AN: I hope everyone's ready for the next chapter. As always, thanks for all your support!
Arctic Wolf Fury - More Rita Skeeter encounters are assured, however I think you'll enjoy the end state for her.
Nightwing2013 - Thanks! I guess you'll just have to read this chapter to see the team.
stars90 - Glad you liked my handling of the dragon. Oh, Karkaroff's bias will definitely be addressed in later tasks. Though, yes, I'm imagining Katie, Angelina, and Alicia, McGonagall, maybe Dora too, just absolutely ripping into Karkaroff and that would be fun to watch.
GreengrassRebel - Yeah, mostly straightforward, though I'll have fun going all hunger games-ish. 10 is a big team, but I just felt like to do it properly you need more people. Besides, then I can have some fun with some of the other schools drama since they all wanted to be champions and weren't chosen. Maybe some inner glory seeking drama to deal with.
Honestly, I don't remember who I might have introduced during the dueling tournament either. Most of those were just names thrown in to help flesh out the Tournament more. Obviously I'll probably use some of them, but they'll be reintroduced.
Yes, you'll defintely see some variety, from both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Glad you enjoyed the chapter overall, and Katie's handling of the Hufflepuffs. And yeah, I have plans on how to handle Karkaroff's scoring bias.
Mando-Vet - Thanks! Oh, yeah. More vengeance for the Prophet is assured. It might take a bit, but we'll get there.
scrappy8 - Yep, Ron's realized he's an idiot, which was really his whole character during most of the fourth book. He'll get better . . . maybe not this year . . . but better.
ulttoanova - Thanks! I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the story and that it's binge worthy. Yeah, while I've enjoyed stories where Harry's slain the dragon, I really only saw the worth here to give him that title, and I feel a bit bad killing a dragon that's just protecting it's eggs and is forced to be in the Tournament.
Future elements? I guess you'll just have to wait and see! I'm glad you enjoy the deities and how I'm handling Rita.
Yeah, I hadn't really gotten into Honks when I first thought up this story, but I do enjoy that pairing now, and I do have plans for two future stories with Tonks/Harry pairings, but obviously not this one. You guessed correctly. My plan is to pair Harry/Katie/Ginny. I originally was going to do just Harry/Ginny, but then started getting the chasers more involved and then Katie was just too fun and I also started appreciating those types of pairings Harry/any of the chasers, so I thought screw it, let's give Harry/Katie/Ginny a go.
Chapter 32They took their time making their way back to the common room, on all of Harry's friends recommendations, and Harry knew it was so that the Weasley Twins would have time to nick enough food for the party. In that time, Harry and the girls filled Ron in on some of their activities.
Finally though, they returned to the Gryffindor common room, and it exploded with cheers and yells again. There were mountains of cakes and flagons of pumpkin juice and butterbeer on every surface; Lee Jordan had let off some Filibuster's Fireworks, so that the air was thick with stars and sparks; and Dean Thomas, who was very good at drawing, had put up some impressive new banners, most of which depicted Harry melting into shadow all around the horntail, though a couple showed Cedric with his head on fire.
Before he knew it, Angelina had filled him a plate, giving him a pointed look with a smirk, and he sheepishly took the food and smiled thankfully at her, feeling properly hungry for the first time in several days. Soon it would be time to begin training again, preparing for the Second Task, and trying to figure out what the clue from the egg was for the Third Task, but for now it was time to relax and enjoy the freedom, knowing the next task wasn't for two months.
"Blimey, this is heavy," said Lee Jordan, picking up the golden egg, which Harry had left on a table, and weighing it in his hands. "Open it, Harry, go on! Let's just see what's inside it!"
"Let him enjoy a night without thinking about the next clue," Alicia said with a frown.
"Yeah, he's earned a night off!" Ginny argued, Katie next to her, agreeing.
"Come on, let us see it!" others said, ignoring the three girls.
"Yeah, go on, Harry, open it!" several people echoed.
Harry sighed, and just nodded as Lee passed Harry the egg. Harry dug his fingernails into the groove that ran off the way around it and prised it open.
It was hollow and completely empty - but the moment Harry opened it, the most horrible noise, a loud and screechy wailing, filled the room.
"Shut it!" Fred bellowed, his hands over his ears.
"What was that?" said Seamus Finnigan, staring at the egg as Harry slammed it shut again. "Sounded like a banshee. . . Maybe you've got to get past one of those next, Harry!"
"It was someone being tortured!" said Neville, who had gone very white and spilled sausage rolls all over the floor. "You're going to have to fight the Cruciatus Curse!"
"Don't be a prat, Neville, that's illegal," said George. "They wouldn't use the Cruciatus Curse on the champions. I thought it sounded a bit like Percy singing. . . maybe you've got to attack him while he's in the shower. Harry."
"Maybe he can worry about this later," Angelina said in a stern tone, that quickly broke the interest in discussing the next task, and Harry smiled at her thankfully.
"Want a jam tart, Hermione?" said Fred, and Harry glanced over at them.
Hermione looked doubtful at the plate he was offering her. Fred grinned.
"It's all right," he said. "I haven't done anything to them. It's the custard creams you've got to watch -"
Neville, who had just bitten into a custard cream, choked and spat it out. Fred laughed.
"Just my little joke, Neville . . . "
Neville bit back into his cream, and then he turned into a large canary.
"Oh - sorry, Neville!" Fred shouted over all the laughter. "I forgot - it was the custard creams we hexed -"
Within a minute, however, Neville had molted, and once his feathers had fallen off, he reappeared looking entirely normal. He even joined in laughing.
"Canary Creams!" Fred shouted to the excitable crowd. "George and I invented them - seven Sickles each, a bargain!"
"Remind me never to take any food from either of your brothers again," Harry muttered to Ginny next to him, and she giggled.
"Oh, Harry," she said with a disappointed shake of her head, and a mocking soft pat on his cheek. "You should have already known that."
He flashed a grin at her, and then he joined her in grabbing another thing of pumpkin juice, enjoying the party that lasted until nearly one in the morning.
**HP**
The start of December brought wind and sleet to Hogwarts. Drafty though the castle always was in winter. Harry was glad of its fires and thick walls every time he passed the Durmstrang ship on the lake, which was pitching in the high winds, its black sails billowing against the dark skies. He thought the Beauxbatons caravan was likely to be pretty chilly too, though Fleur insisted it was kept quite warm, unlike "zhis breezy castle."
"Leash, I love Hagrid, but if we spend any more time with those skrewts, I might kill him," Harry muttered, sitting in a chair in front of her, a burn on his cheek, and a nasty sting on his arm. "Let's see if they hibernate," Harry muttered mockingly.
Alicia snorted as she moved her wand slowly over his arm, and he felt a cool feeling spread over his sting, and then she moved to his cheek and repeated the spell. She nonverbally summoned a jar of cream to her, and he went to take it, but she slapped his hand away with a grin.
"Let me keep playing healer," she playfully scolded and he snorted.
"I am," he said with a grin. "I fight Madam Pomfrey every step of the way too."
She rolled her eyes. "Watch it Mr. Potter, or I'm sicking Angie on you."
"You wouldn't," Harry said horrified, his eyes narrowed. He took that threat seriously. She was absolutely terrifying at times.
"She wouldn't do what?" Katie said, walking over to their corner of the common room, and sitting down next to Harry.
"He doesn't think I will sick Angelina on him if he doesn't play nice and let me finish healing him," Alicia said, and Katie laughed.
"Oh, she definitely would," Katie said. "I wouldn't risk it."
"Madam Pomfrey doesn't have those types of threats in her arsenal," Harry said, almost pouting. "This isn't fair."
"Well, find less scary adoptive older sisters," Katie retorted. "Dora's not exactly any less scary than Angelina. Bloody more scary when anyone considers she has the knowledge and ability to disappear bodies and even pretend to be someone to give herself an alibi, and we all know that Ali here can be the scariest of them all."
"True," Harry said with a rueful nod. "What brings you into my corner of misery?"
"Oh stop being such a baby," Alicia scolded, as she rubbed the cream on his cheek, but he could see her lips twitching towards a smile.
"Oh, I just enjoy watching you squirm," Katie said, and Alicia smirked, while Harry pouted. Katie laughed at his fake sad expression. "Lina wants to start work on your egg, instead of doing extra Herbology today, and we need to discuss the Second Task."
Harry shrugged.
"That's fine with me," he said. Herbology never was his favorite. "Does she want to meet there after afternoon lessons, before dinner?"
Katie nodded.
"Yep, she figured we could work on it before we go to dinner and think about it a bit. Then we can give another effort in the evening."
"Well, that works for me, and it is about time for me to head to class, if my healer is finished?"
"I am," Alicia said with a shake of her head. "Ron, come over here and get this prat out of my sight. He's annoying me."
Ron and Hermione both laughed, as Harry grinned at her, as the pair came over from where Ron had convinced Hermione to relax for a moment and play a game of chess.
"Harry really is a little sibling then," Ron said. "Always annoying their older siblings."
"Very true," Katie and Alicia both said, both having siblings, and Harry snorted as Ron and Hermione dragged him off to Transfiguration.
**HP**
"These research sessions with Dumbledore are exhausting," Sirius complained to Dora, as they made their way to the Headmaster's office. "Merlin knows this is proof that academia does not lie in my future."
"Well, not every Professor does research," Dora said fairly. "Some teach only, and read up on what other researchers have done."
"Yes, yes, but still," Sirius replied with a roll of his eyes. "I would have hoped we would have gotten somewhere by now! I mean, my family invented the abominable spell, and I have all of the original spell formulae, notes, and full theory. Most people creating counter spells have at most one of those things, and often none of them, only a general understanding of what the spell does!"
"Yes, but that vile curse affects the mind, in a seemingly permanent capacity," Dora replied back, all too used to this complaint. "We're not exactly trying to figure out how to cancel a levitation spell here, Siri."
"Did anyone ever tell you that you're a buzzkill?" Sirius responded archly. "No wonder Moony likes you."
"I'll have you know that I was the life of the party!" Dora responded, and she grinned wickedly.
"I'm not talking about you using your wicked ways to attract, seduce, and steal the souls of every poor boy and girl to cross your path," Sirius said, and Dora's jaw dropped. "I'm talking about real fun!"
"Did you just imply I was a succubus?" Dora responded, an eyebrow raised.
"Why, of course not!" Sirius responded with an innocent, and fake outraged look. "I would never call my dear, sweet, little Nymphie something like that."
"Sirius, you are asking for death," Dora threatened. "You are basically declaring war."
"Oh, dear," Sirius muttered, pompously. "Not WAR! Anything but that, my dear, sweet Nymphadora - eep!"
Dora grinned as Sirius reacted to her stinging hex.
"You know, I hope we're successful, so then it will mean a lot more when I label you my least favorite cousin," Dora said, and Sirius gasped dramatically.
"Oh, you are entirely too cruel, my dear cousin," Sirius said mournfully, and Dora rolled her eyes as they reached the statue to Dumbledore's office.
"Licorice Wands."
"Good evening, Nymphadora, Sirius," Dumbledore greeted after they had gone up the steps and knocked on his door.
Dora huffed, but she wasn't going to hex Dumbledore for using her name. He was the exception to the rule.
"Good evening, Albus," Sirius greeted tersely. "I"m hoping you've had better luck since we last met because I have not improved or found any direction to move in order to create some sort of counter spell or ritual."
Dumbledore sighed, and Sirius and Dora slumped, but those slumps changed into hopeful looks when Dumbledore held up his hands.
"No need for immediate despair," Dumbledore said. "I think I know the direction we must take to solve our quandary, but it is not a direction to be taken lightly."
Sirius and Dora exchanged startled looks, a bit worried based on Dumbledore's tone.
"Our dives into the arithmancy, charms, and runes of the ritual have yielded results, even if you don't believe so," Dumbledore said, "but unfortunately, runes are not going to be the branch of magic needed to break the powerful ritual, at least not alone. I believe the answer lies in a mixture of charms, arithmancy, runes, and elemental magic."
"Elemental magic?" Sirius said. "I'm not sure I understand. I didn't see any elemental markings throughout the ritual."
"There weren't," Dumbledore said with a nod, and Dora sighed in annoyance, which only caused her old Headmaster's lips to twitch in amusement.
"Ok, Albus," Sirius said. "You win. I have no idea what you are talking about."
Dumbledore chuckled.
"I believe the answer lies in the one element that is least controlled, the one element that no one will ever truly master."
Sirius's eyes widened, and he gasped out, "Space-Time."
"Indeed," Albus said. "I believe time is the answer, but I'm still unsure what the repercussions could be, but my initial calculations suggest that this may be of greater worth than already hypothesized."
"In what way?" Sirius asked.
"If the ritual works, as I think it will," Dumbledore said, "it will be a counter to any mind altering magics, damage caused to the mind by magic, and possibly even a cure for magical diseases of the mind."
Sirius's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Is that because the spell will reverse the person's mind back to immediately before whatever affected it?"
Dumbledore nodded, a pleased expression on his face.
"That is my belief. I worry about the consequences of said actions though, about the possible side effects or repercussions. Messing with time-magic is a delicate endeavor, fraught with peril, which is why so few do so. I suspect that the effect will remove the memories of everything that has occurred since the mind was affected. I will attempt to confirm my theory, but I fear, with Space-Time magic, we will not truly know what will happen until we use the spell on someone affected."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Dora asked, grimacing because she doubted it.
Afterall, there were only five known, non-dark, Grand Sorcerers on the planet, Dumbledore being one of them, and generally research about Space-Time was restricted to beings like the Unspeakables, meaning other than Dumbledore and the others like him, they'd have to approach Unspeakables for help, which they didn't want to do, or they'd have to learn enough about the elemental magic in a short amount of time to compete with Dumbledore's knowledge, something that was not realistic.
"I'm afraid this is where I must take the reins," Dumbledore said, "but of course I will let you know if I could use assistance. If fortune favors me, I will hopefully make significant progress before the Second Task demands my time."
Sirius and Dora nodded.
"Thank you, Albus."
**HP**
"I'm tired of trying things to make it so this stupid egg doesn't scream at me," Harry muttered to the group around him, all of whom grunted in agreement.
It had been nearly a month of them working on and off on the egg with no breakthroughs.
"It's obviously some kind of creature," Angelina said, "but what? I can't find shit on that kind of scream? As far as I can tell, no magical creature has that kind of scream!"
"Language," Hermione muttered halfheartedly.
"Wish we had someone from the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," Alicia muttered.
"They were probably the loons that made this stupid challenge," Katie argued, and Ron snorted in appreciation, while Hermione scowled at her.
"Wait!" Ginny said, suddenly looking excited. "Think about it. The Department is split into several divisions right? Several departments within the department?"
"Of bloody course!" Angelina muttered, looking angry at herself. "This isn't a magical creature screaming at us. It's a fucking magical being screaming at us!"
"Language," Hermione scolded, and Angelina leveled a glare at her.
"Hermione, love, shut up. Language is a construct and the boundaries of what is considered improper language changes based on the century and based on popular opinion. I refuse to leave out my sentence enhancers because others don't approve," Angelina said curtly, and Hermione's eyes widened at her, while Ron and Katie grinned, Alicia and Ginny giggled, and Harry snorted in amusement.
"Besides, she's a proper adult," Alicia said teasingly. "Of age and everything. She can swear if she wants."
Hermione rolled her eyes, but conceded both points, and Harry grinned at Ron, both of them enjoying seeing Hermione out logic-ed for once. It was quite rare to see.
"Alright, getting back on track," Katie said, "let's think about magical beings, though I guess some 'beings' are considered creatures by their own vote under Ministry law. Still, we wouldn't find information on those creatures in these magical creatures books because they are generally still considered beings to us."
"Well, translation charms didn't work, but maybe that's because it can't be heard in our medium," Alicia said, thinking it through. "I've never heard it, but thinking on it, I do know that Mermish for instance is supposed to sound like screams outside of the water. It's part of the reason it's so hard a language to learn. There's not even a language ritual potion for it."
"So, let's put this thing in a tub," Harry said, and behind them, a large tub of water appeared, courtesy of the Room of Requirement.
Harry, along with the rest of the group, hurried over to the tub, and Harry put the golden egg into the water, opening it up underneath. Harry didn't hear anything above the water, but when he dunked his head into the tub, he heard:
"Come seek us where our voices sound,
We cannot sing above the ground,
And while you re searching, ponder this:
We've taken what you'll sorely miss,
An hour long you'll have to look,
And to recover what we took,
But past an hour- the prospect's black,
Too late, it's gone, it won't come back."
He pulled out of the water, breathing, seeing the rest of his friends had also dunked their heads in, and Harry went back into the tub, to hear the message again.
"Alright, so clearly Leash was right on the money with merpeople," Katie said with a grimace, "and that means the Third Task is within the Black Lake."
"But how am I supposed to breathe underwater for an hour?" Harry asked, looking aghast. "Not to mention, I'm not the strongest swimmer. I never got lessons, and what the hell are they going to take?"
"Well, I know one way to breathe underwater," Angelina said slowly, "but it won't help with swimming, and it doesn't answer the question of what they'll take. Still, you could learn the Bubble-Head Charm. It's difficult, but not terribly so, and it will allow you to breathe underwater, though if the bubble is popped, you'll run into the original issue."
"We can always practice swimming," Ginny pointed out. "Either in the lake, or hell, I bet this room would make a pool for us. Then you could spend the next couple months learning how to swim properly."
"Still doesn't negate the issues with the bubble popping," Alicia pointed out. "Merlin knows that I'm sure there are Grindylows in that lake, and who knows what else?"
"Can you even do spells underwater?" Katie asked, and there were shrugs around the room.
"Well, those are things we can practice," Harry muttered, "but it doesn't answer the question of what they'll take. My most prized possessions are things most people don't know about, and I doubt Dumbledore will sell me out for the tournament, so I doubt they'd take the Marauder's Map or my invisibility cloak. I guess he might take any of my divine weapons . . . but that might not be wise in case I fail. Maybe my Firebolt?"
Hermione bit her lips nervously. "In the history of the Tournament, there has almost always been at least one hostage rescue event. It's part of the reason the Tournament was canceled. Along with judges, and spectators, the hostages were sometimes casualties along with the Champions."
Harry stared at her in shock. "No way in hell are they taking one of you down there. No way would I let that happen!"
Astra growled, feeling his angry emotions, and around the room, small smiles appeared on various faces.
"Harry, I'm sure Dumbledore would keep us safe," Alicia said, though he could see she did look nervous. "I doubt the hostage is at risk. The Merpeople are friendly with Dumbledore and most people, so they're probably the safeguard in place to prevent death."
"Regardless, we don't have the power to stop the Tournament or stop the event," Angelina pointed out. "We have to assume that no matter what we do, Harry will have to save someone from that lake. It's minor details on who it is. They likely want nerves to be high because of the ominous warning."
"But what if it is true?" Harry asked worriedly. "What if I fail and someone dies because I couldn't complete the challenge?"
"Harry, you won't fail," Katie said firmly. "First, I don't believe that's a risk, but even if there was a chance they were dooming a hostage then we don't have to worry because we all know that you'll succeed."
"It can't be harder than when you saved me, Harry," Ginny said quietly. "You're brilliant and strong. We all trust you."
"And we have time to help you succeed," Hermione said, looking a bit smug. "Now we have time to do proper research."
"Oh, bloody hell, she's going to hold this against us for everything," Ron muttered, and chuckles around the room broke the seriousness of the moment, while Hermione scowled playfully at Ron.
"Well, let's think about what we need to do," Angelina said. "We should look for alternatives to the Bubble-Head Charm. I doubt Defense has much here, but I'm sure there are other charms we could look into. Transfiguration might be an answer, but I bet there is a potion or plant that might work. They tend to be used to accomplish some of the more odd kinds of magic."
"We also need to practice swimming and figure out if he can do magic underwater," Katie said.
"It's a good thing that we had already started working on nonverbal magic," Alicia said. "That's probably what he's going to have to use, and we all know Harry's starting to get pretty good at it. A couple more months and he'll be able to do everything nonverbally."
"Mapping charms will be useful too," Ginny pointed out. "It's a big lake. You don't want to get lost down there."
"Good point," Hermione said. "Good thing Harry's already been learning some of that type of magic this year."
"But not enough," Harry muttered before he glanced up, realizing that everyone was looking energized with a way forward, except for Ron who was glancing around in surprise at how well they had worked together to plan out the next couple months. "I'll write to Remus, Sirius, and Dora and see if they have any ideas."
"Alright, then let's get to the Second Task," Angelina said.
"Well, I know most of my team already," Harry said slowly. "As long as you are all willing, I figured I'd ask all of you."
He could see a slight eagerness in Angelina and Ron, but Ron's was tempered by guilt and perhaps nerves now that he'd seen the First Task, and Angelina's was also tempered by nerves, but he could also see concern.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Alicia asked. "I know I appreciate you asking, quite humbled in fact, but we don't know what will be in this task, other than the three other teams, two of which will only be NEWT level students. Cedric's likely to only pick NEWT students as well, and with Durmstrang, we do have to worry about the type of magic they might use. Dark magic isn't illegal in the Tournament."
"Alicia's right," Hermione said. "You might want to be more careful in choosing your team. That is what Mr. Bagman told you. I bet there will be all sorts of traps or obstacles and other trials to deal with. You probably need to pick people with specialty knowledge outside of what you know."
"That might be true, but that only shows how much I need those I can trust with me," Harry said. "I need people that will trust and follow me. That's an advantage we might have over Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. All of Fleur's and Krum's teammates that they'll pick all entered into the tournament themselves, and we at least know that not all the Beauxbatons people are supportive of Fleur. While I certainly don't want to wish bad luck on either of them, the truth is that there is a possibility that ego affects their teams somewhat."
"That's true," Katie agreed with a nod.
"Besides, none of you are slouches. We all have our strengths. I think we'll have a strong team."
His friends all exchanged looks with Ron just giving a 'whatever you want' shrug.
"Well, we do have some broad disciplines," Hermione said with a sigh. "So, Harry, Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Ginny, Ron, and myself for the team. You still need three more Harry."
"Well, I figured we'd ask Fred and George," Harry said, and he got some incredulous looks at that and he grinned, putting up his hands.
"Don't underestimate them. I actually think they might be some of the heavier hitters on our team. You all forget that they are extremely clever, tricky, and they have a wide range of knowledge. This is also Capture the Flag, and we need offense and defense to win, and we might not have the strength to just fight our way to each of the flags."
"They do know how to booby trap anything," Ginny pointed out hesitantly.
"And it's nearly impossible to prank them since they're also good at spotting traps," Ron added. "Plus, they are really sneaky when they need to be, but can also be a fantastic distraction."
"Exactly," Harry said, grinning. "I have thought about this a little bit. I have had two summers of Mad-Eye teaching me tactics. Trust me. The twins will help with demonstrations, feints, and just overall audacity and surprise on the offensive side, and will be perfect for disruption and security on the defense."
"He makes a good point," Angelina said. "Plus, I happen to agree. Nobody should underestimate the Twins, and most of our competitors don't know just how dangerous those two can be, nor how smart. They're much smarter and know far more magic than people realize."
"Alright, the twins it is," Katie said. "What about the last person?"
"That's a good question," Harry admitted. "What do you guys think about asking Marina?"
"Witcher?" Angelina asked in surprise before grinning. "That's a great idea!"
"You'll have to ask soon," Katie warned. "She's friends with Cedric, and I wouldn't be surprised if he thought of her quicker and has already recruited her. He might be the Under 18 British Dueling Champion, but anyone who saw yours and her duel knows that you both could have competed and probably won the Under 18 Bracket."
"She's right," Alicia said. "Cedric's not dumb, and especially after that First Task, I wouldn't count on anyone underestimating you, if they were ever foolish enough to do so in the first place. Ask Marina tomorrow. However, who should we do if Marina is unavailable?"
"I don't really know," Harry said with a shrug. "I guess we could just compete with nine."
"No," we should get a tenth," Hermione said firmly. "An extra person might be the difference we need. Let's think logically, we could ask Lee, since he's another friend and a NEWT student."
"Lee's a good choice, but I think we should look at our strengths and weaknesses and see where we could shore up," Angelina said.
"Especially since the majority of our team are fourth years and younger," Ginny said with a sigh.
"I'll still take you over any NEWT student," Harry said stoutly, and Ginny smiled and shook her head fondly.
"Well, if we want someone in our year with some knowledge a lot of us lack, Neville would be a good choice," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"Neville?" Harry and Ron both said in surprise.
"Don't get me wrong, Hermione," Harry said. "I like Neville a lot, but is this really his type of thing?"
"No, but he can be brave," Hermione said. "Besides, I said he had knowledge most of us don't. He's one of the best in the school with Herbology. We don't know what they'll do to the Grounds to create traps and hazards for the teams competing, but I don't think it's unfair to assume Herbology could play a big part of their traps. If they magically grow or conjure trees and other plants, then hiding more vicious or tricky plants in those conjured things would be easy."
"Neville does know a lot about plants," Ron agreed, "but he's piss with a wand. Shouldn't we want someone who can help us if we get into trouble?"
"Not necessarily," Ginny said thoughtfully. "We already know that we have some strong duelists on the team. Harry won his age, and could compete above. Angelina took second in hers. Katie and Alicia both ranked respectively, and we know we've all improved, so we might stand strong, but that's where strategy comes in, doesn't it? We don't have to go out and try and take everyone in a fair fight. In fact, we should probably avoid fair fights."
"That's a good point," Katie said. "Bad strategy for us to think about how we stack individually against others. We should be practicing dueling in pairs or trios and maybe even quartets. That way we can be better prepared to take on opponents as a team."
"And if we're talking teams, then Neville being weaker with a wand might not be a problem," Angelina agreed, warming up to the idea. "If he can help us defensively, planning Herbology traps or offensively in identifying or defeating Herbology traps, we don't need his wand, other than for him to maybe cast a few spells to keep an opponent on their heels."
"It is a good strategy," Harry admitted. "Who else could we ask?"
"Well, obviously we have any of the other people in your, my, or their year," Katie said, nodding at the two eldest girls. "Plus, we could ask any of the seventh years."
"The only other girl worth asking in our year would be Ava," Hermione said. "The rest of them wouldn't really bring much to the table. Of the boys, maybe Zach or Chris?"
"Yeah, but I worry about the ego thing with Zach or Chris," Harry admitted. "Or at the least, they might not take it as seriously."
"Well, in my year, I think only Rae or Phoenix are worth asking," Katie admitted. "I think Phoenix would be the best bet of those two. While he's not too shabby with a wand, I don't think he'd bring anything special to our team."
Harry nodded, thinking of Katie's two friends, Rae Goldfinch and Phoenix Barnwood.
"We've already mentioned Lee," Angelina said.
"Kenneth Towler is really the only other one worth considering for our year, since we're already asking the Twins," Alicia added. "Still, Ken's got a bit of an ego."
"Of the seventh years, maybe Barry or Andrew?" Alicia said. "Possibly Lindsay?"
Harry nodded slowly. Andrew Gill and Lindsay Stout were their prefects and generally nice people. Obviously being prefects, they had good marks, so one could assume they were decent with a wand, but he didn't really know either of them that well. That was even more true for Barry Stidemore.
"Well, what about outside of our House?" Hermione asked hesitantly.
"You want to ask non-Gryffindors?" Ron asked aghast. "Witcher I get. She's known to be one of the best and is a dueling champion, but anybody else will just get us cursed to death in our House."
"I don't disagree with you, Hermione," Angelina said. "However, Ron's not completely wrong either. Besides, Marina was good enough to make work, but we're going to want to be able to talk about this and work on this whenever we have time. It'll be harder to coordinate with someone outside of our House."
"True," Hermione conceded.
"Still, the idea has merit," Katie said.
"Well, before we jump down this rabbit hole, why don't we see what Marina says first?" Harry asked. "No need to plan all these contingencies if she's agreeable."
"True," all his friends said.
**HP**
The Twins were only to happy and eager to agree, both eagerly running off to plan mayhem and chaos for their competitors, and Harry almost felt bad for his fellow Champions and their teams . . . beyond that though, things hadn't gone as smoothly.
"Sorry, Harry," Marina said with a grimace. "I would have welcomed being on your team, but Cedric beat you to it."
"Damn," Harry said, groaning inside. "Well, I guess this means we're competitors again."
Marina grinned.
"Indeed it does. I look forward to a good match, and I hope you won't take it too personally when I use my family's knowledge to bring victory to Cedric's team."
"So, when my team wins, do we get to claim superiority over the Witcher Clan?" Harry asked, amused.
"Ha, only if you really want to draw our attention," Marina said with a laugh. "My family loves good competition and strong opponents. Better watch it Harry, or you'll find yourself as a Witcher Trial, and you'll have every generation of Witcher's challenging you to combat just so that they can prove their worth . . . and there are a lot of us."
Harry gave her a bemused look.
"Consider me warned."
"Well, I'll see you around, Harry," Marina said with a friendly smile. "I've got some training to do after all."
**HP**
"Shit, so Marina's against us," Angelina said before she sighed. "Guess that means we have to jump down that rabbit hole."
"Plus, now we know that Cedric's team probably stacks up against us pretty well," Alicia added. "Cedric and Marina alone mean they can at least challenge pretty much anyone on our team. With other teammates, especially since we should assume everyone else is probably NEWT level, then we need to seriously consider another strong wand."
"I still argue it all depends on our strategy," Hermione said. "We don't need to combat them if we plan things out. A solid defense could incapacitate a large number of our opponents."
"Yes, but can we mount a strong defense against Marina Witcher?" Alicia asked. "Her family pretty much wrote the book on curse breaking. We should assume she knows how to breach any trap we set."
"Well, that's not a problem," Fred said,
"If we don't set magical traps," George finished.
"It also isn't a problem," Fred continued.
"If we use traps that magic can't necessarily solve," George finished.
"Great, I'll have a headache after today," Katie said with a mournful sigh and Ginny and Ron sniggered.
"We also don't need to beat her," Ginny said. "We just have to delay her. Disrupt her. If we can keep her tied up dealing with our traps, even if she's capable of getting through them, then we can still win, just on timing."
"You also aren't thinking about the flag itself," Ron pointed out. "We haven't planned out where to put it, but I don't think there's any rule about it needing to be planted somewhere. We could move it, or guard a fake position to mislead our opponents."
"Good point," Angelina conceded.
"Which means we're back to probably wanting someone who brings something special to our table, rather than just another wand," Harry said. "So, do we think Neville might be the best bet then?
"Well, he brings Herbology knowledge to the table, but what else?" Katie asked with a grimace. "I like Neville. He's a sweet guy, but everyone knows that he's not very good with a wand. I personally think we should ask one of our three seventh years we mentioned. As much as I agree that we have some solid duelists here, we don't know what the other teams will be like. If a whole team comes at us, we're going to need all the help we can get, and I'm not sure that Neville will help us."
"Hey, I was just thinking," Ginny said with a frown. "Is Astra allowed on the field? She's not a student, she's a creature, but she's your familiar. By all accounts, she should be usable for something like this?"
"Well, we'd have to ask," Harry said with a frown. "I guess they didn't say she couldn't be used, and in theory, we're allowed to prepare and bring things to this next task in order to counter the competing teams, so I'd say that she should be allowed. Just because the others don't have familiars shouldn't mean I'm penalized."
"Hmm, I wouldn't be surprised if using her here creates a change to the rules for the future," Angelina said, but then she grinned, "however, if it's not in the rules, then nobody can really complain. They'll just have to alter future task instructions. If we have Astra with us, then I think we can afford to have Neville, but I would still vote for a seventh year."
"I would also vote for a seventh year," Alicia said.
"I think Neville would work, but I also believe a NEWT student would be better," Ron said with a shrug.
Harry nodded, thinking it through.
**HP**
"I"m really honored that you've asked me, but I just don't think it's for me, Harry," Andrew Gill said, looking apologetic. "This sort of thing just isn't for me. I don't have much interest in sports, dueling, or anything like that. There was a reason I didn't enter into the Tournament, and besides, I really need to focus on my NEWTs."
"That's okay, Andrew," Harry said, a bit glumly. "I understand."
**HP**
"Sorry, Harry," Lindsay said with a grimace. "I just . . . I don't think I'll measure up, and frankly, having seen the First Task, I'm nervous about what might be in this task. I really feel bad for you, honestly, and I admire that you're handling it so well. I wouldn't have handled being in your situation nearly as well. I'd be so bitter, especially with how people have been acting, and I really admire those friends of yours who have stuck by you and are doing their best to aid you . . . but that's not me. Not for something like this. If you want help studying, or someone to help you research, or advice, I'm happy to give it, but facing down whatever dark creatures the Ministry has thought up . . . no I'm not sure I"m Gryffindor enough for that just for a Tournament. I'm sorry, Harry."
"It's okay, Lindsay," Harry said, appreciative of her kind words and honesty, even if he was also bummed that he was another potential teammate down.
"Good luck, Harry," Lindsay said, looking apologetic. "I'll be rooting for you."
**HP**
"I'm not completely opposed, Harry," Barry said, looking at Harry in surprise. "However, I admit I'm surprised. I would have thought you would have better options than me. We have better duelists and more powerful witches and wizards in the House."
"I'm not exactly social," Harry said with an uncomfortable shift. "At the same time, I don't want to really fight with anyone for glory. I need someone who can work with my friends and I."
"Hmm, that's fair, I suppose," Barry said with a frown. "Well, I'm just not really sure I have the time, so I guess it all depends on how much you would be looking for me to practice with you guys. There's a reason not a lot of seventh years tried to enter the Tournament."
Harry frowned.
"Not a lot of seventh years entered?" Harry asked. "I thought it was mostly seventh years that entered?"
"To an extent, when you consider that not all that many from Hogwarts entered," Barry said with a shrug. "You need to think about it, Harry. What's one of the benefits to doing the Tournament? Sure, you will get some fame and accolades, which may help get you a job down the line, but at the end of the year, you're exempt from end of the year tests, due to the time demanded of the Tournament."
Harry's eyes widened realized what the NEWT student was saying.
"So, the NEWT students competing won't take their NEWTs? How does that work?" Harry asked.
"A bunch of us asked our Heads about that," Barry said. "Apparently, we'll have the choice to take our exams, despite our schedule, or we can push the exams back as far as we need . . . but that means we'll be far behind the curve when it comes to getting a job, since all of our peers who did take their NEWTs will have interviewed and taken many of the postings."
"Oh," Harry said with a frown, wondering what Fleur and Krum were going to do, since they were seventh years. Knowing Fleur, she was just going to take her NEWTs on time, and Krum was going to play Quidditch, so he probably didn't care. "Well, we have a pretty strict study schedule," Harry admitted.
"Then, it's not for me," Barry said. "Sorry, Harry."
As Barry walked away, Harry muttered, "I guess that answers that."
**HP**
"Wait, you want me! Merlin, why would you want me!" Neville protested, eyes wide.
"Neville, you're a good bloke," Harry said. "You have knowledge that I don't have . . . that a lot of people don't have. Beyond that, you're easy going. I don't have to worry about you causing strife in the group, and honestly, I could use your help."
"Well, blimey, Harry," Neville said sheepishly. "You know I'm not that great with a wand, but if you want my help, then of course you can have it."
"Great, Neville," Harry said in relief. "You're really helping me out. Besides, if you join our study group, maybe we can help you out too. I'm sure with some more practice and some instruction, we can help you improve."
"If you say so, Harry," Neville said dubiously. "Still, I'll do my best. I'll try not to let you down."
"Just do your best, Neville," Harry said simply. "That's all I'm looking for."
**HP**
"Well, that could have gone better," Harry muttered.
"Could have gone worst, too!" Katie said brightly and Harry chuckled.
"True."
"He'll get better," Katie said confidently, looking at Neville who was listening with rapt attention to Alicia and Hermione who were trying to coach him on his wand movements.
"Sure," Harry agreed. "Besides, whether he does or not really doesn't matter. We needed a tenth, and really we want him for the things he's better at than us, so we'll be okay. Now, we might even be able to find some time to relax this holiday season!"
"Oh, Harry you just jinxed yourself," Katie said with a mock-sad grin. "Now, you will only get stressed!"
Oh, how true Katie's words would come to be.