Please read! An: I've had several PM's and Reviews criticizing my choice of name for the Main Character. Kiba was simply a name i really liked, but of course it sounds odd in a setting such as Harry Potter. my second choice from the start had been Theodore.
so here's a question. should i continue the story with the name being Kiba, or should i go back and change it to Theodore?
would love some answers via PM or Review! now on to the Chapter!
Chapter 39: The Big Announcement
Morning came just an hour or two later, Mr Weasley got them all out of bed and packed the tent, this time using magic. They found a Basil and were able to get a tire back to the Hill before the sun had become visible on the horizon. They marched quietly, too exhausted to chat, all the way to the Burrow. Mrs Weasley had already been waiting and came running towards them in her morning slippers as soon as the Burrow had been in view.
She embraced first her Husband, then Fred and George who she had yelled at before they had left, followed by the rest of her Son's and daughter. To Hermione's surprise, as Mrs Weasley hugged Ginny she also took her into her arms, and afterwards even squeezed the life out of Harry and Kiba. They made their way to the home and had a healthy breakfast, one they were all longing for. Mr Weasley however, was getting increasingly annoyed at the daily Prophet newspaper. "Ministry blunders… leg security… dark Wizards run free" he muttered "Rita Skeeter… of course" he added
"That woman's got it in for the Ministry," Percy said "Just last week she said we were wasting on Couldrons when we should stamping Vampires" he added "As if it wasn't specificall-"
"Do us a favor, Perce" Bill said "Shut up" instead of granting his family this favor Percy continued on, but Kiba had already stopped listening, his gaze was fixed on a picture in the paper, but not because of it's content, no. It was moving.. and it hit him again. Faye had a moving picture of him. And all he could do was hope that she would keep it to herself… for now.. until he could explain… he had to see her during the winter break, he had to.. there was no way around it. Just as he had patched up with Faye he screwed it all again.
"You coming too, Kiba?" Harry asked
"yeah.." he replied grabbing his bag and following the other three upstairs.
"What's up, Harry?" Ron asked as soon as he had closed the door to his room behind them.
"i didn't tell you, but Saturday morning, just after i had woken up, my scar was hurting again" Harry confessed. Hermione gasped in shock and began suggesting a load of things, Ron was dumbstruck but Kiba was quick to point out the obvious.
"But that means that… Tom must've been-" he began but was cut off by Ron
"he can't have been there, could he?" Ron asked "i mean last time it was when You-know-who was at Hogwarts" just for a moment Kiba's stomach turned at the mention of their first school year, but luckily no one said the name he was dreading to hear.
"I'm sure he wasn't near.. but, i was dreaming about him… him and Pettigrew.. Peter.. Wormtail, you know?" Harry said "it's blurry, but they were plotting.. to kill someone" Kiba wanted to ask who, but with a quick look to the horrified Hermione, he knew he couldn't force Harry to answer. There were only two possibilities after all, Him or Kiba.. who else would Voldemort go after?
"It was just a Dream, you know, a Nightmare" Ron said
"but it's weird" Harry muttered "my scar hurts after i dream of him and three days later the Death Eaters are marching around and Voldemort sign is floating in the sky"
"Don't say his name!" Ron said nervously
"Remember what Trelawney said?" Harry asked "the Dark Lord will rise again, greater and more terrible then ever before" Harry quoted "thanks to his servant… and that night, Wormtail gave us the slip!" the four fell silent until Harry she up again "I'm waiting for a reply from sirius, i told him about my scar too."
"good thinking!" Ron said "he'll know what to do"
"but it might take a while," Hermione said "sirius could be anywhere"
"Yeah, i know" Harry said looking through the window to the open sky.
"How about some Quidditch? We can ask Fred, George, Bill and Charlie. We'll play three in three" Ron suggested after another moment of silence "waddaya say, Harry?"
"Sure! I could use some distraction" Harry said jumping to his feet.
"I'll referee!" Kiba added jumping up as well.
"…boys…" Hermione murmured to herself as she made her way to Ginny's room.
The week soon came to an end, it was the evening of Sunday, a day before they were set to leave on the Hogwarts express. Percy was complaining about his workload over the last week, as he helped with the ingoing crisis. "and we all know what happens if you ignore a Howler" he said "Burn marks on my desk and my best Quill reduced to ashes"
"Why are they sending Howlers?" Ginny asked Naively
"Because of what happened at the world cup" Percy replied adjusting his glasses "many want compensation for their properties. Mundungus Fletcher's put in a claim for a twelve-bedroom tent with built in jacuzzi, but i know for a fact he was sleeping under a cloak propped on sticks" all the children were spread out in the living room minding their business. Fred and George were sitting in a corner, whispering over a piece of parchment. Ron was playing chess with Bill, Harry was polishing his Firebolt broomstick, Hermione and Kiba were sitting together getting a headstart on their schoolbooks individually, Charlie was examining and playing with Hotaru and Mrs Weasley was impatiently waiting for her husband's return. She kept glancing at the grandfather clock that showed each family member and their current position or state.
"Your father hasn't had to work weekends since the days of You-know-who" she sighed
"well, he probably feels like he has to make up for his mistake at the world cup" Percy answered "truth be told, he was a tad unwise to make a statement witho-"
"Don't you dare blame your father for what that wretched Skeeter wrote!" Mrs Weasley snapped, flaring up and glareing at her son
"if dad hadn't said anything, old Rita would just have said it was disgraceful that nobody from the ministry had commented," Bill said "Rita Skeeter never makes anyone look good.. remember when she described me as 'a long haired pillock'?" he explained "People want to feel better about themselves, so the failure of others sells well." He added
It wasn't long before Arthur had returned, he grabbed a tray of his dinner, that had gotten cold, and sat down near the Fireplace. He too complained about the author Rita Skeeter which lead to a slight argument with Percy about Mr Crouch, which mentioned the House-elf Winky, at the mention of which Hermione chimed in as well. But before it could get out of hand, Mrs Weasley sent Hermione, Harry, Kiba, Ron and Ginny upstairs to get some sleep before the next morning. The three boys entered Ron's room and speed Ron's bed full of parcels, as was Harry's. They were all their school belongings. Kiba had already packed his along with his Dressrobes. Unlike Ron, Mrs Weasley had taken Harry and Kiba to Diagon Alley again to pick out their own Dressrobes. Harry had listened to her advice and bought bottle green Dressrobes that looked more or less like his school Robes. Kiba himself had selected a white button-down shirt, a black bowtie, a red vest and Blazer decorated all over with black shapes giving it a bit more color along with dark pants and shoes. Upon Ron's request they both showed him their outfits, and it looked as if he would cry when he revealed his own. Just then Mrs Weasley entered with a load of laundry.
"Mom, you have me Ginny's dress by accident" Ron complained
"Don't be silly, they're yours.. and don't forget the bonnet!"
"look at these! I can't wear them" Ron replied
"I'm sorry dear, but i had to get them second hand, there weren't much options" Mrs Weasley said angrily "if you won't wear them, Fine! Go naked" she added slamming the door shut as she left.
"Why is everything i own rubbish?" Ron said furiously as he tossed the Dressrobes into his trunk with little care. "Shut up, Pig!"
Rain was still pouring the next morning as Kiba awoke long before anyone else, except Mrs Weasley of course. He threw on some clothes and carried his trunk downstairs along with Kuzon's cage and his regular bag, but it didn't take long before Percy, Hermione and Ginny came down aswell but as usual Harry, Ron and the twins came stomping down a little later.
"Molly! Dear, where's Arthur?" a voice suddenly called from the living room. Kiba looked and couldn't identify it's source, but molly… Mrs Weasley could, she headed for the fireplace and then Kiba saw it too. Emerging from the flames was the head of Amos Diggory, looking like a bearded egg. He asked her to quickly get Mr Weasley who came running down the stairs. They exchanged a few quick words, talking about someone they referred to as Mad-eye Moody and some aggressive dustbins tossing trash everywhere. Mr Weasley said a hurried goodbye and wished then all a good term before Disapparating. "Sorry Molly, bothering you this early and all… but Arthur's the only one that can handle this."
"Oh, don't you worry, Amos" she replied as she grabbed some fire tongs and held out a slice of toast to the head.
"Fanks!" he replied after taking the toast into his mouth before vanishing into the flames
"Did someone say Mad-eye?" Bill asked appearing at the bottom of the stairs "what's he up to now?"
"He claims someone tried to break into his house" Mrs Weasley explained
"Mad-eye.. isn't he that nutter?" George asked
"Moody was a great wizard during his time," Charlie said as he too descended the stairs "he's an old friend of Dumbledore, i believe" he added
"who is Mad-eye?" Harry asked
"he's a retired Auror" Charlie answered "Alastor, he used to be called. He was one of, of not the best dark wizard catcher in the ministry. Half of the cells in Azkaban are filled because of him. You can imagine, that comes at a price. Made himself some enemies along the way, mainly the families of people he locked up"
"he's been getting paranoid, doesn't trust anyone anymore" Bill said "he sees dark Wizards everywhere. Might be his age, but people say he's gone mad"
"what's this new job he's starting then?" Kiba asked "can't imagine anyone would want to hire a madman"
"No idea" Charlie said
"Almost time, dears!" Mrs Weasley said "are you coming too, boys?"
"sure!" Charlie and Bill replied in unison
"i can't," Percy said "i can't justify taking time off at the moment. Mr Crouch is really starting to rely on me"
"Yeah" George began "you know, Percy, i reckon hell know your name soon" he said before breaking into uncontrolled laughter.
With a cramped taxi ride and a good soak in the rain they finally arrived at the station and snuck their way into platform 9 inconspicuously, and very soon after they departed for Hogwarts. There wasn't much happening during the train ride, allowing them all to brood over a single question stemming from Percy, Ludo Bagmann, Mr Crouch, Mr and Mrs Weasley as well as from they're goodbyes with Bill and Charlie. Something was happening at Hogwarts, and they knew but refused to share.. what was it?
The ride was uneventful. Kiba and Hermione were pouring their hearts into books, while Harry and Ron talked with a couple of boys that had joined their compartment about the quidditch world cup. As per usual there was a encounter with Draco who boasted about his knowledge if the upcoming event which his father, Lucious, had if course informed him off. But the train eventually stopped and they all made their way through the heavy rain into the great Hall, eager to hear Dumbledore finally reveal the secret. First however, as was tradition, the sorting Hat sang a song and the first-years were sorted into their houses. And when Dumbledore stepped to his podium, his arms outstretched in welcome, he spoke loud and clear "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" he clapped his hands once and the food appeared along the four house tables and the teachers table. "Tuck in!" he added before returning to his seat.
Soon everyone was digging into their desserts, except Hermione who had discovered that elves work the Hogwarts kitchen like slaves, when the doors to the great Hall swung open. "who's that?" Ron asked
"what happened to his face?" Hermione added. The man that entered the great Hall had a horribly scarred face and one of his eyes was wide open and not Blinking, in his hand was a large staff to assist his metal leg as he limped past the tables. His eye rolled around in it's socket scanning the room right and left until it stopped on Harry. He continued walking and reached into his jacket and retrieved a flask from which he took a quick swig.
"what do you suppose he's drinking there?" Seamus questioned.
"dunno, but i don't think it's pumpkin juice" Harry replied.
"Everyone!" Dumbledore spoke as he once again rose from his seat "allow me to introduce you to your new Defence against the Dark Are Teacher, Professor Alastor Moody"
"Alastor Moody?" Kiba repeated thoughtfully
"blimey! That's Mad-eye Moody!" Ron says "The one dad went to help this morning" Moody sat down at the teachers table and Dumbledore spoke again. He reported the rules as he did every year and then, he sent them all to their common rooms. No announcement, no secret revealed… it appeared it had to wait until morning. The boys ascended the speak staircase to the very top where their down had always been, as it had been every year their sign went from 'Third-year Boys' to 'Fourth-year Boys'."
Morning came and with it Breakfast and the awaited speech by Dumbledore. "good morning students," he began "as many of you might have heard, something grand is happening this year. The Ministries of Magic all across the globe have come together in the creation of a legendary event!" he paused and looked over the sea of excited students with a smirk "The first ever, Teen Wizard Tournament! Now hold on right to your tables everyone, no letting go!" the tables all began spinning violently, faster and faster as the great Hall became blurry around them until they came to a sudden stop. The four tables where now somewhere in a sunlit field, where the teachers table had been was now a circular stage he sorts around which were more tables left and right filled with students of varying ages, colors and ethnicities. Dumbledore was before them on the stage asking with what could be presumed were the other headmasters and mistresses all standing around a golden pillar. Dumbledore placed his wand to the side of his throat and began speaking once again his voice now much louder. "welcome, children from all over the world" he began "I am Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. I have the honor to host the first ever Teen Wizard Tournament!" he paused to take a breath "this tournament brings together all Eight schools for a series of magical contests, from each school a single student well be selected to complete. Let me be clear, if chosen, you stand alone! And trust me when i say, these contests are not for the faint hearted" he paused once more and stepped over to the golden pillar at the center of the stage "Eternal Glory! That is what aways the student who wins the Teen Wizard Tournament, but to do this, that student must survive Eight tasks… Eight extremely dangerous tasks"
"Wicked!" Fred and George says quietly at the Gryffindor table.
"For this reason, the Ministries had seen fit, to impose a few rules, to explain all this i introduce the Head of the Department of International Cooperation, Mister Bartimus Crouch!" there was a weak applause as Mr Crouch stepped forward holding his wand to his mouth like a microphone.
"After due consideration, the Ministries have decided that, for their own safety, no student under the Age of Sixteen should be allowed to put forth their name for the Teen Wizard Tournament" Crouch stepped away again allowing Dumbledore and all the other Headmasters to melt the golden pillar. It melted quietly and revealed a large stone goblet, the top of which ignited in blue flame only a moment later.
"The Goblet of Fire!" Dumbledore roared proudly "anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament need only write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it into the flame before this hour on Thursday night. But do not do so lightly. Once chosen.. there's no turning back. The Goblet will be fine in your schools Great Halls. As of this moment.. the Teen Wizard Tournament has begun!" Before anyone could say anything further the tables left and right began disappearing as the Griffith table began spinning once again returning them to their Great Hall in Hogwarts, where a load of questions were suddenly being thrown at Dumbledore.
"What about the classes for the competing didn't?" one boy from Hufflepuff asked
"yeah, and the N. E. W. T.'s" a Ravenclaw girl added
"the participating student will be at Hogwarts as normal, only departing three days before the trial with a select few friends of choice. On the day of trial, all classes will be suspended and a Portkey will be available so everyone can spectate their school's champion" Dumbledore explained "Furthermore, for the competing student, should they be a seventh-year, the participation will only positively effect their scores and winning the tournament will allow the student to pass with top Marks in all classes" he said "a fitting prize for the victor, correct?" Dumbledore answered a few more questions about the tournament and the prizes to be obtained along with some smaller details.
I'm between the asked questions the Owls came by to deliver the mail, buy to Harry's dismay there was no snowwhite owl to be seen. Kiba himself wasn't expecting to see his owl return from the trip to Faye he had sent him on the night before
"Enough questions, off to class everyone!" the food that had remained untouched since the announcement disappeared and the hall began bustling with movement. Everyone left the great Hall thinking only about the tournament.
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