DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANYTHING BUT Original story ideas and characters. EVERYTHING ELSE BELONGS TO J.K. ROWLING
OKAY SO HERE'S THE PROMISED REWRITE! BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!
NOW IT'S NOT JUST A SIMPLE REWRITE BUT AN EVOLVED STORY!
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24th June, Evening, Hogwarts
Trying to close the clasp of his cloak, his damn hands just won't stop shaking. He let out a frustrated groan but took a deep breath before retrying. This time was successful in clasping his white and golden acromantula silk cloak along with Gryffindor Lion on his back with traditional house-colored robes on under it.
"Okay, now for the shoes," Settling on the bed he quickly put on his brand-new brown Oxford shoes which Sirius bought for him. The clothes were a collaboration between Andi and Cissa.
It had been great between them as their letter exchanges continued, though he did get more than an earful from all of them for tiring himself in making their gifts when he needed rest after all the intense training with Nym. For the next few months, they kept an eagle eye on him to make sure he wasn't doing anything that stupid again. All the songs, hugs, and letters made it all worth it.
Shaking his head from all those naughty thoughts he sighed standing up and slapping his thigh "Okay ole chum! Time to face…" he tried to take a step forward only to lose his balance and fall on the floor face fast. He groaned "Ugh… what in…" he looked down at his shoes only to find that the laces of both shoes were tied together.
"Of Course, owe you one Padfoot," he said with a laugh before casting a finite and retying them, dusting himself once more he made his way down dorm stairs with a growing bundle of nerves in his gut. Just then the the grandfather clock in the common room rang announcing it was about fifteen to seven.
Suddenly there was a pop sound and he jumped the last step only to find a huge amount of confetti all around the room with most of his house cheering for him with a large, |GOOD LUCK HARRY, OUR CHAMPION!| banner hanging over the fireplace with music playing in the background.
He gapped at all this asking "Guys…" but shook his head simply saying "Thank you guys are best!" feeling overcome with
Just then Twins pulled him both putting their hands over his shoulders and locking him between them as they started
"Well we are…"
"… As you said the best…"
"…..but Harrikins you are…."
"…..Champion of Hogwarts so…."
"…your best of the best…"
"…..Cream of the crop…."
"…..Top of the line…"
Suddenly their mouth kept moving but no voice came out, looking around for a bit he found no one had their wands out. So after a second of confusion, he looked behind the towering twins only to smile seeing that, Hermione and Daphne were standing there looking a little annoyed. With a sigh of relief, he smiled moving past the voiceless babbling twins "Thank you in the name of magic it's hard to keep tracking who is talking and I would have developed a crick in my neck if it had gone any longer"
At this, both witches chuckled, with blond shyly taking while his bushy-haired witch replied "Well we just can't take the credit they were starting to get annoying" glaring at the twins who were looking away from her pretending not to have them.
He smiled giving her hand a tight reassuring squeeze, he could see the extra layer of makeup on her face, it was clear that she hadn't had a wink of sleep in the last week like many others who cared about him, with his sister looking very frazzled.
The blond smiled saying "Come on, we should be leaving or you will be late for the conference" as she lightly pulled him towards the portrait hole with Harry, Hermione, and the Quidditch team on her heels.
The halls were empty as every student was present in the great hall. The configuration was altered with the hall expanded turning it from huge to massive. The four tables were there but in front of them rows of chairs filled with media personalities from all around the world.
Instead of a high platform, there was a large ornate table with a podium in the center. Overhead hung large flags of all three nations along with an ICW one being the biggest being one hung behind the tables.
All around were the Sentinels and Aurors lining the walls, standing guard. While formers were only a handful the DMLE security was airtight, with Amelia constantly co-ordinating with teams around the valley with an enchanted scroll.
Though she was repeatedly glancing at the door anxious to just get a look at her fiancee and hoping for a moment with him before the task. But for now, she would settle on looking from afar.
Another thing running through her mind was Tonk's investigation. The auror had stumbled upon something large and would be late as she had to confirm a few things to be sure of her hunch, it seemed to be connected to Harry's participation in the tournament.
She prayed to the magic that her sister's wife would return before the task began. But was brought to those thoughts when Harry entered the room. She watched as he stiffened a bit seeing the sheer amount of people in the room before his emerald settled on her.
By magic! Even at this distance, those were the most beautiful things she had ever seen. She wondered how many women would die to be in her position where the owner of that beauty is looking specifically for them. With a light pink blush coming on her cheeks she smiled.
Across the room Harry let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding, Amy looked simply divine, even in her official auror robes, she looked like a vision of beauty, power, and elegance combined in one.
Drawing strength from her and mirroring her smile he sighed walking towards the platform where it seemed he was the first one. Taking a seat on the chair with the Hogwarts plaque in front of it he waited for the other two to join him.
Viktor entered with a noticeable absence of his Headmaster Karkaroff who had been an over young man's shoulder all these months. It was an odd sight to everyone who noticed it.
Fleur came being fashionably late to the point that she barely made it in time. She was as usual one of the most beautiful women in the room, with Apolline, Amelia, and others fighting for the top spot. She went for a black floor-length gown with her silver hair flowing like water down her shoulders and a silver necklace to complete her attire.
She was escorted by Celine and Marie whom he hadn't seen in a while to her seat beside him. He smiled whispering "You look gorgeous, Flower"
"Zank you, Mon Doudou, you are looking Magnifique!" she replied with her eyes devouring him for a second before taking his hand and giving it a tight squeeze.
Both drew enormous amounts of strength from each other to face the task. With that, they exchanged solemn nods before their hands separated and turned as Dumbledore took to the podium.
After Casting silent {Sonorus!} Dumbledore started "Welcome to all our esteemed guests to Hogwarts for the last day of the First Leg of the Merlin Cup. Now I would like to open the stage for questions to our Champions, please feel free to ask"
That opened floodgates of questions as the first reporter stood asking "Hello Champions I am Mike Atwell from Magical International. My question is all of you do you think relations between nations improved which is the main goal behind this tournament?"
Viktor answered "Da, this tournament taught us vhat ve couldn't have learned staying in our countries and that is the perspective of other nations' people and also their culture"
Fleur took over saying "Oui, Viktor is right we have learned much and gained even more" with a kind smile on her face.
Harry added to it "We learned much, from our guests and we are glad that we had a chance to host them"
The next reporter was a woman who at first glance looked to be of Italian descent "Hello, I am Anna Lisi from La Mattina Magica, my question is to Ms. Delacour. How do you feel about competing in this tournament with a competitor who is 3 years younger?" in tone of contempt and a glare directed at Harry.
This did not pass unnoticed by the French Champion and Harry's Fiancee (who all glowered under their breath variety of curses aimed towards the reporter)
Frowning Fleur answered in a neutral tone "I zink zat age of a person does not matter in zis competition. What matters is ze amount of courage one 'as in zeir 'eart and my fellow champion 'ere has more zan any ozzer person in zis room. And if you 'ave any doubt you can kindly confirm it wiz ze Manticore who 'e faced, Mademoiselle Lisi"
She paused before smirking "Oh, Merci you can't be sorry cause 'Arry killed IT!" and leaning back as ended.
The reporter was taken back by the amount of disdain shown by the French champion and sat back down with a huff, while Fleur's sister's wives had large smiles adorning their faces.
Another man with a thick African accent "Mr. Potter would you like to comment on your participation in the tournament?"
He sighed before answering "I have said it before and I'll say it again. I did not put my name in Goblet and I didn't ask anyone to do so. I have done all I can to survive in this tournament and just like the previous two tasks I will do everything to survive in this one too"
Then a French reporter stood up saying "Bonjour Champions, I am Marquis Garnier of Magie Quotidienne. What would you do with the prize money if you would money?"
Champions of Belgium and France gave thoughtful looks as Harry answered "I know that I would donate it as I have never wanted it in the first place"
Fleur had controlled the smile that threatened to break out from her man's answer as she gave her own "I would like to start some kind of business of my own"
Viktor added "I vould like to donate it to my school quidditch team for new equipment"
Next, a man with a heavy Irish accent stood up asking "Connor for Sports Weekly and my question is to Mr. Potter as you are the youngest seeker on the school team do you have any aspirations to join Quidditch Professionally?"
He gave a genuine smile before shaking his head and saying "No, though I love flying on my broom I don't see myself entering into the professional leagues any time soon"
Then a woman whom all 3 of the champions detested wholeheartedly stood up asking "Hello dear champions I am Rita Skeeter from Daily Prophet. My question is about your personal lives and how the tournament has affected it?" everyone in the room knew what she was asking.
Fleur answered evenly "If you must know Mademoiselle Skeeter we miss our family and friends back at 'ome but we also made new friends 'ere so it's not zat bad for us"
Rita gave a smile that screamed 'hook line and sinker' as she asked "Mr. Potter what about your family? How is your Life going with Lord Sirius Black and other members of the Black family? And how do you think your parents would feel seeing you take part in this tournament? Also, I would like to ask if this was your attempt to prove yourself to the world or a simple act of desperation in need of attention and approval from people which you didn't get from your parents?"
Harry felt a storm of rage build up at these accusations that she masked as a question but somehow he kept his calm answering with a strained smile on his face "Ms. Skeeter, I will answer in the same order. My life with my godfather is going great thank you for asking.
As for your questions about my participation and how my parents would feel about that, well I can only hope that they are proud of me watching from wherever they are. And lastly, I have all the love and approval I need among my friends and family as such I am not desperate for anything as such, thank you"
The reporter sat back without the answer she hoped for but was smirking seeing Harry struggle and also noticed that enraged expression of French Champion with a smirk on her face.
Another woman stood up asking "Haruko Masashi from Yokai Herald, my question is to Mr. Potter, what are your views on the equal rights bill recently passed by the government of Goguryeo?"
Looking a little confused he smiled saying "I am not caught up with the world events due to being busy training for the tournament. Though I will say that every intelligent magical being needs to be treated with appropriate, respect and care, if there is government action actively trying to achieve that, I am all for it!" with a positive shrug and his reply getting applause from the room.
As the woman sat back with a satisfied smile before Dumbledore took the podium again saying "Now we announce the press meet over as the Champions need to get ready for the family dinner and the following task. You may head out towards your allotted tents until the time of the task, Thank you" With that he stepped off the podium to the right and all the champions got off the platform and exited through the back door.
As three of them exited the great hall Fleur's bottled anger exploded with a bang "How can she say that! That vile woman! That excuse of a woman who can she ask such questions! I swear, I will burn that woman like a bug next time I see her, I will-" her angry tirade ended with pair of soft lips on her own along with strong pair of arms wrapping around her waist which both, surprised and calmed her at the same time.
Parting he asked with a smile on his face "Better?"
Fleur gave a mischievous smile as she said "Ummm…. I am but just to be sure kiss me again"
He chuckled "As you command my lady!" with that he kissed her once more this time it was a deep kiss parting he asked "Now?"
She sighed in contentment and melted in his arms nodding "Oui, much better" she smiled pulling back saying "Come on, I am starving"
With that, both walked down to the tent near the quidditch pitch which now had a handful of tents around it. They were escorted towards a particular one by Dora's partner when he asked about the metamorph fiancee of his she simply shrugged "I don't know the details but I think it's something important or she wouldn't miss this for anything, honestly, she has been going spare worrying about you!"
As they reached the tent she held open the flap saying "Good luck both of you" with a smile.
"Thank you" Harry replied to both of them as Fleur entered and he followed behind but the next second he was tackled by a silver bullet with only a loud reaching his ears " 'ARRY!"
On the ground, he smiled looking down at Gabrielle who was also giving him a toothy smile of her own. He lightly ruffled her hair but before he could say anything the girl started babbling French.
" 'Arry! How are you? I missed you so much and Maman too! Did you miss me? I loved the sweater you sent me for Yule! And see I am wearing the dress, do I look pretty?!" she ended up scrambling to stand up which she was helped by Marie.
He turned to Fleur who quickly translated it for him as Gabrielle did a little twirl for him and he chuckled saying "I am glad that you loved my present and you look beautiful Gabby!"
Gabrielle once again wrapped her hands around his torso and this time he hugged her back, just then he heard "And what about me Monsieur?"
His eyes went up to the source of the honey-sweet voice which he recognized instantly and immediately all the air left his lungs.
Apolline was a vision of something that was far beyond the words of every language of the world. In the complete attire, he bought for her, but never in the furthest dream he imagined this.
The silver shawl around her should, the light blue with a heavily embroidered bust with tiny sparkles from extremely delicate gems on it. All this enhanced her creamy milky bust and there on the entrance of the valley between was the flower-shaped emerald sapphire necklace.
Some of her silver hair flowed down back like water with a majority formed in a complex braid which to him looked like a halo crown of sorts.
"It's not polite to stare, 'Arry" Apolline teased with a smirk, with her face flaming hot under the stare of hauntingly beautiful emerald pools that held depths of ocean which she was drowning in.
Her voice once again cut through his daze bringing the world back in focus as he let out a sigh saying "Well Mademoiselle when beauty of such immeasurable proportions presents itself to a mortal man, all he can do to appreciate is stare as"
He stepped forward wrapping his hands around the woman's waist before whispering "Doing anything else would be an affront to the beauty" before kissing her cheek.
The older veela hugged him back kissing his cheek. Her body burned white hot as she felt her curves smashing against his hard body. Her allure mingled with his magical aura. Feeling his breath on her ear made her shiver travel down to the core making it throb.
Both whimpered at the loss of each other's body warmth before she complimented "You have such a way with words, Monsieur" her voice being a little raspy.
"I try" he replied turning to find that Fleur was busy with Gabby but past them, he saw his family.
As they approached he greeted "Padfoot!" with a smile as he hugged his godfather.
"Looking good Pup!" Sirius complimented before turning to Fleur, Apolline, Gabby, Marie, and Celine adding "Enchanted as always ladies"
Andromeda smiled hugging her man tightly before it was short as they had to keep the pretenses up for the sake of their secrecy before adding "Of course he does! After all I chose these looks for him and my taste is the best!" with unabashed heat in her eyes as they devoured the young man along with Apolline and Fleur hmming in approval.
Blushing, Harry changed the subject "So what's new Padfoot? Still waiting for your Christmas gift actually?" teasing.
The man smirked saying "Patience is a worthy virtue Pup, it a summer surprise and that's all I am going to say on that" with a wink a the end.
Fleur who had been talking with Apolline in a low voice sighed in resignation before growling "Enough talking, let's eat" and with that, everyone moved towards the assigned table and settled in the seats.
Dinner appeared shortly and just when Harry was serving himself some ham with salad and mashed potato Fleur who was sitting beside him admonished him gently " 'Arry don't eat so 'eavy!"
He looked at her quizzically looking down at his dish before looking back up at her saying uncertainly "Um….It's just a normal portion, I am not eating like Ronald here"
She grimaced at the mention of the redhead boy as she had once accidentally watched him eating during a dinner and that day she slept hungry from sheer amount of disgust.
Shaking her head she explained "I mean don't eat any zing 'eavy like 'am or potatoes cause you will feel 'eavy and won't be able to perform ze your best" a hint of worry seeping in her tone.
He gave her an understanding nod before asking "Um…..Okay what should I eat then?" sliding the prepared dish aside.
She smiled took a ladle and made him a bowl of seafood soup saying "Here try zis" and putting some pieces of bread on the plate along with it.
He took it with a smile before asking "Bouillabassie?"
She nodded saying "Oui, it is light and yet will make you feel full on top of that it tastes delicious!"
He shook his head took some in his bowl and tasted it, he turned to her saying "You're right it is delicious but nothing beats the Christmas treacle tart Dora made" with a confident smirk.
She gave him a heated look flashing him a sinful smile as she leaned forward promising in a husky voice "Mon Amour I will introduce you to some real French delicacy, very soon" The look in her eyes made him gulp while mind went places that it really shouldn't be going to.
Before he could even formulate an appropriate or rather in this case a very inappropriate one when his godfather's voice cut through the tension like a hot knife "Oi! Love birds we are here you can talk to us too!"
Recovering he turned to his godfather with a smirk throwing it right back at him "Looks like someone is jealous of you Fleur" This caused all on the table to chuckle.
Snorting the older wizard waved it off saying "Oh dear godson of mine! You should know I have all the attention I need from the ladies who follow me! I the flower those bees just can't enough of and a flame that draws them in"
Andi snorted saying "Siri, he is talking present where you are miserably single, not about the past when you were followed by girls who wanted to hex you to the bones for your perverted pranks along with James and Remus"
He let out a burst of belly laughter for a minute as wiped his eyes off the moisture and started telling behind the particular prank "Those were the glory days Marauders were at the pinnacle when that happened. Pup it was our fi…" which further turned into a dinner regaling the glory days of the Marauders.
To everyone, it was silly stories but to members of the Black family, it was a treat to hear these stories cause that's the time Sirius was his happiest self. Sure they heard some of them again and again but the joy on their godfather/cousin's face made it all worth it.
As the dinner winded down clock chimed and dishes vanished. Everyone was up and about ready to leave when Andi came to Harry silently placing a letter in his pocket with two words only "Come back" her voice being thick as she hugged him.
Sirius was next as he hugged the young man encouraging him "Kick ass Pup!" and patting him on the back.
He smiled at both nodding "Don't worry I absolutely will" as he left the tent from the other entrance to another private one. Each champion was provided with a private tent to change and prepare for the task.
There was a small bed on which his clothes were laid out. He sighed sitting on the bed taking out the letter he got from Andi. He opened the scroll and smiled:
My Beloved,
Lord Potter.
These last months of exchanging letters have been a pleasure. I have enjoyed your gift very much as every single day it motivates me to continue on the path to achieve my ambition and dreams.
Though these days I find, myself longing for something more, something more intimate. I long to see you, to feel your touch and gaze into the eyes I have so much praises of from Andromeda.
Every day I wonder of our first meeting would be like. What would you be wearing and how will you react when you see me in what I intend to don?
I am plagued by these thoughts during the day while being haunted by dreams that I am ashamed to admit in my nights. Every morning is a struggle with cold air chilling me to the core without your warmth.
You have touched me with your words, your intentions, your kindness, and your loving gestures but now I seek your touch all over me and your warmth to ward off the demons of the night.
I will be waiting for you, make haste my beloved, I will be praying to Hecate for your safe return.
Eternally Yours
Cissa
He felt like his face was about to split apart with light moisture in the corner of his eyes and wiped his nose. Emotions coming he sat there closing his eyes with faces of all the important people going through his mind.
He took a long breath before opening his eyes which now had the fire of determination in the emerald, he called "Dobby"
With a pop, the elf appeared "Master Harry called Dobby?"
"Yeah mate, I need your help," he said passing the letter to the elf and instructing "Put this in my trunk and bring me two boxes that are in the fourth compartment thank you"
"Dobby will right away" vanishing with a pop and the next second on the bed were the two boxes he asked for. With that, he went to work carefully shedding and putting aside his dress robes folded.
He dawned what was almost identical to his quidditch uniform only difference being that instead of the Lion House, it had a Hogwarts coat of arms, along with black leather elbow guards, knee pads gauntlets, and greaves. Before putting on the shirt, he put his two gift amulets on feeling reassured with the weight he felt around his neck.
After Strapping on his wand holster, he knelt tying his dragon hide boots and with a sigh muttered "Okay Harry ol' chum, let's do this"
Walked towards the exit which opened up into the staging area and he was instantly surrounded by a cacophony of noises with students and guests from all over the world hollering their support for their favored champions.
Looking up at the stands he found his friends and family shouting to the capacity of their lungs. He smiled and waved at them before turning to the faculty section where he did the same for Minerva and Poppy.
He turned to look at the maze which now had a thick fog all around it which gave him the idea that visibility itself is going to be one of the challenges once inside.
He caught Fleur coming out of her tent to his right, she was wearing a baby blue sleeveless vest with her school coat of arms, with full sleeved white shirt with leather gauntlets among them right one had her wand holster, with dark blue tight pants which had leather greaves and boots.
She was followed by Krum who was stone-faced like ever before, he looked straight ahead and looked very much in the zone. The young man was wearing a slightly darker version of Harry's outfit, it being maroon to crimson. He was brought of those thoughts when he saw, Mr. Bagman and other judges approaching.
Professor Flitwick approached him asking "Ready to face the music, Mr. Potter?"
"More like a noise Professor," he said sharing a chuckle with his charms professor before nodding "But yeah I am as ready as I am gonna be at this moment"
"Good lad!" Professor said flashing the student a toothy grin. Similarly, Madame Maxime stood with Fleur encouraging her but for some reason, the champion looked a little resigned along with a slight annoyance playing on her face which was visible due to it being a full moon night.
Mr. Bagman took center stage and started "Witches and Wizards, I Ludo Bagman invite you to the event of all of our lifetimes! Final task of Leg One of THE MERLIN CUP TOURNAMENT!" that crowd roared going wild with no idea whatsoever just how true those theatrical words of Bagmam would come to be, borderline prophetic.
He restarted with the same enthusiasm "NOW! The objective of the final task is to test one's navigation and presence of mind under a pressurized situation and achieve their goal persevering through all the obstacles.
As such the one who reaches the SIEGE PERILOUS, which is laying on the pedestal somewhere in there" gesturing towards the maze only and continuing in the will bring Honor not only to their nations, to their school but also proceed to the Second leg of the Merlin Cup! Where they will compete with 11 other schools from all over the world! Eternal Glory awaits! at this, the crowd of audience went wild once again.
As the wild crowd went down, the host said "Now according to the rules the champion who scored the most points in the last tasks will be the first one to enter the Maze.
So with ninety-two points achieved by killing the Manticore, earning him the time of Manticore's Bane and displaying the greatest show of his moral fiber during the second task, during which he saved a hostage that wasn't his to save without carrying about his standing or the fear of loosing, the first one to enter will be none other than our very own Champion of Hogwarts! The Boy to Lived! Harry James Potter!" following
A loud later, with a sigh he took one last look at the Fleur who gave him a solemn nod repeating with Daphne, Susan, Sif, Andromeda, Sirius, Minerva, and Poppy, and his eyes found Amelia but was happy to see Dora standing there beside her panting with her hair gray and fray, which must be due to worry about missing him. As the trio's eyes met, he smiled before walking towards the maze and entering it.
Never hearing the wail of "NOOOOOO!" tearing out from Dora's throats behind him.
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