Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 44
Previously
Moody shook his head in disgust, "you're wrong Albus, and I done with this. I'll do my year, teach the students, but don't come to me for anything else."
"What?"
"You need help Albus."
Dumbledore was shocked to the core; how could his followers abandon him?
/
Harry followed his head of house through the corridor towards their tower.
"How are you feeling Harrison?" he asked.
Harry scrunched his nose, "relieved that I don't have to compete, yet also annoyed that I almost did," he admitted.
"Calling on Lady Magic... that was an inspired plan," the part goblin praised.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "I can't claim credit for that, it was Lunas's idea really."
"Ah miss Lovegood. She is a delight."
Harry beamed, "she's truly one of a kind."
"I'm glad that you two found each other, you both bring out the best in one another."
Approaching the statue that guarded Ravenclaw tower, Harry turned to the part goblin, "I just wanted to say, thank you sir, for always helping me and being there whenever I need you."
Flitwick smiled, sad that Harry felt the need to thank him, he was doing his job. He was supposed to help and protect his students, "It's quite alight Harrison. I am always here if you ever want or need me."
Entering the tower after answering the riddle, Harry was met with a crowd of scrutinising eyes.
"What was all that about Potter?" Fernandez asked, the seventh year staring at him with expectation.
Harry wanted to roll his eyes, "as you all saw, Weasley thought he would enter my name, I have no desire to be a tri-wizard champion, so called on magic in the hope she would help me. That she did was an unexpected honour, but I feel blessed."
"Why did he do it?" one of the first years called
"I'm not sure, as many of the older years can attest to though, Weasley has always been obsessed with me. This could just be another one of his attempts at gaining my attention."
"Will he be punished?" Cho Chang asked.
"No, he won't, even though I believe it worthy of punishment. Other than the age line, how he bypassed that I don't know, he didn't technically break any rules or laws."
"But the tournament is dangerous, you could have died," Chang cried out passionately.
Harry was surprised by her outrange; he hadn't spoken to the girl once since his return.
"I am aware. Still other than point loss and some detention, he won't face any legal repercussions for his actions."
Fernandez frowned, "you could have died," he said angrily, "or been maimed."
The muttering picked up as his fellow ravens were clearly upset at one of their own had been attacked.
"I refuse to support him," somebody shouted.
"...He's a cheat!"
"...A coward!"
"...He doesn't represent us!"
"See My Lord, I told you everything would work out okay," Luna whispered, having made her way through the crowd to him.
Looking around at the outraged crowd, Harry smirked, "I shouldn't have doubted you," he agreed.
"What did the Beuxbatons students say after I left?" he asked Luna.
"Bastian was incensed, he was barely able to remember to speak in English. The other students seemed upset on your behalf. That you're underage and were almost forced to compete offended them, although I know you aren't, they see you as a child. To them Hogwarts is honourless. Fleur was muttering angrily in French to her headteacher madame Maxime for a while. She seems very upset on your behalf; she has a younger sister who she adores so the idea of a child being hurt is horrible to her according to Bastian."
Harry scrunched his nose, not likening being viewed as a child, but he understood why. It was good that their misguided view of him helped garner mistrust towards the headmaster and gained him sympathies against Ron.
"The Dumstrang students were the same, Draco and our other snakes caused quite the sir with them on your behalf. Krum seemed very annoyed; his honour was insulted. He didn't mind about your age, so much as your willingness. He would not want to compete against somebody who didn't want to fight, it would be shameful to him. I think you'll find a good ally with him, his ideals match many of your own."
Harry nodded, "that's good, what about Ron?"
Luna smirked, "he will soon find out that the rest of us aren't happy. The snakes are behind you, Hannah and Susan have rallied the badgers, and as you can see, the ravens are feeling ruffled. Even the lions are annoyed, they don't like how cowardly his actions seem. Neville and the twins are also stirring up dissent in the pride. Ron will soon find out that his actions have consequences."
Harry hummed, "I wonder, what would have happened if I was chosen?"
Luna stilled, "you would have won, but it wouldn't have been without cost."
"Then I'm glad I don't have to compete," he admitted.
"Me too My Lord, me too."
/
Sirius stepped out of the fire and cursed the wall.
Lucius, following him, sent a stinging hex at the man, "leave my home alone Black," he berated.
Sirius rubbed his arm, "I hate that man," he snarled.
Lucius nodded, "as do I, his audacity amazes me, still it won't be much longer before he is gone."
Sirius grunted, "not soon enough! He tried to have my pup compete in those death games!"
"Yes, but Harrison stopped him. Your son is safe," Lucius reassured, "come we need to fill in our lord."
"Your lord," Sirius snarled.
Rolling his eyes, Lucius led the way out of the room.
"You've returned," Marvolo said as they entered his office.
"It's like we thought, Dumbledore tried to get Harry into the tournament."
Marvolo stilled, "tried?"
"Harry called on magic, swearing his innocence and asking for her to punish those who entered him," Sirius continued.
"The youngest Weasley boy is now competing, and Dumbledore looks weakened. If its permeant I don't know," Lucius added.
Marvolo hummed, fingers drumming on the desk, "the first task?" he asked. He was relieved his little love was safe, but he didn't trust Dumbledore would let go of his plans so easily.
"Dragons my lord."
"Wait? Seriously? I thought you were trying to make it less dangerous!?" Sirius exclaimed.
"I am trying, but there is only so much I can do when there is limited time. The plans for the first task had been submitted, and the task is in three weeks, changing it at all was hard enough. There is also the fact that the crowds want a show. Still, I managed a few safety initiatives; there are going to be more enchantments on the beasts and stadium to try and minimise risk, but, at the end of the day, its supposed to be dangerous. People want danger and excitement."
Marvolo hummed, "I trust you're doing the best you can."
"The second task was supposed to be in the lake, but I managed to get it changed to the forest. And the final task will be duels between the contestants."
Marvolo nodded, "thank you Lucius, you have done well."
Sirius nodded; the tasks did seem less dangerous than what Harry had said before, still dragons!?
Marvolo continued, "how was Harrison?"
"He seemed okay; I think he was shaken by Magic actually intervening. It's a rare occasion," Sirius replied.
"He seemed relieved to not be competing," Lucius added.
"Oh, he also got Molly Weasley sectioned… If the policy hasn't changed in the last 15 years since I was an auror, then she will be having a week in house treatment, followed by six weeks of outpatient treatments at St. Mungos. That is, if she seems to be well, so she will probably never be free from the mind healers."
Marvolo laughed, "how did he managed that?"
"She appeared halfway through our ambush, screaming about how he killed her daughter, and was now trying to kill her son," Lucius said.
"Not that she's wrong," Sirius added.
Marvolo smirked, he couldn't wait to see how the youngest Weasley managed in the tournament, if he survived, and it was a big if, he would make him regret entering his little raven.
"Think he'll make it to the third task?" Sirius asked smirking.
"5 galleons the dragons fry him," Lucius said, matching Sirius's smirk.
/
Harry watched Hedwig fly away, carrying a note for Rita. His relationship with the reporter was one of mutual benefit, she gained notoriety for her exposés on Dumbledore, money and fame, while Harry got to destroy his enemies' reputations without being implicated in their bad fortune. A true win-win.
/
Boy-Who-Lived-To-Become-A-Champion… or not.
Hello, my dear readers, once again I have gone above and beyond to discover the latest news in the wizarding world. This week I discovered, as many of you are may now be aware, our very own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be hosting the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The competition, which challenges young witches and wizards making them compete in daring tasks, was discontinued in 1792, due to the extraordinarily high death toll of the competitors.
Why our beloved headmaster had decided to bring it back I don't know, but that isn't the real story here.
No, our story starts with how the competitors are chosen, which is via an ancient magical artifact, The Tri-Wizard Cup. Due to the aforementioned death toll, it was decided that only of-age competitors would take part this year. However, that didn't stop our young hero Harry Potter-Black's name being called as Hogwarts champion.
Heir Potter-Black, as many of us know, is only 14, yet somehow his name was selected by the cup. Now before any of you get upset, thinking the young man cheated, rest assured he didn't. No, when his name was called, heir Potter-Black refused to join. He was even forced to call on Lady Magic, in order to punish the person who entered him, as the headmaster was insistent on him competing even when it was clear to all that the young man didn't want to. And who was the despicable person who Lady Magic punished, you ask? why none other than the youngest child of the Weasley family, Ronald Weasley.
Rest assured Heir Potter-Black will not be competing, as the punishment chosen by Lady Magic, quite justly in my opinion, was to make Mr Weasley compete instead.
Why Mr Weasley would do something so horrific to one of his classmates isn't clear, and neither he nor the headmaster are willing to make a comment. However, Heir Potter-Black had this to say:
'I am grateful for lady magics intervention and feel blessed by her as I had, and still have, no desire to compete in such a competition. Though I wish luck to the two competitors chosen, Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum."
I for one am also grateful to Lady Magic and will be giving her my thanks for her timely intervention on behalf of Heir Potter-Black, as I was clear to all, Albus Dumbledore wasn't willing to intervene on behalf of our young hero.
/
Harry watched as students read the papers, all whispering to one another, their eyes fleeting between him, the headmasters empty chair, and a red-faced Ron, who was sitting alone at the Gryffindor table. Their attitude towards Ron was reminiscent of how he had been treated during his fourth year. The youngest Weasley was being ostracized by the rest of the lions, and was clearly upset about his treatment, if his quickly purpling face was anything to go by.
"Oi potter!" he shouted; paper clenched in his hand.
Turning so he was facing the approaching redhead, Harry looked around, "can I help you Weasley?" he asked.
Ron came to a stop, nearly spitting in his anger, "you! this is all your fault. You were chosen first, you should be the one competing not me!"
"You entered my name, so no, I shouldn't be competing."
Ron spluttered, "no, I didn't. That's a lie!"
"Lady magic quite literally outed you for it Weasley."
"Lady magic isn't real, it was just a trick, something you did to scare everybody!"
The hall which had gone silent listening to their argument burst into whispers, most shocked and outranged by the ignorance of what Ron had just said.
Harry scared incredulously, "you're a pureblood, you know that lady magic is real. You felt her intervention yesterday. Now what do you want?"
Ron glared; "I want you to tell everybody that I didn't enter your name."
"Unlike you I won't be a liar."
Ron made to grab his wand, however before he managed to point it at Harry an accented voice interrupted them.
"Vat do you think you're doing Vesley?"
Looking to the side, Harry saw a very pissed off looking Viktor Krum standing near them, his wand pointed at the now gaping red head.
"Viktor, you, you don't understand..."
"I understand dat you are a fool ov a vizard. Vhy vould you enter somebody, av you no honour?"
"I...I... je deserves it. He's always gloating and acting like he's so much better than everybody."
Krum's scowl grew, "you are a coward. You may av been chosen to compete, but you are no champion. Leave," he demanded.
Ron gaped, doing a great impression of a goldfish before turning with a huff and walking away, Harry could hear him muttering to himself.
"Dat boy vill be a problem," the Bulgarian seeker said.
"He's growing worse each year," Harry commented, "still thank you for your intervention."
"I do not like cowards."
"Well then I fear that you will hate some of the students here," Harry responded.
Krum nodded his head seriously, "'ve of Dumstrang respect strength of character, of mind and of magic. You 'av strength."
Harry almost blushed at the intense look in the older teens eyes, "thank you. I wish you luck competing."
Viktor grinned at that, "I need no luck, but thank you."
As the other boy went to turn Harry stopped him, "it would benefit you to look up fire proofing charms, like the ones dragon tamers use," he told the Bulgarian.
Krum's eyes narrowed, intelligence gleaming before he nodded, "thank you."
Watching him go, Harry couldn't help but search out the French champion with his eyes, he would warn her as well, he decided.
/
After their encounter, Harry had started to see Ron everywhere. The red head, who was isolated by both the visiting students and Hogwarts own, seemed to be stalking him. Always staring at him with hate filled eyes.
"I thought you got rid of your stalker last year," Draco whispered with narrowed eyes.
"I thought I had, but clearly Molly breeds persistent fools."
"what's his deal?" Blaise asked, looking directly at the red head with a raised eyebrow, clearly challenging him.
I have no clue, I'm not sure if this is his attempt at fliting again, as it's the same tactic Ginny used, or if he's just obsessed."
Blaise shivered, "mio dios, what a fucked little man."
Snorting, Harry shook his head, "have you been watching muggle films?"
"No, mama got a new husband over the summer, he had a few interesting phrases. Are they muggle?"
"They sound like something muggle actors would say, and Had?"
"Eh, if he's not dead yet, it'll be soon. I saw her looking through the mourning fashion pages before we returned to school."
Harry shivered; I wonder if he will approach me again?"
"Don't jinx yourself Harry," Draco warned.
"I wouldn't worry too much," Blaise countered.
Draco spun on their friend dramatically, "excuse you?"
"I doubt Harry will have to put up with him for long, as I doubt, he will survive the first task."
Draco burst into laughter as Harry snorted, "I heard from a reliable source that he's going to be facing your name's sake Draco."
The blondes' eyes widened, it was a poorly kept secret that he was slightly obsessed with Draco's as a child, "really? Well, I suppose we will be seeing fried weasel."
/
Without the stress of being isolated from his friends and competing, Harry found that the first task came around faster than expected.
"Bets here..."
"...Place your bets!" the twins once again shouted, much to Harry's amusement.
"What are the odds?" Blaise asked, eyeing the twin terrors with amusement.
"Krum is the crowd favourite, followed by the feisty French witch. Sadly, for our dear Ronniekins, the odds are not in his favour," Fred said
"OI!" an angry shout came from behind them
"I should have known you traitors would do this! I'm your brother!" Ron bellowed
"We're aware..."
"Sadly, for us you can't pick family..."
"...wait we can," George said, snapping his fingers.
"Unfortunately, you don't quite make the cut," Fred finished.
Ron's face got progressively redder, clashing with his hair. By the time the twins had finished their byplay he was almost purple
"Just wait until I tell mom, you're going to regret this you dirty traitors!"
"We're so scared..."
"So scared," they mocked together.
Harry huffed a laugh, "can I bet he survives but not unharmed?" Harry asked as the Hogwarts 'champion' stormed off.
"Extra crispy," Luna agreed, popping up from behind the teens and causing everybody to jump.
The twins shared a look, "in light of the littlest bird's comment, I feel that we can't take such a bet."
Harry laughed, "I suppose I can se the logic behind that."
"We should go, I want to see this," Draco said,
"Save us some good seats?" Fred asked.
"of course," Harry agreed.
Entering the stadium Harry saw a something that made him do a double take. Sitting in the crowd next to Sirius, Remus and the Malfoys was Marvolo. Barely restraining himself from running, Harry picked up his pace.
"You didn't say you would be coming," he said, once he was close enough.
"I wanted to surprise you," Marvolo responded, relief rushing through him as he felt Harry's magic entwine with his own.
"Did you really think he would miss a change to see that little shit get eaten?" Sirius asked.
Harry snorted, "I suppose I should have guessed."
Turing Harry saw his friends had settled next to them, Draco now conversing with his parents while Luna seemed to be having a staring contest with Remus.
"You okay little moon?" he asked
"I've never met one of the Crescent Blessed," she said, causing Remus to still.
Harry though huffed, "I'm sure Remus will answer some questions for you after the task is over."
Luna smiled, "oh how exciting!" she said, bouncing slightly.
Remus looked half concerned and half petrified of the doll like girl who had practically scrambled into his lap.
"Erm Harry..." he trailed off, indicating to the girl.
Harry laughed, "you don't mind, do you?" he asked
"Well, no but... she knows I'm a..."
"Luna is not like most people, she special."
"I'm going to be his left hand," she said smiling, causing Marvolo's eyes to narrow at the small slip of a girl.
"Are you really?" he mused
Lunas's smile grew as she looked at the dark lord, "were going to have lots of fun," she replied.
Marvolo felt his eyebrow raise, I see," he murmured, intrigued.
Harry rolled his eyes, and discreetly snuggled into Marvolo's side.
"I do wonder who will go first..." he said.
"Fleur, then Viktor, followed by the weasel," Luna said.
"I hope they do well, the other two champions," Harry said.
"You warned them, if they're not prepared, then its their own fault," she replied.
/
Ron paced in the tent, the pretty French witch was sitting down and seemed to be meditation. Krum however was n the corner stretching.
Ron rolled his eyes, he needed Dumbledore to get here soon. The old man and promised to help him, and so far, all he had done was tell Ron to trust him and all would be fine.
A roar broke through the silence of the tent, causing the tension to double.
"I can't do this," Ron muttered, he wanted to be a hero but maybe this wasn't the way… he recognised that roar, it was hard not to with Charlie as his brother, the reality of his situation was setting in, and with it his nerves.
"Ven you shouldn't 'av entered 'Arrison," Krum said, interrupting his panic.
"He deserved it, the tosser."
Fleur opened her eyes, "ow can you say that? 'e is a boy, you could 'av killed 'im."
"he's the same age as me! I'm could die too!"
"Yees, but you at leeest entered."
Before Ron could defend himself, the tent flap opened, and the three headmasters entered.
"Ah my dear boy, I trust you're prepared?"
Ron opened his mouth in shock, "prepared, how was I supposed to prepare. I didn't know the task would involve bloody dragons!"
Ron had written to Charlie, who had reluctantly given him advice on how to prepare of the task, though not until he had berated him for his actions and made him promise to do better. Still, his second oldest brother had been a great help, offering spells and books for Ron to study.
Dumbledore frowned, "don't worry, I'm sure you will do fine. You're a good light wizard after all. The perfect Gryffindor."
Ron gaped, "you need to help me!"
Albus frowned, that would be cheating, but then again, for the greater good… he waved his wand and put a cooling and fire protection charm on the boys' robes. However, before he could truly strengthen them, he was forced to stop. The drain from casting left him feeling faint, as ever since the brat called on Magic, his own had been weakened. Simple charms left his once endless core drained. He had managed to hide it from people, but he knew he would have to do something soon, he needed his magic in order to fight the coming war on The Dark.
"How do I even fight a dragon?" Ron muttered, trying to remember Charlie's advice.
"I've always found eyes are a good way to get through to somebody."
Rn gaped, "what does that even mean?"
"You'll be fine, just grab the egg and run, I'm sure you'll do Hogwarts proud my boy."
Before Ron could recover from this 'advice', Ludo Bagman, the man who was hosting the tournament entered the tent.
"Champions gather around, it's time for you to draw your opponent!" the boisterous man announced.
Ron gulped, the reality sinking in, though he also felt a surge of confidence as he heard the crowd roar. He could picture their applause, the fame he would receive when he won, the recognition. He would be a hero. One much greater than Harry bloody Potter.
"Now ladies first," Ludo said, offering Fleur the bag.
The French quarter-veela reached into the bag and pulled out a miniature Welsh Green dragon with a number one around its neck. Ron tried to go next, but a quelling look from Krum made him pause. Viktor drew his dragon, a miniature Chinese Fireball with a number two. Finally, it was Ron's turn, he approached the bag with trepidation, withdrawing the third and final dragon, a Hungarian Horntail with a number three, the dragon Charlie had warned him about.
"What a coincidence, you've drew them in order!"
Rn felt like crying but refused on principle as he wasn't a Pansy, nor was he weak. He would survive and prove to everybody that he was the best, a real Gryffindor hero.
/
Harry watched as once again Fleur attempted to charm her dragon to sleep, the power and control over the charm was remarkable. As her dragon drifted off, the French witch was quick to run for the egg, this time managing to avoid the dragons' flames. Harry was happy for the French witch. The crowd seemed to agree, as they roared their approval, even the judges looked impressed. Scoring her 42 points.
Harry leant forward when the second champion was called, slightly disappointed that it wasn't Ron, though he was looking forward to seeing how Viktor would fare.
"All in good time my lord," Luna murmured
Huffing he watched as the Bulgarian went for an offensive approach, cursing at the dragon's eyes.
"His power is impressive," Marvolo whispered to him
Harry hummed his agreement, "he is one to watch, his ideals seem to align with ours, and his honour is something I appreciate."
Marvolo felt a dark stirring within him, "oh?"
Harry felt the shift in his mate's magic, and chuckled, "fear not, you will always be the only one for me," he whispered in parseltongue.
Marvolo narrowed his eyes, jealous was an emotion he had never experienced before his return and was not one he appreciated, still he couldn't help but feel possessive of his little raven, "you are mine."
Harry smirked, "I am, just as you are mine."
"Erm, could you two maybe not do that here?" Sirius whispered, drawing their attention.
Harry turned away from his mate to see Krum escaping with his egg, though Harry did notice that one of the real eggs was broken, which would probably affect his score. Still, he didn't doubt Viktor put on an impressive show, judging by the roaring of the crowd and his score of 43 points, putting him in the lead.
"Hold your tongue mutt," Marvolo hissed.
Sirius leant back and brough his am up, "I'm just saying, snake talk isn't exactly common."
Harry rolled his eyes, "don't fight, the main even is just about to start."
Those words drew everybody's attention to the arena, the final dragon had just been brought in and was roaring ferociously at the keepers.
"Say, who reckons he'll last a minute?" Fred said popping up
"I'm hoping at least five?" added George, appearing just behind his rother.
"Still taking bets?" Harry asked.
"No, sadly we're now closed," the twins replied.
"You want him to last against the beast?" Lucius asked.
The twins turned as one, "well, optimism is a good trait or so we're told…" started George
"But mainly it would be boring for this to be over too quickly," finished Fred.
"Indeed," Lucius replied, smirking.
/
Unlike for previous champions, when Ron emerged from the tunnel, the crowd remained near silent. The foreign guests not interested in the English boy, and the rest, well they had read the daily profit and knew the so-called champion was a cheat.
Ron though didn't appear bothered and waved madly, even taking a slight bow towards the judges, much to Harrys amused disgust.
"Do you think we stole the last of the brains, dear brother?" Fred asked, watching the scene before them with revulsion.
"That, and the good looks," George replied, expression mirroring his twins.
Ron didn't seem put off by the crowd's silent condemnation and stood for a minute preening before them, however his was brought out of his delusion when his dragon let out a roar.
Harry watched as the red head turned and paled at the sight of the horntail. He remembered his own fear when he too had faced her, how he was sure for a moment he would die, and how he had prayed to every deity he knew, to just survive. He felt a measure of pity well up inside of himself and forced it down, he refused to pity Ron.
Marvolo sensed his mates' distress and allowed his magic to wash over him. Harry let out a breath as he was suddenly surrounded by his mate's powerful magic, making him instantly feel better. Still seeing the boy, who looked so small compared to the dragon, he imagined how he must have looked all those years ago.
"I wonder what he'll do," Blaise whispered, though it carried in the near silent crowd
"Hopefully fry," Pansy replied, though quieter.
Harry watched as Ron turned and attempted to run back into the tunnel, only to bounce off the barrier protections. It seemed Ron's bravery only went so far. Seeing this the crowd booed, some even throwing things, that similarly to Ron, bounced off the protections surrounding the arena.
Seeing as he was trapped, Ron turned and ran, seemingly just in time as the horntail let out a vicious wave of fire where he had previously been standing.
Seeing the red head scramble behind an outcropping of rock, Harry wondered if he had a plan.
/
Ron tried to catch his breath as he hid behind the rock. The dragon was moving towards him. He could feel the ground shaking with each step and hear it approaching. The ominous dragging of its tail sending ice through his veins.
He couldn't believe Dumbledore hadn't helped him more. His mum had promised him that if he did as the old man said, they would one day be rich and famous, but so far all it had done was bring death to their family. Dumbledore was supposed to be the greatest wizard of all time, and Ron was going to follow in his footsteps… he was supposed to be a hero.
Risking a look, Ron paled, the dragon was a lot closer than he realised. Quickly ducking back down behind his rock, Ron closed his eyes and prayed the dragon hadn't seen him. In his fear, his mind going blank on all the spells he had been taught.
"I'm going to die, I'm going to die," he muttered. Still, he had to survive, he had a great destiny. Closing his eyes Ron desperately thought of a plan. He remembered Dumbledore's words, remembered how the books said dragons' eyes were their weak point. He had studies cutting curses, he could damage the dragon's eyes…
Hearing the crowd go silent, Ron felt a sudden instinct to flee, opening his eyes he saw the large yellow eyes of the dragon staring down at him.
He didn't even feel his bladder release, as his legs gave way. Desperately drawing his wand, he sent a cutting charm at the dragon, missing his mark, but clearly infuriating the beast. Scrambling he tried to flee, tripping over himself in his haste. Though it in vain.
/
Harry watched as Ron's trousers grew wet and instinctively scrunch his nose. Draco started snickering and openly pointed out the so-called champions problem.
"that's disgusting," Blaise whispered
"Poor show," the twins agreed.
Lucius tutted, wondering when the protections to avoid death would kick in, "beastly boy."
Ron seemed to freeze before he apparently remembered his wand, Harry wondered what he would do and couldn't help but wince in sympathy for the dragon when Ron cursed her. Though it didn't hit, he wasn't surprised when the dragon reacted with violence.
Ron seemed to realise his mistake and tried to crawl away, but Harry knew it wouldn't be enough. No sooner had he turned did the dragon release her flames.
The sight cased the crowd to exploded, screams and curses bounding off each other as they watched the youngest champion, presumably burn to death.
The judges shot to their feet, as the dragon tamers charmed in, at the front a distraught looking Charlie Wealsey.
Harry sucked in a breath, wondering if the dragon had stolen his prey, his friends all looking the same.
"Is he dead?" he heard Neville whisper.
"Hopefully," Pansy shot back just quietly.
"He shouldn't be, he had a port key that was supposed to take him to the hospital wing if his life was in danger," Lucius said frowning as the tamers corralled the dragon into a cage and charmed a muzzle on her. He didn't want to think of the paperwork if the boy was dead.
"Wonder if it got him away in time," Draco said, his frown mirroring his fathers.
Before the group could break into speculations fireworks exploded from the judges table, where they all stood looking slightly dishevelled. It as Dumbledore who stood with his wand extended up.
"I have just received confirmation that the Hogwarts champion had made it into the safe hands of the healers, his emergency portkey saving his life from the dragons fire though he is not without injuries. Therefore, we shall move on with the scoring. Because his portkey had to be used, he is limited to 5 points per judge. I shall start…" with he waved his wand and a number 5 appeared.
Harry didn't know if he was happy that Ron had survived or not, still knowing he would most likely bare scars from today for the rest of his life did make him feel oddly better. Still, he couldn't help but roll his eyes at the blated favouritism Dumbledore was showing, it helped that the other judges looked just as incredulous at the old man's score as he felt.
Both foreigner headmasters gave him 1, Bagman gave him 3, which Harry thought rather generous, and Crouch gave the boy 0. The ministry man not even pretending to be impressed. In total giving Ronald a whole 10 points. Dumbledore's scowl at the results wasn't lost to Harry or his friends, clearly today wasn't going to plan for the goat.
In a huff, the headmaster turned in a flurry of robes, not caring about the waiting crowd. The other judges looked put out by the man's exit but didn't comment.
Crouch frowned as he drew his wand, "this concludes the first task, in first place is Viktor Krum from Dumstrang with 43 points. In second place is Fleur Delacour from Beuxbatons with 42 points and finally in third place is Ronald Weasley with 10 points. The second task will take place in January…" With that the judges dispelled.
"Huh, I really thought we had become the youngest children for a moment there, Freddie boy," George grumbled.
"More lives than an Irish cat our Ronnie-kins," Fred agreed.
"Sadly, for Ron you're not," Luna chimed in.
"Sadly, for Ron?" Draco questioned.
"Oh, he's going to be wishing he was dead," Luna said, somehow managing to make her bell like voice sound ominous.
Harry didn't disagree, "I don't doubt it."
/
Albus stormed into the healer's wing and watched as madame Pomphrey ordered her assistants around like a drill sergeant. On the bed a lay Ron Weasley, the boy screaming brokenly.
"a sleeping draught now!" the Medi-witch ordered.
Dumbledore frowned, the boys face, what was left of it, was horribly burnt. The bloodied flesh twisted in the worst ways, this right eye was gone, melted into the mess that was his cheeks, which were burnt through in places, as albus was sure he saw teeth flash through the skin, as the boy screamed.
Seeing the headmaster poppy turned, "I need to send him to St. mungo's. I don't have the expertise to deal with this level of injury" she said without shame
Albus frowned, "I'm sure you're perfectly capable of helping the boy,"
"Half of his face is gone albus" she whispers screamed, "he's lost his right ear, right eye and three fingers."
"Well yes, but-"
"No buts! I have burn pastes but nothing for this level, I need help albus. The boy needs help! If I am to even attempt to minimise the scaring, I need help."
Albus went silent, aghast that she would raise her voice to him. How dare she. Still, he couldn't be seen doing nothing to hep his champion, even if the boy was useless.
"I shall send for a healer, just do your best," he ordered, worrying his lip. He couldn't afford to send for a St. Mungos healer. Having one come to Hogwarts for the tournament would cost money as it was an outside event therefore, he would have to pay, which wouldn't be a problem usually but since loosing control of the brat he had had to dip into Hogwarts funds. For the greater god of course.
/
Harry was reluctant to leave the arena.
"you'll see me over yule," Marvolo promised
"But what about the ball?"
"Chaperons are needed, I'm sure."
Harry smiled, "I've missed you," he hissed
"And I you," Marvolo admitted.
Sirius pulled a face at the snake tongue, "again, seriously?" he whispered
Smirking, Harry drew away and hugged his father, "I've missed you too, why don't know."
Sirius tightened his hold, "because I'm awesome."
"you're certainly something," Lucius muttered. The children who were waiting for Harry, laughed at that.
Pulling away harry let his magic caress his mates one last time, "write to me if anything happens?" he asked.
"I will, I trust you to do the same," Marvolo said with a nod.