Chapter 20
There were things that Dumbledore vowed he would never do. Many of these he had already broken long ago, but this was one thing that he was sure that he would never do, the one promise to himself that he would never break. And yet here he was scouring his personal ingredients cabinet to find those precious few items that he required.
He had already drawn the circle, merlin knows that he had never forgotten how to draw it. How could he? He was one of the two people that helped create the spell. The Aurors had already done their checks on him which irked him greatly. He had about an hour before they came back around to check on him again. He couldn't even sleep in peace now.
Shaking his head Dumbledore continued to rummage through the ingredients feeling around the back of one of the shelves before feeling the cold false panel at the back and pushing it and it then slid out of the way. Reaching in he found the two bags one contained exactly three pounds of Ashwinder snake ash. And the other contained five high-quality shadow raven feathers that had not even begun to lose their luster. The enchantments he had placed on the ingredients had kept them as fresh as the day they were gathered.
Taking the bags he closed the cabinet and quickly went to his kitchen to find a knife. But something caught Dumbledore's eye that caused him to freeze for a moment. It was a picture of a very young Albus, Aberforth, and his dead sister Ariana. He reached out to pick up the framed picture, they were all smiling and so happy. A far cry from where he was now. Dumbledore could feel his eyes getting misty before he shook his head and placed the picture face down and grabbed a knife.
Quickly retreating from the kitchen he went to his study where he had cleared a space for a ritual circle. He had not performed such old and archaic magic for decades. He had made some adjustments as calling... him... here would certainly alert the Aurors. But traveling in spirit was much easier to hide. He began to prepare the circle, dusting the runes he had written with the feathers before placing them in the empty spaces of the six-pointed star. He then poured the ash into the ring completing it. Then picking up his robes slightly so they did not disturb the circle as he made his way to the center.
Taking the knife he pricked his finger with a slight hiss of pain. Holding out over the center he let three drops fall onto the center rune before making his way out of the circle.
He didn't have his wand to cast the necessary spells or had access to the Hellhound but there were other means to get Hellfire and the flames of Purgatory. The means of which he had stashed away just for this exact situation. Taking two vials out of his robes he looked down to observe them for a moment.
One had a chaotic line of flame trapped within that was azure in color and he could practically feel the predatory nature of the flames that felt so cold to the touch. The other was hot in his hand, a more controlled yet still chaotic twister of crimson flames that swirled with the same ferocity that was to be expected from Hellfire. Sighing Dumbledore uncorked the two vials and from them, the two flames spilled out becoming bigger than what they were in the vials.
Using wandless magic he guided the flames into the circle and formed them into the ring igniting the ash. It took tremendous effort but eventually, the flames began to merge and enclose the circle.
"Relinque hoc corpus et me volare. Apprehendant tenebrae, et alae glacies ascendant. Afferte me ad eum." He spoke out and quickly laid himself down as he felt the magic reach out and grip him. Then something like weightlessness took him as he was flung through a dark space. There were flashes of Blue and Red in the darkness but beyond that, he saw nothing.
Finally, he arrived at where he wanted to be, a dark and dank prison cell. There were no windows just a cold iron bar door with a single torch lit on the opposite wall. It was a small cell that would cause anyone a feeling of claustrophobia. Looking around he couldn't see anyone until he heard a raspy laugh coming from a dark corner of the cell.
"Well well well, to think you would perform such dark magic, you truly must be desperate." A raspy aged voice spoke and from the shadow, a single silver eye glowed in the darkness. Dumbledore audibly gulped seeing it. It had once been something he found hauntingly beautiful. Now... it was often something that would invade his nightmares at times.
"What do I owe the visit Dummybore."
"I need to know what you did to Harry, don't bother denying it. The spells he has learned there is only one person he could've learned that from and that's you. So how?"
"First of all, you need to know nothing. You want to know. And I don't have to tell you anything." Grindelwald chuckled which morphed into a cough.
"Ah, keeping all your secrets and now you can't stand when one is kept from you. Not to mention that it happened to young Harry Potter of all people."
"He can't be learning this kind of magic, It will corrupt him... just like..."
"Like me? Like Arianna?" Dumbledore flinched at the mention of his sister.
"Yes." Dumbledore said in a pained whisper as Grindelwald scoffed from the shadows.
"Your a small-minded fool, and a hypocrite to boot. Magic is magic, dark and light, those are just labels to make idiots like yourself feel better. What Arianna and I were doing pushed the limits of magic discovering new horizons. But no you couldn't have that, I had to focus on you and your dream. I wanted Freedom you wanted to subjugate others! Don't forget who it was that suggested the war against the muggles." Grindelwald spat.
"I've changed, I was young and foolish."
"No, you are still foolish and you haven't changed. You just swapped strategies."
"Ariana was against your war if you remember." Dumbledore returned and Grindelwald scoffed.
"Yes, unlike you I don't force people to follow what I desire. But it wasn't my curse that killed her was it?" Grindelwald asked and Dumbledore couldn't see him as he was still in the shadows beside his silver eye. But he could practically feel the smirk on his face.
"You killed her, but let's not pretend it was an accident, it was in the heat of the moment, yes, but I saw that look in your eye. I was leaving you, and Arianna and I had grown so close. You just couldn't stand it could you, it's either your way or off the cliff wasn't it." Grindlewald spoke banging his hand on the floor making a dull thump.
"It was all your fault, you didn't love me, you wanted to possess me. You tricked me, and when Arianna and I were discovering something between us you threw a tantrum. Despite our disagreements, I believe that if anyone could've talked me out of my mission and convinced me to pursue a different path to freedom, it would've been Arianna. But you got rid of her in a fit of rage and jealousy for me. The war happened because of you, and you lied to the world when it ended. Couldn't have anyone looking too close into your sister's death when the war was over. But who would ever think to look into the hero who defeated me? Your pathetic Dumbledore, and you always have been." Dumbledore held his face in shame as tears spilled freely from his eyes.
"Answer me! How did you do it!?" Dumbledore cried desperately. Grindelwald just laughed never once leaving the shadow.
"How did you contact Harry? What have you told him? Tell me!" More laughter was his answer.
"Who's there?" A guard called having heard the commotion. Dumbledore cursed he hadn't gotten any answers from Grindelwald who just continued to laugh. His voice echoed across the chamber in such a haunting manner that it would not leave Dumbledore's mind anytime soon.
With no other choice, he canceled the magic and he suddenly felt himself get yanked back to his body.
Grindelwald continued to laugh as the guard approached wand in hand.
"You're unusually chipper." The guard said unsettled by the sudden brightness coming from the usually grim and quiet prisoner.
"Just, laughing at a fool." He answered plainly.
Dumbledore was back in his body and rose with a start and a sharp intake of breath. The flames were gone and all that was left behind were black scorch marks that traced the circle. Acting quickly he summoned a carpet with his hand and covered the evidence. Once that was done he stood there for a moment in silence. He could still feel the hot tears on his cheeks as he suddenly screamed out and swiped his hand on a desk knocking everything on its surface to the ground with a crash.
This wasn't right, Grindelwald was wrong, and Dumbledore did what he had to. Arianna was being corrupted, he hadn't meant to kill her. Why would he do that? He loved Grindelwald, it was Grindelwald that was possessive! Not him! It was wrong all wrong! And now Harry was being corrupted as well. He ignored one dark lord in the halls of Hogwarts, he could not ignore the rise of another. He had to save Harry, and if he couldn't do it...
Dumbledore started to laugh, it wasn't mirthful it was broken. And it quickly devolved into sobs as he fell to his knees. He had to do this, he had to. Currently, Dumbledore felt nothing but despair, a total opposite of Harry's current situation.
You see Harry was in the Room of Requirement with his girlfriends, after that night they had been closer than ever. Sometimes they would sneak off, either as a group or one-on-one to have some more quality time together. Now however Harry wanted to teach them something, he couldn't teach them anything from his Grimoire yet, but he was working on that. For now, he could teach him the Patronus charm.
Right now Hermione, Susan, and Daphne had their wands out attempting to cast the spell. They were getting wisps of white as they continued their attempts as Harry instructed them.
"Darling, I'm just not getting it." Daphne said as she lowered her wand.
"Are you using a happy memory?"
"Of course, a rather recent one. I think you were there for it if I remember correctly. Not that I could ever forget of course." Daphne said with a flirtatious smirk. Harry smiled as he shook his head amusedly.
"That is a very happy memory." Harry agreed. "But it's not just the memory, it's the emotion behind it. You can't command the spells it's an extension of you. It's not just something you cast and it does its own thing. You have to let the emotion fill you up, then guide it don't try to control it." Harry instructed thinking back to his own experience. Daphne nodded as she closed her eyes to focus.
Susan and Hermione heard his advice and focused too. They were using the same memory as Daphne. Hermione thought back to how loved she felt and how happy that made her feel. She recalled that warm feeling within herself as she thought of the memory.
"Expecto Patronum." She cast waving her wand and could feel that warm feeling flow from her chest and out of her wand as Harry cheered in delight. Opening her eyes Hermione was ecstatic before her a silvery animal appeared before her. It flapped its wings a few times flying around the room. It was a gorgeous Eurasian Eagle Owl and it gave off an ethereal screech as it flew across the room.
"Fantastic Hermione!" Harry exclaimed kissing her cheek which caused her heart to flutter and her owl Patronus to brighten for a moment. Know it was Susan's turn as she focused on the memory and let it fill her up, all the love and happiness she could muster and let it flow through her.
"Expecto Patronum." Susan cast and in a flash of white silvery energy there was a bestial groan as a large animal formed in front of her. It pawed around for a moment before materializing fully. Her eyes widened seeing the sheer size of her Patronus and the others were pleased as well. Her Patronus took the form of a large polar bear.
"Yes!" Harry said giving her a kiss and just like with Hermione her Patronus suddenly brightened for a moment. Now it was down to Daphne as she followed the other two's example and focused. Not just recalling the memory but losing herself in it. Letting it wash over her as she cast.
"Expecto Patronum!" She called and just like with the other two she smiled widely as her magic took form. It didn't take long to form as the energy bounded around the room before becoming more solid and revealing itself with a growl. Daphne's Patronus had taken the form of a gorgeous Snow Leopard. Harry came behind her grabbing her around the waist as he placed a kiss on her cheek. Her Patronus just like the other brightened at his action.
"Brilliant! You are all brilliant!" He exclaimed happily. The girls smiled brightly as they admired their Patronuses. The silvery animals seemed to have a will of their own yet also were extensions of the girls.
"You know, they say that a Patronus can represent your Animagus form." Daphne told them as her Leopard circled her protectively.
"So if we become Animagi we know what we'll be?" Susan asked as she reached out to touch her Patronus but her hand passed through it.
"Not necessarily, it's the most likely cause but your Animagus form could be different from your Patronus." Hermione said having read on the subject before. Daphne smirked as she willed her Patronus to begin to chase around Hermione's Patronus which got a laugh out of Harry and Susan.
"What about your Patronus Harry?" Susan asked.
"Oh, mine's a stag." Harry said.
"I want to see that!" Daphne said and Hermione smiled having already seen his Patronus. She saw it on the same night she fell in love with him.
Harry smiled and drew his wand, he concentrated deciding to use the memory that the girls did. He usually used the memory of his parents which he cherished but he wanted to be close to his girlfriends right now. He let the feeling fill him up as he cast with practiced ease.
"Expecto Patronum." Harry said and a brighter silver mist burst forth from his wand but he was taken by surprise and so was Hermione when his Patronus took form. It wasn't prongs, not even close. Instead what stood before him was a ghostly silvery form of a large wolf.
"Um... darling, I hate to be the one to tell you this. But that's not a stag." Daphne said as Harry rolled his eyes.
"It's changed. Is that possible?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded.
"It is, it's rare but it can happen. Most often it happens when people fall in love and their Patronus begin to match."
"But his Patronus doesn't match any of ours." Susan said.
"It's the most often reason but it's not the only reason."
"Right, this happened to my dad as well. Before Azkaban, my mum told me his Patronus was an eagle. However, after he got out and recovered enough to try to cast it again it came out as a raven."
"You have been through a lot lately Harry, you're not the same as you were when this year started." Hermione said. Harry nodded, he began to think back to every other time he conjured his Patronus. The memory of his parents had always made him feel safe as well as happy. But now, he still remembered them fondly and loved them with all his heart but he felt safe on his own now.
"Maybe... it's me."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"Well, the Patronus charm is a protective charm right?" The girls nodded "Well before I would think about my parents while performing the spell. And Hermione remember back in third year?"
"Yes, you thought that the Patronus you saw was your dad but it turned out to be you."
"Wait, how does that work?" Susan asked.
"Long story, we'll tell you later. But right, I thought it was my dad, I used a memory with my dad and mum for the spell."
"So you felt safe and thus the Patronus took a shape that represented what made you feel safe. In this case, that stag represented your dad." Daphne caught on and Harry nodded.
"Of course, but now you feel strong enough to protect yourself so your Patronus changed to represent that." Hermione finished getting another nod from Harry.
"Right." He agreed observing his Patronus as it padded around the room sniffing around.
"I think it's fitting." Susan said. Harry agreed, he would miss prongs of course, but he took this as a sign. He was growing, more than just physically. He was becoming his own person, he wasn't just the boy who lived or the scared boy stuffed under the stairs by his abusive relatives. He was more than just some wide-eyed kid who had no idea how the world worked. Now he was Harry Potter, heir to the Dark Legacy of Grindelwald and beloved by Hermione, Susan, and Daphne and he loved them.
"I do too." Harry said agreeing with Susan's statement as his Patronus faded away along with the others. It was here that Daphne draped herself over Harry her arms wrapping around his neck. The potions continued to do wonders as he stood at a respectable five foot ten inches now. A far cry from the five-foot-four he was previously. His height never bothered her or the other girls but it was nice to look up at him.
"So, professor. I worked and studied really hard, can I have a reward?" Daphne asked a bit huskily. Giving him a gentle love bite on his collar bone. Harry took a deep breath inhaling her sweet flowery scent as he pulled her close and was already feeling his arousal grow in his pants.
"Professor... Um... I worked hard to." Susan said fiddling with the hem of her skirt and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear acting all cutesy which was working wonders for him.
"Professor that's not fair, I want a reward too!" Hermione whined, ever since their night together she had been more confident and forward than she ever had before. It was a welcomed change for her and she was never shy around the others now when they were alone.
Harry would have loved to spend some fun quality time with his girlfriends but he had to be the one to say no. At least for now.
"I would love to, but dinner is going to start soon." Harry said resisting the urge to gasp as Daphne began to attack his neck with her lips.
"We could get something to eat later." She said before returning to her task.
"I-I know..." He took a breath to calm himself "But, Sirius wrote to me, he's coming down to the school." Harry said and the girls pouted but nodded understanding perfectly how important this was.
Sirius's trial had been a joke, at least for the Wizengamot that is. Once he was under the effects of the Veritaserum there was no stopping the truth from spilling out. It had been all over the papers, how pretty much everything that had to deal with Sirius's case was wrong and half-assed at best. The secret of Pettigrew was out that had been a shock and needless to say his Order of Merlin had been revoked.
They had managed to save face a little by pinning the blame mostly on Dumbledore but they were still receiving some heat. As of now, Augusta had been appointed as Chief Warlock after presiding over such a high case trial with Dumbledore she more than proved her mettle but beyond that, she had the public approval. There had been back and forth of course, from what Harry had read the names that were going along with Augusta Longbottom which included Nott but thankfully it fell through.
Amelia had worked furiously to ensure that Augusta had as much backing that she would need which paid off in the end. As for the International Confederation of Wizards. They would have to hold a vote, The supreme mugwump was an elected position by the wizarding world. While the British ministry was well within its rights to strip Dumbledore of his powers following his trial they did not have the power to replace him. And as Amelia guessed correctly, none of the Dark Families were very interested in the position preferring to sit in the cushy seats and do only what was required to keep their pureblood lifestyle.
According to the papers, the next candidates were the French Minister of Magic, Sebastian Delacour. He was Fleur's father and if going off Fleur was any indication then he would be a good choice. The next was the American President of MACUSA. It was a surprise since the American Magical community was known for its fierce independence, especially after the troubles with Grindelwald. According to Daphne, they haven't been touched by any of the issues in Europe since then.
After that was a Minister of Magic from India, those were the three candidates but all evidence suggested that India would fall out soon leaving only the American and Fleur's father in the lead. Either one would be better than Dumbledore while Sebastian would be preferred in Harry's personal opinion just based on what he knows from Fleur.
"Okay. But I still want my reward later." Daphne said bringing Harry back to the moment as she kissed him. She was followed by Susan and Hermione and then the group gathered their things and walked out of the room and made their way towards the Great Hall for dinner. They talked excitedly about their Patronuses and what they could mean. Daphne had made the joke of saying that Susan's revealed just how much of a Mama bear she could be.
Susan had joked back saying how it was official that Daphne was a crazy cat lady. The group laughed and entered the Great Hall with smiles on their faces. Their friends had waved them down from the Slytherin table and they made their way over. There was something else that Harry was happy about. And that would be the newfound unity in the school.
You see when the older students started crossing over and sitting with their friends from the other houses the younger students had followed their examples and began to form relationships outside of their houses. This was all encouraged by McGonagall who had been made the official Headmistress of Hogwarts. Harry was concerned at first given her close ties with Dumbledore and her willingness to do what he said without question. However, after the trial, it would appear that she had changed for the better. In her place as the Gryffindor Head of House, Bathsheda Babbling was appointed.
The only ones who weren't into this idea of integration were Malfoy and his lot plus Ron who would sneer at any Slytherin he saw. Thankfully everyone had made an unspoken agreement to just avoid them. Malfoy and his group took up space at the end of the table snarling at everyone that got too close. Ron had been demoted to a similar position at the bottom of the Gryffindor table since without Harry or Hermione around they got an unfiltered view of what he was really like. And people did not like what they saw.
Besides that, the Professors had also begun to come around. Flitwick was the quickest after McGonagall to encourage this inter-house unity. Sprout followed suit and Bathsheda had always encouraged that the students should work together. Snape was still as cold as ever but it was lessened as of late. He only really took points away from Gryffindor now because of Ron and no one could argue that he deserved it most of the time.
In all honesty, it was like waking up from a dream for anyone else. Yes, they had their houses but that should only come up with the house cup and quidditch. However, under Dumbledore's reign, everyone was separated into neat groups, and could be nothing outside of those groups. Now those walls were breaking down and Hogwarts was becoming the schooling experience that Harry had always thought it would be.
"What were you lot doing?" Jones asked grinning with very obvious winks being sent by her. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Not that it's any of your business but we were just training a bit."
"Physical training?" Jones smirked and Harry shoved her playfully.
"Wouldn't you like to know miss single forever?"
"Hey!... I just have standards." She said causing Harry to smirk.
"Right, I'm sure that's the reason and not your wonderful personality."
"Oh, I could remind you of my wonderful personality if you'd like." Jones grinned that familiar mad glint appearing in her eye as she twirled one of the knife utensils around her fingers. Harry scoffed.
"Yeah, yeah you're so terrifying. Blaise, how's your day going?" Jones puffed out her cheeks in indignation at being so easily brushed off and roughly elbowed Tracey who laughed beside her getting a yelp.
"Alright, been studying with Luna a bit. She has very... interesting answers for a lot of the problems given to us."
"You just have to think outside the box. Although I always liked to think of it as a triangle, or a pyramid. I like pyramids. Though I have noticed a lot of wrakspurts around the tournament organizers. The one with the nazi mustache." Luna said completely changing topics mid-sentence.
"Wrackspurts?" Neville asked.
"Little invisible creatures that make your head fuzzy and unfocused." Blaise said causing the group to grin at him and if his dark skin could allow he probably would be blushing a bit.
"Right, I've noticed them around that one man."
"Nazi mustache?" Pansy asked.
"You must mean Crouch right?"
"That's his name." Luna confirmed.
"Okay, noted."
"Speaking of the Organizers anything come up? About the task I mean?" Neville asked but Harry shook his head.
"I haven't heard anything. Neither has Susan."
"Yeah, my Aunt is being very secretive about the whole thing. But she did tell me that there would be no real threat to the champions."
"That's nice, you sure you can't convince her to give us a little hint. Didn't you tell me she had a weakness for the brownies you like to bake?" Harry asked and Susan nodded.
"Yes but I still don't think she'll crack."
"Well, worth a shot." Daphne shrugged. The group continued to talk and speculate until the doors of the great hall were thrown open. The loud bang they made as they collided with walls drew the attention of everyone in the Hall and they all whipped around to see the culprit of the sudden noise.
Standing their wand in hand and with a smirk on his face was Sirius Black. Dressed in a fine black three-piece suit with a black overcoat accented by silver embroidery along the hem of the coat, cuffs, and collar. His hair was long and wild but slightly tames and his goatee was neatly trimmed and his grey eyes had a lively shine to them as he smiled widely.
"Hey there Hogwarts! I'm Back!" He said with flair. The Hall was in stunned silence before the Fred and George began to applaud loudly and whistle to which Sirius bowed. He then scanned the room and smiled widely when he spotted Harry. Harry returned his smile and quickly rose to greet him.
"Sirius!" He called as he rushed to his Godfather who met him in an embrace.
"Oh, it's good to see you Pup!" Sirius said hugging Harry tightly.
"Lord Black, I see you've received my invitation." McGonagall having walked up to the pair.
"Yes, thank you, Headmistress," He laughed a bit to himself "That's going to take a little getting used to. I mean you were already a terror as our head of the house but now you're the head of the whole school. Oh, death the fun is coming!" He wailed leaning on Harry who chuckled at his antics.
"Lord Black please, you are welcome to stay for the tournament but please respect the students and try not to cause too big of a fuss. This is a place of learning after all."
"At least now it is with a capable leader at the helm." Sirius said and McGonagall nodded sadly. She bid the two a good evening and returned to the head table. Harry then directed Sirius over to where his friends were as the rest of the Hall returned to their meals though they cast the occasional glance towards the recently freed convict. Even if he was proven innocent he still held the imagination of many people.
"Huh, never thought I'd see this."
"See what?"
"Just so many students sitting at tables that weren't their own. Back in my day, you wouldn't be caught dead sitting at a table that wasn't your houses."
"Well old man, we are a more civilized generation." Jones said with a grin that Sirius matched.
"Megan Jones I presume." Sirius guessed getting a raised eyebrow.
"You told your Godfather about me?" Jones asked with a sly smile.
"A little, mainly how you're stark raving mad." Harry joked getting a rough elbow to the ribs from Jones as he laughed. Sirius laughed as well as he took a seat next to Blaise across from Harry. Sirius took a look around and spotted Pansy.
"Parkinson, right?" Pansy's eyes widened at being addressed.
"Y-yes, sir." Pansy said a gulped nervously.
"I don't bite girl. Well unless a pretty lady asks nicely."
"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed to Sirius laugh.
"Don't worry, you just look like your mum." Sirius explained causing Pansy to gasp lightly.
"You knew her?"
"I did, a good woman, a good witch. Fell in with the wrong crowd." Pansy looked a bit uncomfortable but still curious. As was Harry who was just as curious as Pansy at the moment but let it rest as he introduced his Girlfriends.
"Well, this is Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass and you already know Hermoine."
"Pleaser to meet you, sir. We've heard quite a bit." Susan greeted with a nod and a smile.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you." Daphne said.
"It's good to see you again Sirius." Hermione said and Sirius nodded to each of them.
"Neville?" Sirius asked and Neville jumped slightly but nodded. "Well, I'll be, Haven't seen you since you were just a little bean. You've grown up well, and who is this?" He asked indicating to Tracey. Tracey took this moment to grin and look over to Neville with an expectant as he began to redden.
"T-this is Tracey Davis she's my girlfriend." Neville introduced earning him a light kiss on the cheek.
"Nice to meet you, sir." Tracey greeted as he turned to look at Blaise.
"And you?"
"Blaise Zambini sir." Blaise greeted politely.
"And I'm Luna." Luna said from Blaise's other side.
"Oh Xenovillus's kid, nice to meet you." Sirius greeted. "It's nice to meet all of you. And you girls how has Harry been? A proper gentleman I'm sure." Sirius asked with a smirk and Harry chuckled.
"What would you know about being a gentleman?"
"Plenty Pup, Why do you think that the ladies find me so irresistible."
"I always assumed it was they were confunded or something." Harry joked causing Sirius to bark out with laughter.
"You've become quite sharp lately, haven't you. Seem's you've ladies have been better to him than I could have ever hoped."
"Well, what can we say, we're miracle workers." Daphne joked.
"Hey, I wasn't that bad. I did get three girlfriends you know."
"That's true." Susan agreed kissing his cheek.
"What do you plan to do now that you're officially innocent and free?" Hermione asked.
"Glad you brought that up. Harry, I wanted to ask you something." Sirius began.
"Yes?"
"How would you feel about going traveling? I've been cooped up in hideouts for way too long. So during the Summer, I was thinking we could get around. I was thinking Hawaii or the Bahamas." Sirius said with an excited tone in his voice. Harry's eyes widened at that. That's exactly what he wanted!
"You girls are of course invited, I wouldn't dream of depriving you or Harry's each others company for a whole summer." Sirius offered getting surprised looks from the girls.
"I would have to ask my parents first."
"Me too."
"I'm sure my Aunty wouldn't mind but I have to ask first." Hermione, Daphne, and Susan answered. Daphne was sure her parents would be fine with it but she would check to make sure. Hermione was a bit worried about her parents but she still hadn't told them about her relationship with Harry or the other girls so that was a conversation she wasn't looking forward to. Susan knew Aunt Amelia would be fine with it but like Daphne, she wanted to make sure.
"Harry?" Sirius asked.
"That would be brilliant!"
"Great! I'll start to work on it right away. Then when you cleared this tournament we can take off early." Sirius grinned.
"If you girls can come along I'll arrange for you to join us when your year is over." Sirius said getting nods from the girlfriends.
"What about the rest of you any plans for the summer?" Harry asked his friends.
"I'll be graduating this year, I'll start a little internship at Gringotts as a curse breaker over the summer, then I'm going freelance." Jones said.
"My mother is dragging me to five different gatherings this summer so I have no free time. Unless you can find a way to kidnap me?" Blaise asked with a bit of hope but the others just gave him sympathetic looks. Blaise sighed knowing it was a long shot. It's not that he didn't enjoy a social gathering here and there but it got old quick if it was all you did every summer.
"I don't have any plans,"
"I thought we were going to get you a new wand?" Tracey said to Neville as he nodded.
"Oh, right."
"We talked about this."
"What's wrong with your wand?" Harry asked.
"Nothing, it's just, it's not mine it's my dad's."
"Franks? Why didn't you get your own?" Sirius asked.
"My Gran, she said that if it worked for my dad it would work for me." Sirius shook his head at that.
"Augusta is a good lady but damn she can be pig-headed at times. Do you mind if I take a look at it?" Sirius asked and Neville nodded pulling out his wand. It was a simple straight wand with a mismatched colored shaft and handle. It was straight along its length fattening slightly at the end and twisting at the handle. Sirius took it and laughed a bit to himself.
"Yup, old Frank knocked me on my arse a couple of times with this. But you should get your own wand, trust me, using a wand that's not truly your own. It's just not right." Sirius said handing Neville's wand back. Neville rolled the wand between his fingers before pocketing it.
"Tracey what about you? Any plans?" Daphne asked her friend.
"Me and Neville were just going to get to know each other better. I was thinking of maybe a camping trip." Tracey said and Neville nodded.
"That sounds like fun."
"Yes, nice and secluded." Jones teased getting a small blush from Neville.
"I'll be staying home with my daddy over the summer. Maybe we'll go hunting for Crumpled-Horned Snorkack's" Luna said and the group just nodded not bothering to ask what creature she was talking about. They continued talking with Sirius listening attentively to all the stories that they had to share. It had been so long since he's been at Hogwarts and it was looking better than he could ever imagine it would be. Not only that Harry had made some real friends not to mention three girlfriends! It gave Sirius hope for Harry's future and made him happy. After dinner, the group walked around a bit before going their separate ways. Blaise had decided to escort Luna back to her common room while the others retired to their dorms. Harry bid good night to his girlfriends and gave each of them a kiss and walked around with Sirius for a while longer.
"I swear if your father was alive he would be beside himself with pride. His son, having three girlfriends, he might've just thrown a party to celebrate!" Sirius laughed out and Harry chuckled.
"And my mom?" Harry asked as Sirius choked at the thought.
"Oh, Lilly would've thrown a fit! She probably would find some way to blame it on me, turning her son into a man-whore or something." Sirius said and Harry shook his head at his thought.
"Do you think they're proud of me?" Harry asked and Sirius looked at him.
"Of course they are. You are becoming a man, you are fighting for yourself and you've fallen in love. Regardless of what Dumbledore may think or anyone else for that matter. You are a brilliant wizard and a man that your parents would have nothing but pride and joy at having as their own."
"You don't think I'm going dark? With the type of magic, I'm using?" Harry asked trying to gauge his reaction but was relieved as Sirius laughed.
"You do realize that I am a Black correct? I know spells that would make Lucius a terrified little shit."
"That probably isn't too hard to pull off though." Sirius nodded.
"Right, good point. But the magic you're using is powerful and not widely known. That's what scares people, most magic that they label as dark are just spells that they don't understand or they can't find a use outside of hurting people. Harry, don't get hung up on labels. I don't talk about my family much but they weren't all bad. My grandfather was a tough bastard but he was also honorable. There are more sides to people than just good and evil and anyone that thinks that a person is all good or all bad is just delusional. Just look at Dumbledore, the pillar of the magical community and shown to be the horrid fraud and manipulating man he's always been. He even had me fooled." Sirius said as they found a bench to sit and talk.
"What about Voldemort?" Sirius face hardened but nodded.
"Yes even him, don't get me wrong, I'd have killed him myself if given the chance. But no one is born evil or born good. Voldemort became twisted and he can't be saved and if I am being completely honest I wouldn't want to save him even if I could." Sirius admitted and Harry couldn't argue as he agreed. He was glad of his Godfather's words because it was going to make this next part a little easier.
"Right, well there is something I have to tell you." Harry began.
"Anything Pup, wait do you need the talk? You see Harry when a man and a woman love each other very much-"
"No! well, that is something else I want to ask but later! No, it's this." Harry said raising his left hand revealing the Grindelwald tattoo on his palm.
"Nice! I got a tattoo on... my..." Sirius began but the words died in his mouth as he recognized the mark. He grabbed Harry's hand and flared out his fingers to get a better view of his palm.
"Harry, where did you learn about this symbol?" Sirius asked and Harry took a deep breath as he took his hand back and reached into his robes and pulled out Grindelwald's Grimoire.
"This is how been learning all my new magic. It all comes from here, I made a deal so I could keep learning from the book and talk about it with you as well as Hermione, Daphne, and Susan. You can see it and touch it but you won't be able to read it." Harry said handing it over and true to his word Sirius was able to hold the book but when he opened it all he saw were blank pages while Harry could see everything written on the pages.
"Where did you find this?" Sirius asked.
"The restricted section but it goes deeper than that." Harry said holding out his hand and Sirius hesitantly handed the Grimoire back.
"Tell me everything." Sirius said and Harry did so, every detail about the book from the moment he found it training with it and meeting Grindelwald. Sirius took it all in staying silent and Harry would be lying if he wasn't a little worried about his silence.
"You accepted the name of Grindelwald? You've met him?"
"Well, I haven't accepted it yet. I won't take on his name until I accept my status as Heir to house potter and put on the Potter Family ring."
"You still made an oath Harry. This is... this is a lot to take in." Sirius said rubbing his eyes.
"I wanted to tell you, but the magic of the Grimoire kept me from speaking about it. The only reason I can talk about it now is that I made that deal with Grindelwald."
"How?"
"No one could see the book and any time I talked about it my voice would become distorted listen." Harry then proceeded to try to explain the Serpensmaiora spell. "See I just sound like that." Harry said and Sirius nodded. "Look I know that it's going to cause a lot of issues."
"more than that."
"But I had to make a decision, now I have access to powerful magic that I wouldn't have otherwise and I can defend myself better than I ever could before. I thought the risk was worth it and I still think that." Harry said as he called out Demona who materialized out of his shadow.
"I know how it will look, but I am not going to become an extremist like he was. He just wants me to take on his name and carry on his magic. His legacy." Sirius stared for a little while at Demona before he took a breath and seemed to retreat into his thoughts for a moment. After a while, he began nodding.
"I trust you, Harry, while I am on the fence about the decision you made I will support you whatever you choose to do with it."
"Thank you, Sirius." Harry said feeling a wave of relief flood over him. Having his Godfather's approval was always good and with him finally free he could now start considering putting on his ring and start to act like a proper heir to House Potter. However, Harry and Sirius weren't the only ones speaking on heavy subjects.
In another darker part of Britain in an old house sat a horrid ghoulish form of Voldemort. Everything that had been going on filled him with jubilation, Dumbledore had been stripped of his powers and it was orchestrated by Harry Potter himself. He couldn't have planned it better if he tried. Now Harry was alone, but he was also finding that Harry was far from Helpless. The magic he was using was fierce, powerful nothing like what was being taught at Hogwarts.
Voldemort was going to have to alter his plans slightly, thankfully his mole on the inside had ensured that the original task remains the same. Though there were still issues with that, such as the increased Auror presence but it wouldn't interfere with what he had planned.
"Wormtail!" He hissed and the cowardly man made his way into the room flinching with every step he took that brought him closer to Voldemort. Voldemort sneered at the pathetic excuse for a wizard. He would've killed him just on principle but unfortunately needed the man, for now at least.
"Fetch Crouch, we have to make some adjustments to our plan."
_SCENE_
Chapter 20 and Sirius has arrived! Harry might not be able to teach the girls any of the magic from the Grimoire, but he can show them some other spells that he knows. This chapter is just setting things up and giving a little more insight into Dumbledore and his relationship with Grindelwald
Chapter 21
Being a loving group was nice, Hermione couldn't deny that. She had come to care for Susan and Daphne nearly as much as she did Harry. Though she must admit that one on one time was always nice. Currently, Hermione was sitting in an alcove next to a window that overlooked the lake. She was in the embrace of Harry who drew her close and held her tight as they just basked in each other's presence and comfort. She idly played with his fingers, interlacing them with her own or tracing their length affectionately. Currently, Daphne and Susan were with their families. Talking about things to do with the recent event and the upcoming third task.
The time had passed quickly and before any of them realized the next task was right around the corner. Hermione felt worried as did the others but with the new management she was less worried than she would've been if Dumbledore was still in charge.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Hermione asked and felt the rise and fall of Harry's chest as he breathed in deeply.
"Ready as I'll ever be. After everything else they put us through a Maze seems rather tame." Harry admitted his snakes had gotten back to him with the information and Dobby had actually managed to swipe a copy of the plans for the maze. It told them how large the maze would be and what could possibly be found within. However, it was useless as a map seeing as the maze would be able to change on a whim. With paths opening up and closing at what would be random.
"They will probably not let you take Demona in with you."
"Probably, she can stay with you." He said pecking the top of her head with a light kiss.
"They'll also likely put limits on the kind of magic you can use."
"Yeah, I doubt they would want me to just burn down the entire maze." Harry chuckled.
"You wouldn't do that."
"It'd be tempting."
"Yes, you know what else is tempting?"
"What's that?" Hermione didn't answer instead twisting slightly so she could turn and claim his lips with her own. Merlin, she could not describe how nice it was to kiss him. Every time a fluttering warmth would fly in her chest and a tingle shot through her spine. Her logical brain told her it was just going to be like this for a while but due to the new experience and all too soon the feeling would wane. Though that was a small part of her brain at the moment as the rest of her knew that somehow every time they kissed she would feel just as wonderful.
When they separated both had bright smiles.
"You're right, this is tempting." Harry said placing a few kisses along her jaw and down her neck. He had learned things about each of his girlfriends as their relationship had progressed further and further. For example, Hermione's weak spot was her neck. Any time he would show her even a little affection around her neck she would be putty in his hands.
"I've sent a letter... oh... to my parents." she said a bit breathless at his attention.
"What about?"
"Us."
"Oh, do you need help or something?" Harry asked not quite sure how to respond to that and Harry just giggled at him.
"Maybe, I tried my best to explain it as best I could but I don't imagine they'll take the news that I am in a polyamorous relationship very well." Hermione said and Harry nodded, he thought that Daphne's family took it well but having met her mother it wasn't all that surprising anymore. Then there was Susan who was a surprise taking Amelia into account.
"If you need anything you just have to ask and I'll be there. Speaking of letters are you still getting those nasty ones anymore?" Harry asked concerned it had started happening a few weeks after the trial. Pureblood supremacists had not liked the idea that Hermione a Muggleborn was getting so familiar with someone of influence like Harry or two Pureblood witches like Susan and Daphne. Hermione shook her head.
"Not so much anymore, Miss Bones saw to that."
"You know you can call her Amelia, she gave us permission." Hermione smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah, I know." Harry chuckled and returned his attention to her neck as Hermione let out an involuntary moan. "You're terrible Harry. I knew that you taking advice from Sirius was a bad idea." Hermione said a shiver ran up her spine when Harry lightly nipped her skin with his teeth.
"He only gave me a few pointers." Harry said, he thought it was going to be a horrible awkward discussion with his godfather but it was rather informative all around. He probably wouldn't do half the things that Sirius had suggested but he took a few to heart such as never being afraid to show affection. Harry had already been doing that but he had now been a bit more forward.
Harry then took his hands and placed them on her stomach and slowly began to run them up her torso towards her breast. Hermione wanted to just let him go right ahead but she grabbed his hands and stopped him.
"No, Harry, if we start then we are going to be here for hours and I know Daphne and Susan will be done by now." Hermione said as Harry sighed but nodded giving her neck one last kiss.
"Okay, let's go then." He said as the pair stood and left their spot. Hermione made sure to smooth out her clothes and her hair and did the same for Harry. Hermione couldn't help but smile, being in a relationship was one thing but in a relationship with Harry who is also her best friend was amazing.
The two made their way through the castle, it was the weekend so students were lazing about or playing silly games. What warmed both of their hearts was that the students were intermingling, and groups from all different houses were being made. New friends and even romances were coming about it was a welcome sight and one they both hoped would stick forever.
It didn't take long for Harry and Hermione to make their way to the courtyard where they found Susan and Daphne waiting for them. Currently, it appeared that Daphne was in an engaging conversation with Astoria who had returned to school for the remainder of the year. It seems despite the long trip she was on with her father she was still well studied getting top marks in almost every class for her year.
"Oh hi Harry!" Astoria greeted, Harry had already met the youngest Greengrass daughter and she was always welcome company.
"How did everything go?" Harry asked as he greeted Susan and Daphne with a kiss each.
"Just fine, my mother is pushing me to give her grandkids but my father is firmly telling me that I'd better wait until we're married." Daphne said with a grin. Harry chuckled, but the idea of having kids was a thought he'd never thought he would have. It was still far too early and even Sirius of all people said as much.
"My Auntie is doing fine, the upcoming election for the Mugwump position is making things at the Ministry slightly hectic but her department is still running smoothly. Also, she said that it's alright for me to join you and Sirius for your summer trip. Though she wanted to talk to Sirius first."
"Oh, my parents said it's fine too." Daphne said not surprised.
"So you get to go to an island paradise while I'll be stuck at home!" Astoria pouted.
"Don't you dare! You got to have a year-long vacation with Dad and visited Rome, Italy, and Greece." Daphne said as Astoria just huffed. It was fair since the year before Daphne had taken half the year to spend time with her father as well, they visited japan which was an amazing experience. Her father was keen on recapturing lost time from when he was away in Azkaban.
Astoria simply stuck out her tongue at her older sister as she left to find her friends. Daphne sighed but had a fond smile on her face before it morphed into a grin when she looked at Hermione.
"Having fun without us?" She asked tapping her own neck in the spot where Harry had kissed Hermione. Hermione's eyes widened as her hand flew up to the spot.
"Did you leave a mark?" She asked looking at Harry who just smiled.
"Maybe a little."
"Harry!"
"Would it make you feel better if we all had matching marks? We can give Harry three to make it fair." Daphne suggested.
"I'm first." Susan said causing the group to laugh. They didn't have a lot to do today, Harry had already trained for the day and the girls had finished any assignments that they had for the weekend so they were completely free. It didn't take long for the group to leave and find a secluded place for some privacy.
Though what they didn't see was the jealous glare that was being leveled at them from Malfoy. He was seething, not only was Daphne romantically involved with Potter of all people. But she was also keeping the company of that filthy mudblood Granger and that mudblood lover Bones. As if that wasn't enough everything was coming undone. People were forgetting their place. All over the castle, it was as if people had completely forgotten that they needed to stay in their lane. It was all wrong, he had written his father of course but it would appear that he was busy with other things at the moment.
Draco felt that the biggest insult was Granger, she had become far too confident and required a good reminder of where she belonged in life. Potter might've become too big of a threat that even Draco couldn't handle but Granger didn't share that same ability.
The only issue was that Granger was rarely alone recently. Draco thought for a moment before coming up with an idea. He grinned to himself before making his way through the castle. If there was one thing that didn't change for Granger it was her teacher's pet attitude. If a teacher had requested her presence she wouldn't think twice.
The only issue was how to make it appear that a teacher was requesting her presence and he had to think. Granger was infuriatingly good at her classes, obviously, she was cheating somehow. But regardless there was only one teacher whom he might be able to fake a request from. Quickly making his way to the office of one Professor Trelawney.
Her classroom was empty which wasn't surprising for the hack of a teacher. Looking around he tried to spot the teacher as he tried to come up with a lie to tell her that would get his plan in motion. Suddenly he felt a firm grasp on his shoulder as he was spun around and came face to face with the out-of-place gaunt face of Trelawney who had cloudy eyes at the moment.
"Wolf shall seek the one that hunts the owl! He shall know vengeance and the hunter will know pain, will know death as he is bathed in the fire!" Trelawney called out her voice layered as if multiple voices were speaking from her mouth all at once.
"Hell shall take the Hunter! Purgatory will devour the Hunter! They must avert their course, or suffer doom! Doom! DOOM! RUN!" She screamed out her voice morphing into something akin to a banshee howl as Malfoy was thoroughly creeped out a the moment fled in terror his skin crawling from the event that just took place. When he was gone Trelawney suddenly shook her head as if someone had splashed her with cold water.
"Hello?" She asked after coughing and clearing her throat. "How odd." She said looking lost before shaking it off and returning to her tea leaves in her office. Draco quickly descended the stairs of the tower only stopping to catch his breath and glance back up.
"What the bloody hell was that about?" He sneered Draco had no idea what he had just heard but his thoughts of Granger and his payback had been pushed out of his mind for now.
"Looks like you've seen a ghost Malfoy." a voice called and Draco turned to see Blaise walking with Luna, Tracey, and Neville.
"No, just feeling sick. It's to be expected when you got loony and the squib walking around the place." Draco said Neville had gotten used to his insults and with his friend's help he was becoming braver and more able to shrug off his remarks. Luna simply looked like she was staring off into space but if anyone looked they would have seen something flicker through her eyes at the Loony remark but she hid it well.
"Wow, is that all you got for us? Points for consistency I guess." Tracey said getting a few chuckles from the group.
"I like wolves." Luna suddenly said out of nowhere.
"Um... cool?" Neville asked not sure what to say. Draco though froze when she said that.
"Why'd you say that?" He hissed out and Luna shrugged.
"I don't know but wolves are really pretty, and strong too. Don't you think?" Luna asked her pale blue eyes staring into Draco's own. He gulped the unnerving experience with Trelawney still at the forefront of his mind.
"Shut up." He hissed before rushing past the group. None of them felt compelled to follow or to question him so they just continued on.
"So wolves is it?" Blaise asked surprised by the normal creature as opposed to her usual retinue of animals to talk about which may or may not be real.
"Draco doesn't know how amazing and scary wolves can be."
"Right, I guess." Blaise said not really knowing what to say. He enjoyed Luna's company but he wasn't going to pretend that he always understood what she was saying.
"We'll see you guys later, we're heading to the Greenhouse." Tracey said and Neville nodded.
"Goodbye."
"See you later." Blaise said and Luna waved. Now it was just Luna and Blaise as they continued to walk aimlessly. Blaise was not the kind of person who was nervous around girls. Years of going to parties with his mother saw that he became comfortable quickly. But Luna was different she wasn't like any other girl he had met. He didn't know exactly how he should present himself in front of her and that caused him a pang of nervousness that he had long forgotten he could still feel.
"Your nervous, there's no need to be."
"I'm not nervous." He denied with a shake of his head doing a damn good job of schooling his features with practiced ease.
"It's alright you can be normal around me."
"I am always normal."
"No not all the time, like when those girls came to talk to you. You started acting funny."
"What are you talking about, I was just being polite."
"If you say so." Luna said looking out the windows as they walked and Blaise couldn't even begin to guess what it was that caught her attention.
"Do you not like me talking to those girls?" He asked probing her with the question. She made no motion of her true thoughts but instead turned the question back on him.
"Do you want me to not like it?"
"What? Of course not."
"Are you sure? I think that you want me to, so that way I act more like the girls that you're used to."
"That's... that's not right."
"It's okay, I don't know how to do this stuff either. I think it's the
Wrackspurts they make my head fuzzy around you sometimes." Blaise looked at her, he wondered if this was her weird way of saying she fancied him.
"Um, is that so? Only some of the times?"
"Yes, usually when I look at you for too long, or your eyes. I like your eyes."
"Oh, thanks." Blaise said and Luna was blunt as ever. But he honestly couldn't figure out if she was being flirtatious in her own way or just voicing something she found to be factual. Before he could attempt to understand he heard some laughter from his right. Though this laughter, wasn't mirthful it was instead a burst of mocking laughter. Turning his head to look at the source he saw a few Ravenclaw girls that were in Luna's year if he was guessing correctly. He was confused but the girls saw him look at them and they scurried off.
"What was that about?" Blaise asked still curious but Luna was still looking out the Windows. "Luna?" He asked gently.
"I forgot something." She suddenly said and turned on her heel the entire time not looking at him. Blaise narrowed his eyes and felt he should've chased after her but instead went to look for those Ravenclaws. Whoever they were he could tell they affected Luna and the way they laughed didn't fill him with confidence.
It wasn't hard to track them down it's not like they were avoiding him or anything. The group was walking around talking to each other and Blaise stayed close enough to listen but far enough to not draw attention.
"Can't believe that Loony is hanging out with Blaise of all people."
"Right? I bet she's smuggled him a love potion or something." a girl in the group laughed at this.
"Oh please as if a love potion would be enough to get her attention from anyone."
"She's getting chummy with Harry as well."
"He's just being nice, besides he already has three other girlfriends why would he take her?"
"Pity?" They laughed at that and Blaise was getting progressively more and more annoyed nearing anger.
"By the way did you get it?" One girl asked and another smirked as she pulled out what Blaise recognized to be a third-year textbook for potions.
"Yup, I was thinking we could hide this one in the clock tower." one of them said before the others nodded. Though Blaise noticed how she had said this one that meant they had done this before. To Blaise, it was pathetic and petty and he couldn't fathom why they felt the need to do this. But in any case, he wasn't about to let it continue as he whipped out his wand and summoned the book to his hand getting surprised yelps from the girls.
"What the-"
"Blaise?" The girls had said the group of four all turning to see Blaise now holding the book.
"What do you think you're doing?" He asked.
"Look Blaise it's not what you think."
"Really? Because it looks like you were going to hide something from my friend so she wouldn't find it." Blaise said and the girls looked at each other.
"Looks it's just a joke, It's not like she couldn't just borrow someone else's book for class." One of them brushed it off. Blaise wanted to argue but didn't have substantial evidence to make his arguments.
"Even if it is, you still shouldn't take her school supplies." Blaise said and the words tasted sour in his mouth. He wanted to tell them off and to leave Luna alone but all he had to go off of was a passing conversation, the fact that they called her Loony, and a hunch that they are constantly taking her stuff to hide.
"We'll keep that in mind, sorry." They said and before Blaise could tell them to apologize to Luna and not him they had turned and left. Looking down at the book in his hand he opened it and chuckled a bit seeing the colorful doodles in the blank spaces on the page. This was definitely Luna's textbook. Sighing he took the book and went to look for luna and talk to her about these pranks and just what was going on between her and those girls.
In another part of the castle, Harry stepped out of an empty classroom followed by Susan, Daphne, and Hermione. All four of the teens were in varying states of disheveled dress. Harry was buttoning up his shirt as he attempted to reclaim some sense of decency along with Hermione and Susan while Daphne took her sweet time with a big grin on her face.
"Okay, you girls went way too far, look at these." Harry said going over to the window to look at the marks they had left on him. They were large and very noticeable.
"You started it with Hermione. Besides, I think it looks good." Daphne said fondly rubbing the mark on her neck.
"I didn't start it on purpose, and of course you do." Hermione said shaking her head. The group made themselves as decent as they could but they still had a crinkle here and there but it wasn't too bad.
"So, any thoughts on the last task?" Daphne asked.
"Well, you already know it's a Maze filled with monsters. Beyond that, I can only train for every possibility." Harry said.
"Have your snakes or Dobby found anything else on it?" Susan asked and Harry shook his head.
"No, unfortunately, your aunt is being infuriatingly careful about keeping everything secure. Dobby barely made it our undetected with the plans he snagged." Susan giggled lightly at that.
"Well, she takes any job she has very seriously." Susan agreed.
"Yeah we know, love her for it but she could lighten up this one time." Daphne said with a pout.
"Nah, then she wouldn't by the Auntie I love so much."
"In any case, at least we can be sure that the other champions don't know anything either. Without their Headmaster's being part of the organizers they can't get any slips of information." Hermione said.
"Yes very annoying." a voice said behind them and they turned to see Cedric.
"Hey, Cedric." Harry greeted and the girls did the same.
"Hey Harry, Hermione, Susan, Daphne." He greeted back nodding to each of them.
"How are things?" Hermione asked and Cedric smiled.
"Much better actually. I don't think I can say anything given what you went through but the school feels so much... I don't know, lighter? There was always this feeling of weight around us with Dumbledore. I didn't really notice it before but now I totally can."
"Trust me it was more noticeable in Slytherin." Daphne said having also felt a shift, her housemates, baring Malfoy and his lot, were not death eaters in training. But with the atmosphere and environment that Dumbledore fostered, it felt like that at the time it was just suffocating.
"Right, but it's better now, I've been hanging with Cho more than I ever thought we would. We're dating but it felt like it was almost taboo."
"Not anymore." Harry said with a smile. Cedric and Cho were hardly a controversial couple, but if even they felt off about dating outside their house then that showed just how derailed Dumbledore had made the school.
"Yeah, so Harry, I was hoping I could steal you away for a moment?" Cedric asked and before Harry could answer Daphne wrapped her arms around Harry and pulled him close.
"Oh no, you're not seducing our Boyfriend." She joked causing the group to laugh.
"Trust me, I don't think anyone is going to steal him away from you three. It's... very obvious how much you care." Cedric said rubbing his neck meaningfully. Harry flushed ever so slightly as he rubbed his neck knowing just how visible those hickeys were from his girlfriends.
"Yeah, I'll come. See you girls later." He said giving each of them a light kiss.
"Alright Harry, we'll see you at dinner." Hermione said Susan and Daphne nodded. Harry smiled and started walking with Cedric as they made their way down the halls.
"So, everything is going good with Cho is it?" Harry asked.
"Definitely."
"That's good, where are you taking me?"
"Just here." Cedric said as he opened a door to a classroom and Harry saw that inside waited both Krum and Fleur.
"Secret meeting of the Champions?"
"Da, that is vhat Cedric says anyway." Krum said with a grin.
"Oui, he is being very mysterious." Fleur giggled out.
"He should work on his delivery a bit. I don't blame him since he's just a Hufflepuff. He'll get there if he tries." Harry joked getting a scoff from Cedric.
"Whatever Potter." Cedric playfully sneered.
"What's this about Diggory?" Harry returned with his own mock sneer before laughing.
"I just thought that we should talk a bit. The final task is tomorrow and after this, we'll be going our separate ways. Well, except for Harry, I'm stuck with him." Cedric said with a sigh at the end.
"More like I'm stuck with you but I get your point." Harry said as he smiled. He had grown to respect each of the champions maybe even considered them friends. They might've been competitors but they had helped each other when they could.
"I must say, this 'as been a most incredible experience. Maybe not all of it. But most of it." Fleur agreed, the second task had shaken her greatly but if she put that aside she could say that this experience would be one she would carry for life.
Krum was of a similar opinion. He had no illusions that Igor just wanted to show off the fact that his school had a famed seeker that was also a great wizard. It didn't surprise him that his name came out of the goblet as he was sure that no one else was allowed to enter their names. Despite that, he wanted to prove that he did have what it takes to participate in this tournament and his fellow Champions had come to be people he would respect for years to come.
"I agree, despite the hardships, I say it vas vorth it." Krum said with a firm nod. Harry couldn't argue, while he would've preferred not to have to deal with this he was actually glad he was entered. Not because he enjoys these attempts on his life. But he couldn't deny that his life had changed for the better with what because of this tournament. He wouldn't have been ostracized if he wasn't entered. He would still be friends with the parasite Weasley. He would've never discovered his love for Hermione, Daphne, or Susan. Hell, he wouldn't have even met or talked to Daphne or Susan at all. Not only that Demona wouldn't be in his life and he would still be a clueless and, in all honesty, mediocre wizard.
Dumbledore would still be in control of his life and after everything, he was sure that he probably would've died due to the old man's machinations. However now he was free, loved, and in the best condition, he had ever been. Not only that but for the first time in his life, he felt in control. He made decisions for himself. He hoped that his friends and loved ones would be okay with them but in the end, they are his decisions.
"Yeah, even if I didn't enter myself, I must say that I am happy with the results so far."
"You are not the little boy anymore." Fleur agreed.
"Yeah, you're like a different person." Cedric said.
"Nah, I'm still the same. I like to think I'm just more of who I really am, no more mask or pretending to be something I'm not just to please other people."
"Good for you. Zastanete visoko." Krum said and Harry didn't know what he meant at the end but he knew it wasn't an insult. This was a good group of magicals, Harry would be glad to keep in touch with them after the tournament was finally over.
"Well, Here is to the final task!" Cedric said pulling a bottle from his robes.
"Really Ced?" Harry asked as Cedric handed him the bottle. Harry sniffed it and his nose was assaulted with a strong spicey sent that didn't belong on a liquid.
"Fire whiskey! I won't tell if you don't." Cedric said with a grin getting a laugh out of the group. Harry steeled himself as he took a swig and almost immediately started coughing as a flare of heat erupted from his throat and down his torso.
"Ha, Da! To vighting Dragons and Creatures of vhe deep!" Krum said taking a swig when Harry passed it to him and he handled it much better. Fleur took the bottle and swirled it around for a moment.
"To us, ze champions. Pour nos amis et famille!" She said taking a swig and coughing like Harry. Harry couldn't help but smile at the group, they were great people that he was glad to know.
A scene of camaraderie a complete night and day comparison if you were to look to Voldemort. We find him sitting in the same chair his ghoulish frame sagging against the cushion and coiled around his chair protectively was Nagini. Cowering in the corner was a sniveling Peter Pettigrew who flinched every time Nagini's tongue flicked out.
An annoyance that he grew tired of but until his body was returned to him he would suffer the coward a while longer still. Their tense silence was broken when the door to the room opened and in stepped a man with dark brown hair nearly black and dark eyes. Dressed in rather proper ministry robes.
"Ah Barty, how goes the preparations?" Voldemort ask his raspy voice making everyone who heard it feel like their own vocal cords were shredded.
"It is done my lord, It was tricky but they suspect nothing."
"It is hidden? I will not be caught unprepared Barty." Barty nodded and bowed to his lord.
"Of course, I have managed to arrange it to where I am the one to place the Goblet in the Maze. They will know nothing."
"Good, remember the plans have changed. I do not want him to die in this task, I will kill him myself. And do not forget to bring the girl, he will be broken before I take his life." The Dark Lord smiled but it did nothing but fill the room with a sense of dread as Barty bowed once more.
"Of course My Lord." He said before leaving the room, everything would go perfectly as he took a swig from a flask and his skin began to bubble and his body began to morph.
_SCENE_
Here it is, very short but there wasn't much to say or set up everything is in place for the final task and for the coming storm that will accompany it. Will be working on the next chapter but it is Finals week and there are a lot of finals.