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Harry froze for a second, not expecting the question, before forcing a smile onto his face and answering, "What do you mean Hermione, I thought you did not believe in Wrackspurts?"
"Well I don't…but that doesn't…That's … not the point of this. All of a sudden, you know someone else and she comments on you being different. Harry you have been acting a little differently his summer. Well since at least the World Cup. Are you ok? I am your friend and you can tell me anything. After all we have gone through; it should be pretty obvious that I am here to help."
Harry had originally planned to just blow off her worry but was touched with how heartfelt it was and could not summon the words to just dismiss the concerns. "I am fine Hermione, you are right, a lot has been going on, and somedays I do not feel like myself or at least I do not feel like the same boy who started the summer. The World Cup was definitely … something else. But it is more than that, I am not sure how to explain it or if I even really can." Seeing Hermione was about to interject, Harry grasped her hand and continued, "I mean at least as of right now, I am unsure. I do want you to know that I would have to be blind to not realize you have always been there for me and realistically I would never have accomplished anything I had tried to and would have died several times over without you."
With that, Harry smiled at her, before letting go of her hand and turning around to head into Hogwarts, failing to see that Hermione was struggling and failing to contain the curious expression on her face as she watched Harry open the door before disappearing into the castle.
"…the Triwizard Tournament."
Harry was impressed at the silence in the Great Hall, as the students processed that Professor Dumbledore had announced that the Triwizard Tournament would be held at Hogwarts this year.
This silence soon gave way to a buzz of excited whispering, which in turn gave way to enthusiastic talk between the students, either making plans to enter or explaining what it was to those who were unaware of what the tournament was.
Harry looked up and saw Dumbledore standing at his podium, smiling as he looked down at all the student's excitement. After allowing the students a minute of cross talk Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and tapped his wand on the podium, this served to slightly lessen the noise but certainly did not quell it. Seeing that there was at least a partial response, Dumbledore continued on talking about the other schools, the age restriction, …the risks.
However, Harry was having trouble focusing on Dumbledore's words. Part of the distraction was the continued whispering and planning between the twins, causing Harry to smile as he remembered the twins attempt and the very glorious outcome when they failed to pass the Age Line. The other reason Harry was unable to focus on Professor Dumbledore's description was standing at the end of the staff table glaring out at the students assembled…Barty Crouch Junior disguised as Mad-Eye Moody.
Harry had obviously known that he would be forced to encounter Barty Crouch Junior during the year but when Barty Crouch Junior had hobbled out of the side door, everything came flooding back to Harry in a second. For here stood the man who was among those responsible for torturing the Longbottoms and then mentally torturing Neville when he was "teaching" them about the Unforgiveable Curses, here stood the man who was responsible for Harry being ostracized by almost the entire population of Hogwarts for entering the tournament, here stood the man responsible for setting in motion the events which resulted in Cedric's death and the rebirth of Lord Voldemort.
As Harry starred at the man he heard the eerie voice which had occasionally been haunting his nightmares since he returned, utter out the words that had haunted him since that horrible night…"Kill the Spare."
Harry found himself gripping the edges of the table in front of him with such force that he was surprised he had not ripped a portion of the table off already. Harry continued to stare at the imposter standing there in front of everyone, before realizing that the magic eye was rotating wildly and spinning around. Harry froze understanding that Barty Crouch Junior was probably scanning the student body looking for him. It was this thought that gave him pause as Harry realized he would need to spend the entire year not reacting with such negativity towards "Mad-Eye Moody" as Harry would of course have no reason to react that way, certainly no reason that would not raise concern within Barty Crouch Junior and result in questions he would not be able to answer.
Forcing himself to take deep breaths Harry felt his grip on the table relax before releasing totally and slowly felt the anger ebb out of his system. He mentally signed in release as his face took on a neutral expression at almost the exact moment Barty Crouch Junior made "eye" contact with Harry, Harry felt confident that any expression still left on his face could be explained away as confusion, shock, or even possibly fear at the grizzly appearance of the aged auror standing in front of the hall, as certainly Moody cut a terrifying figure.
Harry glanced around and noted with pleasure that his adverse reaction appeared to have gone unnoticed as the entirety of the student body seemed to have been equally as shocked as he was by the gruesome appearance of their new Defense-Against-the-Dark-Arts professor. Everyone's attention was further distracted when Dumbledore went on describing the upcoming tournament.
As Harry listened to Dumbledore over the whispering of the students, he was having trouble deciding what he disliked more – the thought of being forced to participate in a tournament with wizards two and three years his senior or the appearance of Barty Crouch Junior.
Realizing that Barty Crouch Junior was responsible and his plan, of trapping him in a magically binding agreement, therefore forcing him to participate, was regrettably well thought out, Harry decided that it was indeed Barty Crouch Junior that he detested.
Looking back over to "Moody" Harry noticed that the professor was not focused on him and was scanning the entirety of the Hall. As Harry starred at the Professor, he remember that Barty Crouch Junior was now in possession of Moody's Foe-Glass and realized he would need to be careful to only watch him and make no overt moves against him, and hope that this would prevent the Foe-Glass from triggering him that Harry would be working against his interests.
Harry forced his attention back to Dumbledore who was explaining the specifics of the tournament with the ever present twinkle in his eyes. However, his attention was very quickly diverted by Ron who had been excitingly talking to the twins.
Ron looked over to Harry, "So mate…what about it, do you think if the twins find a way to enter, we should enter…" Although in a remarkable display of self study Ron paused, "Although maybe we should not…the age limit…is probably there for a reason…we probably do not know enough…and I do not really fancy dying because of that."
Harry smiled at his friend, "I agree with you, there is absolutely no way I would enter that tournament. Honestly…we have had enough misfortune over the past three years that I do not ever intend to go out of my way looking for more. Seriously though, the Philosopher's Stone and almost dying from Voldemort, and then the Chamber of Secrets and almost dying from Tom Riddle and the Basilisk, and then being singled out by dementors last year…" Harry looked around and lowered his voice, "and having to fight them off to save myself and Sirius and likely our souls…"
Harry could see that Ron, and even Hermione, was nodding so he continued, "Count me out, there is no way I would go out of my way to put myself in more danger…although knowing our luck…one of us is going to somehow end up involved in this and probably end up getting seriously hurt…"
Ron had paled as Harry had continued before responding, "You are probably right mate. Although it would be nice to win the tournament, …but we are not even the best students in our year…or at least you and I are not…I can't imagine trying to compete with a seventh year…But for what it is worth Harry you would probably have as good a chance as anyone…"
Hermione smiled at Harry, "I am so proud of your attitude Harry," She turned towards the twins and shook her head, before slightly raising her voice, "Even it was possible for a student to manage to circumvent age restrictions decided on by the greatest wizard of our age, the tournament is likely incredibly dangerous and even more so for someone who lacks the requisite training."
Harry smiled at them both, "For what it is worth I would rather spend the year focusing on the studies, especially the new courses I hope to take," this caused Ron to groan and shake his head while Hermione smiled, "and flying with you Ron, just think about how much extra flying we can get in. You will make the team easily next year." This caused Ron's disappointed look to evaporate and quickly morph into a smile.
As the feast ended the trio joined the crowd of students exiting the Great Hall and made their way to their dorm room. After quickly saying hello to their roommates again, Harry and Ron got into their beds. As Harry closed his eyes to go to sleep he heard Ron shifting around and heard Ron call out, "It would be cool to enter though right…just think how famous I would be if I won?"
Sadly shaking his head, Harry realized that Ron's insecurities were a large driving factor between his decisions and his reactions to what happened around him. Harry opened his eyes and propped himself on the bed. "I do not think it is worth it, Ron. Look at what I had to go through, my parents had to die for me to get famous and even once I was famous that has not really helped me at all…everyone turned on me so easily in second year with the whole 'Heir of Slytherin' thing and being famous did not help me at all with my godfather, I still lost him at the end of last year when he had to run away again…"
Ron silently looked across the space at Harry, "I am sorry mate, sometimes I forget what you have gone through…the thought of being famous or recognized is just so tempting…"
Harry gave a reserved smile, "Aye the idea of being famous is something, although from personal experiences, it is not worth it…and lets be serious the only other person we know who was famous was Lockhart and do you really want to be like that barmy wanker?"
This caused Ron to laugh, "You might just have a point there…ok good night Harry."
With that Ron, rolled over and within minutes was snoring.
Harry laid in bed looking up at the top of the canopy, although unlike his previous first night of fourth year he was not thinking about the possibility of managing to sneak his name into cup and earn fame for himself, but rather Harry was thinking about hopefully managing to reunite with his godfather and somehow prove his innocence. With this pleasant thought on him mind Harry managed to fall into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning as Harry and Ron made their way towards the Great Hall, Harry noticed that the entirety of the student body seemed to be conversing about plans regarding the upcoming tournament but he was very thankful that Ron had not brought it up once. Rather the two boys had conversed the entire way down to the Great Hall talking about their plans to go flying.
As the heads of the houses came around handing out the schedules for the students, Harry and Ron welcomed Hermione to the table. She managed to arrive just as Professor McGonagall dropped off the schedules to their trio.
Ron immediately looked down at his schedule, "Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures this morning, not bad…ugh double Divination after lunch?"
Harry looked down at his own schedule noticing that indeed his morning was the same but the afternoon was a solid block without a label. His head immediately shot up confused, prepared to try and call back Professor McGonagall. However, to his surprise she was still standing right behind Ron.
"Umm…Professor, there appears to be a problem with my schedule…I do not have any classes in the afternoon, it appears blocked off, but no class…"
Harry smiled as he heard Ron mumble under his breath, "No class in the afternoon, lucky!"
Professor McGonagall shook her head at Ron before turning her attention to Harry. "Mr Potter, I received your letter via owl at the summer and was quite surprised. Usually when a student wants to switch classes they are switching out of the more difficult elective classes, such as Arithmancy or Ancient Runes, rather than into them, or are hoping to drop an elective to make their schedules easier. It is rare that a student tries to take on these two classes after a year has already passed. Additionally, I was a little surprised that while you perform at a perfectly acceptable level in most of your other classes, you … have…never seemed to be particularly focused on academics…"
Harry was about to open his mouth to interrupt and defend his actions, however McGonagall saw this and raised her hand to forestall the objection.
She continued, "That being said you are not the first person and hopefully will not be the last student who realizes they are perhaps squandering the valuable learning opportunity that this fine institution has to offer."
She made this comment while looking at the back of Ron's head, who, of course missed that the comment was directed at him, as he was more interested in focusing on his morning meal rather than talking about classes.
"While I have my reservations, I have conditionally accepted your decision to drop Divination and pick up Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Personally, I find my role of an educator to be primarily to support students in any efforts made to succeed when they apply themselves. Today you will have two evaluations. The first lasting an hour with Professor Babbling and the second will be with Professor Vector. If you do not pass at least one of these classes I will re-enroll you in Divination, I am sure you shall be able to catch up."
Harry was almost as pleased with the news as Hermione was, as he noticed she seemed to be visibly vibrating on the seat with excitement.
She whispered to Harry, "Congrats Harry, I am sure you will do wonderfully on the evaluations. This is great news!"
Harry turned to Professor McGonagall who was smiling at him, "Thanks so much Professor, I spent a large part of the summer going over the last year's notes of the material covered in the classes, to hopefully catch up. Not sure if I covered everything but I really appreciate the opportunity."
Professor McGonagall looked at Harry, "Well if you used Miss Granger as a tutor I am sure you will be adequately prepared." She then looked around and in a quieter voice continued, "For what it is worth, your mother would be proud of you…your father might be appalled at you for voluntarily taking on additional courses… but your mother would be proud."
Harry had been about to respond but found his voice caught in his throat.
Harry felt Hermione's hand gently clasp his under the table and squeeze reassuringly. Initially surprised, Harry looked over and mouthed, 'Thank you, Hermione,' this caused her to smile and release his hand, although it felt somewhat reluctant.
Harry turned back to the Professor, "Thank you again for the opportunity. I promise to make the most of it."
Professor McGonagall nodded her head and in her usual stern tone stated, "Just make sure the quality of your work does not suffer, this will be a significant addition to your workload, do not make me regret this by slacking off and handing in sub-par work. I hope that I am not being naïve expecting that this drive to improve yourself academically will also result in a greater focus being applied to your current other courses."
With that, she turned and continued heading down the row handing out schedules.
Harry let out a huge sign of relief, content that he would have the opportunity to attend new classes, as part of him had been worried about having to sit through an entire year of exactly the same courses he had previously sat in on. While he knew he certainly still had material to absorb in those classes, especially with respect to the theory behind the magic, he was glad he would also be learning entirely new material, or at least had the opportunity to learn new material pending the evaluations.
He was awoken from his musings when Ron started talking, "Still think that was a barmy decision mate, but glad it worked out for you. Well best be off."
As they were leaving the Great Hall, Ron suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no! With you and Hermione out of the class, who will help me with the Divination homework now…"
This caused both Hermione and himself to laugh as they exited the castle heading to the greenhouses.
Upon entering the greenhouse, Harry looked around the benches and led them over to where Neville was standing, carefully inspecting the subject of their lesson for the day.
"Hey Neville, happy first day of classes."
The greeting caused Neville to startle as he looked up.
"Oh …hey…why are you here…I mean I know we have the class together…but like standing here…with me?" He hesitantly asked.
Harry smiled at Neville before answering, "I meant what I said earlier Neville, I want to spend more time hanging out. And I am sure I will be able to learn a thing or two from you about magical plants. And this way Hermione will be able to help Ron avoid making a mistake and touching the undiluted pus."
This caused Neville to smile, "Ooo you know of Bubotubers? Oh ya, definitely want to avoid touching the pus! I accidentally put some undiluted pus on a cut one time …"
Harry spent an enjoyable class talking to Neville while they were working.
At the end of the class Professor Sprout walked over and looked at their bench surprised, "Congratulations Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Potter, it looks like you have managed to collect at least twice as much pus as any other pair. 10 points to Gryffindor. How exactly did you manage that?"
Harry smiled as he noticed that Professor Sprout was focusing her questions towards Neville, apparently realizing that the increased productivity was due to Neville's aptitude for plants rather than Harry's contributions.
Harry listened in as Neville was excitingly describing to Professor Sprout how he had found out in his greenhouse at home, that if he gently massaged the leaves and talked in a soothing voice before squeezing the Bubotubers there was a bigger more controlled release of pus, which was beneficial as it increased yield and reduced likelihood of accidentally getting sprayed by the undiluted pus.
Professor Spout looked surprised for a moment before she smiled proudly at Neville. "Congratulations Neville, I did not know this was a thing and doubt it has been written anywhere I am going to send it to my friends and colleagues who work with Bubotubers harvesting the pus. This might revolutionize the way the pus is collected. 15 additional points to Gryffindor."
Other than the fact that Harry watched as Neville almost floated to Care of Magical Creatures, no doubt in response to the praise from Professor Spout, Harry's experience in that class was largely unremarkable, although Harry could not help but be extremely cautious around the Skrewts for the duration of the class, remembering how large and dangerous the creatures would become once Hagrid learned what exactly to feed them.
After lunch Harry found himself wandering the sixth floor looking for the Ancient Rune's classroom, grateful that he had cut his lunch a little short in order to make sure he would make a good impression by arriving early. Although right now Harry would settle for not being late and making a poor impression before he even did the evaluation.
Harry heard someone behind him clear their throat which caused him to spin around to be confronted by…
Daphne Greengrass. The Ice Queen of Slytherin.
Kind Regards,
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Thanks to those of you out to those of you who enjoy my stories, I promise to keep updating the stories as long as you enjoy them, and a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave feedback or reach out to me directly.
RedMoon-Maybe – Of course she knows! She is such a fun character to write and try to get into the head of
BlindfaunusGirl – I am equally thrilled you came upon it! But serious thanks, I think it's a realistic response to the situation, realizing you had been dealt a bad hand and determining you want to change the outcomes
Darkantos – Have no worries…Luna will be around, such a fun character to write
Dant3 – Thanks for the feedback, that's totally valid. I guess I viewed magic as not just due to experience or learning the spells, but also in proportion to his body strength and age, so while mentally he would still be the same age as the boy who fought Voldemort he would physically be almost two years younger than when he was in the DoM, so while he knows the spells they would just be underpowered. Just felt this was a way to make the character more realistic rather than being able to steamroll over everyone, this way while Harry will still know all the spells he will still need to put work in to become better at it, I hope this makes sense though, it was something I had bounced back and forth on while writing the chapter
Zega606 – thanks hopefully this Harry will realize he has areas where can improve to make his struggles easier, also yes Luna!
Fortinpatric, Freddie Rindklip, fvdv123, jkarr – Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it!
