Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 76 – Year 4
"The First Task was thus concluded leaving the young quidditch star, Viktor Krum, in the lead. Our readers must not despair, though: our sources at the ministry revealed us how, despite his rough start, Mr. Diggory – Hogwart's own champion – is very much in the race, as the contest itself is structured to give all partecipants a chance until the very end."
With a frown, Ernie placed the Prophet back on the table and snorted, his breakfast all but ignored. "Well, duh. If Cedric was out after such a rigged contest, it would be embarrassing."
"We still don't know if it was rigged" admitted Wayne, even if unhappily. "Both champions did mess up in their own way, after all."
"I am willing to concede that Krum might not have been forewarned… maybe" said Megan, folding her arms. "He used the exact spell Harry suggested, so I guess hom too could knew it and cast it on the spot. Beside he, too, messed up by breaking the other eggs."
"But Delacour…" added Zach with a polite sneer, a cup of tea in his hands. "She just happened to know a specific, obscure charm capable of putting even a dragon to sleep? What a surprising coincidence!"
"Not suspicious at all" added Susan, her eyes rolling high.
"What I am surprised about is how Skeeter didn't write a piece about all the rumors" said Harry, abandoning his half-eaten scone and picking up the newspaper. "It's not like ours was the only group murmuring after the contest."
He opened it wide on the table, turning one page after the other. "Knew it" he finally said, satisfied, tapping his finger on a specific article on the 6th page.
"Foul play: unfair rumors or legitimate doubts?" read aloud Justin, next to Harry. "Let me see…."
"Without evidence, it's not like there is much to be done anyway" commented Harry, but Megan wasn't convinced.
"One of our professors should advise Cedric for the 2nd task, at least! Tell him what to do with that golden egg…"
"Wonderboy could certainly use the help" said Zach, dismissively. "Stuck in the infirmary, all bandaged up, reduced to beg for help from the rest of the house…."
"I still have that screeching sound in my ears" complained Hannah with a frown. "And no one had the slightest idea what to do about it, yesterday night."
"No one?" countered Susan, before staring skeptically at Harry. "If you can help, Harry, you should. None of that cryptic bull…stuff." she concluded suddenly, embarrassed.
"True enough, mate" said Ernie, giving Harry a side glance. "What was that you said, again? That we should just identify that sound? If you know what it is, just tell us."
"I made an educated guess, you know?" answered Harry in return, tightly. "Anyone would think that. If such a weird sound comes out of the open egg, than that sound is the clue that the judges were talking about."
"It's the way you said it, Harry" said Sally, wiping her mouth with a napkin and speaking for the first time. "You had your usual attitude, that exaggeratedly tired look you show when we ask something and you answer like it should be obvious."
"I am not that stuck up, Sally" complained Harry, before frowning. "…am I?"
"Well…" she said, giggling and smiling.
"Harry, we are already behind in the Tournament" said Wayne. "If you can help, do it."
"Hear, hear" added Zach.
"Skeeter here is pretty much saying the same" added Justin, his eyes still stuck on the Prophet. "She wrote that, should the other two Champions being on the end of some unfair help, our own Diggory should receive some to balance things."
"It's only fair" said Susan as Ernie nodded, too.
"And he is receiving the help of our whole house, maybe the whole school" pointed out Harry. "It will be enough. Among the suggestions I heard from the 7th years, a couple would work. They just need some time to experiment."
"Ah, so you do know what that sound is" added Zach immediately.
"Spill it out" said Wayne.
"You probably should" added Hannah.
"You too, Hannah?" asked Harry, slightly surprised. "Advices and straight up receiving the solution are not the same thing. The latter is cheating."
"Didn't you, too, think the other two champions received some help?" she countered, and at this Harry sighed.
"Losing in a fair contest, I can accept" said Ernie. "If it is rigged, no way."
"Indeed" added Megan.
"Listen, give the older years some time. They would be happier too, if they solve it by themselves" said Harry eventually, caving in under all the stares. "I promise that, if they fail, I will spill the beans a couple weeks in advance."
"Are you that sure you recognized it, Potter?" asked Zach, suspicious. "You are not just embellishing yourself, aren't you?"
"I trust his knowitallness, Zach" quipped Justin, folding the newspaper, before smiling to Harry. "But if you want to give us an hint, just to prove yourself…"
"Sounds fair" repeated Susan, nodding.
"Are there going to be more monsters?" asked Ernie.
"Not even I could guess the details just by identifying the sound, guys" said Harry, sighing. "Water should be involved. That's the only thing I am sharing."
"Interesting" said Wayne, immediately thinking. "What kind of water creature lays eggs?"
"Plenty, to be honest" said Hannah. "Fishes too, just very small eggs. Frogs. I am not sure about the octopus…"
"The giant squid!" said Justin, grinning and waving a piece of toast like a banner. "This time they will face the giant squid in the lake. Am I right?" he asked, looking at Harry. He got completely ignored. "I know I am" concluded Justin, satisfied.
"And now I am convinced it is something else entirely" said Zach. "The sound from the egg is a fire alarm, and the champions must extinguish a fire."
"What about easter eggs? It's a nonmagical tradition" said Sally. "And the sound would be… ok, no idea on that."
"I am getting tired of this already" said Wayne, sighing. "The second task is in months, right? I don't want to hear wild guesses all the way until then."
"Killjoy" said Megan.
"Diggory should be out of the infirmary in a week, so said professor Sprout" commented Ernie. "We'll see once he is back."
"Back to classes, then" concluded Susan, standing up. Plenty of other students too were done with their breakfast, and leaving their seats already.
"First class today is…" said Ernie, as they all walked away.
"For our next class, you will write a report on how yehr Skrewts are doing" concluded Hagrid, surrounded by a bunch of gloomy faces. "Their sizes, favorite food, how often they… they emit fire."
"You might say explode, professor" commented Malfoy, acidly. Around him, the group of Slytherins glared at Hagrid with open disgust and resentment. The half-giant didn't appear intimidated, though.
"I might not" he added, folding his huge arms. "4 feet, not one inch less. And be generous with the details."
Malfoy sneered, and Harry swore he could hear words suspiciously close to "complain" and "father", but otherwise there were no other reactions. Looking around, though, he couldn't deny how his Hufflepuffs classmates, too, were clearly demoralized. It had been a hard class.
"Those of yehw who wants to, stay here to help reorder. Everyone else, go and rest before dinner" concluded Hagrid. Almost everyone left instantly. Harry chose to remain, and so did Hannah. Ernie seemed to hesitate but, probably after seeing how two people were already staying behind, he left too.
"You are helping, Harry?" asked Hannah, smiling, and picking up random pieces of ropes and other tools used for the Skrewts. "Since when you became so diligent?"
"I only wanted to talk to Hagrid" said Harry, slightly embarrassed. Hannah giggled, and forced into his arms the bundle she had just picked up. "Well, since you are, you can give me a hand" she said, happily. "I am so, so sorry for making you work of course."
"I can tell" commented Harry, drily, before sending a glance at the group of students that had left. In the distance, he could see how the Slytherins had stopped and were looking at him. "I also didn't want to go back immediately, too" he added in a low voice.
"I still appreciate the extra help, no matter the reason" said Hagrid, landing another of his usual heavy claps on Harry's shoulder, before showing a sad face. "I am aware you students don't really appreciate my Skrews. Taking care of them ain't no easy task".
"It isn't, professor" said Hannah, shrugging. "At least your classes are never boring. And they must be your original creation, right? We couldn't find any reference on them in our book."
"That they are" confirmed Hagrid, proud. "And a successful one, if you ask me. They would be able to survive in the wild, by 'emself too, I am sure."
"Yeah, about that Hagrid" said Harry, instantly frowning, while rubbing his hands to get rid of the dirt. "Try to avoid letting them loose, if you can, and I mean it. For obvious reasons."
"They wouldn't hurt anyone, Harry" said Hagrid immediately, only to deflate a little when even Hannah looked at him skeptically. "They are not that bad" he insisted, embarrassed.
"Professor, you mean well" she said, shaking her head "but those creatures are….." she stopped, unsure on how to continue without offending him.
"No matter what, them spreading around would put you in trouble with the ministry" said Harry, eventually. "If breeding them would not already. At least send an owl to the department of magical creatures, ask their opinion, get some official parchment you can hide behind if needed."
"I don't want to" said the half-giant, instantly. "What if that is what puts me in troubles? Or if they order me to suppress them?"
"It would be tragic" said Hannah. Her tone of voice was not sad in the slightest, though.
They continued working a little more in silence, until it was all done. "That's it, kids. Go if you want."
"I would, I am starting to get cold" said Hannah. "Harry, are you coming?"
"No, not yet" he said, shaking his head. "Go ahead, Hannah. I'll catch up to the common room in a while."
"Sure" she said, shrugging. "See you later. Good afternoon, professor."
"Good afternoon, miss Abbott" answered Hagrid, politely, watching her go. Once she was far enough he turned towards Harry. "Yehw're in the mood to chat, kid? Or is it about the skrewts?"
"Just chatting" said Harry. "And make no mistake, I am fine with your pet project. Even if they are very… lively, for sure."
"That they are" said Hagrid, picking up his own teaching materials and walking back towards his hut, turning around once to make sure Harry was following. "It's true we haven't talked for a while, Harry. In private, I mean. What can yehw tell me?"
"Schoolwise, everything is ok" said Harry, following the half-giant inside his home. "It is getting colder."
"This is still nothing" said Hagrid, starting a fire and preparing his supplies for tea. "Until I see some snow, I won't call this winter."
"Won't be long" said Harry, sitting down at the table. "I don't have interesting news, Hagrid. I was more interested in you. You are the one dealing with the tournament, or those fancy french horses. How is that going by the way?"
"Let me tell you, kid" started Hagrid, now grinning ear to ear. "The days before the first task were some of the best of my life. Three adult dragons, to take care of constantly. And I got to quiz plenty of professional dragon caretakers from the reserve, too!"
"Yeah, I imagined you liked that" said Harry, smiling.
"One of them was an old student from Hogwarts. I think he was the older brother of that kid you were friends with, the last of the Weasley." said Hagrid, serving the tea.
Harry took a sip from his own cup, then added some sugar. "If he remembers you, it must have been a good chance to get in with their group."
"Absolutely" said Hagrid, before looking whistful. "I should have asked him if he works in the same reserve where Norbert is, now that I think about it."
"There are few reserves around" said Harry, smiling. "Chances are, he does."
"Aye" said Hagrid, happily. "It's not just the dragons, of course. As you said, I am taking care of the Abraxans from Beauxbatons. Such wonderful creatures, Harry… Large, beautiful, wild. But still affectionate!"
"Is it the horses you are still talking about, of their owner?" asked Harry, smirking. Hagrid, predictably, blushed deeply at this barb.
"What do yehw even mean, now?" he asked, embarrassed, suddenly focusing on the tea.
"You know how ferocious is the rumor mill, here at school" answered Harry. "Latest piece of gossip is that you are constantly seen around our esteemed visitor. With new clothes and hairstyle, too."
"Snooping brats" answered Hagrid, blushing furiously. "It is professional courtesy, no' more. Olympe is Dumbledore's guest, of course I…" he continued, before stopping and staring at Harry wide-eyed.
"Olympe" repeated Harry, nodding, a short smile on his lips. "An appropriate name. Does she call you Rubeus already, or is she still saying Mr. Hagrid?"
"Mind your own business, Harry" said Hagrid, face red, with unusual curtness. Harry laughed softly.
"So shy" he commented. "I understand. I am cheering for you, actually. Just be careful of one thing, though, something I heard some of her students say."
"….what?" asked Hagrid, eventually, still looking sideways.
"Well, one of those french guys was making fun of the two of you. Not cruelly, don't misunderstand. Still, he ended up saying the two of you were a great couple because you are obviously half giants."
At this, Hagrid paled and stared Harry right in his eyes. "Did he? What was… ther' reaction?" he asked, hesitantly.
"Some laughed, of course" said Harry, shrugging. "but one of them insisted they shut their mouth, that the headmistress would eat them alive if she heard it. Apparently, she always crush like a bug any student that even hint at her size and parents in the same phrase."
"Why are yeh telling me this, Harry?" asked Hagrid, suspicious. "Do you have something against giants… or half giants?"
"I don't" confirmed Harry, seriously. "And I mean it. But we both know it's not a title that draws positive attention, Hagrid. Madame Maxime knows it too and I am ready to bet she would hate, hate any suggestion she is one, probably even in private. Quite a danger to her position as headmistress, I bet."
Hagrid nodded, sadly, and took a sip of his now lukewarm tea. He remained silent, nor did Harry say anything for a while.
"It ain't easy, kid" he said, eventually. "I always 'een surrounded by rumors, have I. Quite nasty, too. Me dad always said never to feel ashamed, that those who'll hold it against me are not worth it… but the few times I spoke honestly, anyone usually reacts bad" he continued, raising a couple of troubled eyes towards Harry.
"Not all, I am sure. Not me, certainly not Dumbledore" he answered, and Hagrid smiled widely.
"No, never 'im. Great man, the headmaster. But I don' wanna burden him, of all people, with my problems" he concluded, sighing and closing his eyes.
"Your dad was a smart guy" said Harry, in a soft voice. "But we have to deal with idiots too, like it or not. And their reaction would not be pleasant."
At this words Hagrid reopened his eyes, and stared sternly at Harry.
"I'll ask again. Why are yeh telling me this?"
"Because I care enough to butt in" said Harry, shrugging again. "There are rumors already, there is that unsufferable Skeeter buzzing all over the place… maybe you should never, ever, touch the topic with her, Hagrid. Madame Maxime is not stupid, she knows why the two of you are so large. She still keeps her mouth shut for good reasons, and so should you."
"Hooray for hypocrisy, eh?" said Hagrid, finishing his tea.
"Hooray" confirmed Harry, nodding seriously.
"Well, yeh've been a buzzkill once again, kiddo. Anything happier to share?" said Hagrid, eventually.
"If I have to…" started Harry, leaning forward and starting some innocent small chat. An half hour later, with Hagrid serene once again, Harry left his hut.
As he walked into Hufflepuff's common room, Harry found only chaos. He had expected to find it half empty, considering how it was almost dinner time; instead it was packed from door to door, full of students chatting excitedly. Making way with a combination of pushes and elbow work, he finally reached the table where his year usually sat, joining his "group".
"Finally, Potter" said Wayne, nodding at him. "You missed something special."
"Did Cedric return?" asked Harry, sitting down at the table.
"No, not yet" said Ernie. "It's about the ball, remember that? Professor Sprout just confirmed it, and gave us the details."
"Only 4th year and older" said Megan. "Good thing we are included!"
"Are you sure it's your thing, Meg?" asked Susan, smiling. "Ballgowns and fancy hairstyles…."
"Who said that? Maybe I'll wear some of those crazy muggle clothes Sally showed us" complained Megan, with a smirk.
"If you are serious, I am happy to help" said Sally, but Megan just giggled more.
"Still, doesn't seem that special to me" said Harry. "Susan warned us about this ball months ago."
"But we weren't truly sure it would happen" said Justin, only for Zach to snort.
"I had no doubts Mrs. Bones would prove aa trustworthy source" he said. "In fact, I made sure to order new formal clothes at madame Malkin this august already. There is going to be a looooong waiting line, now" he concluded, smugly.
"Beside, the interesting part was the House's reaction" said Susan. "The second Sprout confirmed the ball everyone went crazy."
"Several of the younger puffs I tutor were pretty upset, I could tell" said Hannah. "For some reason, the boys seemed even more angry than the girls."
"Of course they are" said Ernie. "Girls still get to participate, so long as an older year invites them. Boys, forget it."
"At least, this means you will have a chance to get a date once we refuse you" said Megan, smirking openly. "Some poor, desperate younger student could consider even you guys if it means going to the ball."
"Please, as if you were Miss Hogwarts or something" scoffed Justin. "And you better hope some older year asks you out, because I don't see anyone in our year doing that" he concluded, as she glared at him furiously.
"Don't mix me with your romance problems, anyway" said Zach, dismissive. "I took care of that detail too, months ago."
"You did?" asked Wayne, surprised. "Who?"
"A nice, respectable pureblood from third year. A Slytherin" answered Zach with a shrug. "The daughter of a family friend. I certainly spent enough afternoons at her house this summer to invite her to a school ball."
"Watch out, Zach. Her dad might think you are actually courting her" said Ernie, to the giggles of the girl. Zach wasn't impressed, though.
"Again, unlike you babies or... well..." he commented, giving a side glance at Justin "I am not afraid of saying I should have a fianceé one day" he finally countered, one eyebrow raised in sarcasm. "If she makes a good enough impression on me I might ask her out for real and what comes, comes."
"I can't have Zacharias of all people get a date before me" said Susan, shaking her head. "But I am still done with older boys. So…" she concluded, looking at the boys.
"To be really honest, guys" said Ernie, embarassed. "I too have someone in mind, already. A girl I have been seeing these last months in Hogsmeade."
"That Morag one!" said Wayne, immediately. "Yeah, we all suspected it. We just weren't sure."
"Two down then, and two to go" said Hannah, laughing softly. "Wayne, Harry, what about you two?"
"I am not so sure I want a date-date" said Wayne, frowning. "Sprout said we can go by ourselves if we want. Maybe I'll do that and just enjoy the music."
"Yeah, totally" said Megan, nodding.
"I am sort of thinking the same" said Harry. "As Zach and Ernie here shows, this ball seems like…" he stopped and frowned, unsure on how to explain its thoughts. "Well, almost like if I ask anyone out, it means something special. Call me out."
"I want to participate" said Sally, evenly and not looking at anyone in particular. "I want to wear a fancy dress, use makeup and style my hair. And then dance."
"We might have to check with the other houses, see what their boys are doing and pick a good one fast" said Susan with a sigh. "I would rather not go than have a Goyle or a Weasley on my arm."
"What's so wrong with Ronald?" asked Harry, puzzled. Susan scoffed, but said nothing. Megan was not as polite.
"He is not that bad looking or anything, but have you seen him eat? Plus, his clothes…" she said.
"I can take an average but nice boy" said Hannah with a grimace "but not one that would embarrass me."
"Poor Ron" said Harry, shaking his head. "I think you are underestimating him."
"Oh, I see now why you don't want a female date, Potter" said Zach, smirking. "I had my doubts already when I saw Malfoy buzz around you, and now…."
"I am not escorting you to the ball either, Harry" said Justin, immediately, as several of their group laughed a little. Harry just rolled his eyes.
"Amusing" he commented, drily. "In any case I am not planning to go and stand immobile the whole night. I would like dancing once again."
"Once again?" asked Sally, puzzled. "You mean, you did it already?"
"Weird" said Justin, but both Ernie and Zach sniggered. "Not really - Pretty common, actually" they stated at the same time.
"Still, learning how to dance is part of our traditional education" said Zach, frowning. "Did you really learn that among muggles?"
"You would be surprised, and let's leave it at that" answered Harry.
"Nevermind" said Susan. "Harry, sorry if I sound… unfair, but if I don't find anyone can we dance together at the ball? I would like to try, at least."
"Me too" said Hannah. Sally seemed ready to add something herself, but after a quick look at Harry's face she deflated and said nothing.
"It would be my pleasure" answered Harry "but I am sure any girl that wants an escort will find one. I am not saying to invite Crabbe out, but be open minded."
After that, most of the gossip revolved around the other houses – who would invite who, if there were already semi-formed couples, and dresses. Almost every 4th year from all houses got a reference. It took a couple of prefects going group to group to remind everyone that it was dinner time, and the rest of the school was waiting for them to start, to stop the gossip mid way. In a rush, everyone walked out of the common room.