Chapter 19
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, merely this hopefully awesome fanfic. I make no money with this.
"Talk"
'Thought'
"Phoenix telepathy"
~ quotes from the book ~
~~ letters or notes ~~
Thank you to the following for answering Chapter 18's trivia: Who did Harry Polyjuice into during the Polyjuice incident? (Gregory Goyle)
Wicked69
Guest from April 8th aka TuxedoMac
Guest from April 15th
DanDrake
Harry made his way back to his friends and shared what Professor McGonagall had revealed. While Luna scowled at the mention of the Prophet reporter, everyone else was more focused on the clue she had given them. As everyone but Luna discussed what could be coming to Hogwarts for the Champions to face in the first task, while subtly glancing to Luna for a hint she wouldn't say, they narrowed it down to a handful of class XXXXX creatures. When they discussed the different dragon breeds, they noticed Luna subtly wince and they blanched. They had their clue, dragons.
A quick request for books on dragons and a small stack appeared on the study table. Ron made a snarky comment that had all the kids scowling, "How much do you all wanna bet we wouldn't find any of the books in the library if we'd looked, with or without magic?" While Hermione looked scandalized at the very thought of knowledge being withheld, the others couldn't help but think of some of their teachers and agree. Heck, the glares Madam Sprout was sending Harry's way left little doubt she would sabotage Harry and give the information to her house's Champion in a heartbeat. The way she treated Harry that morning on Bouncing Bulbs was equivalent to Professor Snape's treatment of Neville in Potions.
They could only hope the hostilities would stop after the reveal of the fake Professor Moody. After going through all the books, and Luna not revealing anything else, they all convinced Harry to work on his pyromancy and acrobatics. They set up a training plan into their usual self-study times to help Harry; for one hour, they would all cast fire spells at Harry, which he had to bend away from him, then a one-hour break, before everyone targeted Harry with stinging hexes for an hour. Harry was less than thrilled, but could see the benefit and need. After the first few times, Harry started to see improvements on both training goals.
It was Friday morning before the news broke in the Daily Prophet. Harry and his friends walked into the Great Hall after the mail drop, it was easier for them to be ignored while everyone was distracted, and the Hall was in a stunned silence.
~~ Daily Prophet~~
Constant Vigilance!
By Rita Skeeter
Dear readers of the Daily Prophet; today we reveal some troubling news that the DMLE finally deemed fit to share. Early this week, on a visit to her old mentor Amilia Bones, Head of the DMLE, found that the man teaching this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year was in fact not her mentor, but a man thought dead for many years after being sent to Azkaban for being a Death Eater, Bartemius Crouch Jr.. When this reporter went to the DMLE to investigate, she ran into the real Alaster Moody.
When asked about the supposed imposter found in Hogwarts, Alaster Moody growled about nosey reporters and constant vigilance before glaring at me and started to tell me what happened. On the morning of September 1st, Alaster Moody was ambushed at his house by Bartemius Crouch Jr. and another that alluded to his famous magical eye, all he was able to see of them was a pink blob. They knocked him out, bound him, then shoved him into one of his own magical trunks after removing his prosthetics and some hairs to use in a Polyjuice potion. The then imposter started animating household items to attack anyone and caused the scene I hope you all remember from our Prophet edition on the second of September.
The imposter then traveled to Hogwarts, arriving after the Sorting and Welcoming Feast. He then proceeded to teach the students, with a welcoming class on the Unforgivable Curses; where he demonstrated the curses on spiders in front of every student. We at the Prophet can only hope this won't permanently scar the children that we entrust Hogwarts with.
It was then revealed to us that this imposter was in fact the one to put Harry Potter's name into the Goblet of Fire. When questioned as to Bartemius Crouch Jr.'s reason, Alaister Moody scowled and stated that he wasn't at liberty to say at this time. He then walked off before I could question him more. When I tried to get in to see the supposed Bartemius Crouch Jr. I was denied entrance, the Auror stating he was in high security lock up, not even his father would be able to reach him.
What does this mean for the young Boy-Who-Lived, now forced to partake in a Tournament that has taken the lives of its contestants before, forced to face students three years his magical senior? What will happen to Bartemius Crouch Jr. and what does this reveal mean for his father; the Director of International Cooperations? Who was the individual in pink that could obscure Alaster Moody's magical eye? We at the Daily Prophet will keep our dear readers informed as these answers become available.
For more on the Tri-Wizard Tournament, turn to page 3.
For more on Alaster Moody, turn to page 5.
For more on the Bartemius Crouch Sn. and Jr., turn to page 6.
For more on Harry Potter, turn to page 7.
~Daily Prophet~
When the silence finally broke, there was a cacophony of voices as everyone turned to the person next to them and started talking. The Gryffindors were outraged someone had done this to a member of their house; regardless of if they themselves had been badmouthing Harry or not. The Ravenclaws were discussing it quietly as they read the extra information, not debating the factuality of information provided; those that still bore the marks of trying to bully Luna were scowling as they read, probably hoping to get back at Harry while hiding among the other houses. The Slytherins for the most part were scowling or wearing pinched expressions while the upper years tried to discuss the ramifications of this; the whole house trying to listen to the discussions of the other tables, some with more guile than others.
The Hufflepuff table was the most animated as they argued about the article. The fifth, sixth, and seventh years all tried to argue against it, claiming the paper was bowing to the Boy-Who-Lived and cheating Cedric Diggory from his chance at glory. The third and fourth years argued on Harry's side for the article because of the events with Slytherin's monster; people accused him all year just for Harry to save the school from the monster, some of the fourth years realizing they never apologized for their treatment of him, especially Susan and Justin. The first and second years just knew the older years were angry and went with the flow. Madam Sprout looked greener than her name, while her face looked as if she'd eaten an entire bowl of the headmaster's lemon drops. Professor McGonagall subtly smirked at her while the paper's article was talked about at the table.
As Harry and his friends made their way to the Gryffindor table, the students at the table quieted down and made room for them. Most of the students couldn't meet his eyes. Those that did gave him nods of comradery and support. "I told you it would shock them; I only wish the Quibbler could have used the story to help you," Luna said to Harry.
Harry gave her hand a squeeze and smiled. "I understand, Luna. Your dad and the Quibbler are awesome, but the Daily Prophet is what the public reads. When it's possible, I'll give your dad an in-depth interview; the first one I've truly given." Harry muttered at the end, but all his friends heard him and knew it was a dig at all the stories written about him. They all knew he'd never given an interview before because he was hidden at his muggle relatives'.
Harry and his friends ate while everyone discussed the latest news. It was nearing the end of breakfast when Headmaster Dumbledore rose for attention. "Students, can I have your attention before you rush off to class? I was unaware of the imposter teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, or that Director Bones was in the castle Monday night. It does, however, explain his leave of absence of the week, which I'm sure you all put the free lesson time to good use." Everyone could see the smirk on his face when he said that; only the Ravenclaws, 5th, and 7th years would have used that time to study.
"I shall reach out to Alaster Moody today, and hopefully we may return to scheduled classes on Monday. It should also be clear now that Mr. Potter didn't enter himself, so please stop the animosity towards him. Apart from our esteemed guests, you are all Hogwarts students and you dishonor your houses with your behavior. Now, let us move on from this and support all four contestants!" Headmaster Dumbledore said before sitting. The students for the most part clapped. Nobody noticed the look of frustration on the headmaster's face, aside from Luna. His plans for Bartemius Crouch Jr. and Alaster Moody had been ruined. 'How had that blasted Bones woman gotten into his castle and caught the fool without him noticing?!'
FG
After breakfast, the friends moved onto their Friday classes. Luna was right, with the revelation of the fake Professor Moody and his part in entering Harry in the Tournament, the students stopped bothering Harry and his friends. Except for the most stubborn students, life returned to normal for the friends. The next week went by quickly before the day of the Weighing of the Wands ceremony.
The coordinators of the tournament might have picked a convenient time for the of-age champions, but for Harry it was right in the middle of a double potions lesson. Instead of the headmaster or Cedric Digory going to interrupt the potions class to collect Harry for the ceremony, they sent the overenthusiastic third year, Colin Creevey. It was several minutes later when Harry made his way to the classroom they were using for the ceremony, rather than the meeting room off the Great Hall, or better yet, the headmaster's office.
As soon as Harry entered the room, the reporter from the Daily Prophet, Rita Skeeter, attempted to drag him out while asking for an interview. Harry dodged her grab for him and declined the private interview. He then made his way over to the waiting champions; if she wanted an interview, Harry would insure it wasn't private, securing he had backup in case she printed lies. She sulked after him, not trying to grab him again while within earshot of the others.
Before Harry could even strike up a conversation, Headmaster Dumbledore entered the room with Mr. Ollivander close behind. As they entered, the tournament representatives became more active and pompous. The camera man, who wasn't introduced, had already taken nearly two dozen photos; most of which were of the champions, but Harry caught the guy taking a few of the pouting Rita Skeeter while smirking. When Mr. Ollivander and headmaster Dumbledore joined them, Mr. Bagman rubbed his hands together and grinned, making all four champions uncomfortable.
Mr. Bagman started talking just as Dumbledore took a breath to start. "Now that Mr. Ollivander is here, and Dumbledore, we can get on with this. One at a time, you four will come up and hand your wands to Mr. Ollivander to observe and judge to be in working order. Afterwards, we'll be taking some group and individual pictures of the champions. The champions will then return to their lessons and preparations for the first task, which is currently a week and a half away. Now, let's start with the lovely Fleur Delacour of Beauxbaton." Mr. Bagman eagerly motioned for the young woman to join them.
When Fleur warily presented her wand to Mr. Ollivander, he cast a quick charm with it before he observed it in minute detail before muttering out its specifics. "Nine and a half inches, inflexible, rosewood, and if I'm not mistaken the hair of a Veela. Loyal to their lineage, but very temperamental when handled outside the direct descent of the hair's provider." He examined it one more time before casting Orchidous, causing a beautiful bouquet of roses to be conjured. "A well-crafted and cared for wand, Mademoiselle Delacour, thank you for your time," he said before returning the wand to the beaming witch. She then returned to the space the champions were occupying.
"Right then, next up will be Victor Krum from Durmstrang," Mr. Bagman said, excitedly. Vicktor walked over to Mr. Ollivander with a slouch, his pacing uneven as if one leg was longer than the other. When Mr. Ollivander took the offered wand from a scowling Victor, he examined it closely before beginning to talk. "Of Gregorovitch craft, he's quite gifted but we never see eye-to-eye on style. Rather thick for a hornbeam, quite rigid, ten and a quarter inches, and unless I'm mistaken a dragon heartstring core." With a nod from Victor, who was no longer scowling, Mr. Ollivander cast Avis with Victor's wand; with a loud bang, several small birds flew out an open window. With a nod, Mr. Ollivander said, "Good, good, a powerful wand, though the power hinders subtlety." Mr. Ollivander then handed Victor back his wand and nodded to Mr. Bagman.
With a returning nod, Mr. Bagman said "Mr. Diggory, you're up next." Cedric drew his wand and walked over to present it. Mr. Ollivander smiled as he took the wand and started examining it. "Ah, one of mine. Ash wood, twelve and a quarter inches, pleasantly springy. The hair came from a magnificent male unicorn, must have been seventeen hands long, that took more than a little offense to me taking a tail hair. I'll tell you kids now; dark magic isn't the only thing that leaves scars that never heal. All magical creatures have ways to protect themselves, except maybe Flobberworms, and only a fool wouldn't treat them right while getting what they need from them," Mr. Ollivander said, rubbing his left side. He cast a stream of smoke rings across the room before smiling and returning the wand to Cedric.
Harry was last and walked by Cedric on his return to the group. Mr. Ollivander gently took the wand from Harry when he produced it and smiled. "Ah yes, I certainly remember this wand Mr. Potter. Holly wood, eleven inches, and one of my rarer Phoenix feather wands. Beautiful creatures they are, Phoenixes, and very reluctant to relinquish their feathers and tears; especially to wand makers like myself." Mr. Ollivander examined Harry's wand carefully and closer than the others. Harry was glad he'd put to practice what his father's portrait had told him about wand care, it would have been embarrassing to try and clean his wand while waiting.
Eventually, Mr. Ollivander silently performed a spell that made wine shoot out of Harry's wand. When Harry took his wand back after Mr. Ollivander said it was in good condition and well cared for, Harry asked, "What was that spell you used with my wand? I've got a friend that would pay his weight in galleons for it."
Smiling at Harry, Mr. Ollivander said "Sorry Mr. Potter, but Minerva McGonagall would turn my hide into a wand holster if I told you that while you're in school. I dare say Tom at the Leaky would be most miffed with me too, that's where I learned it." He muttered the last part, but gave Harry a conspiratorial wink. He motioned Harry to rejoin the others as he raised his voice so everyone could hear him. "All the contestants' wands are in good condition and well cared for. Now, if you will all excuse me, I still have a shop to run." He had his picture taken and shook hands with the heads of school before briskly making his way to the door.
The rest of the ceremony passed relatively quickly, with the photographer taking more individual and group photos; though he had a difficult time squeezing Madam Maxime into the group photos. By the time they were done, classes had been let out for lunch. The champions all walked to the Great Hall together before splitting up to sit with their peers. When Harry's friends asked about what he was called away for, Harry told them he'd talk about it later.
That night, Harry told them about the Weighing of the Wands ceremony and Rita Skeeter attempting to get him alone. When Harry mentioned dodging a private interview with Rita, Luna kissed his cheek and told him, "Great choice, Harry. She wouldn't have let you get a word in edgewise while that blasted quill of hers wrote paragraphs. She will still try to write her vitriol, so we should prepare for tomorrow." They spent some time planning before returning to their studies and Harry's training.
The next morning, Harry and his friends joined the students in the Great Hall for breakfast and to find out what would be in the Prophet for them to deal with. Once the owls arrived with the mail and papers, all noise died down as the students and teachers read. Rita had certainly been put out by being refused a private interview, calling him arrogant and brash, hardly mentioning the other contestants. The only mentions of them or the heads of school was a group photo on the front page showing all the champions with their heads of school standing behind them and small photos of them with their names, schools, and wands on the last page of the article.
After they had shared a paper to read, they shared a look before looking around at the students and teachers. When they saw the Hufflepuff upper years getting riled up, Luna decided to put their plan in action. "Oh my, Ms. Skeeter must be rather upset if she's slighting the other schools and champions like that. All because Harry refused to be dragged off by her to a broom closet, he's loyal like that. I can't imagine Cedric's father will be too happy with Ms. Skeeter's snubbing of his son and the others." As expected, the rising ire for Harry was turned towards Ms. Skeeter.
When Luna stopped talking, Professor Flitwick caught her eye and grinned. Everyone in the Hall quietly talked about the article as they ate, including the teachers. All but the firmest supporters of the Prophet and Cedric or Potter haters in the Hall agreed with Luna's comments. It also caused some angry looks to be sent by certain witches in the hall towards several wizards.
FG
After preventing the Daily Prophet article from causing more trouble inside the walls of Hogwarts, the days continued as normal for Harry and his friends; or as normal as they were from them. Draco was a pest, always trying to taunt Harry whenever they crossed paths, and the upper year Hufflepuffs sneered and mocked Harry whenever they saw him. Harry's control over external magical fire was improving rapidly as his training continued.
Before they knew it, Friday had come and it was obvious when the creatures for the first task arrived. That morning in Care of Magical Creatures, Hagrid was very distracted and kept looking into the Forbidden Forest. At the end of class, Hagrid asked Harry to stay behind to help him put away the puffskeins. Harry can't help being thankful that after the near incident with Buckbeak in his third year the other teachers talked him into a structured class system, now each year learns about a different X level of creatures.
After making sure all the other students had left, Hagrid turned to Harry. "Alright Harry, I shouldn't be saying this but neither should you be in this tournament. The first task involves getting past imported creatures to steal a golden egg they'll each be guarding. Them beauties arrived this morning. I can't tell you what they are, but if you happen to follow me tonight it wouldn't be the first time you lot were out past bedtime." Hagrid winked before putting a finger to his lips. They both smiled at each other for a moment before Hagrid spoke again. "Right then, you best be catching up with your friends. I need to prepare my Skrewts for the seventh years. Would have loved for you and your friends to help me with them, but the others found them out and registered them XXXXX for their parentage." Hagrid frowned and turned away, allowing Harry to hide the thankful look on his face; the rumors he'd heard from the seventh years who took Hagrid's class made them sound disgusting and dangerous.
"Right Hagrid, thanks for the lesson," Harry said with a wink, just in case someone was lurking nearby. With a chuckle from Hagrid, Harry rushed off to the castle to join his friends. When Harry met up with his friends after class, they all agreed to join him when he followed Hagrid that evening. They had all become masters of spells in the Invisible Book, even being able to cast each spell they used from it silently; a note in the book read that with enough uses they would be able to cast the spells wandlessly.
With that decided, that night they all made their way down to Hagrid's hut instead of the Room. An hour before midnight, they watched Hagrid exit his hut and approach the Beauxbaton carriage. After a quick knock on the door and barely whispered words, Madame Maxime exited the carriage and walked with Hagrid along the edge of the Forbidden Forest until they reached a cleared path. After several minutes they came across the transported creatures, dragons. As they approached, they saw the dragon handlers rushing around trying to control the four irritated dragons; a Swedish Short-Snout, a Chinese Fireball, a Welsh Green, and an oddly familiar Norwegian Ridgeback. They then recognized one of the handlers and it clicked why the dragon looked familiar, that was Charlie Weasley and the dragon was Norbert.
Harry's suspicions were confirmed moments later when Hagrid motioned to the Ridgeback and talked about hatching it before having to send him to the nearest dragon reserve with some help. Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Ron all grimaced at the memory. Ron for the memory of getting bit, the others for the trouble they got in for transporting the dragon up to the Astronomy Tower. They lost Gryffindor 150 house points and had detention with Malfoy in the Forbidden Forest.
As Hagrid walked Madam Maxime closer, the friends collectively decided they had seen enough and started walking back. As they turned to leave, they saw Headmaster Karkaroff observing from the edge of the clearing. He was glowing a soft yellow to the six, so it was clear to them he was under a Notice-Me-Not charm. They headed back to the castle and the Room to discuss what they'd seen, plan, and train. Once they were safely in the Room, Harry shared his intent to share what they'd seen with Cedric. While they didn't all agree, especially with how the older Puffs were treating them, Harry insisted it was the right thing to do.
The next morning, Harry approached Cedric. After Cedric waved his friends off, Harry told him about the dragons and what kinds they saw. When Cedric asked about the other champions, Harry told him about seeing the heads of school when Harry found the dragons in the Forbidden Forest. Cedric, though shaken, thanked Harry and they went their separate ways. They had three days left to prepare for the fiery first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament…
Thank you all for your patience with this chapter, I can't tell you all how often I only got several sentences down before something else came up and I'd lose the urge to write. I hope you all enjoyed my slight deviances from cannon in this chapter, I know I didn't give much attention to Care of Magical Creatures in Harry's third year but there were only two level X creatures I could find.
Nod to Yami-Luna-Kitsune for the Norberta idea, though I've had the next chapter in my head for years. I'll allow a small variant, but not enough to change the scene I have in mind.
Chapter Trivia: What are the two level X creatures?
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next, it's been a long time coming.