Harry Potter and the Founders' Vault
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Note: We've received feedback on this story's deviations from the book and its character relationships. Please remember, this is fanfiction, not the original book by J.K. Rowling. The main characters are still 14 years old, and while some may seem mature, it's important to keep in mind that this is just a fan-created work.
The First Task
The morning of the first task, Harry was at the Gryffindor table again. Grand Canyon Academy had been sitting at Gryffindor, so it felt right to continue to sit at his House table. Of course, Harper, Neville, and Hermione joined them and several people they sat with at other tables tended to come and sit with them occasionally.
"What absolute rubbish," Hermione was saying, throwing down what Harry realized was a copy of the Daily Prophet. "Rita Skeeter's take on you climbing up the mountain is that you have a death wish and 'the betrayer' will probably die in the First Task."
"How is she a journalist?" Harper asked.
"I'd like to see the article that Peri Lane wrote," Hermione now mused.
"Oh, here," it was a male from Grand Canyon, a Jack Burrows that Harry had been friends and rivals with since junior magical school. He handed Hermione over a copy of the American newspaper. "We got a couple sent in."
"Thank you," Hermione said, giving the boy a smile and Harry narrowed his eyes at that. Why was he feeling jealous Hermione smiled at someone else? It should be Dean. Jack seemed to notice the look Harry gave him and shook his head to Harry as if saying he wasn't interested.
"Oh, this is much better." Hermione said, almost right away. "A bit of a history of the tournament, why it was removed, and how it came back... Details on why and how Grand Canyon Academy of Magic got involved... Basically, talking about how you got entered and how, since you go to Grand Canyon for a summer school it was decided you should champion your summer school instead of Hogwarts."
Hermione paused for a moment and then gave a chuckle.
"What?" Neville asked looking at Hermione look.
"Listen to this," Hermione said. "'When the champions of Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and Hogwarts were asked their feelings on Harry being entered, all three had different opinions. Viktor Krum, the champion of Durmstrang, seemed unconcerned about the new addition simply saying "it doesn't matter how many people I am against. I will win" before adding "I hope no harm comes to the boy". Meanwhile Fleur Delacour, Beauxbatons Champion was very worried about Harry Potter saying "it is concerning Harry got entered against his will. He seems like just a sweet boy, and I don't know who would want to do him this harm."
"Meanwhile Beatrice Heywood, who has been in the same winter school as Harry had a very different take. "If half the rumors of what he did the last three years are true, I think he is the one to beat" Beatrice explained. When asked to clarify Beatrice went on to say "in his first year there was this Forbidden corridor; no one really knows what exactly happened but three of Harry's classmates went into it dragging a fellow student with them. Harry, his sister, and their friend Hermione went after them and somehow saved their lives. Rumors are anything from them battling an army of inferi to heading to the gates of hell and back themselves."
Hermione stopped reading there as she laughed and Harry, Harper, and Neville had to laugh as well. "Damn, rumors on our first year make what we actually did seem boring," Harper said. "Continue, please Mione."
"Beatrice went on to continue saying "during his second-year house founder, Salazar Slytherin's secret chambers, the Chambers of Secrets, was opened. It housed a basilisk that was petrifying students. Harry and Harper found the chamber, confronted the heir of Slytherin controlling the basilisks, killed the basilisks, and closed the chamber forever. They got an award for special serves to the school". Indeed, upon checking the school's trophy room the trophy for the two was present. Picture to the right," Hermione turned the paper around to show there was, in fact, a picture of the trophy that was in the trophy room with Harry and Harper's name on it.
"Beatrice continues, "And last year, besides somehow managing it organize the whole school in a protest to save Professor Hagrid's Hippogriff Buckbeak from execution, a protest that went nearly all over the country as well. It is said Harry summoned a patronus that repelled 100 dementors," a feat indeed for a mere thirteen-year-old," Hermione read aloud.
"100, it was at least 150, easy," Harper mused.
"More like 200," Hermione added.
"You two are going to add to the rumors," Harry added, with a laugh.
"Anyway," Hermione went back to the paper. "When asked about the events of his previous years, Harry Potter refused to elaborate completely. Merely remarking "the last few years have been an adventure for me, my sister, and my friends but we just did what anyone else in our position would have". He would not comment on his first or third year at all but when asked about the basilisk he did confirm "that basilisks will never hurt anyone again. Harper and I made sure of that". When asked about the tournament and being entered Harry expressed that he would have preferred not to be in it, but he has no choice. "I'm just going to do my best and make Grand Canyon Academy of Magic, my country, and hopefully also Hogwarts proud," he said."
"This article is long," Hermione chuckled.
"This paper is special edition for the tournament," Harper commented.
"Maybe," Hermione said with a nod and then continued to read aloud. "Harry refused to say which of his schools he preferred. "I grew up basically at Grand Canyon Academy. Uncle Mato (the headmaster of Grand Canyon) always had me around the school. But Hogwarts is special to me too. It is where my parents and generations of my family went. Both schools hold a special place in my heart. I wouldn't choose one or the other. I love them both", which, after visiting both schools, this reporter can fully agree with," Hermione paused her reading there. "Well... the rest of this is basically saying when the first task takes place and rumors of what it consists of. Oh look at this they also did a profile of each champion."
Hermione turned the page around. After the article, the next page had a photo of each of the four champions and below it there were facts like favorite subject, special strengths, weakness, and quotes. It was a good set up.
"Nice," Harper said after a moment. "But we must get to class. You'd think they would have given us the day off since the first task is after lunch."
"No such luck," Harry mumbled as the group finished their breakfast and then headed out.
-Harry Potter-
It felt weird for Harry; everything being completely normal in the morning but knowing later that day he would need to go and face some dangerous challenge. He kind of wished their defense class with Remus was on this morning, but it wasn't. Most of his classmates were being nice and wishing him luck. Of course, Blaise Zabini kept making comments on how he was a dead man.
It was just after lunch he found himself in a tent set up close to the Forbidden Forest; Harry felt they had made a makeshift arena in the forest, from the set up nearby. As he entered, he realized he was the last of the champions to arrive. Fleur was sitting on a stool looking extremely pale, while Krum looked agitated and pacing.
"You think they know something we don't?" Beatrice whispered to Harry as Harry approached her.
"Possible," Harry said, figuring the heads of their schools wouldn't have thought twice about cheating.
"Nice outfit by the way," Beatrice said.
"Thanks" Harry said with a laugh. While Grand Canyon Academy didn't have a uniform, their sports teams did have uniforms. Mato had clearly mocked this up for him to wear at this event and he kind of loved it. It said 'Grand Canyon Academy of Magic' on the front and had the school mascot, a Wampus Cat. On the back it said 'Potter' and had a number 1 printed. "You look good, too."
Beatrice was in a yellow and black outfit clearly made for the Hogwarts champion for this tournament – also in the colors of her house, Hufflepuff.
"Thanks," Beatrice said.
"Harry...?" Harry heard a whisper.
"You have a visitor," Beatrice said, and Harry saw Hermione sticking her head in through the entrance of the tent.
"Mione, what are you doing here?" Harry asked going over to her and indicating for her to come in.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay," Hermione said. "We practiced as many spells as we could, but we don't know what's waiting for you."
"I am as prepared as I can be," Harry said. "Where are Neville and Harper?"
"Neville is saving me a seat, said to wish you good luck. Harper, last I saw her, she was placing bets with the Weasley Twins on you getting the highest score," Hermione said, and Harry gave a smile.
"Good vote of confidence there," Harry remarked.
"Just be careful," Hermione said and then hugged Harry. Harry hugged back and was surprised by a flash of light and Rita Skeeter coming in with a photographer.
"Well, well, is this the reason for that dramatic break up?" Rita said, moving quickly over to Hermione. "A new girlfriend already?"
"Move away from her," Harry said moving in front of Hermione, protectively.
"You have no right to be here," it was Krum stepping forward. "This tent is for champions… and friends." Krum added seeing Hermione there.
"Back away," Beatrice said, putting her hand on Rita and Fleur also stood, giving Rita a nasty look.
"You will be speaking to me soon, Harry," Rita said moving out, trying not to show her annoyance at the attitude to her.
"Not much chance of that," Harry mumbled as Professor Dumbledore himself, and Ludo Bagmann came in.
"Gather around," the Hogwarts headmaster said and the four champions came around. "Now…. Ms. Granger, what are you doing here?"
"Um... Just leaving," Hermione said seeming a bit embarrassed as she walked pass the headmaster and exited the tent herself.
"Now, the students are filing in to watch along with some outside viewers," Professor Dumbledore explained. "In this bag there are four miniatures versions of what you will face." Ludo held out a bag. "Your mission is to get the golden egg."
"After your performance, each of the judges, myself, Barty Crouch, and each of the heads of the schools will give you a score from 1 to 10," Ludo said. "Now, ladies first. Ms. Heywood?"
Beatrice put her hand in the bag and took out a tiny perfect model of a dragon.
"A Chinese Fireball," Harry recognized the dragon that had a little number three around its neck right away. Beatrice's face paled as she looked at the dragon, shock in her eyes but Harry noticed the other two didn't seem surprised. Nervous maybe. However, all three gave Harry a look as he got excited seeing the little model that was walking around Beatrice hands.
Fleur was next and she took out a Welsh Green that had a number two on it. Krum picked third, taking out a Swedish Short-Snout with a number one. "And that leaves you, Harry," Ludo said, and Harry took out the last model: A Hungarian Horntail. Harry smiling at the dragon as the little model stretched its wings.
"Well," Bagman said. "You have each pulled out the dragon you will face, while the numbers refer to the order which you are to take on the dragons, do you see?"
"Any questions?" Albus Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, can we keep the model?" Harry asked, already playing with the tiny dragon.
"Yes," Albus Dumbledore said, giving a chuckle.
"Mr. Krum, you are first. Just go out of the enclosure and when you hear the whistle, you'll begin – all right?" Ludo said and Krum gave a nod. "Now… Harry… could I have a quick word?"
"After the task, sure," Harry said and Ludo seemed surprised, but didn't make another attempt to get Harry alone as the headmaster of Hogwarts indicated him to follow.
"Dragons," Beatrice mumbled. "I can't believe... you seem calm?"
"I know a lot about dragons," Harry said, as there was a whistle and Krum left the tent. They could hear the crowd cheer, knowing Krum must now be face to face with his dragon. "They knew."
"Definitely," Beatrice said. "Now, I have as long as they take to figure out a plan. I doubt a stunner will work."
"Not from one witch. Maybe 15 from multiple," Harry mused. "There are charms, spells you could use. Conjunctivitis Curse, glacius, but fighting a dragon head-on is a bad idea. Your task is to get the egg," they could hear the crowd react to whatever Krum was doing and some of the commentary, too.
"Sneak passed with the disillusion charm, maybe?" Beatrice asked. Fleur was pacing the tent now, waiting for her turn.
"Take care of the eyesight, but not the nose. Dragons have a good sense of spell," Harry advised; they heard the scream of a dragon, and it seemed to be in pain. Harry wondered what Krum did. Moment later there was noise and they knew Krum must have gotten pass his dragon. It had taken him about 10 minutes, in all.
"So, if I can disguise my smell… it might work… thanks Harry," Beatrice said as Fleur was called out, who gave them a weak smile as she walked out. "Do you need anyone to spitball ideas with?"
"No need to worry," Harry said with a wry smile to Beatrice.
"I won't forget this help," Beatrice said, and the two stayed quiet as they listened to the commentary and the audience's reactions. Fleur took a good ten minutes herself before it was Beatrice's turn to leave.
Beatrice gave Harry a smile as she went out, leaving Harry alone to play with his model of the dragon and listen to the commentary. He nearly laughed when Bagman, who was doing the commentary, complained "wow, that smelled!" - it seemed Beatrice was trying to sneak passed her dragon with some combination of smell and disillusion. It was maybe 15 minutes later that Harry heard that she'd got it.
"Well then, last but not least – it's Mr. Potter!" Bagman called out and Harry calmly walked out of the tent and into the arena.
A large Hungarian Horntail was waiting for him. He knew all the audience could hear was roaring but Harry could hear different...
"Do not get near my eggs!" The Dragon, who was chained, was saying.
Harry took a deep breath. "I mean you no harm," Harry called out.
"What is that? Our youngest champion is roaring like a dragon!" Bagman said.
"You speak?" The dragon said, obviously now interested. "I have never met a human speaker before. My own mother told me stories."
"It is a gift I was granted. I mean you no harm," Harry held up his hands as he said it. "I would never harm a beautiful creature such as you. I am Harry."
"I am Askook. Will you explain why me and my eggs were brought here and chained?" The dragon asked.
"It is a stupid competition. They have put a fake egg in your nest for me to retrieve," Harry said.
"You say this is stupid. Why are you partaking?" Askook asked.
"I may not be in physical chains, but I am as in this against my will as you are. My name was put into this competition without my permission and if I do not compete, I lose what is most valuable to me. May I approach your nest and take the false egg away?" Harry asked.
Askook looked at him for a moment, staring at him. "You may," Askook finally said, and Harry walked past the dragon calmly as she kept an eye on him. Harry could hear the surprise from the audience as he walked into the nest with no problem and took the golden egg nestling among the brown ones.
Harry paused for a second. Merlin, in his dreams, had taught him a lot of his ability to speak to dragons – including a blessing he could give to dragon eggs. Taking out his wand, he mumbled the blessing over the eggs in dragon. The eggs glowed golden for a moment but then were back to normal.
"You honor me and my young?" Askook said, bowing his head as Harry left the nest and the real eggs. "Thank you, speaker. That blessing will ensure that my young grow up strong and healthy – stronger than even I. I wish I could return the favor."
"You already have by allowing me to take this," Harry said, holding up the golden egg for her to see. "You shall be back in your home sanctuary soon. I hope one day to visit and meet again."
"I hope that too, speaker," Askook said, and Harry walked out of the arena at that.
"Well, our youngest champion gets the egg the fastest with no injuries," Bagman said.
"Harry... what was that?" It was Charlie Weasley coming up – of course Charlie was here; these dragons must have come from his sanctuary. It must have also been the brother Ron was talking about when Ron tried to tell him about what the first task would be.
"Did I forget to mention I can speak to dragons?" Harry asked Charlie, and Charlie looked at Harry, stunned. "Can you give Askook some good meat? Maybe a goat. I feel so bad she got dragged into this."
"Um… Askook… that's what the Hungarian Horntail calls herself?" Charlie asked.
"Kid, do you want a job when you are done with school?" Another wizard came up behind Charlie to say.
"My boss," Charlie said to Harry.
"Thank you, but Newt has offered me every job in the book," Harry said with a laugh. "My mom runs one of his reserves."
"Well, if you double think, just come on by anytime," Charlie's boss said as Harry saw Neville, Harper, and Hermione approaching.
"All that worry for nothing," Hermione said.
"Dragons! This task was made for you," Harper said, and Neville laughed.
"You are the only one who didn't get injured. Krum shot a spell at the dragon's eyes which trashed around and ended up stomping on her own eggs. Krum did get the egg, though. Fleur tried some type of trance thing. I guess it worked because the dragon went to sleep but blew out fire in her sleep, burning Fleur. Beatrice made the entire arena smell and used the disillusion charm. She got her egg but seems whatever smell she used for the spell was flammable. The dragon let out some fire and Beatrice got burned the worst – barely made it out of the arena on her own," Neville said.
"Oh damn," Harry said, not having thought of that when Beatrice had been spit balling ideas with him – most stink ball spells, as they are called in America, let out a gas that was highly flammable.
"Come on, let's see what the judges say," Harper said, and they went to look at the judges table, set up to one end of the area. They seemed to be discussing the events.
…
"But he didn't fight the dragon," Karkaroff was complaining.
"No where in the rules does it say the champion needs to fight the dragon," Mato countered. "In fact, out of the four champions only yours went to fight. Fleur went to put it asleep and Beatrice tried to sneak pass."
"Mato is right," Bagman said. "The rules simply say the champions need to get pass the dragon as quick as possible without getting hurt. Harry had the shortest time and was the only one who didn't get injured – and didn't destroy any eggs."
"The boy merely talked to the dragon," Karkaroff complained.
"That was an impressive ability," Madam Maxime said.
"Who knew he had this ability?" Karkaroff said his eyes going to Mato.
"Of course I knew," Mato said. "But I didn't even know what the task was until today."
"Neither did any of us," Albus Dumbledore finally spoke up. "The tasks were set and agreed upon by the three governments before champions were even chosen. Just because one champion has a unique ability that would make a task easier for him or her does not mean the tasks would be forfeit. I, myself, knew of Harry's ability, but it is irreverent. Harry's time was impressive. He did not get injured. The only thing we can maybe say is this was a test of daring and Harry, knowing he could talk to the dragon, didn't show as much daring and bravery as the others."
"I beg to differ," it was Barty Crouch who spoke up. "If my long experience in politics has shown me anything, just because you can talk to someone, or something doesn't mean they will listen. Walking up to a fire breathing dragon and asking politely to approach her nest would terrify me. But we must give a score now."
….
Harry, Harper, Hermione, and Neville watched the judges. Madame Maxime was first. Holding up her wand in the air, a long silver ribbon shot out with a number 9 on it. "Wonder why she took off a point?" Neville said, and Harry shrugged.
Crouch was next and he shot a number ten into the air. That caused the crowd to cheer. "Looking good," Harper said.
Professor Dumbledore was next, and he, too, gave a 9. Mato followed Dumbledore with a 9 as well. Harry figuring now they took off a point just because he didn't use a single spell and he couldn't really disagree on that. Bagman was next and gave a full ten.
"No matter what Karkaroff gives you, you're in the lead," Hermione said. "Krum was highest with 44 points. You already have 47."
Karkaroff held out his wand and a three came out it. "What?" Neville exclaimed, angrily. "He gave Krum a ten!" Neville anger was clear from the rest of the crowd too which was angrily screaming boo at the low score.
"I swear Uncle Mato was ready to murder him for that," Harper said, and Harry knew his sister was right – Mato wouldn't be thrilled with dragon eggs getting crushed. "But I got to go find some Weasley Twins and collect on a bet." Harper gave Harry a hug and then rushed off.
"Nice one, Harry," Charlie was coming back. "I got to go send Mom an owl. I promised her I would, but I was told to tell you that you need to stick around for a bit. Bagman wants a word with all the champions."
"Thanks," Harry said and noticed Charlie waved at a female and saw it was Tonks, Charlie running over to her and the two walking off together. "What is Tonks doing here?"
"Security," Hermione said. "Heard Amelia Bones decided to put some Aurors in place here for extra protection. From what I overheard, the American government is making a big stink saying something is trying to kill you and this is attempted murder so I guess Madam Bones decided a few Aurors around the tournament wouldn't hurt."
Harry had to give a nod at that. "We can wait with you if you want," Neville said.
"No, it's fine. Will catch up with you later," Harry said moving back into the tent which didn't seem as gloomy as before. He sat, holding the golden egg on his lap, as well as the little model of the Horntail he had gotten earlier. One by one each of the other champions came in.
Beatrice had some orange paste that on her face and Harry guessed elsewhere. Harry knew this was a potion to put on burns to help it heal.
"My sister was mothering me as she put this on," Beatrice said giving Harry a weak smile. Beatrice's sister, Penny, made extra potions for the hospital wing and helped there. She also provided extra potions help for students struggling, which Neville said had been a life saver for him. "Guess I know now why you were excited and not nervous seeing a dragon."
Harry gave a smirk at that. "Very impressive 'arry," Fleur said; she, too, seemed to have had medical attention for burns. Krum had a bandage as well but gave Harry a nod. Harry knowing from that that the older boy was impressed.
Then Ludo Bagman came bouncing in as happy as if he had just gotten pass a dragon himself.
"Well done, all you!" Ludo said with a smile. "Now, just quick few words. You've got a nice long break before the second task, which will take place at half past nine on the morning of February the twenty-fourth- but we're giving you something to think about in the meanwhile! If you look down at those golden eggs you're all holding, you will see that they open…. See the hinges there?" Indeed, it had hinges all around the top, "you need to solve the clue inside the egg, because it will tell you what the second task is and enable you to prepare for it! All clear? Sure? Well off…. Oh, before I forget. Headmaster Mato of Grand Canyon Academy said they will be throwing a big party tonight at the American encampment and has invited anyone from all the schools who want to attend to come. Now that will be all."
"Oh, Mr. Bagman, you wanted a word with me?" Harry asked, remembering before the task he had asked to speak to Harry. The other champions seemed to be lingering for Harry.
"Oh, never mind that now," Bagman said waving Harry off who frowned.
The four champions left the tent together; they weren't surprised to find Rita Skeeter waiting for them. "Congratulations, Harry," Rita said, ignoring the other three. "I wonder if you could give me a quick word?"
"Yeah… bye!" Harry said.
"You know Harry, I can turn your reputation around," Rita said.
"Considering you are the one ruining it with lies, I don't trust you to do anything more than lie more," Harry said, continuing to walk with the other three champions.
Peri Lane and her photographer, Jim, wasn't far away. Jim took a photo of them. "Congratulations all of you," Peri said. "You all did very well." Harry gave her a smile as the four walked pass her.
"I do hope you three will consider coming to the party tonight," Harry said to his fellow champions when they reached a point they had to go different directions.
"I'll grab some Hufflepuffs and drag them with me," Beatrice said with a smile and a nod before heading up to the castle.
"I will see," Fleur said and kissed Harry's cheek before walking away.
"I make no promises," Krum said leaving too and Harry ran up to the castle.
-Harry Potter-
Later that night Harry, Hermione, and Harper found themselves in the American campsite on the school grounds. Mato and the group had done a fine job of making a nice camp – the tents were set up in an orderly fashion and there was a firepit in the middle with a burning fire. The adults had set up wards to keep out the weather, so the chill of the night didn't hit them, but the fire was a nice touch. Tables had been set up for tonight with food and drinks and they had a radio playing music near a makeshift dance floor.
The adults had made themselves scarce, leaving the kids to their own.
"Where's Enola? Still moaning over Harry getting some sense?" Harper asked, noticing she was the only member of the Grand Canyon Academy of Magic students not there.
"She's in her tent," Kaya said. "Packing. Mato has agreed to bring her home this weekend. He needs to return to America for a bit and she wants to leave."
Harry bit his lip at that but then shrugged. He hadn't meant to break up with Enola so publicly and had so much of a reaction, but she had just pushed his buttons. He figured the thought of them ever being just friends was over, too.
There was sound and Harry smiled as more Hogwarts students arrived – mostly Gryffindors but a few of his Ravenclaws and Slytherin friends as well. It was the presence of Beatrice, Neville, and some other Hufflepuffs arriving that cause the Grand Canyon Student to clap.
"Welcome," Harry said to his fellow champion.
"Thanks for the invite," Beatrice said, taking a drink off the table. The paste was gone, and she was still a little scarred, but overall healed. "To the current lead. Enjoy it while you can." There was laugher as people held up their cups to drink to it. Cedric came over, putting an arm around Harper giving her a kiss.
"Glad you could make it," Harper said.
"Wouldn't have missed it," Cedric said.
"Ah so you are the boyfriend," a boy of Grand Canyon Academy said, eyeing Cedric.
"Yes," Cedric said.
"Anoki, drop it," Harper warned him.
"Just saying hello," Anoki said. "Harper's some girl."
"I know," Cedric said pulling Harper closer to him.
"Remember she's American," Anoki said. "She'll come home someday."
"Anoki," Harper hissed at him. Her voice taking an almost snake like tone to it and Harry knew she had almost slipped to Parselmouth. "Leave..."
Anoki raised hands and moved back. "What was that?" Cedric asked.
"Ignore him," Kaya said. "Anoki is a member of my tribe. Harper and her family have been friends of the tribe since Cassidy and Tim met Mato in school. Anoki's always had a crush on Harper. Didn't help Harper went on a date with him before meeting you."
Cedric turned to Harper. "It was a school dance!" Harper protested. "And I made it clear we were just going as friends."
"You fed the bear," Greg Peterson, another Grand Canyon Academy student, said with a smile.
Neville gave a laugh as he took some of the snacks on the table.
"I think we have more incoming," Neville said, and Harry was pleased but surprised as Fleur and the Beauxbatons students came over.
"I'm glad you could come," Harry said to her.
"Zhank you for the eenvite," Fleur said giving Harry a nod. She, too, was a little scarred, but overall healed.
It was only a few moments later Krum and his group came in. He didn't say anything but gave his signature nod.
"Now this is a party," Nyssa said. "Let's turn up the music!" One of the students turned the knob on the radio, and Dean grabbed Hermione to dance. Harry stared at them as Harper shook her head, letting Cedric bring her to dance.
"Dance with me Harry," it was Padma Patil, and Harry nodded, taking Padma's hand. "If you want her, put your hat in the ring. You will win." Padma whispered to him of her fellow Ravenclaw 4th year.
"I don't know what you mean," Harry said, smiling though. The party was fun, but after a while Harry noticed two people were missing. "Ron, Ginny, where are your brothers?"
"Don't know," Ron said.
"Said they were planning something," Ginny said with a shrug and that made Harry nervous.
"Harper, your peace treaty with them is still intact right?" Harry called to Harper, taking out his wand and turning down the music.
"Absolutely," Harper said. "My joke crew and them have been pranking anyone who dare speak against you."
"Which basically means continually pranking Zabini," Edward Diggory said laughing.
"Keep your eyes out for them," Harry said, and all Hogwarts students were suddenly on alert, knowing how the twins could be.
Despite the concern for the twins and Zabini, it wasn't too long later when the two Weasleys joined the party carrying a lot of sweets and candy.
"Fred, George," Harry said as they appeared. "You had us nervous!"
"Didn't think little old us," Fred began.
"Would destroy this party," George finished as they put their haul on the tables.
"We made a little unsanctioned tip to Hogsmeade," Fred said.
"To get some sweets from Honeydukes," George finished. Harry saw him move a piece of paper he recognized as the original Marauder Map. Fred and George still had it and Remus still had the remake. That was interesting.
"We got everything," Fred said.
"Bertie Botts Every Flavors Beans," Jack said, taking the box.
"Careful with those," Harry warned. "They do mean every flavor under the sun – and beyond!"
"Reminds me of Freedom Candy of All Flavors," Jack mused. "You know those hard candies that can be literally anything? Harry, you got a ghost pepper flavored one once." Harry laughed at that as the Hogwarts students looked at them.
"You know, I never made that connection," Harry said.
"But Freedom Candy can only be actual edible flavors," Harper said. "I got ear wax once with Bertie Botts."
"We have a sweet like zhis too," Fleur said. "Madam Kerrie's All Flavor Sweets."
"We have something similar too," Krum added but didn't say anything more.
"Maybe the company is global with different names and regulations for each branding," Hermione, who had long since stopped dancing with Dean, mused aloud.
"Well, let's continue the party," Harry said.
"Hold on," Fred said, grabbing Harry and sitting him on the table. "Right now, Harry is in lead. And you all got the golden eggs."
Harry laughed, getting where this was going. His egg was on a chair and Harper went to bring it to him.
"Want me to open this?" Harry asked, and everyone from every school screamed 'yes!'. Even his fellow champions, who hadn't bought their eggs, were intrigued. With that, Harry opened the egg, and a loud high-pitched scream came out, hurting everyone's ear before Harry quickly closed it.
"Well, have fun decoding that, you four," Harper called, with ringing in everyone's ears, making everyone laugh as she turned up the music to let everyone dance.
….
Harry and Ron had grabbed Harper as the party started to break up and the three walked into the Forbidden Forest. Ron leading the way to where the dragons were being kept. The dragon keepers were already getting some things packed for the dragons, too.
"You three should not be here," Charlie called, seeing them.
"Just a moment, Charlie?" Ron asked and Charlie gave a nod.
Harry walked over to where Askook was.
"Askook, I have come to say goodbye. They will be leaving with you tomorrow," Harry said to the dragon.
"I am glad to see you again before I left. I have assured my friends no one stole one of their eggs. A lot of counting made them realize I was right. Doesn't help Khalea. Her poor children..." Askook said.
"The loss of life was terrible. I know my comrade did not mean it to happen," Harry said.
"Were the other three as captive of you in this?" Askook asked.
"They have no choice now but to compete, but they entered their names of their own free will, unlike me," Harry admitted
"Then they are as guilty as those who took us," Askook said, and Harry bent his head at that, deciding not to argue this point. Ron cleared his throat.
"My friend here seeks teeth and scales from you four if you would allow it," Harry said back.
"Why?" Askook asked.
"He is a wand maker," Harry said taking out his wand to show his. "He wishes to use them to make wands."
"I thought wizards needed to kill us to make those?" Askook said.
"Some use a Dragon heartstring, yes, which means killing the dragon, or taking from one who has already died, but teeth and scales work just as well. My friend would like to show we do not need to kill your kind to make our wands. It would be good for both of our kinds," Harry said. "Teeth and scales mean little to you, but to us they could mean everything."
"He may approach," Askook said bending her head and Harry nodded to Ron to go forward.
"I am starting to understand how you feel when I talk to Sasha," Harper whispered as Harry came back to her.
"Dragons in the forbidden forest," Harry said, leaning back with Harper smiling at the comment. "I could get used to it. Too bad they are leaving."
"There will still be that wild one living here," Harper said, and Harry turned his head to Harper in shock.
"What?" Harry asked, shocked by this revelation.
"Oh yeah, I told Hogwarts not to tell you about that," Harper said remembering that.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Because I had a feeling if you knew I would be searching this forest for a dragon," Harper said. "And considering the mountain and this now, I was right." Harry paused for a moment, looked up at the stars he could see between the trees, and knew Harper was right. He was itching to look for this dragon now.
Post Chapter Note: Well, I hope you liked my version of the first task and finally seeing Harry's ability to talk to dragon firsthand.
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