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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I WON'T BORE YOU GUYS SO PLEASE GO AHEAD AND ENJOY!

November 12th

It was the day he was dreading, it was finally here. However, there was a slight silver lining as he got to see the furious scowl of helplessness on Snape's face when Colin came to fetch him for the ceremony in the middle of the class.

Last week and a half he fell into a comfortable routine apart from body aches after his morning with Dora. He was grateful but she was a taskmaster to the boot when it came to training. It was a complete contrast to her normal behavior, when they were trained it was like a switch was flipped, she became fierce, focused, and unforgiving. Then when they were done she was back to her normal bubbly self.

They always finished their sessions a little early to have time to talk about anything and everything sitting on their spot, hugging each other wrapped in a single cloak. He loved holding her close to him, feeling her head against his shoulder, and how beautiful she was keeping his sinful thoughts aside.

Also, his friendship with Fleur and Susan was increasing with both ladies making their space in his life along with Andi, Dora, Hermione, Sirius, Remus, and Minerva. His professor became another person he cared about a great deal since they started meeting for tea, it was a time he knew she liked to decompress, and was happy to help her let go of the strict persona for a while, and be normal person rather than be Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall.

Yet he could feel that something was missing, it had been the same ever since he remembered, even after he entered the magical world the feeling didn't go away, he could only hope that it would someday for his sanity.

His runes studies were going well with Fleur sometimes helping him with his self-studies and spending hours with him in the library working on various schemes. But it wasn't cost-free, he owed her a batch of sweets of her choice.

He was excited to know what is her favorite dessert, his first guess was macron but he didn't want to stereotype, she could like apple pie for all he knew.

Neville was coming out of his shell a little it seemed he was engaging more, and doing better in the classes with a little help from Hannah. It was obvious to anyone who looked that they liked each other except for the couple themselves who were clueless. It was too much fun to tease them along with Susan about it.

The redhead was the person he was thankful to have in his life cause without her he would still have been eating in the kitchen. She had a warm happy but grounding presence about her, which he got used to as she and Hannah spent more time with them at Gryffindor's table.

He was startled out of his thoughts by Dumbledore's voice booming "Ah, Harry my boy it seems you have the knack to be at the right place just in time" from the other end of the room.

He looked around the Great Hall, filled with reporters, journalists, and students divided into four quadrants. With a clear path in between leading straight to the open stage area with a line of Aurors keeping people back.

In the front three huge banners were floating, from left it was Drumstrang with Karkroff standing with Krum in front, followed by Beauxbatons with Madame Maxim along with Fleur, and to the right was Dumbledore waiting for him with Ludo Bagman on the podium.

Taking a quick but deep breath and trying to relax himself he started walking towards the stage, his expression neutral as he ignored the calls and camera flashes. Walking up to the stairs he shared a look with Fleur along with a small blink-and-you-miss-it smile before taking his place beside his headmaster.

"A very warm welcome to our guest to the wand weighing ceremony of the first leg of the Merlin Tournament. It's a great honor for Hogwarts to host this prestigious event. This day marks the start all over the world, of a tournament that will test every participant in every aspect of magic, body and mind! The ultimate test of their abilities.

Now for a quick introduction to our champions. First, we have the star seeker and pride of Drumstrang, Viktor Krum"

The crowd of Krum supporters went ballistic cheering for him accompanied by many flashes of the camera. The teen didn't flinch keeping his face stony as ever just like it had since he came here only difference Harry could spot was puffing out of his chest.

"Next we have the champion of Beauxbatons, winner of the U-17 dueling tournament and a reigning champion for the last five years of Magique Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe! Fleur Isabelle Delacour!" he announced making a grand gesture towards her.

She smiled for the cameras it was a tight smile rather than the radiant smile he had seen her with. It was a fake one for the public, he noticed.

Ludo cleared his throat "And at last our youngest contender, one we know and love, our very own savior, the Boy Who Lived! Harry Potter" he said and the media representatives were clamoring to take pictures. While in the back his friends and a few others who believed him cheered with a shout or two from Dora among the Auror.

He had to squint his eyes under the numerous flashes of cameras with a similar fake smile plastered on his face.

As they calmed down Ludo continued "Now please welcome Master wand maker, Garrick Ollivander who was approved by ICW to conduct this ceremony" as the older man climbed up on the stage from the side.

The man simply offered a smile before turning to Krum asking "Your wand Mr. Krum" hand open in front of the champion. The teen grunts flicking his wrist drawing his wand and passing it.

"Mmm," Ollivander said taking it and bringing it to his ear, trying to bend it and sniffing it before smiling "Ah, 10 1/4 Hornbeam wood, Core is heart string of Hungarian Horntail" he looked back teen asking "One of Greogorovitch's creation?"

Krum nodded answering in a voice that was more than full of pride "Da"

Nodding in satisfaction that his assumption was correct Ollivander waved the wand letting out a stream of red sparkles cameras flashing behind him capturing the moment. Canceling the spell he passed the wand back to its owner saying "It's a good wand not very flexible but powerful nonetheless, it will serve you quite fine"

He moved further on to the second champion, sharing a curt nod with the Headmistress he turned to Fleur asking politely "You wand Ms. Delacour"

She knew that the man was a not completely normal wizard as her allure didn't affect him. She smiled retrieving her wand from the forearm holder and putting it in the man's open palm.

He repeated the same process as before musing "Mmmm, interesting, 9.5 lengths, Rosewood, and my word…." He gasped with eyes wide as completed "… Veela Hair Core?"

"Oui, it's my Grand-mère's hair" she informed happily with a genuine smile on her face.

The wand maker nodded "It is my pleasure to see such a piece of art I have never seen the hair of veela as core, as my knowledge goes it can only be used by those who are close to the donor"

"Quite temperamental I must say yet it suits you nonetheless will serve you and perhaps wants you to listen to your heart" he ended after taking another pause. Ignoring the adolescent girl's expression as he waved it casting {Orchidius!}

Done with the examination he gave the summoned flowers to the headmistress before passing it back to Fleur saying "It's more suitable for charms but a little inflexible"

She took it and holstered it not wanting to think about the seemingly random but significant statement from the wandmaker who moved to examine the last champion.

"Ah Mr. Potter, I remember your wand as it was yesterday. May I have it" he asked ignoring the headmaster entirely.

He smiled passing his wand to its maker.

"11 inch Holly wood with a phoenix feather core" shooting a glare at Dumbledore "Still loyal to you" before bringing his attention back to the wand. He began his examination, his facial expression far less animated than before he smiled saying "A perfect condition Mr. Potter, you have been taking your time to polish it, very good"

He waved the wand leisurely producing a stream of gold from it before handing it back to its owner.

He steps forward announcing "The Wands of the Champions have been weighed and they are perfect to use in the Tournament" The camera flashes for a while before the man leaves the stage.

The champions with their respect school heads came in the middle for a few pictures and then it was only champions. As the photo op ended all three were about to start moving but were halted by a woman with a heavy-jawed face, elaborate and curiously rigid blond curls, heavily penciled eyebrows, jeweled spectacles, with long crimson nails came towards them saying "Hello Champions I am Rita skeeter form Daily Prophet, I would like to have interviews with each of you…" she paused getting a reluctant nod from all of them.

She smiled "… Let's start with our youngest champion shall we" Her predatory gaze settled on Harry who gulped nervously as the woman took his hand and dragged him to a broom closet, he froze.

She turned to see what the problem was only to find that her interviewee and largest meal ticket was about to faint. Letting his hand go she asked, "Mr. Potter are you okay?"

"Um… yes just can we interview in the trophy room" he suggested hoping that the reporter would agree.

Rita nodded "Of course Mr. Potter" trying to hide her disappointment. She was looking forward to making the savior tick, invading his personal space, getting some juicy bits for her story, and coping a feel or two. Her hopes of physical pleasure dashed she was determined to get a story at the least.

Fleur watched the interaction from afar, fighting every instinct in her body to get Harry away from the vile woman. She knew her reputation, Rita Skeeter and her salacious takes on stories were infamous even in Gaul. Now she has to endure as that vulture of a woman pried on all the insecurities cause she isn't anything but a friend, yet.

As both of them settled in the chairs, Rita's book and Quick Quote quill sprung to life as she asked "Now Mr. Potter, let's start with, Why a 14-year-old like you entered this dangerous tournament? To compete with champions not only emotionally more mature but also have mastered the spells you wouldn't attempt in your dizziest daydreams?" with a smirk on her face.

"I didn't enter my name" he replied looking tired of parroting his truth.

"Oh sure you didn't," she said sarcastically and winked at him before adding "Everyone loves a rebel, Harry"

As he remained silent not taking the bait she changed the tactic "Do you think it's because of your past trauma that you entered the tournament, looking for thrill and danger to feel alive?"

"What? No, I just said I didn't enter myself! And I don't go out looking for trouble intentionally" he replied indignantly

She knew she had him so she went in for the kill "For my last question, what would your parents think? Would they be proud or concerned that your attitude shows at best pathological need for attention or worst, a psychotic death wish?" giving him a pitiful look.

Controlling his urge to storm out he sat back not saying anything knowing that this was a trap. He observed the woman in front of him for a minute before smiling at her.

Rita shivered under his intense gaze and felt moisture gather between her legs when he smiled at her. She could feel his magical aura around her, prickling at her skin her breathing becoming labored, her face going red.

Not knowing how his magic was affecting the woman he leaned forward after noticing that her face became red. A little awkwardly he put a hand on her hand asking "Ms. Skeeter are you okay?"

She got a mini orgasm from skin-to-skin contact, swallowing a very unladylike moan. She looked at the teen and immediately knew that he didn't have an idea about what effect he was having on her, which to her only proved that he was indeed blessed by magic itself. She quickly made up her mind to bed him in the future.

For now, though she needed to escape cause she was about to gush in like a fountain. Managing a smile she nodded "Yes, Mr. Potter I am more than okay. I think I have enough for today but I will see you on the day of your task, good luck" as she quickly packed her book and quill, taking her leave but not with extra sway in her hips.

She turned back and noticed that he was watching her made her need even more urgent, to the end that she jogged to the nearest loo to get some relief.

Harry shook his head at the weird interaction before leaving and going back to the great hall.

Fleur who was done with her her interview with a French and German reporter spotted him coming out of the trophy room looking a little downtrodden. She looked around to see that most of the media had already so she made her way to him asking " 'Arry? You okay?"

"Hmm… oh yeah it was just you know like it has been for the last few weeks. She didn't believe me but suddenly her face got red like cherry, she ended it abruptly and left in a hurry, it was a really weird interview" He informed shrugging his shoulder a little.

She tilted her head not knowing what to make of the last part so she grinned "Oh I zink she may 'ave to use ze loo, if ze way she ran was any indication" and laughed saying that her friend blushed at the implication before joining her laughter.

"So how were your interviews? Bad as mine?" he asked.

She sighed nodding "Oui, Celine, and Marie 'ad to use ze stinging 'exes more zan a couple of times. 'Onestly"

"Well you can't blame them, you are gorgeous after all" he blurted out without even thinking about it and when he realized what he said, he turned to apologize.

She blushed red as she smiled "Zank you, 'Arry" before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on his cheek.

He flustered a little with a hand on the spot where her soft lips touched him as he stammered "I.. It'… it's the truth" he could feel the fluttering in his stomach similar to when Susan similarly kissed him when Minerva hugged and did the same, when he spent mornings with Dora or when Andi took care of him when he was recovering.

And was dazed for the rest of the day until it was almost six in the evening he, Hermione, and Neville were making their way to Hagrid's hut. They hadn't spent much time with their half-giant friend this year.

"Oh, you should have seen how mad Snape was cause he couldn't give you detention for skipping the class! I thought he was going to explode!" Neville said taking immense pleasure at the helplessness of his nemesis.

Hermione grinned nodding in agreement "Really it was the most furious I have seen him ever seen him, can you believe he took points from Slytherin! That never happens" as they were getting nearer the hut.

Harry looked at them in surprise "Bloody Hell! He did! And I missed it! Awww shucks!" whined the last part making his friends laugh. As the trio reached the porch of the hut he knocked on its light waiting for Hagrid to open it.

"Oh, ello Harry, Hermione Neville! Come in, Come in" Hagrid said inviting them inside his hut. It was according to the half-giant as such they looked small in the large couch and chairs. Hagrid brought some tea along with his infamous creation, rock cakes. Passing large cups to the teens keeping the the tray filled with rock cakes on the table, Hagrid sat on a large leather chair asking "So how was yer day?"

Harry shrugged informing "Well you know wand weighing happened, I met a reporter and gave an interview then we had lunch and Hermione helped me with my runes, and then we had a charms class. Professor Flitwick taught the theory of Box Blasting Charm. What about you Hagrid? Did anything interesting today?"

The half-giant smiled "Aye, I visited an Occamy century in Ireland! It was so much fun to see them. I requested a few of them to come here for the class. Talked to Dumbledore about it, and he agreed maybe after the holidays yer guys will learn about them" as he drank from his cup.

Hermione's eyes shined with a curious glint as she squealed "Really! I have read about them. They can grow and shrink at will, their eggs are made of pure silver and are viscously protective of them"

"Ah, ever the knowledgeable Hermione! Yes, you are correct but also they mostly found the Far East and India. The century in Ireland is only one this far west" Hagrid said taking a sip of his tea and popping a rock cake in his mouth.

Neville nodded saying timidly "Their yolk is used for making the shampoo, my gran uses it regularly, it's quite in demand since Lockhart was admitted to the "

Just then through the open door, Fang came in, the large canine went straight to Harry jumping up on the couch with his head in the teen's lap wagging his tail. The teen in question smiled scratching his head saying "Hey their mate, you keeping the school safe? Hmmm" getting a soft bark as a reply making everyone chuckle.

"Yer the only one the mutt listens to Harry! Magic forbid never did for me" Hagrid mused as he took a sip from his large cup.

Hermione chuckled nodding "Yeah just like Buckbeak! He has got away with animals, just like Nev here has with plants" making the brown-haired boy blush to everyone's amusement.

Hagrid let out a hearty laugh looking at the red-faced teen saying "Aye Professor Sprout is proud of ye, I think ye are her favorite" making the boy's face go from red to crimson.

"Yeah and Hermione has a connection with books," Neville said trying to deflect which was successful as it was now a bushy-haired witch who turned pink and a hid her face behind the cup.

"So how is Sirius Harry? Still prankster?" Hagrid asked leaning back in his chair.

He chuckled "Oh yeah! Annoyed the hell out of the Andi and Dora all summer!" taking a sip before saying "But not without repercussion one time Andi made his skin pink just before he was going out for an errand!" laughing as he remembered that day with others joining him in it.

Hermione chortled on her drink some coming out of her nose and making others laugh harder as she took out a handkerchief and wiped it admonishing her brother "Harry don't make me laugh while I am drinking!"

Calming down he raised his hand saying "Well don't drink while I am making a joke" getting an eye roll from her.

Fang chipped in with a bark with Neville following "I think Fang agrees with Harry" getting a smile from both his friends. He knew they were his friends but never spent much time cause Weasley kept hoarding their or specifically Harry's time. It was to finally be able to hang out with his godbrother.

"So how are ye dealing with it, Harry? I know ye didn't put the name in the goblet. How could anyone even think ye would do such a thing! Stupid if ye ask me!" Hagrid said huffing the last part out in anger.

Harry gave a soft smile to his friend saying "Thank you, Hagrid. I wish everyone could think like you, so smart and kind. Others are quick to judge" with a little bitterness in his tone.

Hermione nodded "Yeah especially our own house! I don't understand how can people think he entered the tournament! It's a death trap" with a frown on her face.

"I think it's just that they are jealous 'cause they can never be like you, I know at least Seamus does with some older boys, mainly Mclaggan and his cronies with Weasley but Twins are keeping them in check" Neville informed them.

Hermione nodded "Susan, Hannah, and Cedric are doing the same for the Puffs, Ravenclaws only glare but aren't hostile like Slytherins. They are as bad as the head of their house" She shook her head as sat her empty cup down on the table.

Harry agreed "Yeah that's nothing new for me, just more difficult than usual" he emptied his cup with a large swig with Neville following after him. He patted the Fang back saying "Come on mate, time for me to leave" Hearing a whine he scratched behind his ear saying "I will see you later Fang promise"

As the dog freed his lap with one last lick on his face he stood up with the other two following his lead Hermione said "We will see you later Hagrid" hugging the half-giant who lightly patted her back.

He was followed by Hagrid as as Neville and Hermione left the hut he asked "Harry come here at midnight and bring yer cloak with ya, I have something to show in the forest!"

Harry wanted to ask what it was but seeing as Hagrid waited till he was alone meant was a secret maybe something related to the tournament. He simply nodded saying "See you later Hagrid" as he exited the hut and caught up with the other two in the pumpkin patch.

Seeing the questioning look on their faces he simply shrugged his shoulders and they started walking back with his mind still pondering on what Hagrid was going to show him.

Later that night 11:45

Opening his door trying to be as silent as he could be with his cloak around his shoulders he moved through the hall on his toes, and with a similar caution descended the stairs. Reaching the last step and entered the deserted common room, making a beeline to the portrait door. He pulled his hood up and went through it, letting out a sigh of relief when the fat lady simply grumbled in her simple.

{Lumos!} he cast under the cloak and continued to make his way to the stairs and walked down carefully, watching his step so he wouldn't stumble make noise, and wake the portraits around him. From there he made his way to the entrance courtyard he sighed and pulled his hood off with hands on his knees.

He gasped air only for a moment before he walked the memorized path to his friend's hut. Once there he rapped on the door twice.

He was stunned to see a very well-groomed Hagrid open the door dressed in crisp clean clothes with a flower in his pocket and hair slicked back. The man gave a smile asking "Ah, Harry! Right on time! Come on we will be late!" he said hurrying as he came outside and locked the door behind him walking towards the forest with a lantern in his hand.

Harry threw a glance around to make sure no one was there before scampering to follow the man.

"Cloak? Did you bring your cloak?" Hagrid asked him a little absentmindedly, as he straightened the nonexistent crease on his coat and adjusted the flower in his pocket.

He cocked his head asking "I am wearing it Hagrid, anyway where are we going?"

"You'll see soon enough, pay attention this is important" as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"What's with the flower? Hagrid, have you combed your hair?" he finally asked the question only which had been bugging him for awhile.

Hagrid nodded "As a matter of fact I have, you might need to try the same thing and.." He stopped looking around.

This reminded him when Sirius said something similar in summer and following words of encouragement 'Don't listen to him Harry Bear, I like your hair just like they are' from Dora in summer came to his mind, along with the feeling of her warm breath touching his ear followed by a light kiss made him shiver in delight. He shook his head out of that memory when he heard his friend.

"Put the hood on! Now!" Hagrid said as he started walking again and he followed as silently as he could.

Hagrid was walking at some distance so they could hear his voice "Oh sorry Olympe!" his eyes widened upon hearing the name of the French Headmistress. It was followed by her voice "Oh Agrid! I zought perhaps you weren't coming, I zought perhaps you 'ad forgotten me" sounding a little relieved.

He turned a corner barely holding in his laughter, witnessing Hagrid on a date with Madame Maxime. Both were happy and he was happy for his friend. Hagrid replied "Forget you? Never Olympe!"

He saw her put a hand on his chest with a smile on her asking "What is it you vanted to show me? When talked earlier you sounded so exhilarated"

Hagrid smiled taking her hand saying "You will be glad that you came, trust me" he started walking again and glanced back at him before continuing. As they walked a little more a roar tore through the silence of the forest, sending shivers down to his Harry's bones.

As they reached a large clearing it was finally clear to him what it was that Hagrid wanted to show him. There were three large cages with creatures in each of them one closest and clearest as a blue dragon, followed by a large black one and the furthest was something he didn't know anything about.

As Madame Maxim moved further out of the earshot, he lifted his cloak asking "Hagrid! This is the first task? You are joking right?" looking at his half-giant friend in shock and disbelief. His eyes still trained ahead looking at what he has to face.

"Oh come on Harry they are just seriously misunderstood creatures," Hagrid said before relenting with a sigh "Though I have to admit that Manticore is a serious threat if it gets out of control. People nearly faint at the sight of one"

He gulped saying "Hagrid I think I should be leaving now I have seen enough and thank you very much" Getting a smile from his distracted friend he turned pulling his cloak on and walking silently, letting the knowledge and its enormity sink in.

He didn't stop for a minute breaking in a run moving as fast he could, even tripping a little on the grand stairs. He whispered the password for the fat lady and stepped before she could grumble, scowl, or make a ruckus. Making his way up the dorm room he closed the door and hurriedly removed the cloak, stuffed it in his trunk.

He walked towards the attached suite quickly turning the sink tap on he splashed water on his face. The cold sensation calmed him down a little, and remembering Andi's advice he started taking deep breaths. In… out… in….. Out…

Feeling a little calmer after a minute but not by very much as he was still worried about the task ahead. Slowly making his way to the bed he sat with his head in his hands on the edge of the bed before a laboured sigh he well back staring at the ceiling.

He didn't know what to do, his first instinct was to call Sirius, inform him about everything, or run to Hermione, she always knew what to do in these kinds of situations. But both weren't possible at this time, which meant that he was bound for a sleepless night.

His mind then went to his Fleur, stomach-lurching at that thought. She didn't know! She was going into blind and it was far more dangerous than he was willing to admit. He felt like it was all wrong, he was cheating by knowing about what he had to face.

His breathing was getting shorter and shorter, and his body starting to shake. He knew what it was, a panic attack. His lungs couldn't take more air, it was as if someone was holding him underwater. Standing up quickly he unbuttoned his jeans letting them pool on the floor as he quickly got rid of his sweater. Now only clad in his boxer made his way to the left wall and opened the window.

Shivering a little a first at the gust of the cold fresh air but after that, he started to relax. He let the air fill his lungs, once again doing breathing exercises. Bring a chair over he sat down wince a little as he felt the chilled wood touch his back, taking a minute for his emotions to settle and keeping his mind empty.

After a few minutes, a large sneeze reminded him of the open window. Shaking his head he closed it, put the chair back in its place at the study table, and got under the bed covers. Feeling more than a little tired, he closed his eyes hoping against hope to catch some sleep.

Next Morning

Making her way down to the lake Dora was wearing a large smile, she loved spending this time with Harry. She loved spending time with him followed by spending an hour in each other's arms, talking about anything and everything. She did feel bad about her mum for not getting the same but knew that come summer he would be all hers.

Then there was a matter of her aunt who was sitting in Azkaban, she knew her mum and Sirius was working on a trial appeal, and they had a meeting with her boss tomorrow which she prayed magic went well. Her mind was brought out of those thoughts when she spotted Harry at their usual spot skipping stones in the lake.

It was strange to see him there before her because she was half an hour earlier than their regular time. Warning bells started to ring in her mind when she saw his tired face and body language.

"Watcher Harry!" she called stepping closer just as he was about to throw another pebble stopping him mid-swing. He turned to her and offered a smile before redoing the swing sending the small projectile stepping at least ten times on the surface of the water. She smirked asking "New hobby?"

"Yeah getting some swinging practice in for stone skipping tournament?" he retorted bending to pick up another one while giving Dora a few of his cute arse.

"Oh and when is that?" she asked stepping closer to him and putting a hand over his, stopping him. She looked into his eyes, she could see that something was hidden behind those emerald pools of his, putting a hand on his cheek she asked "What is it, Harry? Out with it, you were never good at keeping secrets"

"You don't know that!" he said incredulously. Seeing a raised eyebrow from her was all it took from him to deflate saying "Okay but for the record I can so keep a secret!"

She chuckled "Sure you can Har, now spill"

He sighed "Well yesterday, Mione and Neville went to see Hagrid for some tea, you know that right?" getting a nod he continued "Well as I was leaving he stopped me and told me to meet him at midnight at the hut. So I did he led me to the forbidden where he showed me what the first task would be, there were 2 wyverns and a manticore"

There was silence for a minute before she threw her arms around him saying "It will be okay Harry! We will show them who is the boss" full of determination.

He smiled, yes this is exactly what he needed he hugged her back drawing strength from her, he nodded "Of course we will, we will" he wasn't going in alone, all of them were with him.

She smiled patting him lightly before saying "Okay I can see that you are tired and nothing productive will come from pushing you in this state so let's just rest for today, we can continue tomorrow" running a hand through the side of his hair.

"Yeah that's…" the reply was interrupted with a yawn "…probably for the good" keeping his head on her shoulder and with his eyes drooping.

Hearing his breathing even she smiled, being as cautious as she could she lightly moved him from her shoulder to lap before using the cloak as a blanket. Resting her head on the bark of the tree she closed her eyes trying to form a strategy that wasn't exactly her strong suit. She was more of a going-with-flow kind of gal, never the planner! That's why she had Hes as her partner both evening each other out.

She could think of a couple of spells that would help against wyverns like flame freezing charm, an array of sensory charms, conjunctivitis, and some high-level environment transfiguration. But nothing came to mind about how to handle the monstrosity which was a manticore. It was an intelligent creature, which was the reason it was such a dangerous creature.

During her training Moody warned her class that when you see that beast you were to run and hide, never to engage it! Anyway, she looked at it things looked bleak at best. Shaking her head out of these depressing thoughts sending her shoulder-length gray hair flying.

Looking down, she couldn't help but smile at how peaceful and cute he looked sleeping. No sign of the brooding teenager anywhere, his face muscle void of anxiety and tension that seemed to be ever-present. She moved her hand through his hair lightly getting a content sigh from him along with him rolling left snuggling in her torso with an arm around her waist. It made her smile wider along with a light blush on her face, continuing her administration on his hair.

Time lost all meaning for a while, there was nothing but the sounds of birds, the rustling of trees, and the ripples of water. It wasn't until the clock tower rang in the distance but it's echoed through the valley. It made him stir slightly as he opened his eyes groggily, his vision was filled with the black material of a shirt he looked up only to see two peaks blocking his view he rolled on his back reveling in the softness of his pillow and saw Dora staring down.

"Morning again, sleepyhead," she said still moving her hand in his hair.

He gave her a smile greeting back in a husky voice "Morning Dora" A minute later he realized his head was in her lap. His face turned red, he slowly sat up letting out a whimper upon losing her warmth. He turned to her looking a a little bashful "I… am…"

She cut him off saying "Oh Harry bear you look so cute sleeping" leaning and pecking the corner of his mouth, making his face go crimson. With a satisfied smile on her face, she stood up and silently offered him a hand.

Pulling him up she brought him into a hug "I will see you later, Har!" before kissing his earlobe and whispering "See you tomorrow!" before stepping back taking of running towards the castle.

He stood there blushing as a shiver of pleasure traveled down and back up in his body, shaking his head as he started walking towards the castle admiring her from a distance. From the entrance lobby, she threw him a wink before sashaying her way to the author's wing.

With a goofy smile on his face he made his way up to the dorm, entering the common room he spotted Ron and Dean playing wizards chess. His good mood was quickly replaced by annoyance, ignoring them he moved and made his way up the stairs to his room.

After breakfast he led Neville, Hermione, Susan, and Hannah, once they were settled in the deserted section, he started "Okay so yesterday after the three of us went to meet Hagrid, he held me back for a second you remember right?" getting nods he continued "He told me to meet him at the midnight he had something to show me. So I did, he took me to the forest their I saw what I have to face in the first task" he paused before saying "Two dragons and a Manticore"

"WHAT!" Hermione and Susan screamed as they jumped out of their chair making the other three wince.

Hermione huffed "Honestly! What are they thinking pitting people against monsters! A freaking Manticore! It's up there with Nundu, why not let a chimera have a stroll here for fucks sake!" as she started pacing.

Susan takes up from where she left "They are all insane! Everyone in charge of this magic-forsaken tournament! How can anyone survive this! It's a freaking nightmare" fuming with her nostrils flaring in anger.

Hermione calmed down after a minute of silence from everyone, she sighed "Honestly Harry! You are going to make me go gray before I reach thirty" Her comment broke the tension, gaining a snort from Susan and light chuckles from others.

"Okay so now that we know what you are facing we can come up with a way to handle it," Susan said sitting back in her chair.

Hermione nodded "Of course, there will be something about facing them in here, I will find it by tomorrow and then we can work on it. You have 12 days to perfect it, not much time to waste"

The redhead nodded "But we have to keep it fluid, we still don't know what the task is" before turning to him and asking "You will need to learn some new spells and fast, will you be able to do that?"

He said nothing and simply smiled but instead Hermione commented "Oh don't worry about him he can do it with still time remaining" waving it off without any concern with Neville smiling and nodding.

The redhead shook her head "Right, of course, look who I am talking to, but doesn't mean you won't need practice" looking a little flushed in embarrassment.

"Yeah, I am going to need plenty of that to get used to it, I will need all the help I can get" he informed with an encouraging smile aimed at the redhead who mirrored it.

Neville stood up saying "There are some plants that can help you subdue I will look for more information for them" making his way to the herbology section.

"Um… I think I will go help him, two heads are better than one" Hannah said blushing as she too followed him.

Harry chuckles shaking his head "They are clueless aren't they?" looking at Hermione and Susan, the former smiles at him while later giving him a deadpanned look but her eyes are betraying as they are full of mirth.

Soon three of them were looking for information, Hermione took the heavy task of finding information about Manticore while Susan and Harry looked for information about Wyvern. It wasn't long before they found a book in the Magical Creatures section, as they both went to withdraw it their hands touched, and both shared a smile only as he let her withdraw it.

She smiled and they settled on the table with the book, she turned to him asking "Okay what kind of dragon did you see?" and passing the books to him.

The teen quickly perused the book which took about 10 minutes he said "Okay I saw one Chinese fire and Hungarian Horntail" looking at the menacing moving picture of the dragon.

Susan hid her surprise seeing that he didn't even flinch a little looking at the picture cause it gave her the shivers. She smiled happy to see that he was this confident in the face of such a danger, something inherently reassuring about it. She nodded "Okay so now we know about what we are facing, we can work from here" putting a hand over his giving it a reaffirming squeeze.

Just as the gong signaling the time for lunch rang, he smiled at her saying "That will have to wait until later" Holding her hand he stood up "Come on let's find 'Mione and get something to eat, I am starving" leading her to find the bushy-haired girl, not seeing the blush forming on redhead's face.

Later That Night- Beauxbatons Carriage.

Fleur didn't know what it was but she had a feeling that something was wrong with Harry, earlier during the dinner she could feel his gaze upon her but whenever she looked at him he avoided meeting her eyes. Something was bothering him, making him nervous and anxious.

She wanted to know what was the reason behind all that but didn't want to force the matter on him. It was getting harder with day to control her inner veela who wanted him so much and nights were the hardest with dreams about him, she was going through her inner wears like tissues, yet never satisfied in the morning.

Sighing and shaking her head and closing her book, she stood up from her bed moving to her window. She looked at the moon and sighed, she wished everything could be simple. She let the cool winds wash all over him, flowing through her silvery golden hair. She relaxed on the sill of the window, closing her eyes trying to let her worries about the emerald-eyed teen let go for a while.

Her mind instead went to what Madmae Maxim told her about dragons and the manticore which was weighing heavy on her mind along with her other things. A fluttering and hoot brought her out of those thoughts. She opened her eyes to find a gorgeous white owl hovering in front of her which startled her "Yelp!" as she jumped back.

As the owl landed, with a hand on her heart getting it under control she smiled at the majestic bird which was looking at her with surprisingly intelligent eyes turning her head side to side as if it was judging her.

"Bonjour, do you 'ave a letter for me?" she asked politely to which the owl bobbed her head before presenting her with her talon and an indignant hoot as if saying 'Yeah, here it is, hurry up now!'

She nodded quickly taking the letter relieving, she saw her name on the envelope, she recognized the handwriting, it was from Harry. Tearing it open she quickly opened the parchment reading:

Dear Fleur,

I am sorry for acting so distant today. The reason behind my behavior is that I know what the first task is going to be. Hagrid, my friend showed them to me yesterday along with Madame Maxim was there too. But I am feeling guilty being the only one to know, it's like I am cheating, I couldn't look you in the eye and couldn't sleep with this weight.

Also, I don't like the idea of you facing an unknown danger in the first task, you… are someone I care about. I don't want to lose you in this stupid tournament.

So here it is, we are going to face 2 dragons, a Chinese Fireball and a Hungarian Horntail, along with a Manticore.

Your,

Harry

Ps: This is Hedwig, my first friend ever.

Oh that man, that beautiful adorable, kind-hearted goof of an honorable man! She sighed clutching the letter before looking at her Hedwig saying "Your master is an 'Onorable man, a little too 'onorable for 'is own good" shaking her head.

After a hoot from the owl which she assumed was a goodbye before taking off in the night. She watched it disappear in the night before turning back to the letter, she shook her head chuckling, and she lay on the bed her worries evaporated as she held it reading and re-reading the letter, it was the sweetest thing ever.

Sighing she put the letter carefully on the side table drawer along with her wand. before closing her eyes and slipping into the realm of Morpheus ready to enjoy some more dream-loving from the emerald-eyed teen.

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