Chapter 10: chamber of secrets
It was Wednesday morning and the great hall was in complete uproar when that mornings Daily Prophet arrived. Many people had reacted badly to yesterdays prophet, but their reactions were tame in comparisons to what they showed now.
Murder at the ministry
By Rita Skeeter
Many of my reader probably already heard the rumors and I can confirm the sad truth; for the first time since the war someone has been murdered at the ministry. Lord Malfoy while attending a ministry function pulled his wand on the senior undersecretary, Madam Umbridge and fired the killing curse on her while exclaiming, ''For a pure world.''
When being questioned Lord Malfoy claimed that he was under the Imperius curse. Several members of the Wizengamot I questioned doubted this. The newly reinstated lord Black had this to say. ''This is the second time Malfoy used this excuse. Don't you think it is very convenient that every time it is him? Besides everyone know Malfoy's view on half-breeds and you don't need to be a genius to know what Malfoy meant with 'for a pure world' when you look at Umbridge's appearance.
The Minister of Magic wasn't available for comment. Madam Bones, head of the DMLE commented that lord Malfoy is being detained for now and he will be put on trial in front of the Wizengamot shortly.
If lord Malfoy does get convicted then his house will lose the status of Noble house. As the head of a Noble house isn't allowed to be in prison and the seat of a noble house isn't passed on.
Harry, who had been eating breakfast in the great hall while he read the article, had to suppress a smirk as he read the comment Sirius made. To be made out to be the thing she hates most. She must be rolling in her grave right now.
Hermione who had been sitting opposite from him gasped when she read the article. ''I can't believe someone was killed at the ministry.'' She exclaimed. Continuing in a much calmer tone. '' Was she killed in your timeline too?''
Harry shrugged, ''She was killed only it was a couple of years later and by another murderer.''
''Neither of you seem overly concerned that things are changing from what you know.'' Hermione commented after she saw Harry and Daphne's reactions.
''We are actively busy with changing things.'' Daphne commented from her seat next to Harry. ''It is no wonder that we cause some things to change indirectly.''
''Besides you have to look at the bigger picture here.'' Harry remarked.
''What?'' She asked in a confused tone.
''Umbridge isn't the most likeable person in the world. There was a pretty big chance that she would be murdered again regardless of our actions. What more important is that it was Malfoy who killed her.''
''Why does that matter?''
''Politics.'' Harry said before explaining it. ''The Malfoy name is so important in magical Britain because they have money, since money is almost as important as lineage here. Unfortunately for Malfoy it isn't his money he likes to spend so much. Narcissa Malfoy is a former Black, but is still allowed in the Black family vault, that is where most of their money come from. To make sure that someone who marries into another family doesn't drain the family vault completely there are usually placed stipulations on how much they are allowed to get from the vault every year in the marriage contract. Now usually there also stipulations in marriage contracts that would resolve in instantly divorce if broken. One of them in the Black- Malfoy contact is that neither party is allowed to be sentenced to a sentence longer than a year in Azkaban, which he will most likely be sentenced to.''
Daphne took over for Harry, ''Now Malfoy is one of Fudge strongest financial supporters. It is highly unlikely he will remain in power long without the money. Especially since his undersecretary was murdered by the very same man.''
''We should be careful,'' Harry muttered after a moment thought. ''Fudge will probably try to something stupid if it turns out he will be kicked out.''
Daphne nodded in agreement, she knew that the man would try to do anything to remain in his position of power. That is why she would have preferred it if Umbridge had died while he was already out of office.
''But don't they say that Malfoy got declared innocent because he claimed to be under the Imperius curse when he was arrested for being a Death Eater?'' Hermione questioned. ''Will the same thing not happen again now he claims the same excuse?''
Harry shook his head, ''Back then due to the vast amount of trials that had to be held due to the end of the war it was decided by a panel if the crime was severe enough to appear before a full Wizengamot and if not they judged themselves. Unfortunately that panel was rather easy to bribe, so you can guess the results. But, now crimes like this will be held before the Wizengamot, so it is doubtful he will get off easily.''
'Especially if I have something to say about it.' He thought.
Hermione was about to ask something else when Dumbledore stood up from his place on the head table and she quickly diverted her attention on the man. ''May I have you attention please?'' The headmaster asked.
After everyone had quieted down he continued. ''I am sure many have read the sad news in the morning paper and I am sure you all will pay you respect to this tragic loss in your own way in your own time. Unfortunately another accident has taken place. Professor Snape has disappeared and I suspect he may still be on the grounds. Unfortunately the DMLE can't spare any order Aurors because the Minister fears another attack and has them all guarding the ministry. Therefore the teachers will be busy today searching the castle and forest during the day and all the classes are canceled. If you have any information that might help then please contact a teacher as soon as possible.''
He then smiled his patented grandfatherly smile at them and said in reassuring tone. ''Don't worry about your professor I am sure we will find him soon and in good health.''
What he didn't expect was the cheer from three quarters of the student tables and several barely masked gleeful looks on the last on.
It was probably more shock than anything that everyone had waited for Dumbledore to finish before cheering.
Dumbledore was touched by what he assumed was that they were cheering for the teachers and the effort they made to bring their professor back.
He made his way over to the pair of students who might know something. He honestly did not know if it was wise to ask him this, since his less attempts at gaining information didn't go to well, but he was sure Harry would be willing to help if it was for the safety for one of his professors.
''Mr. Potter,'' He greeted the boy.
Harry turned his head around so he could look at the man who was addressing him and responded. ''Headmaster Dumbledore, is there anything I can do for you on this fine morning?''
Dumbledore was somewhat taken aback by the boy's cheerful demeanor, but he quickly recovered and decided to just ask what he wanted to ask now he was still in a good mood. ''Do you know anything about professor Snape?''
Harry grinned, Dumbledore must be really stressed out if he asks such a stupid question. Looking around he noticed a vast majority of the hall was still eating their breakfast, so he answered loud enough for the local rumor mill to hear. ''You want to know what I know about Snape, sir?''
Receiving a somewhat reluctant nod, Harry said. ''I know that Snape was a death eater during the war and got off without punishment. I know that since he started 'teaching' the average number OWL students that went to their NEWT dropped from seventy percent to eighteen. I know that he regularly uses Legamacy to read the mind of students. I know that Snape gives privet lessons to his house. I know several more things about the man, what exactly did you want to know?''
He had to repress a smug grin when he saw the headmaster's shocked face, apparently he didn't realize how much his question could backfire.
''Um yes, I was wondering if you might know where professor Snape is?''
''I have no idea where he is, but maybe he is hiding.'' Harry said. ''After all aren't he and Mr. Malfoy good friends, maybe he has something to do with yesterdays murder on the undersecretary and is afraid Mr. Malfoy will rat him out. Then again that is only a theory and I am sure the DMLE will investigate it when they have the time. For now good luck with you search, Headmaster.'' Having said that he turned back around.
Dumbledore wanted to argue, but realized that everyone in the hall was watching and he had to lead the search for his potions master.
''So what are you plans for today now that we gotten the day off?'' Harry questioned Hermione.
''I think I am going to work ahead some more.'' She replied. ''What about you two?''
''We had a little fieldtrip planned for the weekend, but we can go today instead now that we have the day off.'' Harry replied. ''You can join us if you want, I am sure you will find it interesting.''
''Oh?'' She said sounding intrigued. ''And where would that field trip of you lead to?''
''The chamber of secrets.'' Harry answered nonchalantly, as if visiting the legendary chamber was a everyday occurrence.
Hermione stared at harry in shock for a moment, thinking she heard wrong. ''The chamber of secrets?'' She questioned.
''Yep.''
''The same secret chamber created by Salazar Slytherin.''
''Yep.''
''The chamber that housed a basilisk that petrified me and nearly killed Ginny?'
''Yep.''
''Oh.''
Nearly a hour later, a rather diverse group of people could be found in the second floor girl bathroom. The group consisted of the three Potters, the two Grangers, Astoria Greengrass, Tracy Davis and Ginny Weasley.
Ginny had asked if she might accompany them when she heard the conversation between the Potters and Hermione. She told them she needed to do this and Hermione had told her that of course she was allowed to accompany them.
Tracy and Astoria had seen the group leave the hall and had questioned where they were going. When they heard that they were going to the hidden chamber of the founder of their house, they jumped on the chance to see it.
Emma originally had only been following her sister, making sure that she kept her promise not to spend too much time in the library, but when she heard that they were going to a room created by one of such important historical figure she immediately demanded that she was allowed to go to.
''This is where the entrance is hidden?'' Tracey asked in disbelief.
Harry nodded and smiled, ''You know almost everyone I ever showed it said something similar.'' Harry said before bowing down in front of a specific sink and hissed."§Open§"
The sink upon hearing the command started to sink into the ground, leaving a large pipe exposed.
Harry turned around and had to smirk when he saw the look of shock and intrigue on most of the people faces.
''How did you do that?'' Emma questioned.
Harry shrugged. ''I just said 'open','' he told her before addressing the entire group. ''Daphne and I are going to enter first I want you to wait fifteen minutes before you follow us.''
The others except Daphne gave Harry questioning looks, but said nothing when they saw how serious he looked.
After receiving a promise from everyone to wait and a assurance to Lucy that she too was allowed to go of the 'slide' if she waited patiently with the others and promised to listen to them, Harry and Daphne went down.
After the fifteen minutes had passed the remaining people started going down the pipe, some considerably reluctant while others jumped in with a big smile.
Upon exited the pipe they all landed on a large cushion that stretched several meters.
''That was fun! Can we go again?'' Came the exited exclamation of the youngest of the group.
Hermione shook her head when she heard the child exited tone. She had many words to describe the way down, 'fun' wasn't one of them. She stood up and looked around; She saw that she was in a large stone corridor. The entire corridor was surprisingly clean and there were several magical lights hovering along the tunnel.
After everyone had recovered and were back on their feet, they moved through the tunnel until they reached a large chamber. Floating above the chamber were several of the magic light balls that were also in the tunnel making the room look way less gloomy then with only the torches. On both sides of the room stood several columns that resembled snakes, and on the other side was a large statue of a old looking wizard's head. In the middle of the room there was a large section that was hidden from view by several screens.
That is where the group found the two Potter waiting. Lucy let go of the hand of her aunt who she had been holding and ran up to her parents and began to babble excitedly. ''Can I go again from the slide? It was really great, it went so and then I suddenly went so.'' She said while moving her arms around excitedly.
Both of the parents had to smile seeing their girl so exited and Daphne said. ''Sure, but not now. maybe another time.'' She then addressed the entire group. ''Welcome to the chamber of secrets. The basilisk is behind this screen, if you don't want to see it then I suggest you stay away from it.''
The group spend the next half hour looking around the room. Harry and Daphne made sure that Lucy didn't go beyond the screen and after seeing the snake for herself, Hermione did the same with her sister. Ginny took one look at the snake before quickly moving a considerable distance away from it looking rather pale.
''So why did you two decided to come down here?'' Tracey asked.
Daphne jerked a thumb toward were the Basilisk lay. '' For that.'' She said before elaborating, ''As you know Basilisks are extremely rare nowadays and as it's slayer, Harry has the right to claim the carcass. It would be a waist not to claim the small fortune that is lying there.''
'' Maybe after we have removed the snake we can renovate the room a bit. It is a good place to practice magic and no one will bother us here since almost no one can enter it.'' She looked thoughtful for a moment and then added. ''Or we can turn this place in a indoor pool. I am sure that with the correct runes we can keep the water warm and clean, perfect to relax.''
A large portion of the group who heard her speak looked incredulously at her for her last statement.
''You want to change the hidden chamber of one of the darkest wizards of history into a swimming pool?'' Hermione asked in a tone that did nothing to hide her disbelief.
Harry snorted at hearing that. ''Do you honestly believe that?''
''What do you mean it is in all the history books that Slytherin was a master of the dark arts and hated all those not of pure blood.''
''History is written by the victors,'' Harry countered. ''The only thing I am pretty sure is true in all those stories is that there was a conflict between Gryffindor and Slytherin and that Gryffindor won. Don't you find it the least bit suspicious that Gryffindor is portrayed as the perfect good guy while Slytherin is shown as the lowest form of life?''
''But, what about him being a master of the dark arts?'' Hermione countered defensively.
''Magic is magic.'' Harry said. ''It is the ministry who classifies certain branches of magic dark and illegal. Spells that are now illegal were completely legal hundred years ago and spells that are now legal might get classified as dark in the near future. So how could a man be a master of something that didn't even exist in his time yet since that the first ministry of magic was past his time?''
''So you are saying there are no dark nor light magic?'' A interested Astoria asked.
Harry shrugged, ''Well you could call Lumos as a light spell and I know a spell that can make all the light disappear from a room, other than that I don't believe there should be such classifications about magic.''
''What about the three unforgivable?'' Tracey asked.
''Just as evil as a gun, the magic isn't bad, just the ones who cast it.''
The purebloods looked a bit confused at the mention of a gun, but they seemed to get it.
Hermione however wasn't ready to give up her views. ''What about his hatred for non purebloods.''
''Who knows?'' Harry said. ''Like I said I don't believe the history taught nowadays is completely accurate. I am pretty sure he hated Muggles and maybe the tales originated from that and got exaggerated over time.''
''See!'' She said as if he proved her point. ''You admit it yourself that you think he hates Muggles.''
''Of course he would hate them.'' Harry countered. ''You do realise that he was born in a time that anyone who was suspected of practicing magic would be tied up and burned alive. Do you really think it is weird he might hate them?'' he finished sarcastically.
''But the witch burnings were ineffective.'' Hermione countered. ''That topic was covered in history of magic. Muggles could almost never find any magical beings and when found the witch or wizard would just cast a flame-freezing charm on themselves.''
''You do realise that they don't have to look for magical beings if representatives of Hogwarts tell them that their child is magical? Or do you think eleven year olds are capable of performing flame-freezing charm? Or for that matter how do you think anyone is capable of performing them when they are tied up? That charm only works for a limited time so even if a magical being manage to cast it upon themselves before they are captured eventually it will stop working and he or she will burn anyway. And even if they manage to perform it and if they someone manage to overcome the flames, do you think they will let them go then, when they show such obvious signs of magic? ''
''But the history books said...''
Harry cut in with, ''Do you really think a society that is mostly run by purebloods would allow books to be published, where in they would admit that we went in hiding mostly because of fear of Muggles instead of the excuse they gave nowadays about not wanted to be bothered?''
The serious atmosphere was broken by a loud exclamation of, ''Wow that is a big snake!'', they had let Lucy out of their sight and she had wandered past the screens. Then everyone, but Harry heard hissing and Harry head. '' §Hello, I am Lucy who are you?§''
Next chapter: First round and Task.
A/N: I will post the next chapter for to be, who you are tomorrow. I am kind of stuck with Auror path, but a chapter should be out before Saturday next week.
Chapter 11: First round and task
November 24, Hogwarts great hall
The day of the first task had finally arrived. Everyone was eating in the great hall and everyone was looking exited. Not only would the first task being hold today. Today was also the start of the other tournament.
Looking back Harry thought about the things that happened between the visit to the chamber of secrets and the present.
Of course the most important thing that happened was the trial of Lucius Malfoy. It had been interesting to say the least since different people had different interests in the case. There were of course those who wanted justice for the murder. Then there was the group that supported Dumbledore and believed his excuse and pleaded for a low punishment. Then there were those like Fudge who don't want their financial backer in the prison. And finally there were those who absolutely despised the man and would gleefully sentence him to the highest possible sentence. Unfortunately for the man a good majority of the most Ancient and Noble houses belonged to the last category. Harry doubted he would ever see the man again.
Then there was how everyone reacted when they found out that Lucy was a Parselmouth. Overall everyone reacted rather well considering the stigma that is attached to the language. The only thing noteworthy was the brief look that passed Ginny's face he couldn't completely decipher, it was somewhat between fear and revulsion. He figured hearing the langue brought back some bad memories.
Finally there was the matter of preparing for today. It was sad thought really that he wasn't even scarred anymore of the thought of facing a dragon. After having fought in several chaotic battles throughout the war, the thought of facing a single enemy in a controlled environment didn't scare him at all. Of course they had checked up if the dragons were still where they were supposed to be. After having confirmed that the only difference was that there was one more dragon they figured that the task was the same and that the organizers didn't have any time to change it. Of course there was the other tournament to prepare for, but he thought his team was somewhat ready for that too. They would soon see as Dumbledore had stood up and the hall quieted down.
''May I have all of you attention,'' The headmaster asked and when everyone was silent he continued. ''Good, now as everyone probably knows today is the day of the first task of the tri-wizard tournament. But that is not the only thing happening today. Today for the first time in history we start the interschool team duelling tournament!''
Upon hearing the words everyone in the hall applauded loudly. When the applause had died down somewhat, Dumbledore continued. ''Now just like the tasks the duelling matches will be open for the public,'' He gave a slight sweep with his wand and the previous closed door of the great hall swung open and great number of people entered the room.
''Welcome,'' Dumbledore exclaimed after the group had entered. ''Welcome to Hogwarts, we will be starting the duelling tournament momentarily. I will go over the rules one less time to make sure everyone knows what is going to happen before we begin. The tournament is a knockout style tournament that means when a team loses they are out of the tournament. A team has three players of which one a captain. The teams consists of everyone capable of magic currently staying at Hogwarts for the tournament except the judges and those not capable of magic. Only one adult, meaning everyone older than seventeen is allowed per team. A match consist of three rounds of ten minutes the teams are allowed to choose who to send out for which round at the beginning of each round, but a contester is only allowed to participate in a single round. You win a round if your opponent forfeits, loses his or her wand, get stunned or otherwise incapacitated or exited the duelling circle. If the ten minute mark is reached then the round is counted as a draw. If after three round it is a draw then the two captains get to dual another round. If this is one too results in a draw then it will be counted as a double knockout. There won't be a time limit in the finale, semi-final and quarter finals. Finally the use of enchanted artefacts or potions are forbidden and everyone will be checked before the dual. Of course the winner of the final will receive the prize money generously provided by lord Black. Now if everyone seated could please stand up and make their way over to our guest.''
All the students stood up and followed the instructions. Once everyone was out of the way Dumbledore banished the four tables to the side of the room and transfigured them into tribunes. He then waved his wand again and three large circle appeared on the ground. Finally he waved his wand and two large screens appeared above the hall, both facing one of the tribunes.
''Those are the duelling circles. The one closest to me, circle one will be judged by me. Circle 2, that is the one in the middle, will be judged by Madame Maxime. And the last circle will be judged by headmaster Karkaroff.'' He then gestured to the floating screens. ''Those will show who will duel where at the end of each round. Now please make your way to the tribunes so we can start the first round of the tournament.''
Harry looked around to see if he saw anyone familiar in the crowd of guests. Spotting his godfather and the Greengrass parents a bit ahead he waved them over. He also spotted the Weaslys and realized he still had to talk with them, but since the topic most likely ended with someone shouting he decided it wasn't the greatest idea to talk with them now with all the public around. Speaking of Weasley it was kind of weird that the youngest male Weasley never confronted him or Hermione over the team change, not that he was complaining. Finally he spotted a couple looking around with awe in their eyes.
''Hermione, Emma, those people might need some help they seemed to be looking for someone.'' Harry said before warmly greeting his in-laws and godfather.
Emma looked over to where Harry had pointed and saw to her shock her parents. ''Hermione there are mom and dad.'' She said enthusiastically.
''What?'' She replied, ''But it is impossible for Muggles to enter the Hogwarts ground...'' She then saw that her sister had indeed been right and her parents, her Muggle parents were standing in the middle of the hall both wearing some kind of amulet she was positive she had never seen them wearing.
She walked over to them, closely followed by her sister and said. ''Mom, dad, why are you here? How are you here? I thought you can't enter the ground? What are those amulets? Are they new?''
Jane Granger looked at her daughter in amusement. ''You are rambling, sweetheart and it's nice to see you too.''
Hermione blushed upon hearing that. Her blush grew when her sister joined the group and said. ''Hey mum, hey dad it is great to see you.''
''It's great to see you girls too.'' Dan Granger said and hugged both his daughter, afterwards his actions were mirrored by his wife.
''So, how are you able to get in here?'' Hermione asked after she had greeted her parents properly.
''You friend Harry send us a letter and these two amulets. He wrote that there would be some kind of school completion and that parents were allowed to visit. The letter also stated that these Amulets were something called Portkeys and they were some kind of teleportation devices to get us here and as long as we were here something he called Muggle-repellent wards wouldn't work on us.'' Dan explained.
''And of course we wouldn't miss the opportunity to finally visit your school after hearing so much about it. I have to say it looks very impressive. But I think we need to find a seat as we are one of the few left standing.'' Jane said.
Hermione nodded and looked to the tribune for a free seat. She saw Harry waving and gesturing to four seats close by his group who now consisted of Harry, Daphne, Lucy, Astoria, two people who were most likely Daphne and Astoria's parents, Tracey and two people who she assumed were her parents. Getting the hint she led her parents to the group were introductions were made and Dan and Jane thanked Harry for the letter.
Once everyone was seated the screen lighted up and the next three matches appeared on it.
Round 1 matches 1-3
Duelling circle 1 team Pure vs. team Nargle
Duelling circle 2 team Chimera vs. HP4ever
Duelling circle 3 team Lions pride vs. team Puff power
''Chimera was your team right?'' Harry asked Daphne.
''Yeah,'' She said. ''Tori came up with it. Something about me showing lion tendencies instead of solely snake ones due a certain bad influence.'' She then took off all the rings she was wearing save two and gave them too Harry.
''Good luck,'' He said before giving her a kiss even though she didn't really need it with this level of opponent.
''Thanks,'' she said before spotting the three witches already waiting in the second circle. ''Ah it's those fan girls that explains the team name.'' She then got a smirk on her face and said. ''I call dibs on Vane.''
''Good luck mommy.'' Lucy said.
''Thanks,'' she kissed the little girl on the forehead and walked to the circle followed by Astoria and Tracy.
''Doesn't a Chimera consists of lion, a snake and a goat?'' Emma questioned after they had moved out of earshot.
''Yes, just don't mention that to Tori. She will realise it in time.'' Harry said. He then looked up the board again. ''Team Nargle?'' he muttered . 'Why does that seems familiar.' He looked over to the ring where that team would dual and saw a very familiar blond. ''Luna,'' He muttered, feeling a pang of sadness seeing her.
Hermione who had heard him followed his gaze and asked. ''Do you know her?''
''We become friends in my fifth year. Her name is Luna Lovegood.'' Harry replied.
''I have heard of her they say she is a bit weird.''
''Luna is unique not weird.'' Harry said somewhat fiercely.
Hermione looked a bit shocked at the tone that Harry used. Seeing this Harry apologised. ''Sorry for reacting like that, but Luna was a good friend who died to young and is kind of hard to see her like this again.''
''What happened to her?''
Harry was silent for a moment and said, ''Her father owns a paper and published a article about a terrorist. The terrorist apparently wasn't happy when he read it and decided to burn the home of the owner of the paper, no one in the house survived.''
There was a awkward pause for a moment and Hermione was glad that the matches had began so she could focus on that. She then went wide eyes when she saw that Daphne's opponent was blasted out of the ring mere second after the start signal was given.
''It seems she is still a bit mad about Vane's attempt at using a love potion on me during my sixth year.'' Harry commented after seeing the third year fly out of the ring.
Hermione decided it was better not to ask and focussed on the other two matches. In the first ring there was the girl Harry had identified as Luna casting the most varied assortment of charms on her opponent she had ever seen. She was facing off against a Slytherin Hermione was pretty sure was in his third year. She then looked at who her two team mates were; Ginny Weasley was easy enough to recognize. The other girl however she didn't recognize, in fact she looked far too young to be down there, at best she looked seven or eight. Deciding to voice her confusion she said. ''Does anyone know who that small blond girl is over at the first ring? Surely she is too young to duel?''
Unsurprisingly it was Harry that answered. ''That is Gabrielle Delacour, the younger sister of the Beauxbatons champions and I strongly suggest you don't underestimate her, she is older than she looks. Trough I wonder how Luna managed to convince her to join her team. Then again it's Luna so its probably better not to think about it.''
''How old is she then?''
''Twelve.''
''How can she look like that then?''
Harry 's look turned sombre. ''Do you know what she and her sister are?''
''Considering that how men react when Fleur is around is similar to how the men reacted at the world cup I'd say that they are either Veela's or have Veela blood in them.''
''It's the later. As for why she is so small, it is a genetic trait all those of Veela decent have. They stay that way until they mentally feel they are ready to protect themselves, usually that is around when they are fourteen.''
''Protect themselves from wh...'' She didn't have to finish the question as she noticed a large group of male staring lustfully at the Beauxbatons champions who was sitting a bit further along the tribune. Seeing this she could come up with the answer herself.
Deciding to turn her attention to the final circle she saw that Ron had teamed up with Neville and second year Gryffindor whose name she couldn't place. Ron was currently facing off against a second year Hufflepuff and managed to disarm him in the eight minute.
The other two rounds weren't that interesting. Both Tracey and Astoria won without having to put in too much effort. Ginny was stunned by her sixth year opponent and Gabrielle managed to win her match against a fifth year after he made a lewd comment about her sister by throwing a fireball in his face. ''And that is why you shouldn't underestimate her.'' Harry commented upon seeing it. Neville and the second year both managed to make the full ten minutes resulting in a win.
Harry looked up and saw that the screen had changed.
Round 1 matches 4-6
Duelling circle 1 team Raven vs. team Puddlemere
Duelling circle 2 team Athena vs. Team Creevey & Summer
Duelling circle 3 team Pouvoir vs. team Gewalt
Seeing that it's their turn Harry, Emma and Hermione made their way down to the circle. On the way there Harry gave Daphne her rings back and handed his own over. Then after another good luck kiss he made his way to Madame Maxime. Already standing there were the two Creevey's and a kid whose name he didn't know, but he assumed his last name was Summers.
''We are beginning the first round, both teams send out your first dualist.''
Dennis stepped in the ring and Harry said. ''Emma show them what you can do.''
Emma nodded and she too stepped into the ring. Hermione looked worried as she saw her sister enter the ring. ''Are you sure she will be all right?'' Hermione questioned. ''I know you trained her for a day, but she can't have learned that much in a single day.''
Harry smiled at hearing the question. ''I haven't taught her a single new spell.'' He admitted. ''There was too little time to start teaching her combat related spells. So, instead I focused on dodging, aiming and speed. Believe me she is skilled enough to win against a second year, just watch.''
And so Hermione did, she watched how her sister dodged several of the hexes thrown by her opponent. It was hard to ignore her natural instincts to step in between them, but she had faith in her little sister. Suddenly after dodging jet another hex, Emma aimed her wand and fired a single hex.
Manny males in the public cringed when they saw the stinging hex hit home. Denis dropped his wand and fell to his knees. His face clearly showing pain.
Harry felt some sympathy for his number two fan boy, but then again all is fair in battle and this should learn the boy that he should dodge or learn a shield charm.
''This is what you taught her.'' Hermione hissed.
Harry shrugged. ''No I taught her how to dodge and aim properly. The hex she already knew. Besides it seems your father approves.'' He said while motioning to the man who was sitting with a look of pride on his face.
''Winner by incapacitation Emma of team Athena.'' Maxime said after Dennis hadn't stood back up after several minutes.
''So, who do you want to go up against?'' Harry asked Hermione after Emma had rejoined them and he had congratulated her on her win.
''I think I should sit this round out.'' Hermione said. ''My sister and I have some things to discuss.''
Harry shrugged and entered the ring, but not before leaving the parting words. ''For the next set of matches I will teach her some real spells so she won't have to resort to that.''
Entering the ring he stood still and waited for his opponent. Honestly speaking he couldn't care either way which one they send out. Neither was a challenge and he had nothing against either of them. Well there was the stalker part of Creevey, Harry suddenly grinned maybe the boy would leave him alone if the boy got scared enough during the match.
It turned out that luck was on his side for once and Collin entered the ring. ''Hey Harry its exiting isn't it. Me duelling against you. I can barely believe it.''
Turning out the rambling he began formulating what to use on the boy. When the sign was given to start he started to move out of the way of the hexes and started to chant nonverbally and moving his wand in complex pasterns.
Up in the tribunes the lord Greengrass gained a look of surprise when he recognised what Harry was doing. ''He is capable of that branch of magic?'' He half questioned half stated.
His oldest daughter nodded. ''You taught him it yourself. You thought it was a necessary edge he needed.''
Meanwhile many in the hall were confused that nothing had happened yet even trough Harry had been waving his wand for over a minute. The confusion only grown when Collin suddenly completely stopped moving.
Collin meanwhile was confused what was happening. One minute he was in a fierce battle with his hero the next his vision blurred for a second and Harry was replaced by the girl who his brother faced. To his complete horror he saw her take aim the exact same way she had against his brother and instead of hearing the Incantation for the stinging hex he now heard, ''Reducto.''
Harry after seeing that his opponent stopped moving returned his wand back to its holster and watched on in amused how Creevey's expression turned from confusion to slight fear to absolute terror before he finally fainted.
''Winner by incapacitation Harry of team Athena.'' Maxime said with a hint of confusion mixed in her announcement, she too wasn't sure what exactly happened.
Harry stepped out of the ring while Collin was moved out on a stretcher. He was instantly greeted by questions from his two teammates. Harry merely smiled and stated. ''Trade secret,'' When asked what he had done.
After that there was the last round it was Hermione against the other third year. The fight lasted less than a minute, a well placed stunner and he was down.
After being declared the winner the team made their way back to the others where Harry struck up a conversation with Samuel while watching the next set of matches.
''So how is the situation at the ministry?'' Harry asked. ''The minister has been awfully quiet lately. I honestly expected that something would have happened after Malfoy's trial.''
The Greengrass lord shrugged. '' According to the rumours Fudge remains cooped up in his office the entire day, they say he is making plans to ensure that he remains in his position of power, but no one really knows for sure.'' He said. ''Not that anyone really cares anymore it is only a matter of time before someone puts up a vote of no confidence for the man. The only reason he is still there is because those who want to be his replacement are still gathering support before they make their move.''
Harry nodded he knew from experience that politicians tended to make sure their own arses were covered first before making a move that could possiblybackfire.
Harry and company spend the time until it was time for dinner watching the duals and talking with each other. The duals themselves were a rather sad sight to see. It was sometimes hard for Harry to look as people who he had trained himself and fought alongside in the future looked so pathetic, but that was to expected as the level of DADA had been bad for years and the DA hadn't been founded yet. Of course not everyone was a bad dualist. The three Tri-wizard champions and their team proved to be very impressive and the tinny charms professor reminded everyone that he once was a duelling champion when he entered the ring and effortlessly defeated a seventh year Durmstrang student.
When it was time for dinner several extra tables were added to the hall and everyone seated wherever they wanted except the teachers who remained at their own table.
Midway through dinner they were approached by professor McGonagall who told them it was time for the champions to gather.
Harry and Daphne said their goodbye to everyone and told Lucy to stay with her grandparents before following the deputy headmistress.
When they were outside the professor began speaking and Harry noticed she looked rather pale. ''Harry I know you have done this task before and I might have given you this warning once already, but I want you to try to remain calm out there. Daphne, you might not be in my house, but you are still a student in my care. No doubt you know what you are facing, but I still wish to wish you luck.''
Upon that point they had reached the tent and Harry and Daphne entered it while McGonagall remained outside.
Upon entering Harry spotted a pale looking Fleur sitting in a corner, the look of confidence she wore when she duelled earlier was gone. Cedric was pacing and Harry inwardly cursed when he realised he forgot to do something he had done the first time around. He had forgotten to warn him of the dragons.
'Oh well, there is nothing I could do about it now,' He thought. 'and at least with this task people are stepping in if things go wrong.'
Bagman dressed in his bright coloured Wasp uniform had spotted them and happily exclaimed. ''Harry!, Daphne! There you are, come in, come in, make yourselves comfortable.''
The Potters nodded and Harry sat down on the only remaining seat while Daphne sat down on his lap.
''Now that everyone is gathered I am going to explain the task so listen carefully. Once the explanations is done I will hold before each of you this bag.'' He showed a small purple coloured bag. ''Out of it you will have to pick a model of what you will be facing during the task. There are several eh types.'' He looked thoughtful for a moment and added. ''Oh yeah and you have to get the golden egg.''
Harry after the instructions ended looked around and immediately noticed that at least Fleur and Krum still knew about the task. The other Hogwarts champion however didn't look too well. Not that Harry could blame him really, not many people would take it well if you were told that you would be facing a dragon in a couple of minutes.
''Now then, let's begin shall we?'' Bagman said happily. ''Ladies first,'' He said before holding the bag before Fleur Delacour who with shaky hand pulled out a perfect miniature replica of a Common Welsh Green with the number two on it. He then held out the bag in front of Daphne who pulled out a replica of a Swedish Short-Snout with number one on it. Harry then pulled next since the bag was basically already in front of him and he pulled out the replica of a Chinese Fireball with the number three on it. Next was Krum who pulled out a model with the number five, Harry didn't recognise the dragon species, but they were told it was a Peruvian Vipertooth. Finally the bag was held before the Hogwarts champion and Harry really felt sorry for him as he saw him pull the dragon Harry faced the first time around.
''Now that that is settled,'' Bagman said in ever high spirits, not even looking bothered that five people were about to face off against some of the toughest magical creatures alive. ''Everyone has chosen the dragon he or she will face and the numbers indicate the order in which you will be facing the dragon. I have to go now because I am commenting. Mrs. Potter you are the first to go. When you hear the sound of whistle go into the dragon cage, okay?''
He then lowered his voice a bit and looked slightly uncomfortable as he addressed Harry. ''Eh Harry?'' He began while trying to avoid Daphne's gaze. ''Can I speak to you for a moment? Outside?''
''Why?'' Harry questioned while putting an arm around Daphne's waist. ''I am sitting rather comfortably here and surely you have nothing to say to me that the other champions aren't allowed to hear right?''
Bagman upon hearing this looked even more uncomfortable, but luckily for him he was saved by the whistle.
''Dear me, I have to go, Mrs Potter it is time for you to go.'' He said before moving out of the tent.
Harry and Daphne stood up and Harry gave a lingering kiss on the lip before quietly muttering. ''I know we have faced worse, just don't underestimate it and be careful.''
Daphne smiled at his concern and replied in a equally quiet tone. ''Don't worry it will take more than an overgrown lizard to take me down.'' She then grew serious and jerked a finger at his chest and said in a warning tone. ''And you if you do something as suicidal as trying to outfly a dragon like you did the first time again then it is the couch for a week.''
Leaving the treat hanging Daphne strode out of the tent. Moments later the public applauded loudly as Daphne had entered the area.
Harry sat back down in the chair, closed his eyes and focused his attention on the commentary made by Bagman.
''The summoning charm! A good effort, but the egg is protected against it!''
''Ooh that was close.''
''What is she doing now?''
''Oh, simply igneous. The first champion has the egg and it took her only ten minutes too!''
Harry opened his eyes when he heard the task was finished. They hadn't discussed how they were going to handle the task since both had their respective strengths and weaknesses so it was best that each focused on their own strategy and their would most likely be a point reduction if they were to have similar strategies. But even then Harry was reasonably sure what Daphne had done after listening to the commentary and knowing her so well. After her failed attempt at summoning she most likely found some relatively safe place in the area and dismantled the protections against the summoning and tried again and now with success.
''Excellent,'' Bagman exclaimed. ''And now for the point from the jury.'' There was a moment of silence before he continued. ''And now it is time for the next champion, Ms. Delacour, please enter.''
Fleur stood up shakily and walked out of the room, but not before giving a nod in acknowledgment to Harry's ''Good luck.''
After she had left the tent Harry noticed that Cedric had sat down on Fleur's former seat and wasn't looking too well. Feeling slightly guilty Harry decided to help the boy a little. He walked over to him and leaned against the wall next to him. ''You okay, Cedric?''
The Hogwarts champion gave him a look in return that clearly stated that it was a rather stupid question.
Harry chuckled slightly ''Right, stupid question.'' He then gained a look of serious and said. ''Do you have a strategy for all this?''
Cedric looked unsure if he should answer this. He may be trusting by nature, but this was still a completion.
Harry seeing his conflicted look said. ''Look I don't ask you to tell me your entire strategy just 'yes' or 'no'.''
Cedric was silent for a while, but he saw no harm in answering this and said. ''I have somewhat of a strategy. I did some research and found out that the first task usually involve some magical creatures so I have devised some strategies to distract them, I just don't know if it will work on something like a dragon.''
Harry nodded and just then he heard Bagman say that it was his time to go so he left the other boy with some last advice. ''A diversion is good, just make sure that the diversion is a more attractive then yourself for the dragon.''
Walking confidently out of the tent he entered the dragon cage. Upon entering he looked around; the stage was still the same with the dragon sitting in the middle, but now the it was another dragon that was guarding the eggs. Harry would never admit it out loud so that he didn't offend the other champions, but compared to the Hungarian Horntail the Chinese Fireball didn't look all that intimidating. Of course he remembered his own word to Daphne and didn't underestimate the creature in front of him, it was still a very deadly creature after all.
Harry moved in a as non-threatening way as possible around the outside of the cage until he was on the opposite side from where he began. He noticed that although the dragon was observing him warily he didn't seem to inclined to move. Remembering his words to Cedric he decided on his strategy. He pulled out the miniature animated dragon out of his pocket and placed it on the ground.
Seeing that the real dragon hadn't reacted yet Harry began his spell work. First he cast and disillusionment charm on himself and used another spell on himself to mask his scent. Then he cast a Geminio twice to quadruple his dragon. He pocketed one to keep as a souvenir and on the other three he placed a significant more powerful variant of the Engorgement charm.
After casting the charm Harry quickly ran as fast as he could away from them as they started growing rapidly.
The result of Harry's charm work was that in a couple of second the three miniature dragons turned into three animated dragon lookalike that stood at almost half the height of the original.
Of course the original dragon wasn't too happy with the three literal growing threats to her eggs. Harry had just barely made it out of there before she had lunged forward and started attacking the dragon imitations .
The lookalikes didn't last partially long considering they weren't made for combat. But the fact that there were three of them gave Harry more than enough time. He sprinted to the nest and picked up the golden egg. He gave a quick glance toward his distraction and saw that two were already down so he quickly put a disillusionment charm on the egg and moved away from the nest. He sprinted toward the exit and just before he was about to leave he looked over his shoulder to the dragon and winced when he saw how the fireball viciously literally ripped the head of the final decoy and followed it up with a burst of fire to the three downed imitations dragons.
Harry dropped the charms that hid himself from view, briefly raised his egg in triumph and left the area. He was just glad that after seeing what the dragon did that his diversion exited out of more than a single dog that was smaller than himself.
A/N: if everyone wants to see certain match ups in the duelling tournament leave a review or send a PM. The judges of the Tri-wizard won't participate and I have already decided on certain matches. Other than that feel free to leave a suggestion.
A/N 2: I used my Dutch copy of this book to check if I remembered certain things correctly and I have to say it was weird to see the changes in names the book made now that I got used to the English names.
A/N 3: Neither Harry nor anyone messed with who would face which dragon. Adding Daphne and a fifth dragon to the mix resulted that the chance that someone would draw another dragon immensely.
A/N 4: next chapter will have the talk with the Weasleys.
Chapter 12: Talks about the future
It was the Monday after the first task. Harry and Daphne were sitting in their last class for the day, transfiguration.
While paying little attention to the lecturing professor Harry thought back to the day of the task. Overall he thought that the duelling tournament had been a good idea. It allowed him to teach Hermione and Emma to properly defend themselves unquestioned and the same goes with Daphne for Astoria and Tracey. Of course there were a couple of added bonuses. The good PR for the new lord Black as sponsor of the duelling tournament did wonders for his image as ex-convict. Of course it was always nice to spend a day with friends and family just relaxing and watching the show. Finally there was the fact that both Harry and Daphne had 'issues' with certain students. They might have agreed not to harm anyone who hasn't done anything wrong yet, but there is nothing wrong with venting some frustrations during the tournament.
Then there was the first task of the Tri-wizard tournament. Luckily Daphne didn't think his strategy was suicidal and he didn't have to spend the night on the couch, that thing was really too small for both of them.
Daphne had done as he had thought in the tent. She first had tested of the summoning charm worked. When it had failed she had jumped out of sight of the dragon, behind a rock and had started to dismantle the protections around the egg from that position. Once dismantled she summoned the egg and left the cage, the dragon had left her alone since she had left the vicinity of her eggs.
According to Daphne Fleur had as far as she could remember done the exact same thing as she had done the first time around. Of course it wasn't very likely she would change her strategy considering she was facing the exact same dragon.
Krum who was facing a Chinese Fireball the first time now had to face off a Peruvian Vipertooth. Unfortunately for Krum the Vipertooth while smaller than the Fireball was considerable faster than the other dragon. Not only that, but it also had poisonous claws. In the end Krum had managed to hit the dragon with a Conjunctivitis curse again unfortunately he was slashed by one of the dragons claws before he could do it. Thanks to this he had to spend the next two days in the hospital wing.
Finally there was Cedric Diggory. Apparently he didn't get Harry's advice since he transfigured a rock into a dog again to distract the dragon. The result wasn't pleasant to look at to be sure. If a dragon half his size and equally less vicious didn't take the bait then it was rather obvious that the bigger dragon wouldn't either. Two minutes into the task Cedric was hit brutally by the horntails tail and didn't get up after that. Luckily for him the dragon handlers reacted fast enough and they subdued the dragon before it could do even more damage.
At the end both Harry and Daphne were rewarded forty-five points, Fleur got forty, Krum got rewarded thirty-eight and finally Cedric got twenty-five.
Harry also visited the Creevey brothers in the hospital wing after the task was done. He was half surprised that they were still there since what Emma had done might have painful, but it wasn't enough to spend the rest of the day in the hospital wing and the level of illusion he had used would have done no permanent damage, well no permanent physical damage at last.
As it turned out Dennis problem was fixed easy enough, but Madam Pomfrey wanted to observe his brother since she wasn't sure what Harry had used against him so Dennis had stayed at his side.
Madam Pomfrey hadn't been really happy to see him when he entered the hospital wing. The reason for that might have something to do with the fact that he was the one responsible for her having a extra patient. Either that or the fact that neither Harry nor Daphne had stayed in the tent for a check-up.
After he was allowed in the wing, the ensuing talk didn't exactly go as Harry had thought. When he had cast the illusion he was sure that the brothers would show some fear after seeing the vision and stopped stalking him, but it seems the Creevey's thought process was the exact opposite because the moment he entered the two were nearly on their knees begging him to teach them such a 'awesome branch of magic'. Luckily he manage to convince them that he wasn't allowed to teach those spells to anyone unless they received permission from the one that taught him. He left with dropping the news that Astoria also knew the basics of this kind of magic. He knew damn well what would happen if either of them would bother Tori with the request of tutelage. Maybe they would leave him alone after that.
Noticing that the lesson was almost finished Harry's thought returned to the present.
''Weasley! Will you pay attention?'' The irritated voice of the professor suddenly went through the room, shocking said person as he had been staring in front of him with a vacant expression on his face.
''Now that everyone is paying attention.'' She said while her eyes swept over the students making sure she had everyone's attention ''I have something to say to you all. The Yule Ball is approaching which is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above - although you may invite a younger student if you wish. Dress robes will be worn and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall.''
''Now then, '' she said before pausing a moment to look sternly around the classroom "The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to - er - let our hair down," she said, in a disapproving voice.
Harry inwardly snorted. He was not stupid enough to show it on his face, but the thought of the stern professor 'letting her hair down' was just plain funny even when he heard it for the second time.
"But that does NOT mean," Professor McGonagall went on pointedly ignoring several sniggering students, "that we will be relaxing the standards of behaviour we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way."
The bell rang and everyone packed their bags and started leaving the room. Above the volume of the noise the professor called. ''Potter – a word pleas?''
Harry was tempted to ask which one since there were still three of them in the room even though one of them was a bit distracted by her two new toy-dragons that Harry and Daphne had given her after putting some additional protections on them. After all who would suspect a toy, even if said toy was quite often on the head of the child to be enchanted to provide additional protections. After a moment of thought he decided against it. There was no need to anger her unnecessary.
Walking up to the professor's desk Harry waited for her to address him. She waited until the class had emptied out and then addressed him. ''Potter, as you probably already know you, as champion, and your partner have to open the ball.''
''I won't be going.'' Harry replied rather bluntly.
McGonagall sighted ''It is tradition for the champions to open the balls, Potter.'' She said as if that resolved everything.
''It's also tradition to spend Christmas with friends and family.'' Harry countered. ''Besides you already have a Hogwarts champion who is staying here, so I don't see the problem.''
Apparently that wasn't the reply McGonagall expected to hear as her usual stern look got even worse. ''Mr. Potter, as champion you are expected to appear at the ball. How do you think it will reflect on Hogwarts if its own champion doesn't even show up.''
''Just as badly as Hogwarts having three champion in a interschool competition that is supposed to have only three champions.'' Harry countered effortlessly.
''Professor,'' Daphne interjected as she took a position next to her husband.
After getting the angry witch attention she continued. ''Professor, Harry makes a point. The tournament and by extension the ball was originally meant for three champions. Don't you think it will be better if there are just three champions, one for each school?''
Deciding to put the nail in the coffin of her argument, Daphne said. ''Or for that matter do you care more about the chance Hogwarts will look bad than for Lucy to be able to spend Christmas day with her family.''
Minerva McGonagall considered herself a strong woman. She had been trough much over the years. She had lost her husband after only three years, she had fought in the war and have been teaching all kinds of students over the many years as an educator. But even after having experienced all that seeing the innocent green eyes of the child that had looked up from playing with the dragons when she had heard her name, she couldn't do something that might sadden her.
''Fine then, I can't say I am happy with it, but I can understand your position.'' She said after a minute. ''Now before you leave the headmaster wants to see the two of you after your last lesson of the week. The password is lemon drop.''
Meanwhile Fleur Delacour was sitting in the bathtub in the bathroom in the Beauxbatons carriage, her golden egg lied forgotten next to it. Her thoughts were currently on the talk she had with Harry Potter yesterday. Too be honest she hadn't be sure what to expect when the Potter lord had approached her and asked for a private talk.
When she first had met the Potters on Halloween night she had been conflicted. On one side Hogwarts suddenly had three champions on the other hand they had denied all knowledge of knowing how they had entered and they even offered a contract that would make it impossible for them to win. Not knowing what to think she decided on a wait and see approach.
Then the first task came, she had been informed by her headmistress what the task would entail. She assumed the other champions had been told too since she doubted they would expect seventeen year old to face off against dragons without any preparations.
The task had gone well enough for herself. She had used one of the more advanced techniques her Veela heritage allowed her to use to place the dragon in a state of near sleep. The only snag was that she lost focus for a moment just after she had retrieved the egg and the dragon managed to burn her slightly before she could put him back to sleep. Luckily as a creature of fire, fire didn't affect her as much as a normal humans otherwise she probably would have been hurt worse.
After she had received her scores she had taken a seat with her schoolmates in the stands. One of the few people she could actually could call a friend had informed her how the first champion had done the task. She had to admit she had been impressed. She had been informed by the headmistress that the egg would be protected against summoning and she knew that undoing those protections from a distance were way out of her league.
Then came the other Potter. His execution of the task was completely different from his wife. Instead of staying in one spot and use magic from there, he moved around seemingly completely calm in the presence of the dragon. The concept was simple, but he performed flawlessly.
The final two champions weren't pleasant to look at. With Krum being slashed and poisoned and the final Hogwarts champions being hit by the spiked tail of the largest dragon of the task.
Ending third wasn't what she had envisioned when she thought about the tasks before the tournament began. Then again back then third meant last. On the other hand having two people score worse than that she did would normally have resulted in the first place so she couldn't really complain considering who the current number one and two were.
Going back to the topic of her thoughts; the meeting with Harry Potter. When they were in private Harry, as she had been told to call him by him, told her about the second task. She had been greatly surprised when he had told her she had to retrieve the thing she would miss most. She wasn't sure when she had been more surprised; when he had told her about the task like that or when he revealed what she had to retrieve when he did the task the first time around.
Gabrielle, her precious little sister, how could they have put a young Veela, a creature of fire, at the bottom of a ice cold lake, didn't they know what the exposure to those colds could do to a growing Veela? Apparently Harry did or rather he found out and decided to warn her to make sure she doesn't end up down there again. Or at least that is what he claimed when she asked him why he would help her.
At the end of the meeting she had decided that at the very least she could check if he was speaking the truth when he had told her about the egg.
That was actually the very reason she was in the bad right now. She had just finished listening to the riddle multiple times and she could only conclude that he had been telling the truth at least for that part.
She wasn't sure what to think about it all, but one thing was for sure she would make sure her little sister was safe even if it was the last thing she would do.
The next five days past rather uneventful and after having finished their last lesson for the week, Harry and Daphne used the Floo connection in their room to drop Lucy off at her grandparents and made their way to the headmasters office, curious what he wanted this time.
"Lemon drop.'' Harry said when they were in front of the gargoyles that guarded the headmasters office.
The gargoyles moved aside and the two Potters got one the moving stairway. When they reached the top, Harry didn't even bother to knock and just entered the room. He raised a eyebrow in surprise when he observed who were in the room. The two youngest still school going Weasley's were there along with their parents, McGonagall and of course the old man himself was there sitting in his throne like chair.
''Headmaster, professor, Weasley, Ms. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley.'' He greeted the inhabitants of the room with a nod. ''I am sorry for interrupting you meeting with the Weasleys, but the professor told me you wanted to speak me?'' He said, while not sounding sorry at all.
Dumbledore smiled at him. ''Ah Harry, Daphne, welcome, welcome you aren't interrupting at all please take a seat.'' He said while gesturing to two free seats opposite from the headmasters desk and to the right of the Weasley's seats.
Daphne meanwhile was observing the faces of the people in the room. She had a pretty good idea what was going to be discussed considering who where here and she wanted to know what everyone was thinking. The headmaster looked like he always did it was hard to say what he was thinking because he usually hid his thought behind that grandfatherly smile of his. The deputy was nothing new she like her superior had a unreadable expression on her face. As for the Weasleys, the youngest was looking down with a red face, pretty much confirming her thoughts why they were here. Her brother's looks changed from disbelief to anger and back to disbelief every few seconds, she honestly wasn't sure why he was here if she was right about why they were here. Mr. Weasley had mostly a look of confusion on his face. Finally her eyes settled on Molly Weasley, she was looking at Daphne with a look of pure contempt.
Daphne smirked when she saw that look and instead of sitting down in the free chair like Harry had done, she plopped down on his lap and gave a triumph grin to the older woman who by now was looking quite murderous.
Just when it looked like the woman was about to explode Dumbledore spoke up and she tore her gaze away from the Potters and focused her attention to the headmaster.
''Now as you are all here I am sure you are curious why you are here.'' He said while looking at Harry and Daphne.
''Yes, at first we thought this was yet another attempt at gathering information and we weren't going to show up, but professor McGonagall told us that that wasn't why you wanted to speak to us and she told us it was important, so speak.''
If Dumbledore was bothered by the rather rude reply he didn't show it instead he calmly said. ''This talk is normally done in your fifth year, but since the two of you are leaving at the end of the year I saw it prudent to do it now.''
''You mean those career advice sessions.'' Harry said after a moment, as that was the only 'official talk' he had with a teacher that year. After getting a nod from Dumbledore, Harry continued, ''So why are we here? Those talks were with the heads of house and for that matter why are they here?'' He said the last bit wile jerking his thumb to the Weasleys.
''Since this is a special case I thought it was better if I handled this myself.'' Dumbledore replied. ''As for why the Weasleys are here, I invited them here because Arthur Weasley recently discovered something that I think will influence your future so it is best if they are here too.''
'So I was right.' Daphne thought, while Harry thought. 'So Madam Bones talked to him and he immediately ran to the old man.'
''Now have either of you thought about what you wanted to do after you have obtained your N.E.W.T's?''
''I want to spend the next couple of years studying the darkest of dark arts so that I can put all those Muggles, Mudbloods and blood traitors in their place and ascend to my rightful place as supreme ruler of the world as Empress Potter.'' Daphne said in a amazing straight face.
There was a moment of complete silence until both Molley and Ron had sprung up and began shouting things that were impossible to understand because of both them shouting different things simultaneously.
Daphne seemingly totally unconcerned by the two redheads shouting at her, flicked her wrist, caught her wand and had fired two silencio spells before anyone could react.
''I can understand Weasley, but I would have thought that the mother of Fred and George would recognise such a obvious lie.'' Harry commented.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and requested everyone to calm down and sit back down. However as everyone's attention was on the man no one had lifted the silencing spell on the two more vocal Weasleys, something neither of them looked to happy with.
''Now Mrs. Potter please refrain from making such remarks. The future of someone is serious and should be treated as such.''
Deciding to indulge the man a bit Harry answered. '' We are planning to make the customary world tour after we have graduated. After that .. well we both already have a job offer so we don't really have to worry about that.''
''Oh,'' Dumbledore looked thoughtful, ''And might inquire who it is that offered you work and what for work?''
''We have been offered a position as teacher-assistant for a couple of years and eventually the position as teacher itself.''
''I wasn't aware you aspired to be a teacher Mr. Potter.'' McGonagall interjected sounding sincerely interested.
Harry shrugged. ''I taught a study club in my fifth year and some other things later on.'' Harry replied, ''It was very satisfying experience to see people progress under your tutelage.''
A tiny smile appeared on the professor's face as she had to admit he had a point there. It was hard to describe, but it was very satisfying to see someone who you had taught since their first year do amazing feats in their N.E.W.T..
Dumbledore however wasn't happy at hearing this. He didn't mind that the boy wanted to become a teacher, but what he did mind was that it was at a other school. Since he as headmaster of the school would have know if they were offered those position here.
''A aspiring ambition.'' Dumbledore commented. ''May I ask who has offered you such a position?''
Harry nodded, ''Salem institute of magic.''
''The American school?'' Dumbledore questioned, and without even waiting for a answer he continued. ''Do you think that is a good idea? I am sure Ms. Potter would much rather have her parents teach at her future school rather than a foreign one. In fact professor Moody is retiring at the end of the year and I might be able to offer you a position as the DADA professor.''
''Oh, you don't have to worry about that, headmaster.'' Daphne said with a smile. ''She will be attending the same school as where her parents will be teaching.''
It took a couple of moments before realization dawned on the two professors faces when they realized that Daphne had just implied that the Potter heir wouldn't be attending Hogwarts. It would definitely not look good if one the most famous wizard currently alive would decide to send his child to another school than where he had attendant.
Harry's voice brought them back to present. ''As we have covered our future careers, I believe we are here for another reason?''
''Ah yes,'' The headmaster said, he would try to convince him to change his mind on a later time it was not a good idea to get the boy angry when they still had to talk about the contract. He pulled a piece of parchment out one of his drawers and placed the document in front of the Potters. ''Do you recognise this?''
Harry spared a glance at the document and replied in a neutral tone. ''Yes,''
When Harry didn't say anything else after several moment of silence Dumbledore spoke up again. '' And what do you plan to do with it?''
''I want it dissolved immediately.'' Harry replied bluntly.
This didn't seemed to sit well with Mrs. Weasley as she began to gesture widely and her mouth started moving again, unfortunately for her the silencing charm was still in effect and no sound came out.
Unfortunately for everyone who want to keep their ability to hear properly intact, Mr. Weasley had drawn his wand and had aimed it at his wife presumably to release the spell on her.
Thinking quickly Harry had pulled his wand and while everyone's attention was on the female elder Weasley Harry had fired a obscure nonverbal silencing spell on her just after her husband lifted the one Daphne had casted. The difference between the spell Harry had used and the one Daphne had was that the one Harry used needed a specific counter spell unlike the one that Daphne used which could be countered with a simple finite. The only downside was that Harry's spell would wear off in a hour unlike Daphne's who would remain active until countered.
Harry's spell struck trough just moments after the first spell on her was released. Harry had to admit it was pretty amusing to watch. One moment her mouth was moving and no sound came out. Then Mr. Weasley's spell hit her and suddenly everyone could hear her loud voice mid-rant then two second later Harry's spell hit her and she was completely silent again, her mouth still moving.
After several failed attempts of removing the spell by Mr. Weasley, Dumbledore tried it, but he too didn't succeed since he hadn't seen or heard Harry's spell he assumed she was still under Daphne's spell. Eventually Dumbledore gave up and said it was for the best if Mrs. Weasley would visit the hospital wing after the meeting.
Harry had to suppress a smile when Dumbledore didn't ask Daphne to cancel he spell. The finite spell was used to reverse simple spells. For it to work the power you put in the finite spell must be higher than the power that was put in the basic spell that you want to counter. Dumbledore's pride would have never allowed him to admit that he couldn't overpower a spell cast by someone else and asked for help.
''As I was saying I want the contract cancelled.'' Harry said when everyone was settled again.
''Why?'' Dumbledore asked.
''Besides the fact that I am already married?''
Dumbledore smiled at hearing that. ''Ah yes, but unlike the Muggle world in the magical world you can marry multiple woman.''
''True, but I married Daphne because I love here.''
''And you are saying you don't love Ms. Weasley?''
''Do I look like a paedophile to you?'' Harry replied sarcastically. ''She is physically more than a decade younger than me, mentally the difference is even bigger.''
''She will grow older, Harry'' Dumbledore countered. ''You have to see the benefits to be married to the daughter of a light family especially considering your other union.''
Harry narrowed his eyes at the blatant insult toward Daphne and her family. ''I would watch out what you say Dumbledore. I don't take a insult to those I consider family lightly.''
Not even bothering waiting for a reply Harry turned his attention to Mr. Weasley. ''What are your thoughts on this, sir?''
The man looked startled when he was addressed and looked at his silenced wife then at the headmaster before speaking, ''Albus said ...''
Harry sighted after hearing those first two words he didn't bother listening to the rest. He knew that Arthur Weasley was a good man, but the man seriously lacked a spine and would do anything what his wife or Dumbledore said.
''Mr. Weasley my husband asked you for your opinion not that of the headmaster. You do have your own opinion don't you? Daphne asked. The sarcasm was obvious to hear for everyone when she asked the last part.
''Of course I have my own opinion.'' He replied somewhat heatedly. He might be a overly calm person, but no one likes to be told that they aren't capable to form their own opinion.
''Then tell us what is your opinion of this contract.''
''Well I..'' he glanced to the still downcast Ginny. ''I just want my daughter to be happy.''
''Then why do you want to enforce the contract?'' Harry asked. ''As long as both parties agree than the contract can be dissolved without repercussions and she won't find happiness with the contract.''
''Why do you think that, Harry.'' Dumbledore interjected. ''knowing you I am sure you would treat her right.''
''I realize you never have been married, Dumbledore, but marriage is a bit more than treating the other right. Like I said I love Daphne and I won't ever betray her by sleeping with a other woman meaning that if the contract is not dissolved and the basic magical marriage vows are made then Ginny will never have children. Not only that, but second wives although allowed in this sociality are highly looked down upon.'' He stared intensively at Mr. Weasley. ''Do you wish that kind of fate for you little girl. A loveless marriage, never experiencing the joy of parenthood, to be looked down upon by everyone.''
A look of confliction appeared on Arthur's face as Harry's word sank in. He looked at Dumbledore who was smiling expectedly at him. His eyes then moved to his wife who was shaking her head furiously, it was clear she didn't want the contract dissolved. Finally his eyes moved to his little girl, who was still looking down, and at that moment he knew what to do.
A/N: I have decided not to have Harry and Daphne attend the Yule ball. I think that after losing all those people in the war they would much rather spend Christmas day with friends and family. There were also some other reason, but you can read those in the next chapter.
A/N 2: Am I the only one who thinks canon Krum is utterly boring. I mean, the only thing I can remember from him is that he butchers up English even worse than I do, he is the seeker for his national team, he took Hermione to the ball and she continued to write to him, but she never mentioned anything about them. The only time I though he showed some kind of personality is when he talked about Grindelwald during Fleur's wedding.
Next chapter: Christmas with the Potters