Happy New Years to all my loyal followers. Hope everyone had a good holiday season and a fantastic start to a new year.
Glad to finally have the next chapter done so here it is and I hope you enjoy. Thank you everyone for both your patience and for sticking around to read. My plan (resolution) going into this new year is to stay on top of my fanfics as well as my personal book. I am working on staying on a schedule of posting an update at least once a month so hopefully I'll be able to stick to that. Lol wish me luck
I do NOT own any of the rights to the Harry Potter series
Enjoy and remember to leave me a review on any thoughts, likes or questions. Though I am also always open to any ideas.
Snowbeam12
Is The Dark All Dark?
Chapter 10
Harry was silent as he stood in the far corner of the tent watching the other three champions. His arms were crossed as he turned his attention to the light noises he could hear just outside, knowing there was a lot of people gathered to watch the first task. He was still attempting to figure out just what his plan was depending on what it was they were expected to do since all of the judges had been keeping it pretty hushed up. His stomach felt like it was twisted into knots more from the anticipation than from fear.
"How are you so calm with this? We're about to be doing Merlin knows what facing off against dragons. I'm older than you and I'm terrified." Cedric stated, moving to sit on the cot next to Harry. He glanced at the older Hufflepuff for a minute before he released a sigh, reaching up to push his hair out of his face.
"Because…compared to some of the other things I've had to face while at Hogwarts this isn't the worst." He admitted, shrugging him off. He turned and walked towards the tent entrance, attempting to get even a small glimpse of what their task was. His hand had barely grasped the tent opening when it was pushed open and Barty Crouch walked in, an obvious grin on his face as he looked at each champion and headmaster.
"Welcome everyone. We have quite the outcome to the first task and each of you seemed to have your own cheering section so good luck to all of you. This first task is going to be very entertaining it seems. Each of you are going to be assigned a dragon by drawing a miniature version from this bag. Each of these dragons have been transported here with their eggs. You have to figure out a way to get past each of them to get to the golden egg that has been placed among their real eggs. Now keep in mind each of these eggs have been warded against any type of charms that can just summon them to you. Have to put on some type of show to keep everyone entertained." Crouch chuckled, waving his wand to summon a purple cloth bag that held the miniature dragons. Harry glanced around as he announced what the four types of dragons had been brought for the task, tuning the older wizard out.
"I wish I had thought to ask Remus if Parseltongue worked with dragons too." He muttered under his breath, crossing his arms. He leaned back against the tent post watching as Mr. Crouch held out the bag for Krum to pull his dragon first. He stood in silence as he watched the three main champions pull their dragons, feeling the pit in his stomach worsen with each pull, knowing it would be his Potter luck that he ended up with the last and worst dragon they had decided to use for the task.
Draco sat in the stands, leaning back in his seat as they waited for the first champion to exit the tent. He could make out his mother and father sitting among the Hogwarts visitors, knowing they were here to show some form of support for Harry even if he didn't want anything to do with them.
" Wonder how Harry is going to handle this? It's crazy that they managed to get permission to bring 4 nesting mothers' to Hogwarts." Blaise breathed, leaning forward in his seat as Cedric stepped out of the tent, standing at the starting point.
"What does it matter how Potter does? He isn't the Hogwarts champion. He thought he was too good for our school." Theo Nott complained, crossing his arms with an annoyed expression on his face
"Shut up Nott." Daphne snapped, glaring at her fellow Slytherin over her shoulder. She turned back around ignoring the shocked looks she was receiving from several people around them. Draco stayed silent during the first three champions, none of them capturing much of his attention as he thought about what he knew about each dragon species that was brought out.
Daphne glanced at Draco when he suddenly sat up when the Hungarian Horntail was brought into the center of the arena finally.
"Are they crazy? Hungarian Horntails are fiercely protective of their eggs and near impossible to contain outside the reserves." Draco explained, moving to stand from his seat. Daphne reached out to grab his arm. He stopped, glaring at her for a moment before continuing down the steps, intending to make his way to his parents. His heart hammered in his chest as he watched his twin walk out of the champions tent.
Harry took a deep breath as he looked up at the giant dragon, glancing around the rocky arena that had been made for the tournament. He could barely make out the shimmer of the wards that surrounded each stand, intending to keep the students and visitors safe from anything that could possibly cause them harm.
"Our last champion is Harry Potter of Hogwarts facing off against the Hungarian Horntail. Now everyone this is going to be quite a match. We've seen some brilliant spell work today so one must wonder just what Mr. Potter has planned." Mr. Crouch announced, a grin on his face. Harry turned to face the dragon, debating on just what his options were. He'd been working on the summoning spell with both Daphne and Remus, having the plan in his head to try to out fly and out maneuver it but wanted to use that tactic as a backup.
"Come on Harry. Don't just stand there, do something." Daphne whispered, biting her lip when the dragon finally seemed to notice the teen wizard standing in the arena with it. Draco grabbed the railing when the Horntail suddenly released a loud, ear-splitting roar before blowing a stream of fire at Harry. His heart hammered harder in his chest as he raised his arm feeling the heat.
Narcissa grabbed her husband's arm as she attempted to hold her composure, watching her youngest child cast a shield.
"Lucius there has to be something we can do! Harry hasn't had nearly as much training as the rest of the champions. He doesn't stand a chance against that dragon!" she whispered, glancing at him for a brief moment.
"My hands are tied right now. He was entered into the tournament and drawn, his magic is under a binding oath just like the other champions. He has to give it his best shot." He explained, a scowl on his face, never taking his attention from the arena. His cane was gripped tightly in his hand, forcing himself to refrain from pulling his wand.
"Come on Harry!" Draco yelled, ignoring the looks he received from his fellow house mates as he gripped the railing tighter.
Harry faltered for a moment when he heard his name, briefly glancing at the spectators. It was easy to make out Draco's hair among the other students, locating him at the very front of the stands. Even from a distance he could somewhat make out the concerned expression on his face. The younger twin quickly summoned another shield, dodging out of the way of another stream of flames.
"Accio Firebolt!" he yelled, rolling behind one of the large stones. He hoped that he managed to successfully use the spell, watching and listening for any signs of his broom. Thankfully he'd had the thought to have Sirius keep it close to them incase he had ended up needing to use it. A breathe of relief escaped his lips once he caught sight of the broom racing towards him, running to the edge of the raised platform. A gasp ran through the crowd when he jumped, easily landing on it, quickly gaining control.
Draco watched in amazement as his twin maneuvered through the air with ease, still astonished at the natural control he had of the broom. A cheer rippled through the crowd once the golden egg was in Harry's hands, hovering just out of the range of the dragon. His chest heaved with each breath his took, the adrenaline coursing through his system. He clutched the egg tight under his arm as he waited for the Dragon handlers to remove the Horntail from the arena. The clear sound of a chain breaking echoed through the suddenly quiet stadium, no sound being made as the dragon flew higher than before, the chain dangling from around its neck.
"No no no no no! Harry get out of there!" Daphne whispered; her eyes wide as she raised her hands to cover her mouth. Blaise quickly moved from his seat to catch Draco before he did something stupid, jumping and dodging around panicking students. He wrapped his arms around his best friend's waist, pulling him down the steps away from the crowd, ignoring him as he fought back.
"Let me go this instant Blaise! Harry is in trouble!" Draco sneered, his elbow catching his friend in the jaw. Blaise released a grunt of pain but refused to loosen his grip.
"Draco get ahold of yourself! Potter has shown that he can out fly that dragon! The professors, aurors and dragon handlers will get everything under control. There is nothing you can do at the moment other than try to put yourself at risk in your attempt to help!" Blaise snapped, hoping he would manage to get through the blonde's thick brain.
Nearly an hour later Harry sat in the champion's tent alone, the golden egg resting his lap. Madam Pomfrey had already applied a salve and bandaged the burn that ran along his arm as well as taken care of the other cuts and bruises he had attained. His mind was still reeling from having to duck and dodge the Horntail on his broom while the adults attempted to gain some control of the situation.
"Harry are you alright?" a voice questioned, suddenly gaining his attention. Daphne stepped into the tent, walked straight for him. He couldn't help but smile slightly at the concerned and worried look on her face as he managed a small nod.
"You had us so worried. I cannot believe that chain broke. It should have been charmed or something!" she breathed, shaking her head as she reached out to touch the cut that ran along his cheek.
"It was tampered with Miss Greengrass. Something that the dragon handlers have discovered and the aurors are going to be looking into." Remus stated as he stepped into the tent, Padfoot walking at his side. Harry didn't miss the furious look on his face, figuring they had been having a discussion with the judges.
"It amazes me that something like that could have been overlooked." Tonks muttered under breath, crossing her arms, her hair flashing a bright red for a moment.
"I completely agree Miss Tonks. Something I will personally be bringing up with the minister and the headmaster. If something like that is so easily overlooked what other things are happening that Headmaster Dumbledore is letting slide." Lucius voice stated, catching everyone off guard. Harry frowned as the Malfoys walked into the tent. Draco instantly left his father's side, practically running to his twin's side. He looked between Remus and Tonks, hoping for either of them to say something or offer some type of advice.
"Perhaps that is something I could go with you Lord Malfoy." Remus stated, causing all three students to stare at him. Daphne and Draco shared a look of surprise, not expecting their ex-Defense Professor to speak up with Lord Malfoy. Harry couldn't help but frown, figuring Mr. Malfoy was only offering because he thought it would help make up for everything that had happened between them over the last two years.
"Perhaps...this be something could be continued in Master Harry's private tent? It be warded against anyone wanting to enter or listen?" Izzy questioned, suddenly popping into view. The Potter house elf glanced between each of the adults occupying the Champions tent before she began fretting over her young charge. Harry couldn't help but blush at the house elf's mother henning, remaining quiet as she stressed over each injury.
"I think that would be an excellent idea. Perhaps we could...discuss a few things over lunch?" Narcissa questioned, looking at her youngest. Harry frowned for a moment, his mind instantly going to their last several 'discussions' and felt his stomach drop at the thought of another one.
"Nothing serious. I just...need to know that you're ok after that drastic performance I was forced to endure. My heart is still racing so please just give me this one time." She pleaded. Harry couldn't help frowning, looking back down at the egg as he thought.
Remember to leave me a review on what you thought. However, flames are not appreciated. But constructive criticism always is. Hope to write another chapter and post it soon.
Everyone stay safe during the new year
Until Next Chapter,
Snowbeam12