Danger brews in the wizarding world as the threat of Voldemort's return approaches. Only he has the power to vanquish the dark lord but does he have what it takes to do what must be done while still protecting the people he loves. Powerful harry- not over the top starts 4th year

Chapter 1: a new beginning

It was the early morning when Harry and the Weasleys left the Burrow, the sun hadn't risen as of yet and the breeze and chill in the air seemed determined to put a stop in their travel, still they persevered barely awake, it was a miracle he hadn't dropped on the floor unconscious right this second although he couldn't take all the credit as it was Mr Weasley's cheery voice and overall lively nature that kept the group from fulfilling their deepest desires.

"Mental isn't he, it's six in the morning and he's acting like he's won the bloody jackpot" Ron said grumpily as he trudged over the damp grass.

"I think he's just excited, after all were lucky enough to get to go to the world cup and it didn't cost a galleon" stated hermione his other best friend

The summer had made subtle changes to both Ron and Hermione, for Ron he stood about 2 inches taller, his freckles multiplied and if anything he was more gangly than before. Hermione on the other hand had a nice tan after getting back from holiday with her parents, although the humidity had made her hair even bushier than before and she too stood a little taller. If one was to compare Harry from last year to now then they would look back and forth between the two in confusion. Harry had made a lot of changes during the summer one which included his diet; he was now eating a normal amount for a boy his age after he subtly mentioned his godfather ' the escaped convict' would not be too pleased to see his godson walking around as skin and bone. As a matter of fact he started taking up exercising as it gave him a reason to escape the dursleys and any extra chores they would force him to do, he now sported a decent amount of muscle for someone his age. That was the first of many changes as he now did not wear his usual crooked glasses instead he opted for contact lens which made his eyes shine more than they usually did, they were much more practical and after many frustrating attempts he had mastered putting them in and taken them out, his hair was also longer, his fringe now ending just around his eyebrows and had a more purposely messy look. He now stood at a solid 5 '7 which in all fairness was above average in height for someone his age, yep life was good for harry, although something was different with his magic it felt more potent and more pow…

"Arthur!" cried a voice in a distance Harry looked up and saw a man who was tall; had a ruddy face and a scrubby brown beard.

"Amos" beamed Mr Wealsey shaking the mans hand, turning towards the group " kids this is Amos Diggory, he is the head of the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical creatures at the ministry of magic and i'm sure you are already acquainted with his son Cedric" shaking his hand also.

Cedric was a tall and burly bloke with natural good looks and chiselled features, dark hair, and bright grey eyes, said person scanned the group and his eyes widened when he saw Harry

"Blimey, you've changed over the summer Harry, weren't you like this tall" as he laid his hand flat around his pectoral region and smirked while puffing out his chest, Harry couldn't help but smirk back as he felt proud of his changes and modestly accepted the compliment. After their quidditch match in his 3rd year, Cedric had visited Harry in the hospital wing and the two became quick friends from then out. Harry shoved cedric playfully in the chest.

"The only thing that has grown here is your ego." Harry said as they moved towards a manky old boot.

"That maybe true, but at least I know when to cut my hair. Seriously Harry how the hell can you think this looks good." said Cedric as he purposely tried to mess harry's hair up

"I'll have you know the ladies love my hair just the way it is" Harry stated factually as he tried fixing his hair.

"Ladies!" chuckled Cedric "unless you're talking about your whale of a cousin i wouldn't count on anyone finding it attractive"

"Right we are here" Clapped Amos "with a few seconds to spare no less, right everyone get ready to grab the boot 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.!"

As soon as Harry grabbed the portkey he was immediately over taken with the feeling of having a hook somewhere behind his navel pulling to his destination. The sensenation was altogether very unpleasant and uncomfortable, the landing was not much better either as he stood up and wiped down the mud from his knees. After hearing people cheering and multiple fireworks going off causing him to look up. He beamed as he saw the sight of people riding brooms, wearing ireland and bulgaria scarves and shirts and altogether having a good time.

"Right, this way" said Arthur as he led them to multiple small tents in which he knew it would not be able to house him, Hermione and the weasleys. After arriving at the tent and saying their goodbyes to Cedric and Amos they entered, their gasps could be heard from miles away as they took in the cosy and luxury tent.

"Gorgeous ain't she" said Arthur " i'll have to thank Ludo when i see him next" just then Bill, Charlie and Percy arrived just after they apperated in.

"Does someone mind going to the water pump?" asked Mr weasley. Harry was quick to volunteer himself and was then offered company in the form of Ron and Hermione, on the way there to their destination, Harry couldn't help but notice the attention he was getting from people, he brushed his fringe in front of his scar hoping to reduce the stares he was being given. Looking over it seemed that Ron had noticed too and was obviously miffed that he wasn't getting the same attention, Ron's jealousy seems be a common occurrence and Harry reminded himself later to have a talk with him about it, after returning with the water they decided to wait until the game started and wasted time by exploring, reading or playing gobstones.

The game finally arrived and after buying both his friends' omnioculars and telling Ron it was a birthday present to convince him to accept the gift although he did not look too happy about it. They watched the players making dives. Spectacular saves and goals and even met a house elf by the name of winky after informing them she was saving seats for her master Mr Crouch even though she was terrified of heights which made hermione red in the face, the match ended with ireland's victory although it wasn't by much as krum had managed to catch the snitch. They returned to the tent celebrating Ireland's victory, laughter and happiness radiated from the tent but Harry wasn't celebrating with the rest of them, no he was in deep concentration. He could feel his magic growing and buzzing through his body but he didnt know why, ever since he cast that patronus it was like he broke through a barrier. He felt strong. Powerful. Free. Just as he broke out of his trance and moved towards the group hoping to join in the festivities, a scream pierced the air and silenced the field of fans.

"Everybody stay here" said Mr weasley as he exited the tent although his command was not followed by everyone as Bill, Charlie and Percy all moved to follow, they waited impatiently until more screams and explosions could be heard in the distance just as they all had made the decision to leave the tent Arthur came in looking sweaty, red faced and had a cut along his left cheek.

"WE NEED TO LEAVE RIGHT NOW!" shouted Mr weasley

"What in merlin's name is going on out there dad" retorted Fred

"They're here"