Chapter 19

Severus was angry.

Really angry.

Everyone agreed in that it was currently dangerous to talk to him, look at him or even just be in his proximity.

All Houses (except Slytherin, of course) were losing points indiscriminately, and Argus had already been provided with students to help him clean the castle every day until New Year.

Pomona had sensed the danger early on and threatened him with planting Devil's Snare under his bed if he took out his foul mood on Neville Longbottom, so at least that one boy was being spared. Harry, unfortunately, seemed to be getting the worst part of Severus' anger, which was really silly considering that it was not being able to help the boy what was causing Severus' tempestuous mood.

Albus had tried to cheer him up pointing out that at least this year Harry would be completely safe from any threat unrelated to the Triwizard Tournament, since any attempt to hurt the boy would be interpreted by the Goblet as an attempt to help the other champions and therefore prevented. Severus had not appreciated the silver lining.

It had not helped matters that Alastor had taken upon himself to search Severus' office a few days after Halloween and that Severus had found him going through his things. It was probably a miracle that the two men had not killed each other on the spot. Albus had reached the limit of his patience after that and had commanded both of them to leave each other alone or at least to not do anything that could result in the other dead or in prison. He had also been clear in that he did not want to hear a single additional complaint. Having the two of them in Hogwarts had proven to be a lot more wearisome that Albus had anticipated, and he honestly was beginning to regret his decision of hiring Alastor.

Knowing that there was absolutely nothing anyone could do, Albus had granted Severus access to his personal library so he could research Compulsion Charms and whatever else he wanted. Perhaps that would keep his mind distracted and assuage his feeling of powerlessness, as well as somewhat protect the students from him.

These days, Albus was having trouble to decide which sight was more heartbreaking: the one of the unhelpable boy, or the one of the man unable to help. Or perhaps it was the fact that boy and man hated each other's guts with a passion.

Severus wasn't the only one affected. While all teachers were concerned about Cedric, it had been Harry's name coming out of the Goblet what had deeply shaken the staff and Minerva in particular. After a week of unsuccessful attempts to help the boy, she had come to him and Albus had had no choice but to explain to her about the unhelpability. Her reaction had been almost as terrible as Severus', and much louder.

Harry himself didn't seem to have a clue yet. He had been warned that cheating was against the rules and that he was forced to participate under penalty of instant death, but Albus was pretty sure that the boy wasn't aware that a lot of people would be trying to help him if it were possible. Unfortunately, it also didn't seem as if he took the threat seriously enough. At the very least, he wasn't preparing for the first task in any way, which was no doubt why Severus was so furious.

The boy probably would not really understand how dire his situation was until he was about to die. For the moment, he seemed more affected by the social ostracism and by what seemed to be some sort of quarrel with Ronald Weasley. It really was heartbreaking to know that, after the hard life Harry Potter had had so far, he would die feeling rejected and unfairly accused until the last minute.

Part of Albus wanted to go to him and apologize, perhaps even hug him (although that would be extremely awkward and inappropriate), but he kept his distance. Albus was responsible for this, after all, and he was the one organizing the deadly task that would kill him. He had no right to the boy's forgiveness.

It was really hard to watch them die when they were too young, Nicholas had said once.

Yes, it would be hard.

As usual, Albus escaped the pain and the guilt by focusing on the Greater Good. It had always been unwise to see Harry as anything else than a chess piece. The boy had been born already burdened with a terrible fate, so Albus should have never allowed himself to care about him. He would have had to be sacrificed at some point anyway, he reminded himself. This is just another blow against Tom.

The fear and the pain would only last a moment, and then it would be over.

And then what? It would not be so easy to make a martyr of the boy if he died in what seemed like an accident. The general belief that he had put his name in the Goblet willingly in an attempt to collect a bit more fame would also not help. Harry Potter dying would cause mayhem on a national scale, but Albus wasn't sure who would benefit by that. Probably Tom, since it would likely cause the Ministry a lot of trouble.

Albus sighed and picked up again the parchment that had been emitted by the Goblet of Fire after the Halloween Choosing.

First task, November 24th, 2 pm. One dragon per champion. Goal: to retrieve the Golden Egg.

There were more detailed instructions below, down to how exactly the eggs had to be enchanted and how the dragons' enclosure had to be warded. It specified the dragon breeds required and the minimum size of the creatures, and also stated that the champions had to face the dragons blindly, with no warning whatsoever.

Everything was already being prepared. Negotiations about the dragons were almost finished, and the mermaids were already rehearsing the song. The goblins would deliver the eggs on Monday.

He wondered once more if there was any chance Harry could survive such task. The boy had slain a basilisk, so at the very least he didn't lack courage, but he wouldn't have Fawkes to help him now. Harry would walk into that enclosure armed only with his wand and with whatever spells he knew, which unfortunately weren't many at this point of his magical education. He also had never been much of a magical prowess, it had to be said.

No, he didn't stand a chance.

There was a knock at the door. Albus put the parchment back in a warded drawer before allowing entrance to his visitor.

"Ah, Garrick, thank you for coming," he greeted pleasantly, rising to shake the wandmaker's hand.

"It is my pleasure, Dumbledore," answered the old man with a smile that didn't reach his pale eyes. "I was confused by the change of time, I had thought the Weighting of the Wands didn't start until four."

"That is correct. I wished to speak to you first, however. I have a... favour to ask."

"Is that so? I would be happy to help, as always."

"I want to put an order for a wand."

Garrick raised his white eyebrows.

"I would hate to hear that an Ollivander wand has failed to last more than a century," he said with clear frustration. "I know my father crafted your wand with his own hands, and he was always very proud of it. He used to say that Ollivander wands last forever as long as they are properly maintained."

Albus smiled.

"I assure you that I have no complaints whatsoever. My Ollivander wand is still in perfect condition." Safely stored in a box, he mentally added. He had really liked his original wand, and sometimes he missed it, but Gellert's wand had more meaning to him. It was also wiser not to let the Elder Wand lying around. Just as it was prudent not to use such wand in front of a wandmaker. "I require a wand for another person."

Garrick frowned.

"Wands must be purchased in person," he said. "It's the only way to ensure that the wand chooses the wizard or witch. We Ollivanders pride ourselves that we have never sold a wand that wasn't perfectly matched to its owner."

"I understand that, but I was hoping you could make an exception, since the person in need isn't currently free to walk into your shop. Of course I would never tell anyone if the wand ended up not being a perfect match."

Garrick Ollivander regarded him thoughtfully for a long time. He obviously didn't like the idea of risking the Ollivander reputation, but Albus knew that he must also be curious and interested in the challenge.

"I would need the wizard's or witch's measures, as well as some personal information," he said at last.

"Unfortunately I don't have the measures," admitted Albus. "But I can give you the wand description."

That definitely picked Garrick's interest. And he was even more interested when Albus described the wand to him.

"Now I see why the wizard can't come to my shop," the wandmaker said, trying to put on a look of disapproval but failing. "I remember that wand perfectly, as well as the day I sold it. Impulsive, loyal, good for Transfiguration."

"Yes, that sounds about right. Would you be able to replicate it?"

"No," said Garrick bluntly. "Wands cannot be replicated. There are no two trees the same, nor two creatures with the same magic. Even different parts of the same tree or creature render different results."

Albus leaned back on his chair and sighed.

"But it would work better for the wizard than some other random wand, yes?"

Garrick considered the question.

"Perhaps... Although it is also possible that the original wand would not work anymore for this wizard in particular. People change with time and hardships. And if wizard and wand remain apart for a long period of time, they might not recognize each other afterwards." He lost himself in his thoughts for another minute, and finally seemed to come to a decision. "Very well, I will attempt to craft a similar wand. But I want your word that if it doesn't work for the wizard you will return it to me, Dumbledore, and give me the chance to try again."

Albus nodded.

"Of course, Garrick. You may have as many tries as you need."

"I do need to have one piece of personal information, though," added the wandmaker. "I need to know if this wizard is essentially the same person than he was at eleven years old."

Interesting question. Could someone, anyone, remain essentially the same through his life? Could someone still be who they were after twelve years in Azkaban?

"I believe he is," he finally said. "Although a much more... damaged version."

As they made their way down for the Weighting of the Wands, Albus thought about Sirius. The Marauder still hadn't written to Albus, but no doubt Harry had sent him an owl so he must already know about Halloween. He would probably try to help his godson and even kidnap him, but of course he would not be able.

What would Harry's death do to him? Would he care at all about anything after that? Would it help or hurt to let him witness the first task?

No one should have to witness that, especially not someone who cares.

It was going to be a terrible thing, the first task. Terrible for Severus, and for Minerva, and for Harry's friends. Terrible for the younger children. Terrible for Albus.

Anyone who could be spared the sight, should be spared. It was good that Rubeus was away, and Remus too. Albus would make sure of keeping Sirius away as well.

There was going to be hell to pay afterwards, of course. It was hard to predict what Sirius might do in his grief, but no doubt it would be something reckless and self-destructive. Perhaps it was pointless to procure him a new wand. As to Molly Weasley... Albus internally winced. He had received Howlers from Molly every day for the last week.

There was going to be hell to pay.