My father is the French Minister of Magic. He has already received his invitation. I will make sure to mention you to him," said Fleur, her nose turned up at the underling.

"That explains so much about the French. Even their highest levels of government are contaminated with perverts who practice bestiality," spat Umbridge. Fleur and Gabrielle gasped.

"You go too far, Madame," said Bill, stepping forward.

"A Weasley, aren't you? Best not put your nose where it doesn't belong or your father might just find himself with a different work address come Monday," said Umbridge viciously. Bill laughed.

"My father has survived 8 ministers. He will survive you," said Bill, dismissively. Umbridge clenched her teeth and spat out final biting words as she left.

"Maybe your father would be hard to remove but children with unfit parents are easy to remove," said Umbridge looking at Harry over her shoulder as she left. Harry looked concerned.

"She can't, Harry," assured Hermione. "You've a fine father. You've done all you possibly can to take good care of your children."

"I wouldn't listen to her, Harry. As long as the Minister is on your side, she won't be able to do anything. He holds her leash, even if he pretends he has no control over her. She quieted right down when he told her to, now didn't she?" asked Bill.

Harry harrumphed. The group of competitors were called back outside where they were rewarded their points. Hogwarts came in first with 28 points. Beauxbatons came in second with 26 points. Durstrang came in third with 25 points, after a three point reduction for breaking three dragon eggs in the process of saving their golden egg. The Durmstrang contingent was very upset with their still armless compatriot for his actions that cost them a tie for first place.

The twins jerked Harry up on their shoulders and ran a quick victory lap. A steamer trailed behind them stating: "All prank items courtesy of Weasleys Wizard Wheezes." Harry tried to make them put him down but they must have used a sticking charm to keep him on their shoulders. He couldn't budge.

The troublesome duo of Fred and George finally finished their lap and set the boy down on his feet. Harry's group surrounded them and gave hugs out liberally. Another voice called out for Harry's attention.

"Oy! Harry, mate," called an excited Ron who jogged up to the small contingent. Everyone turned to look at him but he only had eyes for Harry.

"Nice work out there! You took that dragon down right quick!" said Ron, slapping Harry on the back. Harry let out an oof and almost fell forward. Bill steadied him. They all looked at Ron like he was nuts.

"Er, thanks?" Harry said. He started to turn away, towards Gabrielle, Hermione, and the Grangers who were holding his babies.

"Don't be like that! I believe you now!" laughed the other boy. "You could have died!" Ron said like it was an exciting sideshow not true life and death.

"Well, bully for you," said Harry. He wasn't just going to forgive the other boy for the way he'd treated Harry all semester at the drop of a hat. He tried to turn back around. He just wanted to escape before the crush of cheering students reached them. Ron looked at the oncoming rush in anticipation. He put his arm around Harry's shoulders. Harry gently shrugged him off and tried to walk away.

"Where are you going? The party's just getting started, mate! Are you headed to the common room? It'll be a right banger of a celebration! I'd be glad to sit by your side," said the boy, like he was being chivalrous.

Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm getting out of here before the twins get crushed. Have fun at the party. I'm going to clean up and get something to eat. I'm knackered."

Ron wrinkled his nose at the mention of the babies. "You're not still on about that, are you? Let's go enjoy the party! Everyone will want to congratulate you."

The students reached the pitch, singing, "Harry's a jolly good fellow!" Harry cringed and tried to move past Ron. Ron grabbed him to stop him.

"They're my sons, Ron. Of course I'm still on about them. They're my priority, not a stupid party to celebrate a competition I don't even want to be in. You already said it; I could have died," said Harry. He broke away from Ron's hold, gently.

"I guess my feelings don't matter? Your best mate?" asked the incredulous redhead. Everyone stared at him like he was mental.

Harry laughed and shook his head. He didn't plan to say anything else. He turned and started ushering the Grangers and the girls away.

"I'm sure Fred and George would be glad to party with you all," said Harry, dismissively.

"You're a right selfish prick, Potter," spat Ron. "First, you flaunt your wealth by hiring two nannies, then you refuse to use them for what they're meant for. This win wasn't just about you. It's about all of Gryffindor!"

"All of Hogwarts," said Bill, who was starting to get annoyed. "Let Harry go. He doesn't want to party."

Ron gave Bill a disgusted look. "Of course you'd be on his side, you want to impress the other trollop, don't you? Just because Potter's got a couple of sets of knickers on his floor, doesn't mean the other Veela will be interested in you." Ron looked at Fleur lasciviously.

"My best mate's the Hogwarts champion," said Ron, flexing his non-existent muscles. Fleur snorted and turned her back on him.

"What about us?" asked the offended Weasley twins. "We're Hogwarts champions, too."

It was Ron's turn to snort. "You're just a bunch of sidekicks. You almost lost the game, didn't you?"

Fred and George were starting to get angry. They puffed up but Remus wouldn't have any fighting.

"Let's go," he said, leading the others away.

"You're the wannabe sidekick, Ron. You think you're Harry's best friend? After the way you've treated him? Dream on," said Fred.

"You should watch talking to us that way. We always get our druthers," warned George. Now the twins didn't feel like partying, either. Ron had ruined it for them all.

Ron's face turned red. "At least I'm not a loser nobody who needed to double up to get a spot in the competition. If I was allowed to compete, I'd beat you all!"

The other students caught up to them and surrounded them. People were fighting so hard to slap Harry, Fred, and George on the back that they almost bowled them over. Hermione set off her gong-charm again.

"Everyone! Give us some space. There's small children here!" she chided.

Everyone except for Ron backed off, respectful, even in their excitement. Ron pushed Emma, trying to make her fall while holding Julius. Remus moved with inhuman speed and caught her. Harry's face turned red with anger. He pulled back his fist to punch Ron's gob but someone else got there first.

Ron flew up into the air by his ankle, his skidmarked pants on full display. Hermione and Gabrielle were grossed out to see it.

Ron shouted and tried to cover his disgusting shorts. "Let me down!" he shrieked. Everyone was laughing at him.

Bill put his wand away, his own face red with anger. "You push a woman with a baby? You're going to regret that. I'm telling mum, first chance I get," spat Bill.

McGonagall rushed up. She'd seen the whole thing. "Detention for two weeks, Ron Weasley. I'm ashamed to call you a Gryffindor. You could have hurt that baby. 50 points from Gryffindor," she thundered. She cast a spell and Ron fell to the ground. "Go to my office. We're calling your mother right now!"

Ron fell in a heap on the dirt. He gave Harry a vicious look. "I'll get you for that, Potter!"

Harry just shook his head. He didn't do anything.

"I'll come with you, Professor McGonagall," said Bill, still angry at Ron's actions. The twins turned cold eyes on him.

"You'll get Harry? No, we'll get you. Turnabout is fair play," said Fred.

"You never could apologize without wanting something in return," said George. "Harry doesn't owe you."

"Yes, he does! I'm his only friend. No one else will put up with the braggart!" shouted Ron. The group surrounding Harry made Ron's statement out to be the lie it was.

"I've got true friends. People who believe in me and don't want anything more than my friendship. I don't need the likes of you," spat Harry, hovering protectively over the Grangers and his sons.

Ron laughed viciously. "Those cunts are just after your money. These other pikeys just hang about because of your fame. No one really wants you around, not even your own family!"

Ron meant to hurt Harry. He succeeded. Hermione noticed. She put her arm through Harry's, as did Gabrielle.

"Let's go, Harry. We don't have to listen to garbage flatulate from his mouth," said Hermione, her nose up in the air.

"Let us go celebrate," said Gabrielle, ignoring Ron completely. The other students all cheered at her pronouncement.

George got up close in Harry's ear. "What say you we throw a little party for all of the students? Wanna open up the Chamber of Secrets and show them all a good time?"

Harry gave Ron a vicious look. "As long as he can't come."

"Done," said Fred, giving Ron a scathing look. "Let's plan for two hours from now? Give us enough time to get settled and prepare the space?"

Harry thought about it for a moment. He hated being the center of attention.

"We'll make sure no one bothers you. You can just come and have a good time with your ladies and your real friends," said George.

Harry sighed and nodded. "Fine by me. I'll send Dobby out for some snacks, yeah? Maybe he and Winky can help clean things up. It's kind of a spooky mess down there."

"Good-o, chap!" said Fred, slapping Harry's back lightly. Harry grinned at the incorrigible twins. McGonagall heard and appreciated their school unity and kindness to their visitors so much, she made it a sanctioned event, as long as Bill and Charlie would come to keep an eye on the students. She extended curfew until midnight. The twins cheered. Good ol' McGonagall was always good for a harmless laugh. Of course, she didn't hear the part about the party being held in the Chamber of Secrets. She wouldn't have approved of that but a harmless party in Gryffindor tower? She was all in.

McGonagall was already marching Ron away, with Bill keeping pace, lecturing the little arsehole as they walked.

Fred and George hurried to make the rounds amongst the crowd of students from all of the schools, spreading the word about the party. Harry shook his head and left with his group.

About 40 minutes later, Harry was showered, dressed, and fed. He felt human again.

He went down to the sitting room. He came in just as Bill returned. Bill looked annoyed and satisfied all at once.

"How goes it?" asked Harry, interested in hearing what Mrs. Weasley had to say.

"If it's alright, mum would like to talk to you. She said to floo her, if you don't mind," said Bill. Harry looked at him in dread but sighed and agreed.

Bill smirked and went over to the fire to call his mother. She put her head right through. Harry's twins giggled to see someone's head on fire. Harry smiled at the adorable sound.

"Oh, those precious darlings! Could I step through and see them, Harry, dear?" asked the cooing Molly Weasley.

"Of course, Mrs. Weasley. You're welcome to come claim a cuddle," said Harry, smiling at the motherly woman. Molly's head pulled back then she stepped through in a rush. She approached the babies with stars in her eyes.

"None of that, now. Call me Nana Molly," she said, hurrying over to the babies. Harry let out a laugh and agreed.

"The little darlings! Who is who?" she asked, claiming the blue twin for herself.

"The one you're holding is Jameson. The aquamarine baby is Julius," said Harry, proudly.

"They're so adorable," she said, sitting down beside Emma, who was holding Juilius. Molly wanted to pay equal attention to both babies. They shrieked in joy at the new person to love them. They could tell who did and who didn't. They were very perceptive for almost three month old babies.

Molly cooed over the precious little ones for several minutes before she looked at her co-grandma, Emma. "I'd like to apologize to you. I didn't raise Ronald Weasley to ever lay his hands on a woman. If he had hurt you or those babies, I would have pulled him out of school right this minute. As it is, Arthur's striping his hide right now. We won't tolerate him hurting a precious, innocent child."

Emma huffed but smiled at the woman. "Your apology is accepted, though I'll expect one from your son as well."

"As you should," confirmed Molly, she reached over and picked up Julius in her other arm. "He'll be giving it, too. I've taken his broomstick for the rest of the year as punishment. He acted a fool in public so he'll be making his apologies in public during breakfast tomorrow. Bill will make sure of it. I've made him Ron's temporary guardian for the rest of the school year, since he'll be here anyway. I don't know what's gotten into that boy but I won't have it!"

She cooed at the babies for another moment, almost smothering the two little dears with her massive breasts as she cuddled them close. The babies just cuddled in and started to look sleepy.

Molly turned to Harry. "I'd like to apologize to you most of all, Harry. Ron has no right to turn on you, after what you've been through. First, that Lovegood girl trapped you. Even though it turned out for the better," she said, cuddling the little boys. "Then, you get trapped in this awful tournament and attacked by a Death Eater right in the middle of class! For goodness sake, you had to fight a dragon!"

Molly tutted. "Then, your best friend turns on you. Not to mention, poor Ginny," said Molly sadly. "After all you've done for this family, you don't deserve that. To think, Ginny thought she'd marry one of her brothers!" Molly said, shaking her head in sadness. "Dumbledore's taking care of her now. I had no idea she was so bad off."

Harry melted to hear Molly call him one of her children. "I don't hold anything against you, Nana Molly. Ron's got some apologizing to do. I won't tolerate anyone putting my children in danger. Ginny just needs help, I think."

"Too right," said a new voice from the fireplace. They all turned to see Arthur Weasley's head in the grate. "Mind another visitor?" he asked.

"Come on through," said Harry, benevolently.

Arthur popped through the fire and shook out his still aching hand. He'd walloped Ron's behind for a good five minutes. In his mind, the boy deserved every smack. Arthur meandered over to the babies, a bright smile on his face.

"Would you like to hold your grandson, grandad?" asked Molly, with happy tears in her eyes.

Arthur took a seat. Molly passed over Jameson and squeezed Julius just a little more. The boy gave a sleepy smile and laid his head back on her bosom.

Arthur gave Jameson a good cuddle and turned back to Harry, seriously. "I won't tolerate Ron's behavior. He knows to never lay his hands on a woman or a child. If he does it again, we'll homeschool him. He knows what the next consequence he'll face is, if he does anything like that ever again. I'll work him to the bone and make sure he only has time for studying and back-breaking labor. I won't have any son of mine turning on family like that."

Harry's love for the Weasley family grew. "I'd never blame any of you but I won't tolerate anyone putting my boys or Dan and Emma in danger," said Harry, seriously.

"As you shouldn't. I would never tolerate anyone putting my children or my in-laws in danger, either," said Arthur, firmly. Molly looked at Gabrielle and Hermione proprietarily. These were her future daughters, if what Bill said was true.

Harry and the girls blushed at the pronouncement but they were all pleased by the sentiments.

Dan decided to keep his opinion of Ron and Ginny to himself. All of the other Weasley's he'd met were delightful. He guessed there were a few bad eggs in every dozen.

The adults sat around cuddling the babies for a good half hour before the now sleeping babies were shuttled off to their cribs. Molly and Arthur took great pleasure in settling the little ones in their beds and singing one of their favorite lullabies - All Through the Night - to the sleeping duo.

The Weasleys returned, happy as larks. Nana Molly hugged and kissed the boy she considered one of her own. She squeezed his two lady loves just as fiercely while Grandad Arthur shook their hands and left their ears ringing with well wishes.

As soon as they were gone, Harry and the girls snuck upstairs to make sure the twins were well tucked in, even though they knew they would be. They quickly changed into party clothes and went back downstairs.

Another set of twins were waiting for them, along with Lee Jordan, Angelina Johnson, Katie Belle, Alicia Spinnett, and Charlie Weasley. They had the Grangers, Remus, Padfoot, Bill, Fleur, Claudette, and Marie in stitches.

"... couldn't even sit down!" laughed George.

"I flipped his skirts, so to speak. He's got red handprints all over his thighs. Dad doesn't skimp on punishments," laughed Fred.

"Too right," said Bill, in chagrin. "People think it's mum you have to worry about because she's loud and Dad's the quiet one. They've got it backwards."

"It's always the quiet ones," laughed Dan. He passed a picture over to Emma. She rolled her eyes and passed it along but Harry could see the sparkle in her eyes.

"Harrykins!" cried the Weasley twins in one voice.

"We've got a little gift for ya, pal!" said George, grinning. Harry looked at him with a leery expression. Everyone laughed.

"It's a good surprise, I promise," said Fred, excitement all over his face. Angelina passed the pictures over to Harry.

Harry looked down and burst out laughing. They were all shots of Ron with his rosy bum on display. There must have been a dozen bright red handprints on his thighs. For a 14 year old, it was the most embarrassing thing that could possibly happen.

The girls peeked over Harry's shoulder. Gabrielle's ringing bell laughter joined with Harry's in a gorgeous harmony. Hermione couldn't help but snort out a single laugh before she got control of herself. She sniffed and turned her nose up. Harry tucked the pictures into his pocket for safe keeping.

"Thought you'd like that," said a cackling Fred.

"We won't let him forget it, either," said George.

Lee snorted, "Nobody will. Not ever. It's the talk of the school already." Hurting children was very frowned upon in Wizarding society. Nobody thought Ron's actions were funny in the least.

"Welp, ready to get this party started?" asked Fred.

"Ready as I'll ever be," said a beleaguered Harry.

"After you," said George, bowing exaggeratedly.

"Go on and have a good time. We'll keep an eye on the twins so Dobby and Winky can help you lot set things up," said Dan.

Harry thanked the Grangers and offered his arm to his ladies. Hermione and Gabrielle both cuddled into his side and walked out of the door. The other teens, Remus, Padfoot, Bill, and Charlie followed them out of the trunk and into the halls of Hogwarts.

It was still about 40 minutes before the other students were expected to arrive when they got to the second floor girls' toilet. Harry walked in and saw Moaning Myrtle hanging out inside her toilet stall.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, angrily until she saw Harry. "Oh, Harry? Hermione? Is that you?"

"Hey Myrtle," said Harry. "How are you?"

She giggled creepily and did a little backflip. "Better now that my avengers are here."

Harry smiled, uncertainly. "Umm, why are you still here? Now that the basilisk is dead, isn't your unfinished business sort of over?"

Myrtle blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Well, most ghosts just hang around until their unfinished business is done. Then, they move on," said Harry, shrugging. "Or at least that's how it works on the tele."

Myrtle floated towards the ceiling in thought. "I never thought of it that way. Everyone does know who really killed me now, don't they? And the basilisk is dead. I don't have to be afraid to leave my toilet any more, do I?"

Harry shook his head. "You really don't. You could travel?" he asked, unsure.

"I could! I could go see my mother! She came to visit me once, you know," said Myrtle. She sank towards the floor. "I hid from her. I was too embarrassed for her to see me as a ghost."

"I bet she'd love to see you," said Hermione, gently. "I bet you miss her."

"I do," said Myrtle, morose tears starting to trickle down her translucent cheeks. "I miss her more every day."

"Maybe you could go visit her for a little while. Then, if you want to move on, you could," said Gabrielle, sympathetically.

"I think I'll do that. I can see it now; the door to the other world. I want to go. I've been here too long, letting mean girls bully me. Only two people have really been nice to me the entire time I've been here." She turned to Harry and Hermione.

"You two. You were the only people that were ever kind to me," she said, smiling at the teens. "I'm going to tell you a secret. There's a very cool room on the seventh floor. That mean old Helena Ravenclaw stole something from her mother and hid it there. That horrible boy, Tom Riddle, the boy who killed me? He corrupted it and hid it there. You should get rid of it."

Harry looked at the girls, Remus, and Bill. An evil item from Tom Riddle? Sounded like a horcrux. "How do we find the room?" asked Harry, urgently.

"Just go to the seventh floor and find the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, teaching trolls to dance ballet. Walk back and forth three times. The room can become anything you want but one thing it can become is the Room of Lost Things. You'll find it there. Beware the taint. It's quite evil but after you cleanse it, Helena will go and so will her murderous beau," said Myrtle, her form starting to glow a brilliant white instead of a dastardly gray.

"I'm going now, Harry Potter. Best of luck to you. I hope you don't end up trapped in a toilet like me!" said Myrtle. Her form became a blinding white. She shattered into a million multi-colored points and swirled away through the ceiling.

"What's that barmy ghost on about?" asked Fred.

"Just nonsense, I'm sure," said Remus. "Come on. Let's get down to the Chamber. Your other party guests will be arriving in about 40 minutes." Padfoot barked in agreement.

"Right," said the unconvinced twins.

"Anyway, let's go," said Harry, hurriedly. He walked over to the sink and hissed for it to open. They all looked down the slimy hole in dread.

"Do we have to slide down that?" asked Fleur, disgusted.

"There's got to be a way to get stairs. I can't imagine Slytherin sliding down a filthy pipe," said Bill.

Harry decided it couldn't hurt to try. He concentrated on the pipe and said, "Stairs," in parseltongue. A ripple started at the top of the stairway. It bumped downwards in small waves that left stairs in their wake.

"That's what I'm talking about!" said Lee Jordan, excitedly.

"Winky? Dobby?" Could you come help us clean this up, please?" asked Harry. The two elves popped into the room, along with about 15 other elves and three pallets.

"If it be okay, Mr. Harry. The other elves be wanting to help with the cleaning party, too," said Winky.

"Fine by me," said Harry, shrugging. "What's all this?" he asked.

"These is being snacks and treats for the students," said Dobby, excitedly. "Dobby be getting decorations, butterbeers, and pizzas like you be asking. There was being many more things from the party store that looked like they would be being fun. Oh! And Dobby be getting all the prank things that the Weezy twins be asking for."

Harry whirled on the twins. "No pranks on me or the girls. Everyone else is fair game."

The twins looked disappointed but agreed when they saw Harry meant business. They put up magical signs flashing above the open hole in the wall, directing people down to the party.

Harry huffed and followed the whirlwind of singing, laughing elves down the pipe. The elves left flashing colored lights in their wake. Bill and Remus went first, casting spells to create slip proof guard rails and stair covers as they went. Everyone insisted on hearing the tale of the Chamber of Secrets while they walked.

It took almost 15 minutes to make it down. By the time they arrived, the elves had cleaned out the bottom of the arrival area so that the stones shined and colorful tiles covered the floor. Harry shook his head and opened the next door.

The teens and adults entered the chamber proper. The elves squeed and started cleaning with an absolute fury.

"Woah! Don't banish those skins! Pile them over here," said Charlie, in alarm. He turned to Harry. "You didn't come back and claim the skins? Did you at least claim the basilisk?"

"Er, no. I didn't. The basilisk is probably still down here," Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck in chagrin. Charlie just stared at him. He ran forward to get a look at the great beast. Everyone else followed.

Music started to fill the room as one of the elves set up a Wizarding Wireless and turned it on. The acoustics were fantastic in the huge room.

"Oh my god, Harry!" cried Hermione as she saw the giant beast for the first time. It lay in a crumpled heap, its jaws still open, its empty eye sockets staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Harry, you could have been killed," said a fretful Remus.

Charlie circled the beast in awe.

Bill turned to Harry, seriously. "You saved our sister from that? And from Voldemort?"

Harry shrugged uncomfortably.

The twins laughed and ran up to the thing. "You killed this great beast with a sword? No way!"

The beast was almost 30 meters long and at least 5 meters wide. Venom glittered at the tips of its fangs.

"How much time do we have?" asked a breathless Charlie.

"Er, maybe 45 minutes before the students can get all the way down here?" said Harry, confused.

"Plenty of time. Let's render it," he said, excitedly.

"What?" asked Harry, baffled.

"You can't waste it. It's almost a thousand years old! Its life is worth more than that!" said an offended Charlie.

"Umm," said Harry, trying to figure out how to say no.

"He's right, Harry. This thing will be worth a fortune. You've got kids to take care of," said Bill, reasonably. "If we all help, we can get it done in 20 minutes, easily."

Harry still looked uncertain. "If nothing else, think of the awesome basilisk hide clothes you can make!" said Fleur. Harry rolled his eyes but glanced at his ladies. They both looked excited at the thought.

"Fine. Tell us what to do," said Harry, rolling his eyes. Charlie grinned and turned into a drill sergeant.

Two elves popped away to bring them a couple of space-expanded trunks from the Room of Lost Things. Dobby popped off back to Diagon Alley and came back with two more pallets, this time filled with beakers, vials, and magic-stasis boxes to carefully place the parts of the basilisk in.

Charlie was right, with the help of a couple of extra kitchen elves, the thing was properly butchered and the bones cleaned in 20 minutes. All of the useful parts were properly stored and packed away in trunks. Harry insisted that all of the helpers each got to keep a section of shed skin big enough to make a right fine cloak and a pair boots. A couple of excitable elves agreed to help with the sewing. Everyone was more than happy with that.

Hermione was even thoughtful enough to ask for Colin to come down a little early and take careful photographs of the beast as it was being rendered. Despite Harry's reticence, they got several shots of him standing in front of the beast with the sword of Gryffindor before they got started. Hermione insisted it was for posterity's sake but really she just wanted to be able to show Harry's children what a hero their father was.

When they were done, they turned to see what they could do to help the elves get ready for the party. There was nothing. Everything was already done.

"Mr. Harry! You should be coming to see this!" said an excited Winky. She led them over to the ladder she'd conjured. It led up to the open mouth of Salazaar Slytherin's statue. Harry climbed the ladder and looked inside. There was a pipe going down to the right and a room directly beside the pipe.

"You guys! Come see this! It's a library!" said Harry. Hermione and Remus practically ran up the ladder. Bill and Fleur were right behind them. They gasped at the beauty of the medium-sized library. There were just a ton of scrolls and books lining all the walls of the room. A couple of rough hewn chairs and a table were the only other things in the room.

"Harry! Let me study this, please? It's yours. Claim it now!" said Bill, hurriedly.

"What?" asked Harry. He felt like it was the only response he could make to the insanity of the Weasleys.

"Claim it! Hold up your wand and say, "I, Harry Potter, claim the spoils of my conquest. I have conquered the house of Slytherin and lay claim to all it holds."

Bill grabbed Harry's arm and slapped his wand into his hand. Harry grumped at the rough treatment but did as Bill commanded. A bright silver light filled the room.

"Yes!" Bill cried. "Winky! Get us four more trunks. It'll take that many! Hurry, before anyone sees this!"

Remus was already moving through the shelves like a bloodhound searching for arcane knowledge.

Winky was gone and back in a flash. She and eight other elves moved quickly to clean the room and carefully put the magically preserved reading material into the trunks. Harry just shook his head. He saw something else that no one else noticed. A lovely wrack of jewelry. There were only around 30 pieces but Harry noticed there were three sets of gorgeous triad rings. Bill came over to see what Harry was looking at.

"Those are fantastic and super rare antiques. That's a set of promise rings, a set of engagement rings, and a set of marriage bond rings," Bill said, studying the specimens. He looked at Harry, seriously. "This was meant to be. You're entering into a triad bond and you find the perfect set of rings? That's mithril Harry. It's an extremely rare metal. Those gems are hexagon cut black fire Opal." The dark stone mixed blue, green, and amber colors. The sparkling gems were set in what looked like a band made of liquid mercury. They practically glowed in the dim light of the room. Harry could tell the rings would fit perfectly together when the entire set was worn.

"I don't know what to say," said Harry, quietly. He glanced at the girls who were looking at the books with joy on their faces.

"Say you'll hide them away and gift them to your ladies when the time's right," said Bill, seriously. Bill surreptitiously cast on the rings. "They're quite magical. I see a natural ability to protect against occlumency attacks in the stone, wit and agility boosters when the set is worn together, and strength and speed enhancers in the metal. I'd tell you to put them on now, if I thought you would."

"No, not yet," said Harry, quietly. "You're right; I'll give them to the girls at the right time."

Bill searched the tray. "Put this one on now. It's the Lordship Ring for Slytherin."

Harry looked unsure. He didn't know if he wanted to be the Lord of Slytherin.

"Do you want Voldemort to claim the house instead?" Bill asked, sternly. Harry flinched and put the ring on. It was small, platinum, and had a glittering blue-green paraiba tourmaline in the center. A small wind kicked up around the two men as the ring settled in and fit itself to the right size. The stone pulsed for a few moments before Harry heard a hiss come from the ring.

"Hail, Lord Slytherin," said the small snakes with glittering golden eyes. Their mouths were open wide, holding the gems in place. The settings on the triad rings were small phoenixes with the same golden eyes. They were gorgeous.

Bill slapped Harry's back.

"Take a set for you and Fleur," insisted Harry. Bill looked at Fleur with hopeful longing. He started shaking his head.

"These belong to you, Harry. They're priceless," said the redhead.

"They're just jewelry to me. "You're serious about your intentions towards her?" asked Harry, nodding at Fleur. Bill grinned a dreamy smile and nodded. Harry found another set of three rings with just two rings per set. They were antique gold with a glittering blue tourmaline in the center and small diamonds in a line down each side.

"You can't give a piece of jewelry to everyone," Bill said, sternly. He meant it.

Harry held up his hands. "I won't. Just you. You're helping me study this stuff, aren't you?"

Bill grinned. He took the rings and carefully conjured a soft, velvet box to put them in. He did the same for Harry's set. Then, he conjured a larger velvet box to put the rest of the jewelry in. He called for Dobby and had the elf take the remainder of the jewelry to Harry's room in his trunk. Harry and Bill both slipped the small velvet boxes into their pockets. Bill winked at Harry.

"Oy! Are you lot coming out? People are coming!" called Fred from outside. The elves popped away with the rest of Harry's new acquisitions. The magicals tramped out and climbed down the ladder. Harry turned and closed Slytherin's gaping maw.

Harry turned back around and gasped. The skeleton of the basilisk was now hanging from the ceiling, undulating as the breeze in the large room moved the wires holding the bones in place.

"That's brilliant!" said Harry, staring at the giant thing hanging about 10 meters above their heads.

"Wicked, right?" asked Fred, as he plopped his arm down on Harry's shoulder.

"Too right," said Harry. He looked around the room. There were couches, chairs, tables with games, and comfy rugs spread all over the place. The water that was on the floor was gone and fireplaces Harry never noticed before were lit all over the room.

The floors were made of tiles in the colors of the four houses with a large medallion with the Hogwarts crest in the center of the floor. The walls were covered in restored murals. There was a dance floor with a disco ball and a set of tables lining the far wall that were absolutely laden down with food, drinks, and the largest punch bowl Harry had ever seen. He thought you could probably swim in it, if the giant blocks of sherbert floating in the thing wouldn't get in the way.

"This whole place looks amazing!" enthused Hermione. She didn't know where to look first. Harry turned to the elves who were watching their reactions with joyful expressions.

"Thank you all so much. This looks fantastic. You outdid yourselves," Harry complimented. The elves squeed in joy at the kind words.

"This was being an excellent party, Mr. Harry. Thank you for being inviting the elves of Hogwarts to come have fun! We'll be coming to clean this place all the time now," said a grinning elf. The other elves added their high-pitched thanks and excitement into the works. It was a little ear-piercing but Harry knew they really did have a great time. The way they danced while they cleaned and decorated said it all.

The first students started trickling in while the elves popped away.

"If you be needing us, just call, Mr. Harry. Dobby and Winky will be going to watch over the babies now, if you don't be minding," said a grinning Winky. She was shyly holding Dobby's hand. His ears waggled in joy at this new development.

"Go, have fun. Kiss them for me," said Harry. The elves agreed and popped away.

"Right over here, mate," said George, leading Harry over to a raised dais with four comfy couches and four squishy armchairs set on it. "This place is warded specially for you and yours. No one can enter except those already here. Everyone else can stop by and chat but they can't step up on the platform unless you literally pull them up."

Harry looked so grateful, it was criminal. George rolled his eyes and slapped Harry's back. "We know what our brothers like. Get up there, now! Before you get mobbed!" Harry didn't wait. He pulled the girls up with him and took a seat on one of the couches. Remus, Padfoot, Charlie, Bill, Fleur, Marie, and Claudette joined them. Two elves who'd stayed behind to manage the snacks popped over with a large bowl filled with ice and butterbeers, a small bowl of punch, two pizzas, and a snack platter for Harry and his chosen few. Harry relaxed between his ladies; this wasn't so bad.

An hour later, the party was in full swing. Harry invited Luna, Neville, Hannah, and Susan to come up and sit with his group on the dais. They were playing a game of exploding snap and enjoying the night when suddenly McGonagall was standing before them.

"What on Earth is all of this?" asked the flabbergasted professor. Harry laughed. He might have been a little tipsy from the butterbeer.

"It's a party to celebrate the Tournament, of course!" said Bill, grinning at the woman.

"Yes, but what's it doing in a girls' toilet?" she asked, looking over her glasses at Bill.

"It's not really in a girls' toilet. It's in a pipe under the girls' toilet," said the cheeky bugger. McGonagall snorted but they could all see a smile twitching at her lips. She shook her head.

"Is this the Chamber of Secrets?" she asked, entertained by the audacity of her favorite students.

"It is," confirmed Harry. She looked up and gasped.

"Is that Slytherin's monster?" she asked, in dread.

The twins came over with a girl or two on each arm. "What's left of it," joked Fred.

McGonagall looked around the room and saw the brightly colored tiles, rugs, and couches. "This is somehow much more colorful than I expected."

"The elves might have taken a little too much joy in the decorating," Harry admitted.

She looked over at the dance floor. She did a double take. "Is that the Headmaster?" she asked, truly confused this time. They all looked over. Sure enough, Dumbledore was dancing with Madame Maxime under the disco ball. He turned and saw them all staring. He waved his hands, which were now covered in sparkling rainbow sequence gloves that matched his horrendous rainbow cloud covered robes perfectly.

Karkaroff was standing under the statue of Slytherin, doing his best impersonation of the scowling effigy. They saw Flitwick at a table; he was playing exploding snap with a set of first year students while Hagrid looked like he might try to climb the statue to pet the basilisk skeleton. Professor Sprout was sitting by the treats table, drinking the punch like it was her day job. Even Tonks had somehow shown up and dragged Remus out to the dance floor.

Harry's group laughed again as they noticed the adults that had snuck into the party. There were several other Beauxbatons and Durmstrang professors sitting on another platform in the corner of the room, watching over the students.

"It looks like the adults snuck out to party, too," joked Fred.

McGonagall just shook her head and went over to the calm island of professors in the corner. When in Rome, and all that.

Everything was going great until a truly unwelcome guest arrived.

Snape, followed closely by Malfoy and his cronies, came stomping over to Harry's spot. Padfoot growled. Harry told him to settle down. He huffed but laid back on the floor, his teeth bared at the hated professor.

"Potter. Detention, now. Let's go," he spat. The Slytherins following him laughed.

Harry looked at his friends, confused. Bill didn't wait, he waved at McGonagall and pointed at Snape. She sighed, set down her rather delicious punch, and hurried over.

"I'm sorry, professor. Can I ask why I have detention right now?" Harry asked, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. He didn't succeed very well.

"That'll be 20 points for cheek and for disobedience," Snape snapped. He tried to come up on the dais to drag Harry away. He couldn't set foot on the platform. The twins grinned.

"What's this?" asked McGonagall.

"Potter is coming with me. He has detention right now and for the next week for refusing to do as he's told," said Snape. He straightened to his full height and looked down his nose at her.

"What for?" she asked, belligerently.

"The matter has already been settled. Let's go, Potter. That'll be 20 more points for warding against professors," Snape growled.

"I didn't do any warding," said Harry, honestly.

"I'll know what this is all about, Severus," hissed McGonagall.

"For defacing school property and being out of bounds," said Severus. "Also, for holding an unauthorized hooligan gathering on a school night."

"I authorized this party. This room is part of the school and therefore not out of bounds. He didn't deface anything," said McGonagall, hotly.

Severus sneered and looked around at all the bright colors and flashing lights. "It looks defaced to me."

"Maybe you need to have your eyes checked. This room is decorated in all of the house colors," said McGonagall.

"This room belongs to Salazar Slytherin and therefore belongs to Slytherin house. All of these people must leave, immediately," Snape said, pompously. McGonagall laughed in his face.

"This room belongs to the school, not to one house," she spat. Bill shook his head.

"Harry claimed this place and everything in it. He's the new Lord Slytherin. This place belongs exclusively to him," said Bill.

Harry spoke fast, "I intend to donate it as a common room for all of the houses to share."

McGonagall looked at Harry both proud and consternated. "You can't give away school property to the school."

Bill was afraid this would happen. He had one of the school elves pop off to Gringotts and get a writ from the goblins. He held it out to McGonagall. Dumbledore arrived and started reading over her shoulder.

"This looks in order. Harry truly is the new Lord Slytherin. We graciously accept your donation for the purposes intended," said the benevolent headmaster. Harry just rolled his eyes.

"Headmaster. You can't mean this. It's a prank. This boy…," sneered Snape, looking at Harry like he was a rotten piece of garbage. "...is not the Lord of Slytherin. He has no right to steal from the actual Slytherins and disgrace this sacred place the way he has!"

Dumbledore showed Severus the Gringotts and Ministry seals attached to the documents. Severus cast several spells at the documents, including two attempts to destroy the paperwork. The documents resisted all of his efforts.

Dumbledore gave the man a wounded look. He handed the documents to Harry. Harry merely rolled them up and put them in his inner pocket.

"Don't ruin the party, Severus. Get a butterbeer and join me for a game of chess, yes?" asked Dumbledore.

"I will not debase myself with these dunderheads. If you want to allow this reprobate to steal from the rightful owners and destroy the sacred history of this place, I can't stop you, but I won't be a party to it," sneered Snape. Dumbledore just shook his head as the man turned on his heel and stomped out of the room. He turned to McGonagall.

"Care for a dance?" he asked her, wagging his eyebrows. Everyone laughed as she took his arm and walked regally over to the dance floor to do the Monster Mash.

After the professors were gone, the Slytherins decided to try their hand at annoying the boy wonder.

"I had a great chat with my father tonight, Potter," said Draco. "I made sure he knows all about your little bastards. He was most interested to hear it."

Harry started to get angry immediately. The last thing he needed was for Lucius Malfoy to get wind of his children's existence. Draco smirked when he saw Harry was getting upset.

"He agrees with me, you should just put them down. No use in letting more freaks fill the world," said Draco.

"Shut your trap, you inbred wanker," spat Harry. Draco just laughed.

"Hope you keep a good eye on your whelps. You never know when something might cause them to disappear. Or are you hoping for that?" taunted Draco.

"I'm not your parents, Malfoy. I love my children. Can your parents say the same about you?" asked Harry, scathingly. Draco's face flushed. He honestly didn't know if his father loved him sometimes. The man certainly criticized Draco enough to create serious doubt. He slipped his wand out of his pocket and tried to cast a conniving spell on the boy. It hit the wards around the platform and bounced back, right in Draco's face. His face quickly started to swell. He could barely breathe. He fell to his knees, gasping. Bill cast the countercurse and Draco gasped loudly.

"A swelling curse right to the face. That could be deadly," said the angry Bill. He had seen Malfoy's spell bounce off the wards.

"I'll be telling Professor Snape about this, Potter," said the still gasping Malfoy. Harry just shook his head.

"Why don't you just leave? No one wants you here. No one likes you," Harry said. He wasn't trying to be cruel. He was telling the honest truth and Malfoy knew it. It just made him angrier.

"I'll get you Potter. Just wait and see," he spat. Draco stumbled to his feet and hurried away to the hospital wing. He still felt like he couldn't breathe.

"That wanker's going to end up with a bad end; mark my words," said Bill, shaking his head and putting his wand away."

Harry couldn't help but hope.