Hello all! I apologize for not uploading. Some things came up that stopped me from being able to write all this. Anyway lets get it going!
Chapter 7- First Feelings
Out in the distance and shadowy figure floated in the air. How dare this welp threaten him! Him! The great Lord Voldemort, the most feared dark lord the wizarding world had ever seen! Once he figured out how to regain his body he'd bring hell upon all those who'd stood against him starting with the Potter brat. Oh he may have a new name and a new look but deep inside he was the same cowering child. It was only a matter of time, time was something he had plenty of after all. A dark screeching laugh filled the air over the forest fading away as the spectre of the dark lord merged into the shadows.
Harry's mind wandered as he walked down the halls of Hogwarts the next morning. The events of the previous night had him shaken. It's not everyday you find out the madman that changed your life forever was still alive, even if you had to use the term alive loosely. Nightmares of the night of the attack plagued his sleep making him feel restless. It had been years since he'd had those nightmares, the mind healers in Avalon worked wonders for him, helping him overcome his trauma but it seems the night's events and being back in the world and around the people he once knew brought everything back to the forefront of his mind. He wanted nothing more than to be back home in Avolon with his friends and family but his sense of honor demanded he stay until the madman was sent into oblivion. After all, how could run away to safety leaving the people of Britain to suffer a fate of death and destruction. No, he wouldn't leave them. These may not be his people but how could he look his friends and family in the eyes knowing he'd left innocents to die. His father had always drilled him in the family motto, "pravis ducimus, we lead the pack". Harry had always taken it to mean that the Prowlers were there to protect all, creatures big and small could look to them for guidance.
He neared the doors of the great hall feeling somewhat energized. Though the thought of facing the dark lord again was daunting, he wasn't a powerless three year old anymore. Now he had magic and power on his side. He just had to figure out how Voldemort stayed alive all these years. Once he did that he could end him for good.
Pushing the doors open he entered the great hall. The students were much more used to him now and barely even gave him a second thought as he made his way over to the gryffindor table, though he still got plenty of lustful looks from the female population of the castle. As he got closer he realized his usual group was missing a few members. It seemed the girls were either skipping out or running late. "Morning lads." He sat down amongst the group and began piling his plate with various meats and other breakfast foods.Ron merely grunted a greeting as he was busy shoveling food into his mouth and Neville still not fully awake mumbled something that might've passed as English. Harry chuckled at the two and began eating his meal.
His breakfast was interrupted however as a swarm of owls flew in with the morning paper in their talons. He watched as a large brown owl flew down and landed in front of him and gave him a low bow. After giving the bird a piece of bacon and dropping a sickle in its money pouch he grabbed the paper and unrolled it.
Unexpected tournament contestant turns out to be Britains lost hero! By:Rita Skeeter
That's right folks, the rumors are true. As we all know, last month the champions were selected for this years tri-wizard tournament. Everything was going well into plan as the three champions were selected (Fleur Delacour of Beauxbatons, Victor Krum of Durmstrang and Cedric Diggory of Hogwarts). It wasn't until the Goblet of Fire lit itself back aflame did another name be called forth.
In a dazzling display of violet and emerald colored flames the name Harry Potter was spit out on a small sheet of ripped paper. Upon hearing the boys name the Defense Against the Dark arts teacher, one Lord Sirius Black was furious with threats of blood feuds to whoever entered his godson's name. If not for some quick thinking by Barty Crouch senior both Lords Black and Potter were prepared to take action against the person responsible. Along with the discovery of young Mister Potter being alive it also turns out he's sporting a new name. Yes dear readers the young man is no longer a Potter. Young Harry now sports the name Prowler and is the head of the ancient family. (For more info on house Prowler head to page 7)
Harry quickly skimmed the rest of the article and rolled the paper back up. Rita had done well, she'd done everything he'd asked of her and didn't deviate from what he wanted.
He finished his breakfast and made small talk with Ron and Neville until it was time for the two boys to head to class. Once they had left he sat in the great hall alone and his mind went back to Voldemort, he needed to find out how he'd stayed alive all this time. He remembered the curse rebounding back and striking the dark lord but obviously it merely destroyed his physical body. Perhaps the library would have some books on ways to achieve immortality. Deciding that was the plan he left the great hall and headed towards the library.
Rose pinched the bridge of her nose in irritation. No matter what they tried they couldn't find anything that Susan was happy with. They'd tried on at least twenty different outfits so far and Susan hated each of them. They'd already skipped breakfast and making it to class today didn't seem likely either. "For Merlin sake, Susan we've already missed breakfast and now we're missing class. Can you pick something already." Hermione wasn't exactly having a great time. Fashion wasn't exactly her forte and missing out on valuable learning time only made it worse.
The buxom redhead was about to defend herself but was cut off by Lavender. "Oh hush, Hermione. Susan just wants this to be perfect, if you ever find yourself a man that isn't in a book you'll be the same way." The blonde girl said from her closet. "Here Susan, try this on." She tossed a short black skirt and a red blouse towards the girl. The redhead caught the clothes and walked into the bathroom to change.
"All this work and we don't even know if Harry will even say yes to her. He might not even think of her the same way." Hermione huffed in the corner.
"No, he likes her, or at least he thinks she's pretty." They all turned towards Luna, who everyone seemingly forgot about. "We talk a lot on our walks at night." She gave the group a shrug. "He just doesn't want to get attached to anyone because he doesn't plan on staying here once the tournament is over. He wants to go home to his friends and family." Rose looked sad at this. Knowing that Harry plans on going back to Avalon as soon as he can and leaving them again. She hadn't had her brother back for long and the only thing he wanted was to leave again.
"Why doesn't his friends and family just come here while he's at Hogwarts for the tournament? Surely it wouldn't be that hard for them to just pop in and see him." Parvati asked. She looked to Rose and Luna for an answer.
"That, wouldn't really work. We don't even know if Harry can go home after this. He's holding out hope but nothing is certain. Professor Dumbledore is looking into it for him but even he's not sure it's possible." Rose fiddled with the sleeve on her sweater nervously. "I really shouldn't say more. I'm sorry but it's not our story to tell."
"Why wouldn't it be possible? It's not like he's from a whole different wor-" The Indian girl was cut off as the bathroom door opened up. Susan stood in the doorway nervously. "How does it look?" She nervously held herself as the girls looked at her.
Lavender broke into a girlish squeal and rushed to the girl. "Oh you look amazing! Harry won't be able to keep his eyes off you, and if you're lucky his hands." Susan turned beet red at the girl's comment. "Does it really look good?" Parvati made her way over and checked her out. "Better than good I'd say. You look incredible, Susan. If Harry doesn't say yes I say we hex his bits off."
"Good luck with that." Only Luna heard Rose mumble and gave a small laugh. "You do look incredible though Susan. I don't see any way Harry says no." Once again Susan was blushing, and a smile split her face. "Thanks you guys, it means a lot to me that you're helping."
"Ok, now the fun can begin." Lavender raced over to her large bag and dove into it. She rummaged around for a few seconds before coming back up with an assortment of brushes and other accessories. "Now it's time for hair and makeup!"
Harry groaned as he tossed another book into the pile. He'd been at it for hours now and aside from a brief mention of Nicholas Flemel's sorcerers stone there was absolutely nothing in the library about immortality. Which in hindsight made sense, it wasn't a subject school children needed to know about or get any crazy ideas about attempting. Slamming his head on the table he sat there for a few minutes until someone called his name.
"Harry, there you are. I've been looking for you." He lifted his head up and saw Cedric walking towards him. "Me and the others were wondering if you wanted to get a little training in, and Victor said he had some news about the first task coming up. He said he wanted to tell us all at the same time." Training sounded nice, it would clear his mind and let him focus on something other than the dark lord. Speaking of the dark lord, should he tell anyone about his discovery? If not handled correctly this information could lead to widespread panic. Maybe it would be best to talk to Dumbledore about it first?
"Yeah, sounds good. I could use the distraction anyway, Merlin knows I'm just wasting time here." He waved his hands at the pile of books and they all floated back to their original spots on the selves. Cedric shook his head as Harry just casually used wandless magic like it was as simple as a lumos.
Harry got out of his seat and started walking towards the door. "Let's go, I want to get a workout in and see what Victor has learned." Cedric followed him out the door and they made their way towards their training room.
The two walked into the room to find Victor and Fleur already seated and waiting. When the other two noticed them they stood. "Oh good, you found him." Victor summoned two more chairs for the boys. "Now, first things first. Do you want to know what I learned about the first task or want to do some training?" Harry and Cedric sat down and thought.
Fleur spoke up before anyone could answer. "Why don't you tell us what you learned first so that we can train for what's coming? I think it would be much better to prepare for what we know is going to happen." The boys nodded along agreeing with the girl. "Fleurs right, better to use the information we have to better prepare ourselves." The French girl blushed when Harry agreed with her.
Victor nodded and straightened himself in the chair. "Dragons." He let the word hover over the group a few seconds before continuing. "We're going to have to face dragons. Karkaroff took me into the forest last night and showed me, they have four nesting mother dragons that we each have to face. We're going to have to retrieve something from them but I'm not sure what." Fleur and Cedric paled at his words but Harry looked furious.
Harry jumped out of his seat and paced back and forth. The others watched him in confusion as he paced angrily, cursing under his breath. "You alright Harry?" Fleur spoke up, the Veela inside her demanded she try to comfort the boy. She still didn't understand why she felt this way around him but whenever he was near, her Veela wanted nothing more than to be close to him and submit to him fully, body and mind.
Harry took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "I'm fine." The look on his face said otherwise. "I just don't like when people use creatures for entertainment. These dragons shouldn't be forced to participate in this event, especially nesting mothers. They should be safe to take care of their young."
Cedric raise his hand in the air as if answering a question in class. "I completely agree, but that's more to do with self preservation than anything else." Victor nodded in agreement.
Fleur glared at the two boys but could understand their sentiment. "Getting back to the main subject, was there anything else you learned Victor?" The Bulgarian teen nodded. "We will be scored on how long it takes to complete the task and the strategy we use to do it. They would like the dragons to remain unharmed but no points will be taken off if we do manage to harm them. There will be points deducted if we get injured though so try not to get hurt too bad."
"Oh well that should be easy. It's not like we're going to be facing DRAGONS!" They laughed at Cedric's outburst, he was clearly the most shaken up. After she quit laughing Fleur had one more question. "Did you happen to catch what species they were?"
Victor shook his head. "No and I couldn't see them either, they were all in cages." This again, set Harry off on another rant. This time about keeping such creatures in cages.
After he once again calmed down he sat down in his chair. "Given what we now know I think instead of training you guys should do some research on dragons and their weaknesses. I'm pretty much an expert on them but I'm basically worthless for information because I'd bet we call them different names back home than what they go by here but feel free to ask anyway."
The other three agreed with him and planned to meet in the library that evening. Victor waved his wand to check the time. "Well if we're going to do that I say we go to lunch."
"You three go ahead. I'm gonna stay back and get a workout in." The two boys nodded and left the room. Fleur stood back a moment looking like she had something to say but eventually sighed and left.
Harry turned to the empty room and summoned five training dummies. "Milly, can you please bring me my sword." A small pop sounded beside him and the small elf appeared with his sword. "Here you is master Prowler. Does yous be needing anything else?" He shook his head. "No, that's all Milly, thank you… actually I think you can help me." He knelt down beside the small creature. "Do you think you could find me some books on immortality? Something has come up and I need to know of any ways someone could extend their life indefinitely."
The small elf eagerly agreed. Harry gave her the key to the Prowler vault in Gringotts he and Tonks had reopened a couple weeks ago and she set off to work. Standing back up Harry drew his sword and looks at the dummies. Waving his hand he activated the runes that brought them to life, the dummies were equipped with the ability to fire off low level hexes and shields. The dummies spread out in front of him and began firing.
Harry ducked the first volley of spells, rolling back to his feet and dodged to the right as the next volley soared past him. Lunging forward he went on the offensive, his wand was a blur and he redirected spells and cast some of his own. His spells hit the shields of the dummies creating loud gongs and ricocheting into the walls of the room. Finally Harry got close enough and swung his sword in a great arch, the sword sliced through the air with a loud swoosh before making contact, severing the targeted dummy.
He once again had to roll to the side as another volley made its way towards him. As he came back up to his feet he fired off four spells. The first two gonged off the shield of the targeted dummy with the third finally breaking it, the fourth lit the dummy in great purple flames that reduced it to ashes in mere seconds. He spun once again dodging spells and released his grip on his sword, the weapon spun through the air and made contact with the next dummy taking its head clean off. The final two dummies never had a chance to retaliate as a large brown bear smashed their chests in with great clawed paws. Harry shifted back and wiped the sweat from his brow. He summoned his sword back into his hand holding it loosely and vanished the destroyed dummies.
"Not a bad start, but now it's time to get serious." With another wave of his hand he summoned twenty more dummies. Smiling to himself, he waved his hand again activating the dummies. Instantly they all turned to face him and began to fire.
Susan looked around nervously, dinner was nearly over and Harry still hadn't shown up. She was beginning to give up on seeing him today which would mean all the work Lavender and Parvati had done getting her ready would be for nothing. Rose began to run her shoulder reassuringly. "It's ok Susan, he's probably just busy with something. Tell you what, I'll go ask Cedric if they've seen him. Maybe they were doing something for the tournament and Harry just lost track of time." Susan watched her friend get up and walk over to the Hufflepuff table. Rose talked for a couple minutes before rushing back over and grabbing her hand. "Come on, Cedric said he's in their training room." Susan got up and together they ran out the great hall.
Stopping at the door they could hear Harry inside. "Ok all you gotta do is go in there and ask him." Rose made it sound so much easier than it actually was. "You got this, Susan."
Susan nodded to herself and pushed the door open. What she see on the other side made her stop in her tracks. Harry stood amongst a pile of broken training dummies, each one had a combination of slash marks and spell damage. That wasn't what stopped her though. No, what stopped her was Harry himself. He stood facing away from her, his body gleaming with sweat. This was the first time she'd seen him shirtless and the sight stalled her brain. The toned muscles in his back combined with the many scars that traced across his body made him everything a teenage girl dreamed of.
Bringing her mind back into focus she decided to get it over with. "Harry."
His sword cut through the last of the dummies and he stood there admiring his work. Hundreds of dummies had been destroyed over the last few hours. His body was sore from the work but he relished the feeling, he hadn't had a workout this intense since he'd been brought here.
The doors behind him opened but he stood in place. It was probably just the others getting ready to do their research on dragons, they'd ask for him if they needed him. "Harry." Well that's not Fleur and it's definitely not Victor or Cedric.
He turned and to his surprise stood Susan. His mind blanked as he took in the sight. Her long hair was done in elegant curls, her eyes were lightly done with just enough eyeliner and eyeshadow to make her brilliant green eyes pop. Her makeup wasn't overly done but just the way he found attractive on a girl. The black skirt the girl wore hugged her curves before stopping just above her knees and the red blouse hung loosely over her shoulders before cutting deep down her chest exposing plenty of her ample cleavage.
Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts. "Sorry Susan, did you need something?" The girl herself was in a blank state of mind when he turned around. Her eyes going over the scars on his chest, particularly the large one that ran the length of his torso from his shoulder to his hip. It was a few seconds when she finally spoke.
"I uh, I wanted to ask you something." Her face was beet red and she nervously held one arm across her chest grabbing the other. "Um, would you uh, would you go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?" The girl couldn't even look at him as she squeezed her eyes shut when she said this. His eyes were drawn to the door as it cracked open and three heads peeked in, two redheads and one with platinum almost white blonde hair. They all three quickly disappeared when they seen he could see them.
He thought over the girl's question. He wouldn't deny she was a very pretty girl, but he had a betrothed back home. Granted she knows that he'd almost certainly take another wife or maybe multiple but he wanted her to have a say in who when the time came. Another thing was the age difference, sure he was only three years older but he was about to come of age in January and he didn't know how such things worked in Britain. Another major issue also needed consideration, what would happen when the tournament is over and he goes back to Avalon? Would she be able to come with him? Would he even be able to ask her to leave everything and everyone she knew to come with him? Would he even be able to go back to Avalon? There were so many uncertainties with this whole situation that a relationship should be the last thing on his mind. Unfortunately though he had begun to have feelings for the girl, and how could he not? The way she was always so happy to see him and greeted him with that brilliant smile and those beautiful green eyes had begun to work their magic in him. Not to mention how even after constantly telling her she didn't need to do it, she always was more than happy and even somewhat eager to make his plate for him at meal times. Fate was a cruel mistress for putting him in this situation in the first place, but for her to throw more on to the pile only made it worse.
After some consideration he's made his decision. His mother had always told him that in situations that he couldn't fix with his wand, he needed to follow his heart and right now his heart said to accept the girl's proposal. To hell with all the problems that can arise, they'd slay that beast when they came to it. "I'd love to, Susan."
She nearly collapsed when she heard his response. Her eyes popped open and her mouth agape as her whole mind was blown that he'd actually excepted. Honestly she wasn't even sure how to go forward from here. "Really?"
Harry chuckled and nodded. "Yeah it sounds like a good time. I haven't been out for a while so it'll be nice." He ran his hand through his hair. "What time do you wanna meet up?"
Susan was once again caught off guard. "Oh, uh how about ten? We can skip breakfast here and eat in the village." Harry nodded his head and smiled. "Sounds like a date."
She once again turned red and could feel the butterflies in her stomach. "Ok! I guess I'll see you in the morning, Harry!" She fidgeted around with her hands for a moment looking uncertain what to do before she quickly rushed over to him and hugged his side. When she let go she quickly walked out of the room. When the door closed behind her Harry could hear the other girls squealing in excitement for the girl.
Harry again chuckled to himself. With a wave of his hand he vanished the remains of all the destroyed dummies. Checking the time he decided to call it a night and headed up to his room.
The Forbidden Forest
Two cloaked figures snuck through the underbrush and came to a small clearing. Upon entering a large snake slithered out and raised its head up. "Welcome my mossst loyal ssservantsss. It ssseemsss ypur plan wasss a roaring sssuccesss." The two figures got on their knees and bowed to the snake. "Yes my lord, the Potter boy has been returned to Britain and now resides in Hogwarts forced to participate in this tournament."
The snake slithered over and circled the figures. "Ah, but he'sss a Potter no longer. He hasss abandoned hisss birth name and taken a new, Prowler. Tell me, what do you know of the Prowlersss?" The two unknown people looked at each other. "We know nothing, my lord. Only what that Skeeter reported in that rag they call a paper."
The snake hissed in irritation. "Foolsss. A family sssuch as the Prowlersss being forgotten isss a great failure in the wizarding world. If not for the boy already vowing to vanquisssh me he would make a great ally. Unfortunately he isss determined to sssee my demissse, an imposssible tasssk." The snake chuckled to itself, the sound made the two shiver. It was not a pleasant noise.
"Leave me now. Return to the cassstle, let me know if any developmentsss and keep an eye out on the boy. And do not get caught, I will be mossst dissspleasssed." The two figures bowed again and left the clearing.
Rose woke in a cold sweat. She was used to the nightmares but they had never been this vivid. Was it even a nightmare or was it a vision? She hoped it was only a dream because if not, the world was once again going to be plunged into darkness. Perhaps she should tell her parents or professor Dumbledore. No, there was no need to cause alarm over something that might just be a vivid dream. If they persist then maybe she'll talk to someone, but until then she would chalk it up to her mind bringing back old memories now that her brother was back in her life. Laying back down she tried to think of happy thoughts. Even if war was once again brewing she was certain her brother would save her again.
A.N/ Well that's chapter 7 down. Again j want to apologize for not getting this out sooner. I had a vacation and a bunch of other stuff get in the way of writing but now I'm in the clear for the foreseeable future. The next chapter will have two big plot points, Harry and Susan's date and then the first task! Not to toot my own horn but I have some big plans for the first task so get ready for that, its gonna be fun! I also want to thank bahnannah for letting me know about google dox, I downloaded the app and wrote this chapter on there so hopefully it helps with the spelling and punctuation because I was just writing on the FanFiction app itself and its not great. I'll probably run the previous chapters through it to fix their issues but that wont be until this story is over. Anyway please leave a review, I do take your guy's opinions in consideration for this and they help me a great deal. Please like and favorite and ill see you guys in two weeks. Have a good day/week/month/whataver it is when you're reading this!