The Fourth Wizard
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Potterverse
Author's Note: Many thanks to my beta Buggycas
Chapter Seven
Maya of Daglig Avis came by to view the dead basilisk as promised. Harry brought Ron, Hermione, and Neville down with him. Ginny did not want to go which the others understood.
"This is very impressive Mr. Potter," she said on viewing the remains. "Well worth the trouble of getting here." She took a few pictures of the dead basilisk and a few of the statue of Salazar Slytherin. "Have you done any exploring since then?"
"A little," Harry admitted. "My friend Hermione had an interesting thought. She wondered what it ate. We did some research and found out that it was likely eating the Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest."
She stopped him to ask quickly, "You have those in the forest behind the school?"
He nodded, "So we came down and looked for the exit the thing was using and blocked it to prevent them from coming in that way."
Maya shuddered, "Thank you both. But still there is a colony of them near a school of children? I will add that to my report." As she wrote in her notepad she said, "It seems sometimes as if you three are the only reason there are any students left in this place."
Harry sighed and nodded, "Sometimes I think that too. It makes me wonder what went on before we got here and what will happen after we graduate."
"Assuming we live that long," Hermione added.
Ron smiled," Don't worry Hermione. We'll protect you. Right Harry?"
"With my life," Harry said. "One for all and all for one."
Hermione smiled at that and the reporter made another note.
Harry said, "While exploring, we also found a way up that doesn't involve either climbing up a slippery tube or using a phoenix."
"Thank you for that as well," Maya said. "Although I think this robe might need to be burned anyway."
Hermione smiled, "I've discovered some really good cleaning charms over the last four years." She cast one at Maya's robes and they were suddenly a pristine and bright indigo again. "We can't have a member of the press looking shoddy because of us now can we?"
Harry just shrugged and said, "If you're finished taking pictures I'll show you the way out."
"Yes," she said. "I think I have enough for at least two articles if not three. Let us go."
Harry led her to an alcove hidden in shadow, "Unfortunately it's one way so we can't use it to get in." Once they were all inside Harry hissed, "Up!" The floor beneath them lifted them up smoothly until they were at the third floor of the castle then it stopped and a door appeared. Harry opened it and stepped out. Once they were all out of the magical elevator the door vanished and wall looked like plain stone again.
"Thank you again," Maya said and shook hands with everyone. Then she rushed off to file her stories.
The next day a copy of the English version of the paper was delivered to Harry along with a note stating he would receive a complimentary subscription if he wanted one. The front page was about the Acromantula.
Ron looked surprised, "I'm surprised it's such a big deal. I mean I hate spiders as much as the next bloke but live and let live right? As long as they stay in the forest who cares?"
"Anyone who gets detention with Hagrid?" Hermione said.
Harry noticed baleful glares from the headmaster that morning.
The day after Dumbledore stood up at dinner to make an announcement, "Students and fellow educators! In accordance with our zeal to make sure we have the safest magical school in the country the Ministry will be sending people from the department of dangerous creatures to deal with the colony of Acromantula in the Forest. All efforts within the budget are being used to make sure you stay safe. Your government is looking out for you!"
When they met the other champions that night for the magic study group Fleur asked, "How long has that colony been there?"
"Since Hagrid was expelled," Harry said.
"He was expelled for starting the Acromantula colony?" she asked looking shocked.
"No, he was expelled because Tom Riddle, then a student here, framed him for what the basilisk did the last time," Harry said. "Dumbledore told me he was sure Hagrid didn't do it but couldn't stop the school board from expelling him so he got Hagrid a job as an apprentice to groundskeeper and now he has that job as well as being a professor."
She looked shocked, "I am suddenly very glad I spent the last six years at Beauxbatons. I only wish I had known all this before I became a candidate for this tournament." Victor nodded but said nothing.
When the day for the First Task rolled around the press was out in force again. Local, international, wireless, and paper, all were represented. All except Rita Skeeter who found a barrier preventing her from entering the grounds in either human or bug form. She suspected it was the Unspeakable but that knowledge did her no good. She eventually moved onto reporting about the amount of money being spent but her readers weren't the sort to care as long as their pay remained the same.
Harry dodged as many reporters as he could and gave bland statements to those he couldn't dodge.
Daphne continued to use the reporters in her attempt to become famous enough to become Minister later.
Cedric was doing the same as Harry except when the first question was about sports. He answered those questions with a smile. If he were going to go professional with Quidditch he had to make nice with the press, at least a little.
The press had unanimously decided to avoid Luna but she occasionally sprung out at them and recorded an interview for the Quibbler. She also published an interview with Harry once and one with herself twice. None of them were about the tournament though. Harry had tried to get Hermione to go on record as speaking out against the Rotfang conspiracy since her parents were dentists but she had not only made no official statement but refused to allow anything she said to be printed and Luna respected her wishes.
Victor spoke to press as much as always but only about Quidditch and his plans for after he graduated.
Angelina spoke about wanting to go pro after school and invited any teams to check out her record and get in touch with her.
Fleur ducked the press as much as Harry and when caught she spoke only on the subject of universal equality. She spoke against bigotry in all its forms. This lead to fewer reporters wishing to interview her. The number of reporters trying to ask her out remained the same however regardless of how firmly and clearly she said no.
And so it was that a frustrated and slightly depressed group of reporters that assembled one Saturday afternoon to document the First Task. Inside the Great Hall the tables had been removed and a large seven sided artifact was taking up the center.
Albus Dumbledore smiled as he addressed the crowd and the assembled press, "Since we have more champions that we expected and since your government is always ready to react positively to surprises I have enchanted this as our first task. Each champion picks a side and casts the same wind charm. This cunningly enchanted device reacts to the strength of the wind and once it passes a certain threshold it will produce a clue to the next task. First place and ten points goes to the first person to receive their clue. Second place wins you eight points and third gets you five points. If you can't produce enough wind you will not get your clue and be at a disadvantage in the next task but you will still be able to compete."
He gestured at the artifact, "If the champions will take their places we can begin."
"Figures he would come up with a challenge that requires you to blow lots of wind," Harry muttered.
Fleur and Daphne giggled at that but no one else heard him.
Harry won and was the first to see the clue. A Chinese puzzle box flew out of the enchanted contraption and landed at his feet. A bell sounded and a glowing "10" appeared over his station. Fleur was next and soon an eight hung over her station and then a five appeared in front of Victor.
On his other side Daphne received a small puzzle box just before the bell. She was looking tired but happy. They are asked to line up in front of the judges for their official scores. Harry put his puzzle box in a pocket and headed over with the rest.
Dumbledore is standing in the center of the judges smiling, "You have all done very well. Everyone got their clue, so I say well done everyone!" He pauses a bit as the audience gives polite applause. "In first place we have our own Harry Potter, in second place from Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour, in third from Durmstrang is Victor Krum, let's have a big hand for our top three!" There was cheering and applause and many pictures taken.
By staying close to Luna Harry managed to leave the hall without running into any reporters. They were all keeping their distance from her still. Once in the hallway he said, "Let's go to our usual room and try to figure these boxes out."
"Sure Harry," Luna said. However she had solved her by the time they got there. Inside was a piece of paper that said the box was the clue.
"Huh," said Harry. "That's interesting. Maybe the task will involve solving a puzzle?"
"Oh, I hope so," Luna said. "I love puzzles."
The next task would be in January but first came the first of the dances, The Yule Ball and they were informed that all champions had to attend.
"What am I going to do Hermione?" Harry asked over dinner.
"Ask someone," she replied. "It's likely she will be glad to go with you."
"It's not that simple," he said.
"Yes, it is," she replied back. "It may not be easy but it's definitely simple."
"Do you have a date?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "But that was a good way to do it. You just need to find someone else to ask."
Harry looked over at the Ravenclaw table where Luna and Fleur were talking then smiled and stood up. He walked over to them noticing how people were starting to watch, "Hello ladies."
"Hello Harry," Luna said. "You're looking very determined today."
"Bon soir, Harold," Fleur said.
He said, "I heard all champions are required to attend the ball and we are also required to have a date." He was hoping one of them would take him off the hook after he said that but they both just stared at him, waiting for him to continue. He gulped and continued, "So, do either of you lovely ladies have a date yet?"
"Thank you for the compliment Harry," Luna said. "Are you asking because you would like to date one of us?"
Harry was sweating and blushing now, "Er, yes Luna. I was thinking that since we all have to go maybe we should go together?"
Fleur grinned at him, "You have taken on Basilisks and Dementors, I cannot believe that we make you nervous."
Harry gulped, "It's not the same thing at all!"
One of the boys at the table agreed, "Too right!"
Fleur laughed, "So which of us did you come to ask?" She pushed out with her allure as something of a challenge and was surprised to see that Harry not only fought it off successfully but actually was less nervous after doing so.
"Whoever doesn't have a date already and wants to go with me," Harry said.
Luna cocked her head sideways at that, "Neither of us has accepted a date. Would they let us all go together?"
Harry's eyes widened at that and Fleur grinned at them both, "Parfaite! They could hardly ban three champions from a ball in their honor. There are seven of us, so if we all go together someone would have to date two of us anyway. I applaud your plan and your bravery." She actually clapped a few times.
Harry nodded, "Uh, yeah, thanks."
Luna said, "We should go shopping this weekend for matching formal wear."
Harry gulped, nodded, and went back to the Gryffindor table.
As he sat down Angelina stood up and called out, "Hey Cedric!"
In a wary voice Cedric replied, "Yeah?"
Cho Chang glared at Angelina but said nothing.
Angelina smiled, "Since we both already have dates let's not follow Harry's plan."
Cedric grinned, "Aye, I agree. Sorry Harry, you had a great idea but I'm taking Cho."
Angelina grinned and called out, "Hey Victor!"
He replied stoically, "I have asked Miss Granger and she has said yes. Miss Greengrass will have to find her own date."
There was a lot of chuckling and grinning in the great hall just then so nobody was too surprised when Daphne added her two cents.
"Hey Angelina!" Daphne stood and shouted.
"Yeah?" Angelina called back.
"Which twin are you taking?" Daphne asked.
"Fred!" Angelina replied.
"Hey George!" Daphne called and more laughter was heard.
"Yeah?" George said and stood.
"Want to go to the ball with an underage Slytherin?" she asked. "I promise not to poison your punch!"
George grinned and called back, "Sure! I hear there's a shopping trip planned for this weekend. We can get matching formal wear."
"Sounds good!" she replied and they both sat.
As he ate Harry turned to Hermione, "Simple huh?"
She chuckled, "I forgot. Nothing is ever simple when you're involved Harry."
"Too right mate," Ron said. "You'll probably have to dance twice as much." He shook his head, "Better you than me.