12th June 1995
Hogwarts
The entertainment lounge of the Arcane Club was full of people. After hearing that Ben had returned from wherever he had been for the last three months, almost everyone had come to see him.
All his friends were there, of course: Hermione, Harry, Neville, Daphne, Tracey, Luna, Ginny, and Astoria. His sister, Rachel, was there too, along with his bud, Teddy. Dumbledore had joined them, accompanied by Professors McGonagall and Flitwick. Finally, there were his parents, Andrew and Miranda, who had arrived a few minutes after Ben had called them on his Wiphone to let them know he was back.
Everyone sat in a semicircle around Ben and Ambassador Spock, waiting for him to begin.
Finally, Ben stood up.
"All right," he began, glancing around at the assembled company. "First of all, allow me to introduce our guest."
He gestured towards the man beside him.
"Everyone, this is Mr. Spock. He's a great explorer, a skilled diplomat, and a renowned researcher. For the last few months, I've had the pleasure of having him as my guide and teacher."
Spock inclined his head in a polite greeting. Ben continued, anticipating the question that had undoubtedly occurred to everyone present.
"And in case any of you are wondering why his ears look a little different from ours, it's because Mr. Spock isn't entirely human. His mother is human, just like us. His father, however, is a Vulcan."
Hermione raised her hand.
Ben smiled. "Yes, Hermione?"
"What's a Vulcan?"
Spock turned towards her.
"A Vulcan, young lady, is a member of a logical, humanoid extraterrestrial species originating from the planet Vulcan."
"Extraterrestrial?" she repeated. "As in... alien?"
"From your perspective, yes."
A wave of murmuring swept through the room. Ben waited for them to settle down before speaking again.
"Let me explain. You all know that I left rather abruptly on the morning of March 3rd. I did that because I saw a terrible catastrophe about to happen somewhere. Billions of people were about to die, and an entire world was on the brink of destruction."
The amusement and curiosity in the room gave way to apprehension. Ben reached into his pocket and produced a small, metallic cube. Its surface was smooth and unmarked, and it fitted comfortably in the palm of his hand.
"This," he said, holding it up, "is what I saw."
He bent down, placed the cube on the floor, and tapped its upper surface.
Thin rays of light emerged from its sides. They rose into the air, intersected, and expanded into a vast, luminous screen suspended before the assembled group.
The first image appeared.
A colossal spacecraft—the Narada—hung in the darkness of space. Beneath it lay a red planet, its curved surface illuminated by the distant light of a star. The sheer scale and sinister appearance of the vessel made several people draw sharp breaths.
A tremendous pillar of incandescent plasma erupted from its underside and struck the planet below. The beam punched through the atmosphere and bored into the surface, carving an immense wound into the world. The ground beneath it glowed with unbearable heat as the weapon drilled deeper and deeper, leaving a colossal shaft in its wake.
Seven smaller spacecraft suddenly materialised near the planet. Each possessed a broad, saucer-shaped hull, with two long cylindrical structures extending behind it. They had barely appeared when the enormous alien vessel turned its weapons towards them.
A volley of torpedoes flashed across the screen. Explosions engulfed their hulls, scattering fragments across the surrounding darkness. One after another, the seven ships were obliterated. Within moments, nothing remained of them but drifting debris.
Rachel clapped a hand over her mouth. Miranda's fingers tightened around Andrew's hand.
Then an eighth ship appeared. The Narada's weapons struck before it could mount an effective response. The vessel shuddered under the barrage. Its shields failed, and its systems went dark. Yet the Narada did not destroy it.
The plasma drill finally ceased, leaving behind an enormous, dark shaft that penetrated deep into the planet. The bottom was invisible, swallowed by shadows. A small projectile dropped from the alien vessel and disappeared into the opening.
A moment later, an enormous shockwave erupted from the point of impact and spread through the planet's interior. As the alien ship moved away, the projection shifted rapidly between different regions of the planet.
Across vast deserts, fissures split the ground apart, racing towards distant horizons. Mountains trembled, their slopes collapsing beneath cascading avalanches of stone. Rivers of molten rock burst through the surface, while towering columns of lava and superheated debris shot kilometres into the atmosphere.
Cities crumbled. Entire districts disappeared into expanding sinkholes. Roads split apart, bridges collapsed, and towering structures toppled into clouds of dust. Seas churned violently as the planet's crust ruptured beneath them. In some places, the ground simply fell away, swallowing everything that had stood upon it.
Even the atmosphere seemed to recoil as enormous sections of the planet broke free. Great fragments of rock and molten material were hurled into space, only to be dragged back towards the growing singularity at the planet's core. The planet's surface fractured into countless pieces, and then, with horrifying finality, the planet was gone.
Nothing remained where it had once been. Only darkness.
For several moments, the lounge remained utterly silent. The projection hung before them, displaying the empty region of space where the red planet had existed moments earlier.
Eventually, the luminous screen dissolved into thin rays of light, which streamed back into the device. The cube went dark. Ben picked it up and slipped it into his pocket before straightening.
"Seven starships destroyed," he said quietly. "Thousands of crew members killed. An entire planet obliterated. Six billion of its inhabitants slaughtered. An entire species pushed to the brink of extinction."
His gaze travelled across the room.
"That is what I went to prevent."
He paused for a moment.
"And thankfully, with a little help, I succeeded."
Murmuring broke out among the crowd.
Six billion people.
The number was so incomprehensibly large that many of those present struggled to make sense of it. They knew that the Muggle world contained billions of people, but witnessing the destruction of an entire inhabited planet had transformed an abstract number into something terrible and real.
Professor Flitwick was the first to find his voice. He rose from his chair, his usually cheerful expression replaced by genuine bewilderment.
"Excuse me, but..." He glanced towards the space where the projection had vanished. "What exactly happened there? How did an entire planet simply disappear into nothing?"
Ben drew breath to answer, but Spock rose before he could speak.
"I believe it would be more appropriate if I explained."
Ben nodded and returned to his seat. Flitwick sat down as well, turning his full attention towards the Vulcan.
"Greetings. My given birth name happens to be unpronounceable by humans, so you may simply call me Mr. Spock. As Mr. Carter informed you, my mother was human, while my father was Vulcan — a member of the dominant species of the planet Vulcan."
He paused before continuing.
"On April 5th, 2063, the humanity of my universe piloted its first warp-capable ship, achieving faster-than-light travel. This is considered a major milestone in the developmental journey of any species, and it caught the attention of a passing Vulcan survey ship, T'Plana-Hath. The Vulcan crewmembers of the ship then landed on Earth and initiated the official Human-Vulcan first contact.
"In the years that followed, Vulcans helped humanity rebuild Earth, which had been devastated by World War III. They shared technology to assist with ecological restoration, medical advances, and clean energy systems. Within a generation, their guidance helped eliminate human poverty, disease, and war.
"Eventually, Humans, Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellarites formed a coalition of planets which ultimately became the United Federation of Planets, commonly referred to as the Federation—a supranational interstellar union of multiple planetary constituent political entities operating semi-autonomously under a single central government founded on the principles of liberty, equality, peace, justice, and progress, with the purpose of furthering the universal rights and suffrage of all sentient life.
"Federation members exchange knowledge and resources to facilitate peaceful cooperation, scientific research and development, space exploration, and mutual defense. By the 24th century, the Federation had become one of the most powerful interstellar states in known space. It encompassed eight thousand light-years of known space, and the total number of formal member worlds was over one hundred and fifty."
Everyone was pleasantly surprised to hear all this. None of them had expected actual aliens to exist, much less friendly ones who would help humanity recover after another world war. Hearing about the heights humanity might reach in the future filled them with a sense of optimism and hope.
Spock continued.
"However, not every civilisation chose to become a part of this interstellar union. Among the Federation's principal rivals was the Romulan Star Empire, a powerful interstellar state established by the Romulan people. Over the course of its history, the Empire acquired numerous subject worlds and client states, becoming one of the dominant powers in its region of the galaxy... An incident happened in the year 2387, however, that changed everything.
"A dying star threatened to turn into a supernova, endangering not just the nearby Romulus—homeworld of the Romulan Star Empire—but also several other star systems. To prevent this, the Vulcan Science Academy developed Red Matter, a substance capable of creating an artificial singularity—a black hole—capable of consuming the immense destructive energy released by a supernova."
Several people stared at him in disbelief. Spock continued before anyone could interrupt.
"We outfitted our fastest ship, and knowing that the chances of survival were rather slim, I volunteered to fly the ship myself. I was en route when the unthinkable happened." He sighed. "The star went supernova and destroyed Romulus.
"I launched the Red Matter, creating a black hole which began to consume the supernova, preventing further destruction. Before I could leave, however, I was intercepted by a Romulan vessel—the same ship we witnessed a few minutes earlier. Its captain, Nero, and his crew had been away from Romulus on a mining expedition and thus survived.
"Nero held me responsible for the loss of his homeworld and gave chase. In my efforts to escape, both of us were pulled into the black hole and transported back in time through a tunnel in spacetime. Nero went in first, so he was the first to arrive. He waited for me, and when I showed up, he captured my ship. Rather than killing me, he marooned me on a barren planet, intending to force me to witness the destruction of my homeworld in the same way that he had witnessed the destruction of his."
Spock looked at Ben.
"Fortunately for me, fate was not so cruel. Mr. Carter arrived and rescued me from the planet Nero had stranded me on. Together with other Starfleet personnel, we boarded the Romulan ship and were able to apprehend Nero and his crew before he could execute his terrible plan."
Spock allowed his gaze to travel across the assembled group.
"Vulcan was saved, without a single casualty, no less. All because of the brave actions of one man."
He inclined his head towards Ben. Having finished his explanation, Spock returned to his seat.
Everybody looked at Ben in awe.
They had already known that Ben travelled to other worlds and that he frequently involved himself in events far beyond their understanding. They knew that he possessed abilities and resources that made many seemingly impossible tasks achievable.
But knowing that someone was capable of extraordinary things was not the same as understanding what he had actually accomplished. He had saved an entire planet. Six billion people. An entire civilisation that had stood on the brink of extinction.
Not even the greatest heroes of legend had ever done anything comparable.
Andrew's chest swelled with unmistakable pride. Miranda looked at her son with a mixture of relief, affection, and wonder, her eyes shining as she tried to reconcile the boy she had raised with the young man who had apparently helped save an alien world.
Rachel stared at him as though she were seeing her brother in an entirely new light.
Dumbledore's expression was unusually serious, although pride and admiration shone clearly in his eyes. McGonagall sat very straight, her lips pressed together in an effort to maintain her usual composure, while Flitwick looked positively overwhelmed.
Harry and Neville exchanged a glance, neither quite able to find the words to express what they were feeling.
Daphne and Tracey were equally astonished. Ginny watched Ben with wide eyes, while Luna regarded him with her characteristic dreamy calm, as though the revelation that her friend had helped save an alien civilisation merely confirmed that the universe was considerably stranger than most people imagined. Astoria, meanwhile, seemed utterly captivated.
Hermione was the only one who did not look directly at him. She sat very still, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze fixed somewhere on the floor beside her chair.
Ben noticed. He glanced at her, wondering what was going through her mind. His brow furrowed slightly, but he chose not to press her in front of everyone.
Instead, he rose to his feet once more.
"All right." Ben looked around at the assembled group. "Stop looking at me like that; you guys are making me blush."
A few chuckles and snickers followed. Ben smiled.
"Anyway, after arriving on Earth in 2258, I spent a few days in San Francisco gathering information, then contacted Starfleet. After I explained everything to Captain Pike, we went to the Vulcan star system, rescued Mr. Spock, boarded the Narada, and took down Nero and his crew. The end."
Daphne raised her hand.
"Yes, Daphne?"
"What's Starfleet?"
Ambassador Spock answered the question.
"Starfleet is the deep space exploratory and defense service maintained by the United Federation of Planets. Its principal functions include the advancement of Federation knowledge about the galaxy and its inhabitants, and knowledge of all areas of study, both scientific and non-scientific. Its ancillary duties include the defense of the Federation and the facilitation of Federation diplomacy."
Ben nodded.
"Mr. Spock himself was an officer of Starfleet before he took the role of a Federation ambassador to facilitate peace and understanding between different species of the galaxy."
Harry raised his hand.
"Yes, Harry?"
"How long did it take you to do all this?"
"Not long. The whole thing took about two weeks."
Neville frowned. "So, what were you doing for the last three months?"
"Actually, it was seven months for me."
Ben noticed the confused expressions around him and elaborated.
"Because of the effects of gravity and the distinct individual speeds of planets and galaxies, time passes at different speeds in different universes. In Mr. Spock's home universe, time passes 2.38 times faster than in our own. Meaning, while one day passed in this universe, approximately 2.38 days had passed in that one."
Miranda looked at her son curiously.
"What were you doing there for seven months?"
"Learning." Ben paused before continuing. "As you can probably imagine, 23rd-century Earth and Federation society in general were a marvel to behold. No poverty or pollution, no crime or war. Education was free. Healthcare was free. The basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, shelter, and utilities, were free. Federation citizens didn't study or work because they had to; they did it because they wanted to, because it was their passion. And it was all made possible by the scientific and technological advancements made by the Federation.
"While magic could, theoretically, be used to create such a society, realistically, it isn't feasible since there are so few witches and wizards, especially on a national or international scale. With that in mind, I started studying Federation science and technology. I aimed to at least understand the basics so that even when I left that universe, I would still be able to study the materials I brought back with me."
Dumbledore leaned forward slightly.
"What did you learn?"
"A lot of things. I started with mathematics and computer science—the basics of Federation sciences. From there, I went on to advanced materials science, medicine and medical technologies, replicators and transporters, advanced power generation and storage, shielding and phaser technology, artificial intelligence, holography, and artificial gravity generation systems."
Ben gestured towards Spock.
"Mr. Spock was kind enough to guide me in my endeavour, which is why I was able to accomplish so much in only seven months."
Flitwick looked thoughtful.
"Well, I don't understand half of what you just said, Mr. Carter, but it appears you have been quite busy."
Ben smiled. "I was. But now, I'm back."
He glanced at Spock.
"Unfortunately, we had no way to send Mr. Spock back to his time. And there was already a younger Spock in 2258, where he showed up. To avoid causing any temporal mishaps, and because he was curious about our world, I brought him here with me."
Ben turned towards Dumbledore.
"Headmaster, would you mind terribly if Mr. Spock stayed here in the castle for a few days?"
Dumbledore smiled.
"Not at all."
He turned towards Spock.
"It would be our honour to host such a distinguished otherworldly visitor in our school. I'm sure there is much we can learn from one another."
Spock inclined his head.
"Thank you, Headmaster. I appreciate your hospitality."
With that settled, the gathering gradually came to an end.
The end-of-the-year examinations were still underway, and unlike Ben, the others weren't exempt from them. They had studying to do, and several were already thinking about the work awaiting them.
Andrew and Miranda said their goodbyes to their son before opening a portal and returning home. Ambassador Spock left the Arcane Club with Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Flitwick, the Headmaster leading him to his accommodation in the castle.
Rachel, Harry, Neville, and the others clearly wanted to hear more about Ben's latest adventure. However, they realised that someone else had been waiting much longer for this moment.
One by one, they returned to the study area, leaving Ben and Hermione alone in the lounge.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Ben broke the silence with a gentle smile.
"Hey."
"Hey..." Hermione hesitated. "Can we talk?"
"Of course. Do you mind if we do it outside, though? I have been cooped up for months. I'd love a chance to stretch my legs."
Hermione nodded.
They quietly made their way out of the Arcane Club. As they passed through the corridor, they noticed their friends sitting around the large round table in the study area. Several sneaked glances at them, trying rather unsuccessfully to make it look as though they weren't watching.
It was around half past eight in the evening, but the Scottish Highlands still had well over an hour of daylight remaining. The sky was filled with shades of purple and gold, and the sun was slowly descending towards the horizon.
Ben and Hermione walked to a balcony overlooking the Black Lake on their left, with the distant town of Hogsmeade visible ahead.
Ben rested his elbows on the railing and closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the evening sun on his face. He took a deep breath and released it with a gentle sigh.
"I've missed this. 23rd-century Earth is amazing... but it's not for me. There is too much glass. Too many skyscrapers. Too much focus on style over substance."
He glanced around at the castle grounds.
"A castle on a hill... this is what I'd prefer, actually."
Then he looked at Hermione with a gentle smile.
"How have you been?"
"...Good. You?"
Ben smiled ruefully.
"Torn. Half of me wanted to come back the moment we had taken care of Nero. I hated how we left things. The other half, the more rational part, realised that that universe had everything I'd need to learn about how to build a better, almost utopian society. So I stayed."
He looked at her.
"I'm sorry."
Hermione shook her head.
"No. Don't... don't apologise. You have nothing to apologise for. It was my fault... it was all my fault. I pushed you away. I shut you out. And then you had to leave... to save an entire world... to save billions of lives. How could I blame you for that? No...I'm the one to blame."
She looked up at him.
"I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
Ben stepped forward and embraced her.
"There is nothing to forgive. To be honest, I thought your reaction was rather tame. I wouldn't have been surprised if you had flown off the handle and started hexing both Fleur and me. I know many girls who would have done just that. Instead, you just... took some time to think things through without doing something that either of us would have regretted. That was very mature of you, and exactly what I expected from you."
Hermione smiled against his chest.
"How do you always have the right words to say?"
Ben smirked.
"That's easy—I was born with a dictionary in my head."
She hit him lightly in the chest, giving him an exasperated look.
"Okay, okay..." He chuckled. "To tell the truth, I've been having this conversation in my head for months now... Didn't want to mess it up, you know?"
"I know," Hermione replied quietly.
Ben hesitated for a moment before asking the question that had been on his mind.
"...So... what did you decide?"
Hermione drew a breath.
"That I love you... that I want to be with you... no matter what."
Ben let out a sigh of relief.
"Good... because I don't know what I would've done if you had said otherwise."
They remained quiet for a moment, holding each other.
Eventually, Hermione spoke again.
"I spoke with Fleur."
Ben looked at her.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"And?"
"She apologised for causing any problems. But she also said that she wasn't giving up on you."
Ben sighed.
"Look, don't worry about Fleur, okay? Once the tournament is over, she will return home... to France. She will get a job, meet some new guy, and in a year, she will have forgotten everything that happened here."
Hermione gave him a doubtful look.
"I don't think it's going to go as smoothly as you are imagining. But even if it does... what about you?"
Ben frowned in confusion.
"What about me?"
Hermione gave him a deadpan look.
"We have known each other for almost four years now, Ben. And in all this time, outside of our friends, I have never seen you go out of your way to help some other girl. And yet, with Fleur?"
Ben stared at her incredulously.
"Oh, come on. Is this about the dragons? What was I supposed to do? Let her face off completely unprepared against a massive fire-breathing reptile with impenetrable skin? And for what? The entertainment of the masses?"
Hermione remained calm.
"What about the second task? You knew that the hostages would be perfectly safe. Otherwise, you would have never allowed me to be one of them. Yet, when she was attacked by the Grindylows, you still went and rescued her."
Ben shook his head.
"Yeah, but that's because, just like Fleur, I also have a younger sister. And if Rachel had been at the bottom of the Black Lake, surrounded by mermen and monsters, and if I were unable to rescue her while time was running out, at the end of which I had no idea whether she would still be alive or not... I just wanted to spare her the mental anguish. That's all."
Hermione studied him for a long moment.
"All right. I will take your word for it. But I hope you are honest with yourself. Because truthfully, even if you like Fleur, I am okay with it."
Ben stared at her in shock.
"What?"
Hermione continued calmly.
"I have realised something in these last three months... something that has only become clearer tonight. I may be your friend... and I may be your partner... but I will never be your equal."
Ben opened his mouth to respond, but Hermione placed a finger against his lips.
"No, let me finish."
She lowered her hand.
"While I may be a bit clever, I could never hope to measure up to you. We are both the same age, and yet, while I'm at school, studying for exams, you are out there, saving worlds. As time goes on, I'm sure you'll visit more places, become more powerful, and your deeds will be even more legendary.
"I don't want you to one day look back and not find any reason to return. I would rather you come back home... even if I have to share that home with someone else."
Her voice grew quieter towards the end.
She stood before him with her eyes lowered, looking suddenly small and vulnerable.
Ben looked at her for a moment before placing his hands on her shoulders. She raised her eyes to meet his, and they held each other's gaze.
"Hermione Jean Granger... I'm going to tell you something now, something important... and I want you to listen carefully. Are you ready?"
She nodded.
"While it may sometimes seem like life is a competition... love is most assuredly not. You are right when you say that I will go to other places... that I'll do even more outrageous things... that I'll perhaps become even more powerful."
He smiled.
"But that's just the thing. I'm a freak of nature, honey. You could search this universe... many universes... and probably not find another one like me. I did not choose you because I thought you were my equal. I chose you because of how you make me feel. That hasn't changed... and it will never change, no matter how powerful or accomplished I may become."
He gently cupped her cheeks in his hands.
"I don't need you to be like me... and I don't need you to be perfect... I just need you to be there for me. That's enough... you are enough... for me. And no matter how far I go, I will always come back to you. I promise."
They gazed into each other's eyes. Ben wore a calm, reassuring smile, while Hermione's eyes grew misty with emotion.
For a moment, neither moved. Then, without another word, their lips met.
Far beyond the mountains, the reddish sun continued its journey towards the horizon.
---
15 June 1995
Pokémon Stadium
The enchanted stadium was packed to capacity.
Students filled the tiered stands, their excited voices carrying across the vast arena. Banners representing Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons fluttered overhead, while a shimmering magical barrier surrounded the battlefield to protect the spectators from stray attacks. At the front of the crowd, Albus Dumbledore, Madame Maxime, Igor Karkaroff, and several members of the Hogwarts faculty occupied specially reserved seats, eagerly awaiting the day's matches.
After nearly seven months of competition, the Hogwarts Pokémon Championship had finally reached its semi-finals. Only four contestants remained, and the battles ahead would determine who advanced to the grand finale on 27th June.
Above the arena, enormous screens made of enchanted light displayed the names of the four semi-finalists and their respective Pokémon.
Colin Creevey — Gryffindor, Third Year
Tyranitar, Pidgeot, Magikarp
Versus
Petar Poliakoff — Durmstrang, Seventh Year
Empoleon, Steelix, Luxray
---
Draco Malfoy — Slytherin, Fourth Year
Charizard, Rapidash, Steelix
Versus
Ronald Weasley — Gryffindor, Fourth Year
Arcanine, Poliwrath, Golem
A fresh wave of cheers swept through the stadium as Sirius Black, the referee for the first semi-final match, strode onto the battlefield. Dressed in dark robes, he looked thoroughly pleased with himself as he raised his wand towards the enchanted loudspeakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, students and distinguished guests!" His voice boomed across the stadium. "Welcome to the semi-finals of the Hogwarts Pokémon Championship!"
The response was deafening. Students stamped their feet, waved their house banners, and shouted the names of their favourites.
Sirius waited for the noise to subside before continuing.
"Please welcome our first contestants! Representing Gryffindor House, Colin Creevey! And representing Durmstrang Institute, Petar Poliakoff!"
Colin emerged from one entrance to enthusiastic cheers from the Gryffindor stands. His younger brother, Dennis, was practically jumping out of his seat, waving both arms and shouting encouragement. Colin grinned when he spotted him and raised a hand in acknowledgement.
Petar emerged from the opposite entrance, looking far less comfortable with the attention. He glanced towards the stands, where several Durmstrang students were cheering him on, then towards the enormous battlefield ahead of him.
He swallowed. He had never imagined he would make it this far.
Petar Poliakoff was an ordinary seventh-year student who had rarely distinguished himself academically or otherwise. Karkaroff had brought him to Hogwarts primarily to fill out the Durmstrang delegation, not because he considered Petar a particularly promising student. In fact, the Durmstrang headmaster rarely had anything good to say about him.
When Ben had first announced the Pokémon Championship, Petar had entered largely because everyone else seemed to be doing so. He had chosen his Pokémon, learned how to use their abilities, and somehow managed to win one match after another. A few sensible decisions, some favourable matchups, and more than a little luck had carried him through the tournament.
Now, against all expectations—including his own—he had reached the semi-finals.
Across the field, Colin's journey had been rather different. When the third-year Gryffindor had first selected his Pokémon, his primary goal had been to have fun with his friends. Reaching the semi-finals had never seriously crossed his mind.
Yet here he stood.
His Tyranitar had become one of the most feared Pokémon in the competition, while his Pidgeot had proved remarkably versatile. Together, they had helped Colin overcome opponents who had initially dismissed him as an inexperienced younger student.
His third Pokémon, however, was another matter entirely.
Magikarp had become something of a running joke among the competitors. Despite Colin's persistent training, the little fish had yet to demonstrate anything remotely resembling the destructive power of the other Pokémon in the championship.
Sirius raised his wand again, drawing the spectators' attention back to the arena.
"Trainers, take your positions! Remember, this is a three-on-three Pokémon battle. No substitutions are permitted once a Pokémon has been defeated. The first trainer to have all three Pokémon knocked out loses the match!"
He looked towards Colin and Petar in turn.
"Are you ready?"
Both boys nodded and reached for their enchanted Poké Balls.
"Then let the battle begin!"
Round One: Pidgeot versus Empoleon
"Go, Pidgeot!"
Colin threw his Poké Ball, and a burst of golden light erupted across the battlefield. Pidgeot emerged with a magnificent cry, spreading its broad wings as it rose several feet above the ground.
"Empoleon, I choose you!"
Petar's Pokémon materialised in a flash of blue-white light. The imposing blue-and-black penguin stood upright, its steel crest gleaming beneath the stadium lights.
Sirius stepped towards the edge of the battlefield and raised his wand.
"Begin!"
"All right, Pidgeot!" Colin called. "Let's start with Quick Attack!"
Pidgeot folded its wings close to its body and shot forward, becoming a blur of feathers and motion.
Petar's eyes widened.
"Er—Empoleon, do something!"
Empoleon turned its head towards him just as Pidgeot closed the distance.
"Metal Claw!" Petar shouted.
Empoleon's right flipper glowed with a metallic sheen. It swung just as Pidgeot reached it, and the two attacks collided with a sharp metallic crack.
The impact sent Pidgeot veering sideways.
"Empoleon, Water Pulse!"
Empoleon thrust both flippers forward. A concentrated sphere of water formed between them before hurtling towards Pidgeot.
"Up!" Colin shouted.
Pidgeot climbed sharply. The Water Pulse passed beneath it and exploded against the ground, sending water spraying across the arena.
"Now, Gust!"
Pidgeot beat its wings with tremendous force.
A powerful gust swept across the battlefield, carrying the water spray directly into Empoleon's face. The steel-plated Pokémon staggered, momentarily blinded by the sudden deluge.
"Again!" Colin ordered. "Keep it off balance!"
Pidgeot circled overhead, releasing successive gusts of wind. Empoleon braced itself, digging its feet into the ground as the powerful currents buffeted its body.
Petar frowned, trying to work out how to counter the aerial assault.
"Empoleon, use Metal Claw on the ground!"
Empoleon struck the battlefield with its glowing flipper.
The metallic impact sent a vibration through the enchanted ground. Pidgeot's next dive faltered as the shock travelled through the arena, disrupting its approach.
"Now, Water Pulse!"
Empoleon fired again.
This time, the attack struck Pidgeot squarely in the chest.
The bird Pokémon cried out and tumbled through the air before recovering just above the ground. It beat its wings hard, struggling to regain its balance.
Colin's expression grew serious. He took a breath and raised his arm.
"All right, Pidgeot. Let's finish this. Aerial Ace!"
Pidgeot's body shimmered with pale light. It folded its wings and plunged towards Empoleon at an angle, accelerating with astonishing speed.
"Empoleon, brace yourself!" Petar shouted. "Metal Claw!"
Empoleon's flipper gleamed as it swung upwards. The two Pokémon collided in a flash of light and a shower of sparks.
For a moment, they appeared evenly matched. Then Pidgeot's momentum carried it through the strike, forcing Empoleon backwards. The larger Pokémon staggered, its feet scraping across the ground, before dropping to one knee.
Pidgeot landed several feet away, breathing heavily.
Empoleon attempted to rise. Its legs trembled, and the glow surrounding it flickered. It struggled for another moment before finally slumping forward.
Sirius raised his wand. A clear chime rang throughout the stadium.
"Empoleon is unable to continue! Petar Poliakoff loses his first Pokémon!"
The overhead scoreboard changed.
Colin Creevey — 1
Petar Poliakoff — 0
The Gryffindor stands erupted in cheers, joined by plenty of Hogwarts students from the other houses.
Colin raised a fist.
"Yes! Brilliant work, Pidgeot!"
Pidgeot gave a proud cry and spread its wings.
Petar recalled Empoleon, looking mildly disappointed but not particularly devastated.
"You did well," he murmured before returning his attention to Colin. "Good attack."
"Thanks!" Colin replied. "Empoleon was tougher than I expected."
Petar nodded, then took another Poké Ball from his belt.
"All right. Let's try this."
Round Two: Pidgeot versus Luxray
"Luxray, go!"
A bright flash illuminated the battlefield. Luxray materialised in a low crouch, its black fur bristling as golden sparks danced along its mane. Its eyes glowed with electric energy, and its tail flicked from side to side as it assessed its opponent.
Pidgeot immediately rose into the air.
"Luxray, Thunder Fang!" Petar called.
Luxray sprang forward, its jaws crackling with electricity.
"Fly higher!" Colin shouted.
Pidgeot climbed sharply. Luxray's attack discharged in a burst of lightning, sending a crackling wave of electricity through the air beneath it.
The electrical surge caught Pidgeot's lower wing. Pidgeot cried out and dropped several feet before managing to recover.
"That's it!" Petar exclaimed, suddenly animated. "Keep using electricity!"
Luxray launched another electrical attack.
"Quick Attack, Pidgeot! Get around it!"
Pidgeot darted sideways, narrowly evading the attack. It swooped low, attempting to strike Luxray from behind.
"Thunder Fang again!"
Luxray pivoted with surprising speed. Its jaws closed around Pidgeot's wing in a flash of blue-white electricity.
Pidgeot gave a sharp cry.
"Free yourself!" Colin yelled.
Pidgeot beat its wings violently, forcing Luxray to release it. The bird flew backwards, its wing feathers flickering with residual electrical energy.
Colin clenched his fists.
"Come on, Pidgeot! Once more. Aerial Ace!"
Pidgeot gathered itself and dived, its body shimmering with pale light.
"Luxray, Spark!"
Electricity surged around Luxray's body as it charged forward. The two Pokémon collided in a burst of light.
For a moment, the arena was filled with crackling energy and swirling feathers. Then Pidgeot crashed onto the ground and slid across the battlefield.
Luxray landed on all four paws, its mane glowing brightly.
Pidgeot tried to rise. Its wings trembled, but it could no longer lift itself from the ground.
Sirius raised his wand again, and another chime rang out.
"Pidgeot is unable to continue! Colin Creevey loses his first Pokémon!"
The stadium erupted into applause, and the scoreboard changed.
Colin Creevey — 1
Petar Poliakoff — 1
Colin recalled Pidgeot, his expression disappointed but composed.
"You were brilliant," he whispered to the sphere. "Get some rest."
Colin slipped Pidgeot's Poké Ball back onto his belt and reached for another.
"All right," he murmured. "Let's bring out the big guy."
Round Three: Tyranitar versus Luxray
"Tyranitar, let's go!"
The battlefield trembled as Tyranitar materialised.
The towering green Pokémon roared, its armour-like hide gleaming beneath the stadium lights. Its massive claws scraped against the ground, and its tail swept behind it with enough force to scatter loose stones.
Petar swallowed.
"O, po dyavolite," he muttered under his breath.
"Luxray, Spark!"
Luxray charged, electricity enveloping its body.
"Stone Edge!" Colin ordered.
Tyranitar slammed its foot against the ground. Jagged stone pillars erupted from the battlefield, forming a barrier between the two Pokémon.
Luxray swerved, but one of the rising pillars clipped its shoulder and sent it tumbling sideways.
"Now, Crunch!"
Tyranitar lunged.
Luxray attempted to recover, but Tyranitar's massive jaws closed around its shoulder armour. A dark aura spread from the point of contact as Luxray struggled, electricity crackling along its fur.
"Get away!" Petar shouted.
Luxray discharged a powerful burst of electricity at point-blank range. Tyranitar grunted but held its ground.
"Throw it!" Colin commanded.
Tyranitar swung its head and hurled Luxray across the battlefield. Luxray struck the ground, rolled, and scrambled back onto its feet.
For a moment, Petar looked hopeful. Then Luxray's legs buckled. It fell forward.
Sirius's wand emitted another clear chime.
"Luxray is unable to continue! Petar Poliakoff has lost his second Pokémon!"
The scoreboard updated.
Colin Creevey — 2
Petar Poliakoff — 1
Petar recalled Luxray and sighed.
"You did well," he told the sphere. "You nearly had it."
He stared at his final Poké Ball for a moment before looking towards the towering Tyranitar.
Round Four: Tyranitar versus Steelix
"Steelix, I choose you!"
Steelix emerged from the Poké Ball, its enormous segmented body rising above the battlefield. Its steel-plated form gleamed, and its massive head swung towards Tyranitar.
The two Pokémon stared at each other. Then Tyranitar roared. Steelix roared back. The sound reverberated through the stadium.
Colin studied Steelix's body. A direct physical assault would be difficult. Steelix's armour could withstand a tremendous amount of punishment, and its massive body gave it considerable reach.
He would have to find a weakness.
"Stone Edge!" Colin called.
Tyranitar struck the ground. Jagged stone pillars erupted beneath Steelix.
"Dig!" Petar shouted.
Steelix plunged into the ground just before the pillars struck. The battlefield shook as its massive body burrowed beneath the surface.
Colin's eyes widened.
"Watch out!"
The ground beneath Tyranitar exploded. Steelix burst out of the earth, striking Tyranitar from below and sending it stumbling backwards.
"Iron Tail!" Petar shouted.
Steelix's tail glowed with metallic energy. It swung its enormous body around, bringing its tail crashing into Tyranitar's side. The impact sent Tyranitar skidding across the battlefield.
The crowd gasped.
Colin anxiously watched Tyranitar regain its footing. His Pokémon growled, its eyes fixed on Steelix.
"Good," Colin said. "Use Sandstorm!"
Tyranitar threw back its head and roared.
A violent sandstorm erupted across the battlefield, swirling around Steelix and obscuring the arena. Sand and dust swept through the air, reducing the two Pokémon to shadowy silhouettes.
"Steelix, use Iron Tail!" Petar shouted.
Steelix swung blindly. Its tail struck the ground, sending a shockwave through the battlefield.
"Tyranitar, move in!"
Tyranitar charged through the sandstorm.
"Use Crunch!"
Its jaws snapped shut around Steelix's body. A dark aura spread across the metallic segments, but Steelix's armour resisted the attack.
"Bind!" Petar yelled.
Steelix twisted its enormous body around Tyranitar. The metallic segments tightened, trapping Tyranitar in a crushing embrace.
Colin's eyes widened.
"Break free!"
Tyranitar strained against the coils, its claws digging furrows into the ground. Steelix tightened its hold.
Petar clenched his fists.
"Keep going! Don't let it escape!"
Colin quickly reconsidered his options. Tyranitar could probably overpower Steelix, but doing so would cost it too much energy. He needed to force Steelix to release its hold.
"Stone Edge! Point-blank!"
Tyranitar slammed its feet into the ground. Stone pillars erupted around the two Pokémon.
Steelix twisted to avoid the first, but the second struck its lower segments. The impact disrupted its hold, and Tyranitar wrenched itself free.
"Now, Earthquake!"
Tyranitar slammed both fists into the ground.
The battlefield shuddered. Cracks spread across the arena as waves of force travelled beneath Steelix. Its massive body shook violently, and several of its segments lost their metallic glow.
"Steelix, hold on!" Petar shouted.
Steelix tried to rise.
Tyranitar roared and delivered one final strike to the ground. The shockwave lifted Steelix's head before sending it crashing down.
The enormous Pokémon lay motionless.
Sirius's wand emitted one final chime.
"Steelix is unable to continue! Petar Poliakoff has lost all three Pokémon!"
He raised his wand towards Colin.
"Colin Creevey wins the match and advances to the grand finale!"
The stadium erupted.
Colin threw both arms into the air.
"YES!"
Tyranitar roared triumphantly, shaking the remaining sand from its armour. The Gryffindor stands were in an uproar, with Dennis Creevey shouting so loudly that he might just lose his voice before the day was over.
Colin hurried over to Tyranitar and patted its armoured side.
"Brilliant work! You were amazing!"
Tyranitar gave a pleased rumble.
Across the battlefield, Petar recalled Steelix and stared at the Poké Ball for a few moments. Then he looked up at Colin.
"Well," he said, "that was a good fight."
Colin laughed.
"It was a great fight! You nearly had me."
Petar blinked.
"Really?"
"Of course! That Bind attack was brilliant. If Steelix had managed to hold Tyranitar for a little longer, things might have gone differently."
Petar considered this before his face brightened.
"I suppose I did all right."
"You did more than all right."
A smile spread across Petar's face.
"Thanks, Creevey."
"Colin."
"Right. Colin."
They shook hands before walking towards their respective sides of the stadium.
Sirius' voice boomed out from the field once more.
"What a fantastic match!" he announced. "Let's have another round of applause for Colin Creevey and Petar Poliakoff!"
The spectators responded with another tremendous roar of applause.
Sirius waited until the noise had subsided before continuing.
"And now, for the second match of the semi-finals! I invite my good friend Remus Lupin to come into the field and referee the next match between Ronald Weasley of House Gryffindor and Draco Malfoy of House Slytherin!"
---
Remus Lupin stood at the centre of the arena, his wand tucked into his sleeve as he surveyed the two trainers.
"Trainers, take your positions."
Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley walked to opposite sides of the field, each carrying three Poké Balls.
"Hope you're ready to lose, Weasley," Draco said with a smirk.
Ron grinned. "Keep talking, Malfoy. It'll make losing more embarrassing."
Remus raised his hand.
"Begin!"
"Charizard, let's go!" Draco shouted.
"Arcanine, show him what you've got!"
Both Pokémon emerged in flashes of red light. Charizard roared, spreading its wings, while Arcanine bared its fangs and pawed at the ground.
"Flamethrower!" Draco commanded.
"Dodge and use Extreme Speed!"
Charizard unleashed a torrent of fire, but Arcanine shot sideways in a blur, circling around the stream before charging straight at Charizard.
"Take to the sky!"
Charizard beat its wings and soared upwards. Arcanine skidded to a halt beneath it.
"Now, Flamethrower!"
"Fire Blast!"
The two attacks collided in midair, erupting into a massive explosion. Smoke billowed across the battlefield.
"Arcanine, Extreme Speed!"
Arcanine burst through the smoke and leapt towards Charizard.
"Wing Attack!"
Charizard swept its wings forward, striking Arcanine before it could connect. The impact sent Arcanine tumbling across the field.
"Get up, Arcanine!" Ron shouted. "Flamethrower!"
Arcanine scrambled to its feet and fired a powerful stream of flames.
"Charizard, Dragon Claw!"
Charizard's claws glowed with draconic energy as it dived through the flames. It struck Arcanine across the chest, sending the Fire-type crashing to the ground.
Arcanine struggled to rise, then collapsed.
"Arcanine is unable to battle!" Remus declared.
Ron recalled his Pokémon, his expression hardening.
"Not bad," he muttered. "But let's see how you handle this. Poliwrath, you're up!"
Poliwrath appeared with a determined cry, immediately taking a fighting stance.
"Poliwrath, Water Pulse!"
"Charizard, dodge!"
Poliwrath thrust its arms forward, launching a pulsing sphere of water. Charizard twisted aside, but the attack grazed its wing.
"Again! Water Pulse!"
"Fly up and use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard ascended rapidly as another Water Pulse passed beneath it. Then it folded its wings and plunged downwards, claws shining.
"Poliwrath, Ice Punch!"
Poliwrath's fist became coated in ice. It swung upwards just as Charizard approached, landing a solid blow.
Charizard roared in pain and crashed onto the ground.
"Now, Hydro Pump!" Ron yelled.
A tremendous jet of water blasted from Poliwrath's mouth, engulfing Charizard before it could recover. The force drove the Fire-type backwards, leaving it sprawled on the field.
"Charizard is unable to battle!" Remus announced.
Draco returned his Pokémon, his jaw tightening.
"Enjoy your little victory, Weasley. It won't last."
"Rapidash, let's do this!"
Rapidash emerged, its flaming mane blazing brightly as it galloped onto the battlefield.
"Poliwrath, Hydro Pump!"
"Rapidash, Agility!"
Rapidash darted across the arena, narrowly evading the powerful jet of water. It raced in a wide circle, building speed with every stride.
"Flame Charge!"
Fire enveloped Rapidash as it surged forward.
"Poliwrath, Ice Punch!"
Poliwrath swung its frozen fist, but Rapidash changed direction at the last moment and slammed into it with a blazing shoulder charge.
"Double Kick!"
Rapidash reared and struck twice, forcing Poliwrath backwards.
"Hydro Pump! Don't let it get close!"
Poliwrath unleashed another torrent of water. Rapidash galloped straight towards it, then leapt over the attack.
"Fire Blast!"
A massive five-pointed burst of fire struck Poliwrath at close range.
Poliwrath staggered, attempted to steady itself, and fell to one knee before collapsing.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle!" Remus called.
Ron recalled Poliwrath, staring at Draco's remaining Pokémon.
"Fine. Golem, let's finish this!"
Golem rolled onto the field, its rocky body striking the ground with a heavy thud.
"Rapidash, Flame Charge!"
"Golem, Rock Slide!"
Boulders materialised overhead and rained down across the arena.
"Keep moving!"
Rapidash weaved between the falling rocks, but one struck its hind leg, throwing it off balance.
"Now, Rock Throw!"
Golem hurled a massive boulder.
"Rapidash, dodge!"
Rapidash sprang sideways. The boulder smashed into the ground beside it, scattering fragments across the battlefield.
"Flare Blitz!" Draco shouted.
Flames engulfed Rapidash as it charged straight at Golem.
"Golem, Earthquake!"
Golem slammed its body against the ground. The arena shook violently, throwing Rapidash off its feet before it could reach its target.
"Rapidash!" Draco cried.
"Rock Slide!"
Another barrage of boulders crashed down. Rapidash tried to rise, but the attack struck before it could regain its footing.
Rapidash collapsed.
"Rapidash is unable to battle!" Remus announced.
Draco recalled his Pokémon and took out his final Poké Ball.
"Not bad, Weasley. But this battle ends now. Steelix, come out!"
A gigantic Steelix burst onto the battlefield with a deafening roar, its metallic body glinting beneath the arena lights.
"Golem, use Earthquake!" Ron commanded.
Golem slammed into the ground, sending powerful tremors rippling towards Steelix.
"Steelix, Iron Defense!"
Steelix's metallic body gleamed as it braced itself against the attack.
"Now, Iron Tail!"
Steelix swung its enormous tail, striking the ground beside Golem with tremendous force. The impact sent Golem rolling backwards.
"Golem, Rock Blast!"
Golem fired a rapid barrage of rocks.
"Steelix, dig!"
Steelix plunged underground. The rocks flew harmlessly over the spot where it had stood.
Ron immediately looked around the field.
"Golem, watch your feet!"
The ground beneath Golem erupted.
"Steelix, Iron Tail!"
Steelix burst out of the earth and swept its metallic tail across Golem's body. Golem was launched into the air before crashing heavily onto the battlefield.
"Golem, get up!"
Golem attempted to move, but its limbs gave way.
Remus stepped forward, examining the fallen Pokémon.
"Golem is unable to battle! The winner of the second semi-final match is Draco Malfoy!"
Draco grinned as Steelix let out a triumphant roar. Across the battlefield, Ron recalled Golem, looking disappointed but accepting the result.
Remus turned towards the spectators.
"Draco Malfoy has secured his place in the final of the Pokémon Championship Tournament! He will face Colin Creevey on 27th June to determine the champion!"
The crowd roared with excitement. Remus continued, his voice carrying across the arena.
"Ronald Weasley will face Petar Poliakoff on 22nd June. That match will determine the second runner-up of this tournament."
Ron straightened, his disappointment giving way to renewed determination.
"Poliakoff, then," he muttered. "I'll be ready."
Draco chuckled. "Try not to lose twice, Weasley."
Ron shot him a glare. "Just worry about Creevey. You'll need all the luck you can get."
Draco merely smirked before turning away.
With the second semi-final concluded, the tournament had reached its decisive stage. Colin Creevey and Draco Malfoy would battle for the championship on 27th June, while Ron Weasley and Petar Poliakoff would fight for third place on 22nd June.
------------------------
[500k words! In roughly two years! Wow!
And we're still in 4th year. There is so much I've already thought about. I can't wait to finish the Hogwarts arc and move on to other worlds. Although it will still take some time to finish 5th year.
Hope that I still have the time, patience and good ideas to write in the years to come. Wish me luck, guys!]