A/N Please Read: And here we are People! New Chapter of The Merlin's Cup! Sorry guys I have to change back to the Two weeks schedule which means two chapters in a month. This will be until the end of this year, I will move to Chapter per week in January!
Galagon17: Sorry but Cassandra and Dimitra will be in the main cast but not in the Harem and Thanks
Mister Pool: Thank you for your support and here is the new chapter.
This is going to be a long Story that will introduce new characters and expand the Wizarding World! To those who came here after reading Griffin's Prophecy, the interlude story by the name of The Summer of 1995 is there and has some important stuff hence I recommend reading it.
This chapter is unbetaed.
Other Schools arrive at Hogwarts!
"Dialogue"
"Dialogues in Different language"
'Thoughts'
(Visions)
*Dreams*
{Written Letter}
{Spell Casting!}
Now without any more meaningless drabble! On to the Chapter!
⨳⨳※※※~Wand Weighing and Press Conference~※※※⨳⨳
October 5th, ROR
3 days passed by in the blink of an eye for everyone at Hogwarts. But they weren't without a lack of excitement, as students from all the schools were adjusting to each other.
At the same time, outside the castle walls on the grounds, construction for various tournament-related structures were taking place, made by the best Goblin builders on the job along with professional Warders.
Inside the castle, among the champions, a sense of camaraderie started to develop between all eight of them. At least between Harry and Steve, who worked out in the early hours of the morning. While on the other hand, the green-eyed teens' new friendship started to deepen with Adrianna, Natasha, Cassandra, and Dimitra.
Right now, the teen himself was standing with his wooden practice sword in his hand facing his two fiancee's who were looking at him as if he had grown another head, much like their first year DADA teacher.
"Pardon me, but I didn't hear you right, Harry," Daphne said in disbelief, shaking her head. "I thought you said you want us to shoot arrows at you"
Susan nodded, "Yeah, I heard that too. Maybe he bumped his head during quidditch or something. Let's take him to Madame Pomfrey. She will write him up in a jiffy! "
Harry was about to say something but Daphne cut him off, saying "That's a possibility. I really hate that game. It's a bloody death trap!" before she turned to her fiance "Come on let's get your head right Potter" sarcastically
"My head is all fine!" Harry snapped in anger and venom with a gleam of red in his emerald eyes.
Susan placated him. "OK, OK, Harry, calm down, we were just joking," she said, raising her hand in defense.
"I am," Harry sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He paused, sighing and hanging his head, "Sorry I didn't mean to get angry" with his shoulders slumped.
Daphne noticed the gleam of red missing now, moved forward hesitantly and took him in a soft hug. "It's okay, we know that you are under so much pressure, it's natural for you to get a little moody and frustrated." As she ended, she could feel the last bit of tension leaving him as he relaxed in his embrace as she rubbed his back.
After a minute he broke from her warm embrace with a small tired smile on his face as he said "Thanks"
Susan stepped up to him, saying "You know, if you need a hug, you can just ask us and we will oblige happily." As she hugged him too, she broke it off, saying "Remember, we are all with you!" and smacking him lightly on his upper arm.
He nodded chuckling "I know it's just as Daphne said I am little stressed about the tournament and a little tired"
Susan took his hand and said, "Then you rest today." She snorted at his grimace as she heard about the press conference.
Daphne added, "Now come on, let's have a seat and relax," gesturing toward the ornate cream couch with a hearth on the adjacent wall and a coffee table in front of it.
As all three of them took their seats, Susan took Harry's head and put it in her lap, saying "Sleep love, you really need it, badly," kissing his forehead while on the other end of the couch. Daphne took his legs in her lap and removed his shoes.
He smiled, saying, "I love both of you so much" before he closed his eyes for a nap. Within a minute he was asleep, which showed just how tired he was.
Seeing this, Susan gently started to stroke his hair, whispering, "He looks so peaceful" before she took off his glasses and placed them on the side table.
Daphne gave a serene smile, nodding to her observation, saying, "I hope he can be like that when he is awake" in a wistful tone.
"One day he will, because we will make sure of it." Susan said with a determined voice that showed a glimpse of her Aunt in her, showing what kind of woman she is going to become.
Daphne nodded, "Yes, we will" with equal determination. The warm atmosphere caused both of them to sleep too, but not before Daphne ordered the room to wake them up by eight, which was just in time for breakfast.
After an hour of restful sleep, the trio made their way out of ROR and to the Great Hall for breakfast. The hall was less populated than they were normally used to, but then again, they were late.
As they made their way to the Gryffindor table, Harry spotted Natasha and her friends sitting there, along with Hermione, who was immersed in the book, while Neville and Hannah were talking to each other across from her.
"Good morning, guys," Harry said sleepily as he sat down next to Natasha.
After everyone greeted him back, Natasha asked, "You look tired, Harry. Not a restful night?" observing his messy hair, which was messier than normal, along with half-lid eyes, which mirrored her own,
Turning to her, he saw her frazzled hair along with signs of dark circles appearing under her eyes. He simply chuckled, "Well you are one to talk when you look like you are going to pass out next secon….." But was cut off by a yawn which he covered with his mouth.
Natasha gave a tired smile, saying, "Yeah, the last few days have been stressful and I just couldn't sleep a wink..." she covered her mouth as she yawned before continuing "…..After the match I am going to sleep like baby after all I need my energy for the Wand weighing and Press conference"
Harry smirked, "Yeah, me and I don't think we are going to have much sleep this year as a whole." I envy others who can sleep as much as they want, '' as he served himself some fruit for breakfast.
Natasha nodded in agreement, "Well to a year filled with restless nights and tired mornings" with a smile on her face as she raised her goblet of cranberry juice.
Harry raised his hand in response, saying "Yeah! Cheers to late breakfasts and to the elves who make them so damn delicious! " clinking his goblet of pineapple juice to hers as they both smiled, taking a sip from their goblets.
Andre looked at them before saying, "I haven't seen anyone who matches Natasha's whims like that. I bow my hat to you, Mr. Potter," topping his imaginary hat to Harry.
Others laughed, while Natasha got a pink dust on her cheeks but said nothing and covered her face with a goblet as she took a sip. She succeeded in her effort, almost as if Harry noticed it but said nothing and continued with his breakfast. But he felt good seeing that pink dust on her cheeks.
"So are you ready for tomorrow?" Susan asked her Russian acquaintances.
Sofia nodded, "Da, we are ready and eager to face anything they throw at us!" She spoke with ambition clear in her voice to Andre, Natasha, and Polina, who nodded in agreement with her statement.
"Keep that spirit up and you will win the match, hand's down," Harry commented encouragingly.
Natasha smirked saying "Yeah the match and the tournament" her competitive side coming out to play.
Harry snorted, "We will see about that when the time comes" in between the bites of his breakfast nonchalantly.
"Da, we will," Natasha replied as she continued with her breakfast, but people around them could see the heated atmosphere surrounding both of them.
Susan leaned over to Daphne, whispering, "You know, I think if we squint our eyes we can see the sparks going off between them" which made the brunette chuckle.
Just then, Adrianna arrived, greeting them "Hola, chicos, buenos dias!" as she took the empty seat beside Harry.
Most of them looked confused at her until Harry greeted her, "Buenos dias a ti tambien!" shocking everyone in earshot.
Adrianna looked at him in shock, asking "Sabes cómo hablar español?"
He gave a sheepish smile, saying "Un poquito" with his fingers only a centimeter apart from touching each other.
"When did you learn Spanish?" Hermione asked with a mixture of curiosity and glee in her voice.
Harry smiled saying "Over summer I knew we would have the guests from other countries so I thought it would be nice to learn their languages so I taught myself with books from library"
Hermione beamed at him, "I am so proud of you, Harry!"
So Neville asked, "So what other languages do you know?" curiously.
Harry smirked, saying "емноо русскоо" looking at these Russian friends who looked stunned before continuing, "Un peu de français, Chotto Japanese, Lga elliniká, un po 'di Italiano," which he ended with a smug smile on his face.
Hermione smiled at him "Okay now that you are done with showing of your linguistic prowess tell others in English this time how many languages you really do speak"
He pouted, "Fine, ruin my fun. Okay, I can speak French fluently and some basic Russian, Spanish, Japanese, and Italian." about to start learning some Arabic just before the school year started"
Hannah whistled, saying, "Wow! That's impressive," making the teen blush a little.
Natasha added saying "Well if you want I can help you learn proper Russian"
Adrianna nodded saying "And I can help you with Spanish, I mean best way to learn a language is to try and converse in that language regularly"
Harry nodded, saying "I would love that, thank you" as politely as possible.
It was not long after the breakfast ended that all of them went to their morning classes, which was Transfiguration for Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. Harry was feeling a weird excitement in his stomach about seeing Minerva. He didn't know why he was calling her by her first name, but at the same time, it felt right.
He arrived at the class and took his seat in the back of the class, waiting for Minerva to appear. After a minute, she did in her usual dark emerald robes with her glasses and her gray hair in a tight top bun, looking stern and firm, at least to others.
But Harry couldn't help but admire her aged beauty along with her perfect figure that she was hiding under those loose robes. He could only fantasize what she looked like naturally but also admired her as a witch of the highest caliber. For most of the class, he couldn't focus on anything, but Minerva still managed to pay some attention to the lecture.
On the other hand, Minerva was trying her hardest to conceal her blush as she saw Harry staring at her like a lion stalking his prey in the wild. She knew that his eyes moved with every move she made and couldn't help but feel self-conscious. She hid it under the stoic mask but couldn't stop her core from moistening at the thought of being dominated by her student in her own classroom.
Afternoon 12 o'clock
Only half an hour later, Harry was standing in the Great Hall in a corner with his friends waiting for the weighing ceremony to start. The hall was cleared and tables were replaced by rows of chairs, just like last year, along with a stage raised with flags of countries and schools arranged one beside another.
"Champions, please get on the stage so we can start the ceremony," Dumbledore addressed the crowd from his podium on the stage.
Following the instruction, all 8 champions climbed up and stood in their designated places according to the flags behind them. Harry was standing between Steve(left) and Chen(right). On Steve's left were Heba and Shinra, while on Chen's right were Adrianna, Cassandra, and Natasha.
Once they were the doors of the great hall opened giving way to a wave of people waiting to enter only to be stopped by the aurors. They told them to calm down and let them in one by one.
Observing all this from the stage, Harry's eyes lit up as he saw the pink-haired auror among others. After the crowd was settled in along with the students, the Minister of Magic, along with Umbridge the toad, entered. The mere sight made Harry's blood boil, but that changed when he saw Amelia and Bella enter the hall in their professional crimson of Auror Corp. He wanted to hug and kiss both of them, but he controlled himself.
Across the hall, both witches shared his urges and restraint. Amelia smiled at Harry while Bella winked at him, making the teen blush red as he smiled back at them. Seeing Dora standing guard by the door, they locked eyes and shared similar smiles.
As all the guests got settled in, Dumbledore once again took to the podium, saying, "I would like to welcome all of you to the Wand Weighing ceremony." Now I would like to introduce all of you to our Magical Foci experts. First is our very own, Garrick Ollivander of Ollivander's Wand crafter's of Magical Britain"
Then, from the far right side of the stage, the old man got on the stage and gave a deep bow to the audience, which applauded him.
As the crowd calmed down, Dumbledore continued saying, "Now I would like to welcome Master Haru, Grand Foci Master and Head of Foci Wood and Material Regulation of ICW," gesturing to the side of the room where a serious looking middle-aged man climbed up to the stage in blue robes with a black broach on the right of his chest with the emblem of ICW, receiving applause from the room.
"Last but not least, please join us in welcoming Madame Giulia Castilo of the Ancient Foci Research Guild from Italy!" Dumbledore said, before an olive-skinned woman climbed onto the stage wearing a violet robe with silver embroidery on it.
Dumbledore continued, saying, "All our experts are going to inspect the foci which are to be used by champions in the tournament." The press conference will be held after lunch. Now let's Begin"
As he finished and stepped back from the podium, Olivander stepped forward to Natasha saying "Your Foci,Your Highness"
She gave him a curt nod. She withdrew her wand and gave it to him. Taking the wand, the wand maker said, "Ah, a fine creation! Ash wood with… Oh My! Phoenix's frozen fire was freely given. It's a loyal wand and a protective one suited for all types of magic with an affinity for water elemental magic, not too flexible yet not rigid. It serves you, Your Highness, "before giving the wand back to her.
Natasha smiled taking her wand back and holstering "Thank you Mr. Ollivander"
He smiled at her before stepping back while Master Haru stepped forward to Cassandra asking "You Weapon Please"
Nodding, the Greek champion pulled a couple of inch-long cylindrical sticks hanging from her necklace and channeled her magic. Every single student in the hall gasped and awed while adults looked on with interest as that cylinder was changed into a bronze spear.
It was 5 feet tall with a 6 inch long crystal looking spear head and a metal cover on its other end, along with Greek runes all over it. Cassandra smiled proudly at the reaction her weapon had gained from the room. She handed it to Master Haru.
Master Haru took the spear silently before saying, "Hmm, a very well crafted weapon, I must say, Madame Valentine. Fine use of alchemy: orichalum with an Adamantium spear head. The Rune craft is upto ICW Standards of 1830"
Next, he moved the weapon around like a master was performing a maneuver before raising it high with the spear head up, shooting fireworks in the air. With a nod, he passed the spear back to Cassandra silently before going back to his spot.
Giulia stepped forward, going to Adrianna and asking, "Your Foci Senora" Adrianna passed her wooden bracelet off from her wrists giving them to the woman in front of her.
Giulia smiled, inspecting them, "Ah! A Foci Bracelet I haven't seen these in a while. Hmm, made from cedar and blackthorn. The former suits those who are protective of their loved ones, while the latter is commonly known as Warrior Wood with Occamy Feather and Curupira Hair, in each. A trait of the pure hearted but unpredictable witch" she passed the bracelet to back to their owner saying "They will serve you right"
Once again, Ollivander came forward, going towards Steve, who without a question had his wand out. The older man smiled, "One of Howard's creations, I assume?" I was looking at the waned handle, which had a wood horse head carved on it.
Steve smiled saying "Yeah, he has a flare for arts"
Ollivander chuckled, saying "That he does, but nonetheless, he is a brilliant wand crafter with a good reputation. Now for your wand, hmm, elm wood! A rare sight to see. With the core of unicorn tail hair. 12 inch long flexible and loyal to you"
He waved his wand and conjured a flock of birds before saying "It will serve you well in life" giving the wand back to Steve.
The elderly wand maker walked back to his place with his peers passing Giulia Castillo as she stepped toward Harry saying "You wand please, Senor Potter"
Harry passed his wand to her, which she took with both hands, saying "Ah! A wand that had experienced so much! Hmmm, the wood is rough, but that only shows your hardship. Holly wood with a phoenix feather as its core is an excellent partner for you. But it's time feels…. limited but for now it will serve you until it can, Senor Potter"
Harry nodded as he knew the fact that something had changed with his wand after last year, since after the World Cup. But it helped him till now, so he thought 'We will see when the time comes' putting his wand back in his forearm holder.
Then, Master Haru came to Chen, saying "You Foci, Mr. Chen." The Chinese teen withdrew a notebook and a white pen-like object from his side satchel.
Taking them, Mr. Haru took them and opened the book "A Talisman Kit, a standard magical foci since ancient times. The book is made from Hazel parchment with runes laid in the binder and the pen is made from Hazel with blood of Qilin used as ink. "It is up to the mark in the tournament," the man gruffed, remaining impassive as he passed the foci back to Chen.
Ollivander came forward to Heba asking "Your Foci Ms. Bakir"
Heba's hand went behind her neck as she unhooked her necklace and pulled the amulet out of her ample cleavage. She looked at Harry and smiled, seeing him blush. She winked before passing the amulet to Ollivander.
"Hmm, an amulet foci is rare to come by here in Britain. made of silver with runes in gold and the venom of a fire scorpion in the runes along with an obsidian gem as the focus. A deadly combination for anyone who is not its master, and I sense that you are close to mastering it. Be careful using it " before giving Foci back to her and stepping down from the stage. For last inspection Giulia stood in front of Shinra asking "You Foci Senor"
The Japanese champion smirked, taking his foci, which were two silver Tonfas with blades on either end of them. He passed them to her saying "Careful they are very sharp don't cut yourself"
The older woman gave a strained smile, saying "Thanks for your concern, Mr. Haki, but I can handle them. If I couldn't, I wouldn't have been in this profession." As she took the foci in her hand, the moment she touched them she frowned but didn't comment as she started her inspection.
After a minute, with an impassive face and tone, she announced, "These are made from the Adamantium with the blood of Kirin slayed by you. It is bound to serve you and is a testament to your strength. "Good luck in the tournament, Mr. Haki, "frostily before returning to where the other experts were standing.
After getting a nod from both his peers, Master Haru stepped forward, addressing the room, saying, "We have weighed the foci of each and they are in perfect condition to be used in the tournament by them." And with that, he, along with other experts, got off the stage along with the Champions.
Harry, Steve, Natasha, Cassandra, and Adrianna descended together, with Chen walking behind all 5. But among them, the first three were looking at the latter three with questions in their minds.
The other two looked at each other before Adrianna smirked saying "Senora Valentine it seems we have to answers some questions before the press conference"
"I agree Ms. Diaz, the conundrum is do we answer or do we let their minds go haywire as they make their own theories," Cassandra snorted. She folds her arms and looks at three.
Harry smirked, "You don't have to explain it to us bu…" He never got to complete it as he was pushed aside, causing him to fall on the floor.
Shinra walked away, saying "Get out of my way, Dickhead!" in his accented English.
Adrianna was quick to retort, "Hey! What's your problem, Gilipollas!" towered the shortest champion.
Shinra gave a smile, saying, "Oh, I have no problem with you, beautiful, just that son of a bitch laying on the know, I just can't stand idiots who don't know when to back out of a fight," sneering at the youngest champion on the ground.
Adrianna was about to attack the punk physically along with Natasha, Cassandra, and Steve, while the people in the room watched the confrontation with interest.
In a moment, everything slowed as everyone watched with different reactions. On the other hand, the Egyptian woman watched with an interest, trying to assess the threat, while the Chinese champion remained impassive to the whole thing.
Amelia and Bellatrix watched in a mixture of hope that Harry wouldn't react and trepidation about what might happen if he did. Tonks wanted to do some punching of the punk herself. Susan and Daphne were about to run to Harry's side, along with Hermione and Neville.
Dumbledore standing with Minister Fudge and Umbridge who shared a grin of anticipation while he hid hoping that his lamb would react and create a commotion. While Minerva hoped it didn't escalate any further, an emotion shared by all parties in the room.
But their hopes were for naught as before Adrianna, Natasha, Cassandra or Steve could move a blur passed through them and in a blink of an eye Shinra was on the ground groaning with But Their hopes were dashed when, before Adrianna, Natasha, Cassandra, or Steve could move, a blur passed through them, and Shinra was groaning on the ground with Harry standing over him. His multi-colored aura was visible after a long time. His anger caused the room temperature to go from warm to cold in the blink of an eye, and the air was crackling with ambient magic, which froze everyone in their place.
The pin-drop silence was broken when Harry said, "I don't care if you insult me, but if you EVER INSULT MY MOTHER! I WILL ENSURE THAT IS YOUR LAST BREATH! SHINRA HAKI!" before walking out of the hall in anger.
For the next minute, no one moved from their spots as the threats rang in their ears. After a minute, all Harry's friends (Steve, Natasha, Cassandra, and Adrianna, included) sprinted out of the hall trying to find Harry.
At the same time, while the Japanese Headmistress took Shinra to the hospital wing, standing in the corner with the Japanese contingent, Akeno was smiling, thinking how the brat deserved what happened to him and even more for insulting her mate's mother. She had yet to make contact with him, but she didn't want to rush it.
Amelia sighed, saying, "This is bad." She rubbed her temples.
Bellatrix quirked her eyebrow saying "I don't think so I mean knowing Harry I know for sure he would have killed that bastard for insulting Lily, I know I would"
Sidetracking for a bit Amelia asked "I didn't know you loved your mother that much Black"
"Huh! What gave you that idea? I hate my mother! Bitch pushed me like a cow! No, I was talking about insulting Lily! I would have killed anyone who insulted her in a heartbeat," Bellatrix replied.
Amelia let out a breath of relief, saying, "Oh, I have never been so relieved that Harry is not like you! And as to why it's bad, it's because the press from the whole world is here and there is still a press conference to happen. This will add to the questions Harry will have to field during that and as angry as he is he won't be able to handle those"
Bellatrix was silent for a minute before giving an understanding nod and saying, "Well, shouldn't we make sure he is not angry enough to do anything rash?"
Amelia shook her head, saying, "No, our absence will be noticed by others. Let's hope his friends can do it"
The group of friends found Harry near the Black Lake, sitting near the bank, brooding while skipping stones across the lake.
They stood there for a minute before Cassandra took off running toward him, snatching and activating her spear during the run before jumping and yelling "HEADS UP!" as she attacked him with a downward strike of the spear.
Acting on instinct, Harry dodged the barrel rolling out of the way before jumping to his feet and asking, "What the hell Cassandra?!"
She smirked, saying, "You wanted to learn the way of the spear, right? Well, this is the first lesson! Now on guard! " She yelled, stabbing the spear at him, which he dodged by moving aside, to which she countered by spinning 360 degrees, striking his other side.
He felt the metal hit his side, seethed in pain, but didn't have time as the next strike aimed for his head came. He ducked, but once again he was hit by the butt of the spear under his chin, making him fall backwards.
"GET UP! You have anger! SHOW ME THAT ANGER! " Cassandra yelled as she jumped, going for the kill.
Harry yelled in frustration, letting his magic go completely as he rolled out of the way of the incoming spear head. Seeing the opportunity, he went on the counterattack. He tried to kick Cassandra, only to find he was kicking air.
"I am here, Harry!" he heard coming from in front of him, spinning her spear.
He once again got onto his feet, asking, "You want to do this?" and drew his wand, saying, "Then let's do it." He started casting spell after spell at her, not worrying about chaining or how much power he was putting into those spells.
"Oh he shouldn't have done that!" A voice came from behind the group that was standing far away watching the fight. They turned to see Dimitra standing there with Caleb, Emily, Rebeca, Andre, and Polina.
Susan asked, worried, "And why is that?"
"Because if it was a physical fight, he had a chance to beat her, but the minute he made it magical, it was over. The spear Cassandra wields is a family heirloom that chooses its wielder. Its last wielder was known to kill any magician who faced him, and it's said to be blessed by Athena. There is a way to defeat it, but magic is not one of them. That's all I can say about it" Dimitra explained.
Hermione huffed in frustration before asking, "But why is she doing it!"
Natasha keeping eye on the fight answered "She is tiring him and giving him an outlet for his anger"
Her answer made Steve and Adrianna nod in understanding along with others while Neville was a second late but caught on "She is doing it so he doesn't do anything rash during the press conference"
And as one, the whole group turned to watch the fight where Cassandra was doing circles around Harry, who was trying to aim her but failing to keep up with her dexterity.
"Come one, Harry! Show me what you are made of! " Cassandra yelled at him, seeing that he was almost done, tired, bruised, and beaten, but she could see the fight in his eyes and knew one last push was needed for it to end.
The bait worked as he yelled in anguish before pointing his wand to her, his magic coalescing at the tip of his wand ready to launch. Cassandra knew what was coming and she knew if it wasn't for her spear and her skills that she had cultivated for years, this fight would have been over within minutes of it starting.
A white hot ball the size of a quaffle was launched as she banged her spear on the ground, and from the spearhead, a golden dome appeared around her.
As the condensed magic hit the dome like a dome with a loud gong that vibrated in the air with blinding light, it caused their friends to cover their eyes. When they finally opened their eyes, they saw Cassandra standing unharmed and proud with her spear but with her dome gone, which shocked Dimitra, who didn't show it on her face.
On the other hand, Harry was breathing heavily and swaying from side to side before going down on his knee before falling unconscious on the ground.
Just as he hit the ground, Cassandra was on his side, while others ran down to both of them as she cast a water jet charm on his face to bring him back to the land of the living.
He groaned "You are pure evil"
She chuckled, saying, "Oh, stop it! You are making me blush! " hit him on the shoulder lightly which made him groan in pain, she winced "Sorry"
He waved it off, saying "Oh it's okay, nothing Madam Pompfrey can't heal, though she is going to be ballistic when she hears you did it, so my advice is to stay clear of her for a few days" before seeing his friends come down, "Hey guys! Nice for you to come after I got my ass kicked by this cruel witch" sarcastically
Natasha smirked, saying, "Well, it was just such a good show that we couldn't move from our seats." "Oh, and you needed that to get all that anger out of you before you said something stupid to the World Press," as she knelt down by his head.
Susan stood beside him, saying "Okay, we can talk later. You need to go to Pompfrey and you need to have lunch too." She took his arm and pulled him up.
Now on his feet he smiled saying "Yeah let's go after that beat down I am hungry"
Dimitra smirked, "It wasn't that bad. You put up a good fight. You were just out-skilled, so don't feel bad about it and get used to it because that is what training will be like with Cassi here," hooking her arms with her girlfriend.
Adrianna nodded, saying, "I concur you have good reflexes and instincts, but they need to be sharpened. And I think if you were not that angry you could have put a better fight"
Steve shrugged, "Well, it was a good fight and served its purpose. When I get that angry I just go to my room and beat the shit out of my boxing bag or I duel with Caleb. It's a good practice plus it's a hoot to watch him bounce like a monkey around the room"
Caleb "The score is 197 to 194, I am only three behind, so don't get that cocky, Aron!"
His comment got a chuckle from everyone else. Harry smiled saying "I think need something like that for myself anyway you all should go and have some lunch I will join you some after I am cooked thoroughly by Madame Pomfrey"
Andre nodded, "I agree, people saw us all leaving. They must be making their own theories. We should get back." in his ever calm, collected and wise tone.
Natasha sighed, "Ever the voice of reason Andre, Huh!" looking at her bodyguard to which the man in question curled his eyebrow. She conceded with a groan, saying "And always damn right!" before turning back to Harry. "Okay, we will, but you better take some rest after the conference. You took some heavy blows back there, is that clear?" in a stern tone, with Adrianna nodding along with her in consent.
He sighed, "I don't have a death wish nor am I that brave to deny you ladies and, trust me, I have so much to hear from others for what I did." He looked at Hermione, Daphne, and Susan, who looked utterly displeased with him.
Feeling satisfied, Natasha nodded, "See you later, Harry!" before leaving with Andra and Polina following behind her.
In a wise tone, Steve patted him on the back lightly "You are a lucky man to realize that this early Harry, it will help you in the long run"
Behind him Emily got a sickly sweet smile on her face with her eyebrow twitching, saying "Did you say something, Honey?!" The tone causes Steve to turn and shake his head. She patted his cheek, saying "Good, now let's go." She tilted her head, looking at Harry and his friends, and said, "See you later guys," before she and the others left. He
Adrianna "You get better and we will work that schedule out for your Spanish lessons" before leaving them.
Lastly Cassandra gave an apologetic look as she said "I am sorry if I overdid it in the fight"
He snorted saying "I already told you I am okay just some bruises that need to covered, nothing serious"
Dimitra smiled, saying "I am just going to take her so she can eat her guilt out" as she pulled Cassandra towards the Great Hall.
From there, Harry was taken to the hospital wing by three angry witches in silence. After he was scolded and healed by madame Pompfrey lying in his bed he groaned saying "Okay I get it I screwed up but can you please end this silent treatment"
Susan huffed, folding her arms and saying, "What do you expect us to do, Harry? You punched your competitor in front of journalists from all over the world when you could have easily replied with words, but no, you punched him in the gut!" heatedly.
He hung his head down, "I know, but he insulted mum after that. It's like an instinct... I… I just reacted! I was not think about journalist or anything else"
Hermione snorted, "Like you ever did before, that was dumb and a self-destructive move." Now you are the violent, unstable, and supposedly illegal champion of the tournament. In the eyes of the public"
"What was I supposed to do, Mione'? Just lay there on the ground while that git insulted my mother who gave her life so I could live!" he asked in frustration.
Daphne beat Susan to it, saying "Yes" with a straight face.
"What!" he asked in disbelief and a little anger.
The burnette sighed saying "Look Harry, like it or not you are now in a public domain and due to your status will be for the foreseeable future, so you have to develop thick skin against all those insults"
This was the wrong thing to say, as Harry exploded, "Thick! I have thicker skin than anyone in the castle! I can handle insults thrown at me, but I am done with people bad-mouthing my parents! I have had enough of hiding how I am feeling in fear of being punished for it! I am done trying to appease those who don't care for me! So I don't give a rat's ass what the world thinks about me punching that tosser! "
"Harry, calm down. We understand you…" Susan started, but he cut her off.
"No, Sue, you don't, and I am glad you don't..." He paused, taking a deep breath and controlling his emotions before adding,"... just leave me alone. I will be there in 10 minutes, I just need some time to clear my head"
Hermione nodded, "Okay Harry, we will wait for you outside" before dragging Daphne and Susan outside.
"You know, for a Slytherin, that was pretty dumb thing to say to him, especially," she turned to Daphne, critical of the brunette in front of her.
Daphne shook her head, "I know, but don't you think I am right? He is too emotional for his own good. He needs to control his impulses and think about the consequences of his actions. He doesn't think about the long game and just does what he wants" huffing the last part out in frustration.
Susan groaned, "Daphne, I am sorry, but this time you are only partially right. He has the thickest skin when it comes to insults towards him, but he is sensitive about his parents and today he was dead tired from practicing. You saw it yourself how he snapped at us in the morning. So it was just a one-time thing. I am angry about what he did but I also understand why it happened"
Hermione agreed adding to the point "Susan is right and as for his impulses and not thinking about the consequences I have two thinks to say to you, that same behavior has saved my life and yours to so I pray to magic that it doesn't change"
Daphne sighed saying "I guess you are right but I still think he needs to think about long game to survive"
"I agree," they said, turning to face the now-completely healed. Harry was standing there with a smile on his face as he walked towards them. He nodded, "Look, I know I am not the smartest strategist or a politician, so I will try to think more before doing okay."
Daphne threw her hands around him saying "I am sorry I didn't mean to hurt you I was just worried"
"It's okay I know" he said rubbing her back before looking at Susan who was giving him a look of longing. He chuckled, opening his arm which was filled by his redhead fiancee.
Hermione smiled before saying, "Okay, that is too sweet for me to handle. I think I will get cavities just by looking at you three!"
The trio chuckled before breaking the hug with Harry grinning as he retorted "I am sure you will be taken care of Mione' after all your mum and dad are Dentists"
She snorted, "No, I don't think even they can cure me of this," making all three of them laugh. "Okay now, let's get going. I am getting hungry." Hermione said, before all three of them started walking towards the Great Hall.
Harry stopped, "You guys go on, I will be there in a few. I need you loo" and watched as three girls went ahead.
After completing his business, Harry started running towards the Great Hall in a hurry, but just when he was a corridor away, on the corner, he collided with someone. His greater velocity was not matched by other people. As such, he took the person with him as he fell forward on the said person.
His face was buried in something super soft as his fall was cushioned by the person underneath him. He lifted his head, groaning and saying, "I am sorry I was.." He stopped as he found that the person he had collided with was Amelia.
She smirked seductively, saying, "My, My Harry is pinning me to the ground in the corridor of school." What will people think when they see us like this? I mean I don't mind doing it in public but I would like our first in private, Love"
He pulled himself up blush crimson red saying "Sorry Amy I was just trying to make it to Great Hall I didn't see you coming"
Amelia moaned, saying, "Harry, do you think I mind our current position?" Beside I quite like the way your hands feel on my chest"
"Huh?" He looked at his hand that was on her right tit for the first time. He didn't have an urge to apologize. Instead, he squeezed it, making the DMLE Head moan.
Amelia looked at him in surprise, asking "Harry?" He looked at her with hunger filled in his eyes as he once again squeezed her breast. She squeaked, "Harry... someone will see us!"
He snapped out of it and took his hand away before standing up and saying "I... I am sorry Amy, I just..." as he helped her get on her feet, but didn't get a chance to continue as she pushed him back to the wall, kissing him intensely.
Harry reciprocates with the same intensity and hunger. They were locked in the battle of dominance of lips until she felt him open his mouth and rub her lower tongue, asking for entrance, which she eagerly gave. Amelia sucked her tongue like the starving woman she was.
He enjoyed the tangy Tangerine taste of her lips until the need for air caused them to end it. They gasped for air with smiles on their faces and hunger in their eyes.
Getting her bearings back Amelia said "Harry, I would love to continue but you have to get back and I need to go to loo really bad, so unless you want to come with me to loo to wait as I piss,hearing that and than continue this I reckon you should leave"
She watched as he considered it and, by the look of it, was going to agree, but she stopped him, saying "Oh god, you are making it difficult for me! But we can't love. I promise we will when we are free. Okay, now I have to go. I will see you later" She said, running to the loo.
Harry shook his head, saying, "I really, really need to get my head right" as he walked to the Great Hall and took a seat with his friends at the Gryffindor table.
After a few minutes, Amelia walked in and went to Bella with a goofy smile on her face, which made Bella ask in a low voice, "Harry entered before you did, and now you are here with a goofy smile on your face. Something happened! Come on, spill it"
Amelia gained a pink tint on her cheeks as she controlled the crimson blush from covering her face before she sighed, "I was walking to the loo and he was running to come here. He collided and he was on top of me and started apologizing"
Bella smiled, saying, "Such a gentleman!"
Amelia shook her head, "No, not today. Bella's eyebrows disappeared as she continued, "When I pointed out he was grabbing my tit, he didn't remove it but started squeezing!" This shocked Bella even more.
Amelia nodded, "Yeah, that was my reaction too! When I looked into his eyes, there was nothing but hunger in that moment! If I hadn't called his name a second time both us would be in some closet shagging like rabbits"
Bella chuckled, saying, "Well, that's good he is getting out of his shell. Anything else?"
Amelia nodded, "Oh, that he is! After that, when we were on our feet, I couldn't help but kiss him, and we snogged a little in the corridor. But I had to go to the loo, so I ended it with the option of continuing it in the loo. And trust me when I say he was hard as a rock when I said he could hear me pissing. I think our future husband may have ultimate kinky side to him"
Bella smiled saying "Oh that makes things so interesting" as she ate her lunch and looked across the room where Harry was having his lunch adding "Oh now I can't wait to see what other things our man loves"
Amelia shivered, thinking about the possibilities. "Oh by magic! Stop this, Bella, I don't want those distracting thoughts from my job here, tightening her mental shield as it became more difficult for her to ignore the wetness growing between her legs.
Bella simply chuckled, saying, "Okay, don't get your panties in a twist" as she kept eating her lunch.
Harry didn't know what was happening today; the day was like a damn roller coaster! He sighed, keeping his head on the table. "Why can't this day just get over?"
Sitting beside him Susan giggled saying "Oh common Harry, it wasn't that bad I mean you did get angry a couple of time and got your ass handed to you from Cassandra over there, but that's nothing we got beat by Bella and Sirius everyday in the summer"
"Sue, it's just not that I... I can't explain to you how I feel by all of that," he groaned, banging his hand on the table.
She rubbed his back saying "Okay but you have to get over it, you have a press conference in an hour to attended"
He brought his head up saying "Gee Sue thanks I forgot I have that too" a little testily before sighing "I am sorry I am just tired and frustrated from everything"
"It will be okay, Harry, just keep it together through the press conference," Daphne commented.
He nodded, saying, "Yeah, let's just get it over with" as he took a sip of water from his goblet.
After lunch, there was still an hour until the press conference, so Hermione suggested Harry go for a walk outside by the lake to relax, which he agreed to because the stares of people in the hall made him feel like a prey surrounded by predators.
As they reached the lake, Harry settled under the tree which he usually used to sit under with Susan on his right and Daphne on his left. Natasha is sitting across from him with the other champions and their friends.
Sitting there Caleb wondered "Hey I have a suggestion why don't we play Truth and Dare?" This made others groan.
He was about to ask what but couldn't as he winced as Rebeca struck him on the back of the head, saying "You Moron! they are already going to have to answer intrusive question from reporters in an hour"
He scowled at her, asking, "Oh yeah, then what do you suggest we can do for the next hour?"
Hermione took this moment to jump in, saying "I wanted to ask Adrianna and Cassandra about their magical foci." This gained everyone's attention.
Steve nodded, saying, "Yeah, before that jerk interrupted us, we were about to discuss exactly that and these two were being mysterious about it." He was gesturing to Cassandra and Adrianna.
Cassandra smirked saying "I know Di here told you about my spear being an heirloom and that is all info you are getting about my spear"
"Oh trust me, I am familiar with your spear, so thoroughly that I don't want to hear about it until we start my training." He commented, making everyone chuckle before he asked Adrianna, "So what about your bracelets?"
She grinned, saying, "Well, I am still your competitor just like everyone else, so I can say that in Brazil, every student has to make their own foci after gathering the materials. We are guided by magic in the quest to find the best material. After that we take it to the foci Master and make our desired foci under their guidance"
All of them had amused expressions on their faces as Harry asked, "So does that everyone make bracelets like you or in any shape they want?"
Adrianna shook her head, "No, actually it depends on our personal preferences. I made these" bringing her hands up " but others choose multiple other things for example my little sister uses a wooden necklace with a focus gem and my best friend uses ring"
"Wow, that's interesting!" Harry mused before wandering, "Okay, but how does that work? I mean, with a wand, it's simple and at some point I understand the spear, but how does a bracelet and other jewelry work?"
Adrianna shrugged, saying, "The magic is already in your body. The focus only helps you focus on your magic and, at some level, amplify it. Other than that looks very similar to wandless magic but in reality we are just using different kind of focus than a wand or a staff"
Cassandra nodded, saying, "I agree with the magical weapons and alchemical metal. They are forged with old methods and some even gain legendary status because of the properties they have. Like the Hammer of Norse God Thor it was enchanted so that only the one worthy enough will be able wield it or My spear that is tied to the Valentine bloodline"
"Wow! "That is awesome and every single option out there is way better than our stupid wands," Neville said, throwing her hands up in the air.
Harry smiled saying "You know Nev you can always get another foci once you are an adult"
Neville shook his head saying " I don't think so Harry I mean my Gran gave me my dad's wand saying it will work for and yet I can barely do the basic spell they are also weak"
Everyone hearing this looked at him in disbelief before Hermione said, "Neville, you know that a foci is unique to each wizard or witch because of their magical affinity. A wand that works for a particular wizard doesn't work that well for other wizard"
Harry ended the point stating "Nev mate that mean it's not your fault but your wand that you are not doing well in classes or can't cast spell perfectly"
Neville looked at him in disbelief, saying, "But Gran said that it would work for me because I am my father's son, so it will work for me." He didn't want to believe his grandmother could do this to him.
Hannah hugged him and rubbed her hands on his back, saying, "They're right, Neville, you need to talk to your Gran about it as soon as possible."
The pudgy Gryffindor stood up with determination in his eyes, saying, "I am going to talk to her right now and get it all cleared out" before he took off running towards the castle with Hannah on his heels.
Steve blew some air out saying "That is going to be one rough conversation"
Daphne nodded, saying, "You don't even know how right you are because his Gran is known as the Iron Lady of Wizengamot, who is revered just as much as Dumbledore. She is not the kind of person who like to hear that she is wrong and she won't like to hear it from her own Grandson"
Natasha commented, "Maybe that will be better for him. He will finally learn to stand up for himself. I haven't known him for long but he seems rather under confident, so this will give him a boost that he needs"
Hermione nodded "He is and it will be"
Harry shook his head "You know he is brave just a bit intimidate by his Gran and that wand didn't help his confidence"
Cassandra smirked, "Well it seems something good came out of our casual conversation about our foci, so it's a win-win situation," looking over at the group of 15 before saying, "Woah! We are a really big group, aren't we? "
Everyone looked around realizing the statement only now before breaking in chuckles, Harry smiled saying "You know I like this"
Natasah smiled saying "Yeah me too this feels really good but also sucks that we have to compete with each other"
Adrianna nodded, saying, "Yeah, that is true, but in a way it's also good. I mean, we have to face each other, but by going we can help each other improve, and isn't that what friends do?"
Harry shrugged, "Yeah, but it would have been better if we didn't have to hold back information from each other because of this stupid tournament. I mean if only we could be our true selves"
Emily shrugged saying "Well that is a necessary evil that come with the tournament"
Steve sighed, "Okay, that's it. I can't take it anymore. I have to ask! Harry, is it true…."
But before he could complete, Harry answered in a serious tone with a grim expression on his face, "Yes it is, he is back and I don't know why, but he is not making any moves anywhere that people would notice. The only thing I can say is that he will move once he is ready. I don't have any proof other than my words so it's up to guys to believe it or not"
There was a silence before Natasha said, "I believe you," with the kindest smile on her face, which made Harry's heart skip a beat as he noticed how beautiful she looked with an angelic smile on her aristocratic face, her crimson locks falling on the sides, and her belief in him made her extra special to him.
He smiled, saying "Thanks, Nat" before he could say anything else. Hermione jumped up saying "Okay I think we should get going as there is only half an hour to go in which you all need to get ready for the press conference"
The group conceded and headed towards the castle. Harry was trudging behind the group with Natasha. They walked in silence before he broke it, asking, "So when do you think we can start the piano lessons?"
With a smirk on her face, she asked, "We can do an hour long session from after lunch, so how about 2 to 3 everyday at my room, which has the only piano to my knowledge?"
"Oh, I like that, and I agree with that plan; I am excited to begin tomorrow," he responded enthusiastically.
She quirked her eyebrow saying "Well if you practice with the same enthusiasm you will be an amateur by the end of the year"
He looked at her in surprise. "Amateur by the end of the year? How hard could it be? "
She snorted, saying, "Harry, I myself am near the intermediate level at best and to make it to master level will take me 5 more years, but that is if I want to be a professional musician." Her lips formed a wistful smile on her face.
He whistled, "Woah! It takes that many years! Now I know why pianists are respected throughout the world as geniuses. Hey, who knows, I might be a musical prodigy! "
Natasha chuckled, saying, "Oh, that will certainly be a surprise, and a pleasant one at that." Any why it only seems hard at first but slowly you will get a hang of it"
He smirked saying "Well when I have such a beautiful teacher I bet I will learn faster than anyone in the history of music"
She blushed at the compliment saying "Flattery will get you everywhere Harry" smacking him on the upper arm as they reached the entry hall stopping near the grand staircase
He shrugged saying "I try, any way see you in few minutes along with others"
She nodded saying "Yeah see you in a few Harry" before kissing him on the cheek and leaving in the direction of Russian guest wing,
As she was leaving, Harry's eyes followed the sway of her hips from side to side before shaking his head and saying "I need to go." sighing as he started walking in the direction of his room.
Standing at the side Daphne and Susan gained a maniacal smile on their faces as they looked at each other before Daphne nodded saying "So she is the one who will join the family in the future, I must say I agree"
Susan nodded, saying, "Me too. Also, Harry doesn't shoot low, does he?" I mean, he is aiming for the Heir of Magical Russia, the Future Tsarina! I mean, she is a real-life royalty! "
Daphne sighed saying "You should really think about what you are saying Susan cause in here even walls have ears"
The redhead gave her a confused look before catching on, as it dawned on her that Harry was Heir of the Arcane House of Pendragon. She gave a sheepish smile, saying "Oh I get it! But what do you think about Adrianna?"
Daphne shrugged, "I really don't know if she is good, but I haven't seen the same spark between them." Sure they shared a dance on the Welcome Ball but other than that I don't know"
Susan smiled saying "Let's just say that she is undecided at this point of time that may change in the future"
The brunette witch nodded, saying, "Okay, and I think a certain professor might be one too," with a smirk on her face.
Susan queried her eyebrow as she asked, "A Professor? Who are you talking about? "
Daphne answered with a smug smile saying "Oh I am talking about a certain scottish brough who keeps glancing at him in her class two times in a minute and our man couldn't keep his eyes off of her"
Susan gasped realizing who she was talking about "You don't mean…"
Daphne nodded saying "Yep, Professor Mcgonagall"
The redhead, recovering from the shock, said, "Woah! That is new to me anyway let's get going the conference is about to start"
With that, they both moved to the Great Hall only to see Harry and other champions seated on the chair with reporters from 180 countries seated in front of them, along with students, faculty members, and the ICW delegation.
Dumbledore took to the podium, saying "The press conference will go on for an hour during which reporters can ask Champion any questions they want. Only rule is that you can ask single question at a time" and left the podium joining other school heads seating on the side of the stage
On the stage, eight champions sat on the table looking over the slew of reporters seated in front of them staring at them. The first question came from the woman Harry remembered very well from last year, Rita Skeeter bounced onto her feet with many other but beat them by starting,
"Good Afternoon, Champions. My name is Rita Skeeter from the Daily Prophet. How do you feel about staying this far from home?"
Natasha didn't like the woman as she knew how propaganda driven Daily Prophet was yet she hid her revulsion behind her well practiced mask of politeness as she leaned forward answering "I find the weather here pleasant here as compared to the frigid cold weather of my home"
Adrianna went next. "It's colder than back home, but nothing that can diminish my opinion of the beauty of nature," I answered honestly, with a small nervous smile.
Steve nodded, "I don't feel any changes as it is similar to the temperature back home," thanking them that they started with light questions first and knew it would end with much heavier questions.
Others gave similar answers before an elderly gentleman asked, "Hello, Champions, Gino Lewis from the Mystic Times from MACUSA. My question is what are your opinions about the rumors of the return of the You-know-who"
For a second, everyone held their breath in anticipation of the answers before Shinra, seeing a chance to insult his competition, took it. "To be honest, I find it a little hard to believe the whole story, and there has been no evidence or proof that there is even a grain of truth in those rumors. So shame on the one who started it" giving Harry a subtle side glance, expecting him to blow up just like before.
But he was disappointed as Harry sat in his chair with an expression of difference on his face. Instead it was Heba who answered the question saying "I personally believe that were there is smoke there is always fire, that's all from my side"
Cassandra added, "I agree with Ms. Bakir here, but I also believe in being prepared for anything and everything." She was trying to be supportive of Harry at the same time being neutral, which was a fine line to tread. She looked at her friend, who gave her an interpretable smile.
Satisfied by the answer, he took his seat and another woman with a slightly darker complexion stood up and asked, "Ciao Champions, I am Viola Binachi. My question is for you, Mr. Potter. Just before the lunch, it seemed like you assaulted Mr. Haki just after the Wand weighing. Would you like to clarify why you do such a thing? "
"Ms. Bianchi, I am sorry but I don't want to comment on that." Harry answered in a neutral tone.
Shinra jumped in, saying, "Oh, but I didn't say anything offensive to Mr. Potter after all. To me, he is just another champion. In fact, I was just greeting him when, out of nowhere, he assaulted me. " But bygones are bygones and, to be honest, I think this could be the start of a really long friendship between the two of us" he said, with a sickly sweet smile on his face.
Hearing this, the Italian reporter once again asked Harry, "Mr. Potter, would you like to say anything in your defense?" She was trying to get anything she could from the most controversial champion.
Gritting his lip, he shook his head "No Comment," gripping his chair arm rest tightly. Oh, he so wanted to answer and shut the bastard up, but he didn't because he knew it would only backfire on him if he caused any ruckus during the conference.
An Italian reporter took her seat and another man stood up, asking, "Hola Champions, I am Juan De Leon. Who do you think is your biggest competition in the tournament?"
"As for our relationships with our fellow champions, I can say that we enjoy each other's company, especially our host, who, I must say, is taking his duty very seriously," Natasha replied, smiling. She knew what the little piece of shit was trying to do, so she defended him the best she could without being obvious about it.
Steve agreed with the statement, "Yeah, it's great as we get to know people from all over the world and learn about new magical cultures." And making new friends never hurts, right?" He got a laugh from his audience.
As the Spanish gentleman took his seat, another man stood up, "Mr. Aron, I am Grant Hudson. It is known that your father doesn't approve of you entering this tournament. How do you feel about that?"
Steve clenched his jaw in anger. He looked around until his eyes found Emily's, who gave him a pleading look while shaking her head. He took a deep breath, counting to ten, and answered, "My father's opinion matters to me and I hope by the end of this tournament he realizes that I didn't enter just for fun. Thank you." Satisfied with the answer, the reporter took his seat.
From the back of the room, another man stood asking "Charete, Champions?" I am Victor Stephenopolous. Ms. Valentine, very little is known about you. Would you like to share something about your life with the public?"
"Well there is nothing much. I am from Athens, Greece, born and brought up in the Valentine Family home. My parents are Lord Calix Valentine and Lady Demi Valentine nee Stamos. I went to the Olympian School of Magic, and in the last year of my school I entered the tournament. That's all" Cassandra answered.
The reporter was satisfied with the answer and took his seat due to the one question rule.
An elderly man stood up and asked, "Mr. Potter, is it true that you are in a relationship with one Ms. Fleur Delacour, last year's French champion?"
Harry answered, "No Comments," which he knew was irking the press, but he didn't care as his privacy and safety were important to him. So he sat there with a mask of indifference on his face.
The next reporter was a South African man who started, "My question to you, Mr. Chen, just like Ms. Valentine, we know nothing about your life. Would you like to share it?"
"Of course, I was born in the Changchun Magical Community to Fenhua Chen and Ya Zhang," Chen replied, bending forward. "My father, a muggle, and my mother are half blood" after looking at Ai Xiang, who returned his contempt.
The next question came from the front of the room as a balding man stood up, asking, "Ms. Diaz, Is it true that you fled from your home at the young age of eight with your four-year-old sister and that your mother was the most famous lady of the night, Martina Diaz of Venezuela? "
Adrianna didn't show any kind of shame or embarrassment as she answered confidently, "Yes that's true, my mother was Martina Diaz from Venezuela and yes I fled my home at the age of 8 with my sister, but I would like to keep the reason behind that private." Her statement made every reporter's dicta quill go wild.
"Where did you live after that, Ms. Diaz?" another reporter asked, standing up.
Adrianna didn't falter and stayed silent for a minute as the memory's of her hard years on the streets resurfaced before she answered with two words press hated more than anything "No Comments"
As the disgruntled reporter took his seat, another stood up and asked, "Mr. Aron, what are your plans if you survive this tournament till the end?" Are you going to join politics like your father? "
"No, I am not going to join politics and I am not only going to survive this tournament but win the whole damn thing," Steve answered with confidence in a competitive tone.
Shinra, from the side, snorted, "Well that will be hard for any of you as I am going to destroy all of you without any effort, no matter who you are with a cocky smirk on his face as he looked to his left at all of them but he was eyeing Harry particularly.
But Harry didn't react instead but his new friends did, Adrianna retorted saying "It's good to know that your imagination for such fantasy cause otherwise it would be a very boring to face you"
Her remark made Harry smile, while Shinra gritted her teeth before giving a sweet smile and saying, "Oh believe me, I have a very vivid imagination, Ms. Diaz." She gave a leer at her before a discreet wink.
In response Adrianna clenched her fist tight but before she could answer surprisingly Harry did saying "Ah! Then you must be a fantastic story teller, Mr. Haki. I am looking forward to when you publish your first Novel. I will buy the first copy and all but I can see that there are more questions to be answered, so shall we? Right okay next question please" he ended before Shinra could retort.
An Asian man stood up and asked, "My question to Mr. Potter: Does the Veela nature of your girlfriend make you insecure or worried that she might cheat you?" in an insinuating tone.
This didn't sat right with Harry as a cold fury ran through his body but once again showing his resilience he kept his stoic mask saying "No Comments"
The next reporter was a French gentleman who nodded and asked, "Bonjour, Champions. Ms. Romanov, What are your thoughts on the recent increase in attacks in the rural magical areas by Frost Giants despite the treaties signed with the Giant Colony by your grandfather?"
Natasha nodded, saying, "The issue is being handled as we speak." The aggression was done by the rogue splinter group of the colony. The said group is being hunted by the best of the Sentinels of the Empire. Justice will be done and those affected by the raids will be paid reparations" putting on her official princess persona.
A man wearing a traditional Turkish robes "Merhabha Champions, Ms. Bakir, what do you have to say about the series of assassinations of the high-class heads of families all over Egypt?"
The Egyptian beauty got a sad expression as she answered, "I am sad to hear about all those murders and I hope that whoever is behind those assassinations gets arrested soon!"
The next reporter was a man dressed in a poncho, asking, "Ms. Valentine, what are your views on the recent weapons restriction act that is being pushed in the Greek ministry by multiple members?"
Cassandra sighed. "I don't know the politics of the bill, but I personally think it is a redundant bill because, as per the Greek tradition, every person has had a weapon foci of their choice since they learned magic for centuries. This bill will also affect the Magical Weapons Smiths badly, and that, in turn, will affect the economy badly. That's all, thank you" trying hardest not to outright condemn the government of her nation.
"Mr. Chen, is it true that you are studying to be a healer under former Headmaster Hu?" came the question from the back of the room, which made it hard to see the face of the man.
Chen gave a small smile answering "Shì de, I am studying under Master Hu to be a healer to help people"
The next question was from an older looking woman from the back of the room who stood asking, "Greetings, Champions, my name is….. Hannah Grant. My question to Mr. Potter: In the last year you have been living with your godfather, Lord Sirius Black. How was that experience living with him?"
The questions took Harry by surprise, as for the first time a member of the press asked about his welfare. He couldn't help but smile as he answered "Um…..it's been best year of my life I got to know about my parents and much more, so yeah it was a good year, thank you very much"
"It's good to hear dear, thank you," she said as she sat back, but the tenderness in her voice was not lost on Amelia, Bellatrix, Daphne, or Hermione. Bellatrix felt a tingle in herself, as if she knew who the woman was but couldn't move to see her or look at her due to the dim light of the fire coaster on the walls and the distance of room between them.
Amelia observed the slight quiver in the voice of the older reporter but passed it to the old age, just like Daphne and Hermione.
But none of them could think more about them. Another reporter stood up and asked, "Ms. Diaz, what are your thoughts about the recently uncovered crime syndicate that is smuggling precious wand wood, magical animals, and other precious materials from the Amazon forest?"
Adrianna didn't know what to say. She had faced a couple of poachers during her time hunting in the forest for the past 7 years. She answered with a grim face saying "I am aware the illegal activity taking place in the forest I hope the ICW and Brazilian Ministry is acting with appropriate force to stop the Syndicate"
Before the next question was asked, a gong resounded, marking the end of the hour, and all the champions took a breath of relief. Just as they were to leave the stage, they were stopped by Dumbledore for a photo session, which lasted only for 2 photos clicked; one of the eight champions standing in the row alone and another with the Headmasters standing behind the champions.
As such, not a single champion was in any mood to talk, as the day had been exhausting. After saying their goodbyes to each other, they retired to their chambers for the day.
A/N: Okay how was it? was it up to the mark? was it worse than before? Tell me through Review or PM ME! I want to know it all!
Harry's unblocked core 60 (It didn't change since June. I thought about unlocking it during his vacation but then it came to me that he needs to acclimate with his current core first, so I scraped that idea)
Next Chapter: Russia vs Egypt First Dueling Match!
Stay tuned and I will see you next... Sorry guys I have to change back to the Two weeks schedule which means two chapters in a month. This will be until the end of this year, I will move to Chapter per week in January!
Drakpacer Out!