Chapter 11: The Blue Colored Chaser
Chapter 11
"How are you getting on, Harry?" Professor Wrickman asked.
Harry gave him a thumbs up in response as he worked on the Healing Draught in front of him. He added the acid-removed powdered nettles into the cauldron and kept stirring anti-clockwise. He didn't know how much time had passed, but he didn't care.
Harry had finally found his passion in Potions after three years of doing the originally dreaded subject. Professor Wrickman was just plain brilliant. He had formed a friendship with the professor after finding out he was his Mum's mentor.
After enough time had passed in Potions classes when he truly discovered his brilliance, he was invited to help Professor Wrickman with his private brewing after the Second Task. However it turned into private tutoring and the professor was encouraging him at every turn.
He worked vigorously on the potion in front of him, not letting himself be distracted by his thoughts. He picked up the glass of water behind him and swigged it down his throat. He let out a soft burp with the taste, not taking his eyes off the concoction. When the potion turned a sickly green he quickly added the porcupine solution which immediately sent sparks from the cauldron. He kept stirring until the colour changed to a dark blue and the sparks receded. Harry noted that it was almost a midnight colour so he tossed in the final touch. Balsamic vinegar. While mainly used as a sweetener in Potions it was vital for the Healing Draught. It would help to balance out the core of the Potion so it wouldn't exude noxious aromas when opened.
He was nearly finished. All that was needed now was flour to stabilise the ingredients that were added. He put in a small amount and kept stirring until a dark green colour appeared. He pulled out his wand and cast a stasis charm as he turned off the flame of the cauldron. He picked up the vials and started filling them. At the end he had twenty-eight vials filled.
"Ah," Professor Wrickman spoke with reverence as he investigated the vials. "Absolutely brilliant, Mr Harry Potter. These are Potion Master standard potions. And they are brilliant."
He took Harry's hand and gave him a vigorous hand shaking. "I am so proud of the result, Harry. You give your mother a run for her money, and that is saying something."
He looked at it again. "Would you like me to send one to Severus Snape? I'd like him to know what he's missing out on."
Harry grinned. "Send him one," he spoke with glee. He would love to see Snape's reaction when he sees a Potion he made, without any accidents.
IlIlIlI
In the Three Broomsticks, Madam Rosmerta was making a special drink.
When she had unruly customers they would normally be kicked out by either Hagrid or her loyal friend, Kingsley Shacklebolt. However tonight they were not in sight so she had to make her special drink to get a certain individual to leave. Albus Dumbledore himself.
Never in a million years would she have kicked the man out. He was always kind when he came in and would often give advice to her patrons. They had all loved him.
But this year had changed. Albus Dumbledore entered himself into the Triwizard Tournament and was showing off for everyone to see. He had been responsible for the attack that left her old friend, Lily Potter dead. Sure he may not have cast the spell, but under his Veritaserum testimony a few months back, it was revealed he willingly opened the door to You-Know-Who to attack them. And there was also the fact he left an innocent man to rot in Azkaban.
"What are you looking at?" She heard Mundungus Fletcher shout.
Not wanting a fight in her bar she called to Dumbledore and Fletcher to come up to the bar. They both came up and downed half of the spiked Ogden's in front of them.
The door of the pub opened and in walked the former menace of Britain, Lord Voldemort.
"Alby, I found you," he squealed happily. "I need you to tell me if this dress looks good."
Rosmerta held in a snort as she noticed Voldemort dressed in a horrible gold dress with green broomsticks dotted all over. Voldemort grabbed Dumbledore and Fletcher and was about to leave when he noticed her drinks. He grabbed both and force fed the remaining amount to both Dumbledore and Fletcher.
"Maybe this will calm you down my Alby bear," he crooned. He turned to Fletcher. "And you stay away from my husband. He is mine."
And he kicked the mumbling Mundungus Fletcher out before pulling a now groggy Dumbledore out of her pub.
Madam Rosmerta smiled. Maybe she should have just contacted Voldemort to tell him Dumbledore was in her bar and making moves. He would have pulled him out immediately.
IlIlIlI
Harry returned from the Chamber of Secrets with Fleur after spending a few hours with Vera the Basilisk.
"That was interesting, mon amour," Fleur said, still a bit shaken from seeing the Basilisk.
"I'm sorry I brought you down there, but Vera demanded I take you down to visit," Harry said. "I didn't want to say no to a Basilisk."
"I can understand that," Fleur chuckled. "But it was strange to see her acting like an obedient dog."
Harry laughed. "I wasn't expecting it either when I visited her for the first time, but Vera just seemed to grow on me. She may be massive, but she's a gentle sweetheart, just like Hagrid."
Fleur laughed at that. She felt intimidated when she met Hagrid for the first time, yet he was smaller than Madam Maxime. But after one conversation with him she realised he was a gentleman with a big heart who would do anything for Harry.
They walked through the halls of Hogwarts. It was after curfew so they kept an eye on the map for patrolling teachers and Peeves.
"Would you like me to escort you to your carriage, Fleur?" Harry asked.
Fleur smiled. "Harry, you don't have to be romantic to me all the time."
"But I want to be," Harry pouted, with a lopsided smile.
Fleur smiled and gave her boyfriend a kiss. "Go to bed, Harry. I can manage my way down to the carriages. If I can scare a dragon, I can scare anyone."
Harry smiled. They shared one last kiss before they went to bed. Neither noticed the cat that was watching them from the corner.
IlIlIlI
Harry walked along Professor McGonagall, helping her with her luggage to her new quarters. He had been caught by her breaking curfew the previous night. Instead of docking points though, she gave him an easy detention helping her move her stuff into the Headmistress' Quarters.
He didn't mind though. He enjoyed being in the company of Professor McGonagall. She had always been good to him and didn't treat him like a celebrity. Unlike Snape and Dumbledore, she treated him like the student he was.
After the past few hectic months, McGonagall was only moving her stuff in now. She had made sweeping changes to the school the moment Dumbledore was dismissed. Bullying was no longer tolerated. Those who had gotten away with it for years quickly found themselves in numerous detentions each time they repeated their actions. Malfoy himself was on the verge of being expelled and Ron himself had been in a lot of trouble too for bullying and constantly missed homework. Without Hermione helping him he had become the worst student in the school next to Malfoy. Dark creatures from the Forbidden Forest had been rounded up and deported to reserves set all over Europe. And the teachers were being more professional and teaching a lot better than they used to.
"Well, that's the last of my luggage, Mr. Potter," Headmistress McGonagall said. "We've got half an hour left of your detention though."
Harry's heart sunk. What was she going to make him do?
"Would you care to join me for a cup of tea and scones?" she asked.
Harry was surprised. McGonagall had changed as well as Hogwarts. He had never heard of her inviting a student for tea before.
"Sure," he said. "I'd be happy to."
Five minutes later and he was sipping tea and eating a delicious scone with cream and jam. He was telling her about his new and improved Potions classes.
"I'm glad Professor Wrickman has captivated your interest in Potions," she beamed. "Merlin knows Severus didn't."
Harry sighed sadly. He would never forgive Snape for putting his interest off in the subject.
"I just wish he hadn't treated me the way he did," Harry said morosely.
"I've been complaining about that man for years," McGonagall revealed. "But nothing was ever done."
"Why not?" Harry asked, surprised to hear McGonagall complained about him.
"Albus would always make excuses that he was needed in the castle and wouldn't budge on his decision," she sighed. "And with the Board Of Governors being terrified of Lucius Malfoy, they wouldn't do anything against Severus. He was protected from both sides."
Harry had never thought of that. "Then why didn't you ever stick up for the students?" he asked, regretting the question the moment it left his mouth.
"I have tried my best," she said firmly. "But I couldn't do it openly. Lucius held too much influence over the school and Cornelius Fudge. I fought against Lucius and almost got him thrown into Azkaban, but before he could be paraded into the Wizengamot several pockets had been filled and he got off scot-free. He has held a long-time grudge against me because of that and would try any opportunity to get me out of Hogwarts."
"However despite all that I would like to apologise to you Harry, for not listening to you in First Year when you warned me that the stone would be taken," she said.
"You don't need to apologise Professor," Harry countered. "I didn't give you enough reason or evidence it was going to be stolen. You needed more information than just a warning from first year students."
"Maybe so," Professor McGonagall smiled. "But I'm also sorry I couldn't convince Albus to take you out of the Dursley home."
Harry already found out from Sirius that he had told her in a rage what they had done to him.
"The day after your parents died," McGonagall wiped away a small tear. "Albus sent me to Privet Drive to see what kind of home he would be sending you to. I must say though, that is the worst family I have ever come across. I have never seen a man that fat in my life. Your Aunt was highly unusual. She spent the day boasting about your cousin to anyone she encountered and spoiling him with sweets. When Albus showed up that night I tried to convince him not to leave you there but he wouldn't listen. Hagrid then showed up with you and Albus left you on that DOORSTEP."
She was now raging. "I tried to move forward to at least ring the doorbell but Albus bloody Dumbledore installed a magical barrier that prevented me from doing so. Even my cat form didn't work. I stayed there all night and only left after that giraffe of a woman opened the door and took you in. I spent the rest of the week in mourning. It still disgusts me that people celebrated Voldemort's downfall when your parents were killed."
Harry had never seen Professor McGonagall like this before. Unlike the strict disciplinarian she appeared to be, she was on the verge of tears and feeling overly emotional. Harry did the only thing he could think of.
He hugged her. As he held his teacher, he wondered how life would be different if he lived with her. His parents will had stated that if anything happened to the first three guardians whom were Sirius, the Longbottom's, and Remus, custody of him would be handed over to Minerva McGonagall.
"Thank you, Harry," she mumbled. "Now get back to the Common Room and do your homework otherwise you'll get detention."
Harry smiled at her cheekily before leaving.
IlIlIlI
"Harry, how are you old bean?" Fred grinned at him as he entered the Common Room .
"I'm doing perfectly well my good man," Harry responded back in his own fake posh accent. "But I must point out that you err when you call me old bean. You, my friend are two years older than me."
Harry laughed at the fake look of horror on Fred's face from being called 'old'.
"You wound me, Master Potter," Fred gasped. "I think my heart is going to give out. It's too old to cope with the strain of your insult."
The students surrounding them moved away. The first sign of a major prank nowadays was when Harry Potter talked like that to the Weasley twins.
"Hello, Gryffindor, may we grace you with our presence," George announced coming into the Common Room alongside Colin whose blonde curls were strangely completely flat.
The Common Room emptied fast. Everyone knew that when Harry Potter, Colin Creevey and the Weasley twins were in the same room there was going to be chaos.
"What happened to your hair, Colin?" Harry asked.
"Part of a prank me George did to Zacharias Smith made this happen," Colin said smugly.
Harry cringed. Other than Malfoy, Zacharias Smith liked to bully Colin for his Muggleborn status. He hoped that Smith hadn't pissed off Colin too badly. Since he and Colin joined the Weasley twins in pranks, the quiet boy was vicious when it came to pranks. Then again, Professor Moody had told him once "never mess with the one who's enjoying a quiet drink in the corner. Chances are they're the most dangerous bloke you'll ever encounter".
"George, how about it?" Fred asked, his eyes gleaming.
George smiled widely. "Everyone necessary is here. And since we scared off everyone we don't have to worry anyone can overhear us."
Despite that, Harry cast a Parselmagic spell he learned in the Room of Requirement within their vicinity so no one would hear them.
"How about we have a pranking competition?" George said. "Me and Colin on one side, and Fred and Harry on the other."
Harry was delighted to hear that. But he had one condition. After being with Professor McGonagall the other day, he made it very clear that McGonagall was to remain untouched. Fred and George were quick to agree. Both of them were still terrified of her after they pranked her with catnip their First Year.
IlIlIlI
Harry and Fred worked all night sorting out their pranks. Harry used his secret weapon, a house-elf named Dobby to dose Colin and George with a Dreamless Sleep Potion with their drink so they wouldn't plan throughout the night.
He and Fred managed the basics of their biggest prank before going to extreme attempts, which found them in the Forbidden Forest convincing an old friend's of Fred's to take part. The old friend agreed to go after Dumbledore as the old man attempted to subdue him the previous year.
IlIlIlI
The following day in Hogsmeade Albus Dumbledore was hiding from Tom. He was crouched down behind the Madam Puddifoots building between two trash cans.
"Don't let him find me, don't let him find me, don't let him find me," he begged, his eyes closed and hoping that somehow his prayer would be answered. "Let someone else find me, let someone else find me, let someone else find me."
He started sobbing, desperately hoping there was some salvation out there. He did not hear the sound of a large blue object coming up in front of him. Albus eyes shot right open when lights flashed in front of him. For a split second he thought his prayers had been answered until he saw what the lights belonged to.
For in front of him was Arthur Weasley's Ford Anglia. A very angry Ford Anglia.
Albus Dumbledore ran for his life, the Ford Anglia hot on his heels. Engine revving, fumes spitting out, and apparently all fixed. He ran down narrow alleyways to get away, but the small Anglia was able to squeeze through those alleyways and was chasing him throughout Hogsmeade.
Eventually Tom found him. Tom, believing the car was trying to kiss his husband, ran behind the car screaming at it to stop chasing his husband.
IlIlIlI
Up at the school, chaos was also ensuing.
Ron Weasley was running for his life from food that came to life and was trying to eat him. Students who had pissed off Harry and Fred, such as Marcus Belby, Flint, Malfoy, Smith, Montague and others had their clothes vanished off them in the great hall leaving them naked. Selected teachers were walking backwards. Crabbe and Goyle had both been victims of a Riddikulus spell that transfigured them into Gargoyles stationed at the entrance of the Great Hall.
Colin and George tried to do some pranking but were unsuccessful as Harry had pranked them -through Dobby- to disapparate into the centre of the now built maze on the Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch. However, due to the magic that had already been infused into the maze, once every few days from that point onwards they would reappear at the centre of the maze. It would stay like that until the TriWizard Tournament was finished.
But the ultimate prank Harry and Fred did, courtesy of Fred himself, was setting off fireworks in the Great Hall, upending tables, destroying food and leaving burn marks everywhere they hit. There was too much chaos that the furious McGonagall called a free day from classes because of the turmoil.
Harry felt her eyes bore into him and he struggled not to twitch, going along with the screaming of students and pretending to avoid the fireworks that plagued the school throughout the day.
Harry felt particularly vindicated when he and Fred managed to sneak away to Hogsmeade to see how Dumbledore fared throughout the day.
The Ford Anglia had finally captured Dumbledore, who was trapped in the trunk along with Tom who was enjoying the situation.
"You did a good job, boy," Harry said, patting the side of the car. The Ford Anglia nuzzled into his hand.
Dumbledore heard Harry's voice talking to the car thanking it for its service. "POTTER!"
"I think that's our cue to leave, Fred," Harry muttered. "Can you possibly go deep into the forest before you let those fools out?"
The car replied in the affirmative. Dumbledore heard Harry's request and was now screaming and crying to let him out.
The Anglia went into gear and went into the forest, honking all the way. The centaurs wouldn't go near the Anglia. Despite being a Muggle item, the Anglia was feared by all the magical creatures of the Forest. The Acromantula colony were more than willing to leave when McGonagall had the forest cleared after becoming Headmistress, loudly proclaiming they wanted to get away from the blue menace.
IlIlIlI
The school was finally cleared of mayhem before the end of the week.
George and Colin were desperate to prank Harry and Fred in retaliation, but because of poor timing, they would just reappear in the maze before the prank took effect every time.
It wasn't until late the next week that Crabbe and Goyle returned to their normal selves from being turned into gargoyles. Both convinced Malfoy did it because of their jokes that he was on his way to becoming a Weasley, they turned on him. Malfoy spent a week in the Infirmary.
Professor McGonagall knew differently though. Harry was aware the portraits, ghosts and teachers were watching him, Colin, and the twins. However, with no concrete proof that they did it, they managed to avoid getting caught and being put in detention. He made sure to stay under his cloak every time he snuck out to visit Fleur or Vera the Basilisk.
IlIlIlI
Once Draco Malfoy was released from the Hospital Wing, he was extremely angry.
Desperate to take his anger out on someone, anyone, he targeted the first living thing he encountered. Mrs Norris.
Except it wasn't Mrs Norris. To his horror the cat he kicked turned into an extremely angry Headmistress McGonagall.
"Come with me," she ordered. Instead of giving him a chance to follow she dragged Draco by the ear to her office.
Less than an hour later he was surrounded by three very angry women. His mother, the Headmistress, and Mrs Weasley.
"I'm sorry, Mrs Malfoy," McGonagall said. "You're son has been caught bullying several times this year. But this is now the final straw. I'm afraid Mister Malfoy will have to be expelled."
Narcissa Malfoy was absolutely incensed. She only calmed when she felt Molly's hand on her shoulder.
"You know what I think the problem is," Molly said.
"What?"asked Narcissa.
"I think Draco wants to be expelled so that once he's out, he can marry Ron," she explained.
Draco went rigid with horror. No they wouldn't, would they?
"You're right Molly, our boys must really be in love," Narcissa crooned.
Molly turned to McGonagall. "Headmistress, I'd like to withdraw my son from Hogwarts."
Minerva nodded. She was on the verge of expelling Ronald Weasley too. The boy missed a multitude of classes due to oversleeping. And when he got up, he would just go to the Great Hall and eat for hours, if he wasn't playing against himself in chess. And wouldn't do any homework at all. She knew he only did it because Miss Granger berated him into doing it. But now neither she or Harry Potter would acknowledge the boy he suffered terribly.
"We can make that arrangement for you if you want Mrs Weasley."
Before the night was over Draco Malfoy was expelled from Hogwarts and Ron Weasley had been withdrawn too.
Two weeks later there was a small ceremony in the backyard of the Weasley home. As both boys had been withdrawn from Hogwarts they were declared adults. As they were now legally adults, their forced marriage was going to happen a lot sooner than expected.
Molly and Narcissa had written their vows for the boys to say to each other.
"I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, vow never to harm my husband in life or in death. I will forever stay faithful to him and will never leave his side," Draco said monotonously. Draco had gotten drunk before the ceremony and was not truly understanding what he was saying.
Ron had also gotten drunk. " I, Ronald Bilius Weasley, vow never to harm my husband in life or in death. I will forever stay faithful to him and will never leave his side."
"Then by the powers vested in me and my magic, I now pronounce you married," Harry Potter said, letting the sparks fly out of his wand as a halo bound the now married couple tight before disappearing.
"That was so beautiful," came a voice from the back. "Isn't it amazing how much equality there is these days, Sevvy."
Severus Snape -actually Fanny- was dragged to the ceremony by Lavender Brown, who wanted to see Draco and Ron get married and was taking pictures of the unhappy couple to show back at school.
Severus' face was a dark red, and looked like he would explode any second.
"Do you think I could convince that gorgeous Harry Potter up there to give me an autograph and a kiss on the cheek."
That was enough for poor Severus, who promptly threw up on the ground, shaking violently, wanting nothing more than to strangle that smiling Potter spawn as he signed an autograph for the delighted Fanny.
"Can I get a kiss on the cheek, please Harry Potter."
"Not on the cheek, sorry Fanny," said Harry. "But I'll give you an air kiss." And he brat did so.
"And now to give my girlfriend a kiss," Harry said, pulling Fleur close and planting one on her.
As usual when it came to Fanny infuriating him, Severus Snape passed out in anger.
Once Severus got back to his lab later he decided to open the package he was pulled away from earlier. After casting every diagnostic spell on the unmarked package delivered to him, Severus Snape slowly and carefully opened the package. There was an envelope inside addressed to him and inside the package with a simple filled vial of what looked like a perfect Healing Draught. He pulled out the vial and investigated it carefully for any signs of tampering but there was none.
He opened the letter inside the envelope and read.
Dear Severus Snape
I am Professor Allen Wrickman, current Professor for Potions at Hogwarts. A former student of yours who is now mine made this Potion Master standard Healing Draught. He and I agreed that it would be best to send this to you so you could see what you were missing out on.
Yours Sincerely
Prof. Allen Wrickman.
P.S.- the student in question is Harry Potter.
"Potter made this," he was astonished. Deciding to sample the taste he took a small taste. However, that was all it took to wake up Fanny.
"What's that Sevvy?"
Before he could get rid of the contents Fanny had read and seen everything.
"Harry Potter made this," Fanny beamed. "And he sent you one, oh Harry Potter is just a dream."
Furious, Severus breathed in and out. But it wasn't enough. "POTTER!" he shouted before fainting again the second time that day.
Chapter 12: A Devil Put Aside For Me(The Third Task)
Chapter 12
High in the trees in the Forbidden Forest, Albus Dumbledore struggled not to lose his grip as he climbed from tree to tree.
The Ford Anglia was prowling below, trying to hunt him. Tom was caught rather quickly, currently confined in the trunk of the beast. Dumbledore had no wish to rejoin the man in that confined space, so he was desperately hiding in the trees, trying to traverse from one tree to another.
"ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, what are yeh doing up there?" came Hagrid's voice.
Shut up Hagrid, Dumbledore thought. Please shut up.
Too Late. The Ford Anglia figured out which tree he was currently up and sped right over, crashing into the tree. The impact shook the tree and he fell off, hitting the ground on his arse. Due to the pain, he was unable to run, giving the car the opportunity to swallow him in the trunk.
"Alby my dear," Tom wailed. "It's good to see you're alive. Come here and kiss me."
Albus Dumbledore screamed.
Outside, Hagrid shrugged and continued his trek through the forest to check on the unicorns.
IlIlIlI
"Boys, dinner is ready," Molly and Narcissa shouted upstairs at The Burrow.
A very angry Ron and Draco Weasley descended the stairs.
"Ah, look at how angry they are, Molly," Narcissa crooned.
"They must have had their first argument as a married couple," Molly said, tears in her eyes. "They are such a perfect couple."
The vein throbbing on both boys heads looked ready to burst.
"So, how was your first time with Ronnie, Draco?" Narcissa asked, cupping her son's cheek.
Draco promptly vomited at the question. Ron himself had fainted at the question.
"They clearly need more practice, my friend," Molly said. "In no time at all they won't have these responses anymore."
Narcissa nodded. "Get upstairs and make love boys. You're not having anything to eat until we hear noises from upstairs."
And they forced the boys into Ron's room and locked the door.
IlIlIlI
Professor Wrickman looked over the practical exams he had assigned his Fourth Years. There were many that weren't exactly perfect, but most results were good given the circumstances.
He was well aware that many struggled to do the subject under his teachings. After the long-time teaching that Severus Snape had done, many struggled on the ability to do a proper potion, as they weren't properly instructed before he had come to teach.
Miss Granger could use a bit of improvement, he mused. Although she was a very intelligent girl, she sometimes missed using the flour as it stabilised the potions after brewing. Her potion was well done otherwise and was a fine student.
Neville Longbottom on the other hand was always full of nerves in his classes. He was well aware of how Severus Snape treated the boy and tried to encourage him, but four years of having Severus Snape teach the boy made him a nervous wreck when he was brewing, always convinced his potion would blow up. His potions were alright given the results, but he knew the boy's talents laid in the Hogwarts Greenhouse instead of his classroom.
And Harry Potter. Seeing him again after thirteen years felt heartbreaking. When Lily Evans finished Hogwarts he took the kind-hearted woman under his wing and worked with her for three years after she graduated. He was not privy to her address when she was in hiding, but she came out at least once a week to work with him. Many of those times she would take baby Harry with her. He remembered feeling paranoid that the little excited one year old might fall into his potions.
He knew Harry was his own man with his own talents, but the boy reminded him so much of Lily with his abilities in Potions. In less than a month under his teachings, the boy proved himself to be one of the most brilliant minds when it came to Potions.
As he studied Harry's pitch perfect potion, he decided the next step should be done with him.
IlIlIlI
Harry finished his concoction on the Wolfsbane Potion he was brewing in Professor Wrickman's private brewing room. Faint blue smoke exuding from the fumes from the Potion told him he had done it right, but he had to check.
"Allan, can you check this?" he asked the man, who was reading a book on dangerous poisons at his desk.
As they had spent a lot of time together in private brewing, he was given permission to call the man by his first name, but only in private. They had developed a great partnership, and he loved it. Professor Allan Wrickman was really the greatest teacher he ever had.
Allan Wrickman investigated the potion. "An experimental weapon, with experimental ammunition."
"Sir?" Harry asked, confused.
"Every potion known to exist is experimented. The discovery of all potions were mainly made by luck. Small pieces of ingredients, no matter the size or weight, were always thrown in as an experiment, to see the results forthright, so they can further be experimented. Potential and courage is a must for development of potions. Courage must be encouraged in oneself when brewing. You need to believe you can do it right. Never question yourself when brewing. Don't ask yourself "Am I doing this right?", ask yourself if you can believe in yourself. It is vital to understand yourself when you're at your best and worst. Every potion in existence can be used to heal and hurt."
Harry shivered. One of the best things about being around Professor Allan Wrickman was his voice. The voice sounded iconic in its own right. And the delivery of his speech was brilliant.
Harry knew where he was coming from though. Don't ask questions about your own brew. Look for the answer rather than the question.
"Now let's see what your effort has entailed in this famous complicated brew," the man said. He pulled out a vial and filled it. He poured a drop into a magical bowl used for testing potions on their success.
To Harry's joy, small blue sparks appeared around the bowl. His potion, the very difficult Wolfsbane Potion, was achieved successfully.
"Brilliant, Harry Potter," the man said, smiling. "Absolutely brilliant. However, there is another matter I'd like to discuss with you. It is your choice though whether you choose the opportunity or not."
He leaned forward. "I was wondering if you would like to become my apprentice. We can start whenever you want. You can say no, if you want. I would not hold it against you no matter your choice."
Harry's mind was reeling. An apprenticeship offer at Potions, his once hated subject now turned into his favourite. He relished in the chance at becoming an apprentice.
As he stood there wondering what to say, the professor spoke. "You don't have to make up your mind now. I will give you time before you can give me your answer."
Harry left the room to the Gryffindor Common Room. He spoke at length about the offer to Hermione, whom was very encouraging. She told him to follow his heart and he did.
The next day he seeked out Professor Wrickman and told him yes, he would like to enter an apprenticeship. They would start in September.
IlIlIlI
Finally, dirty, dishevelled and tired Albus Dumbledore and Tom Riddle managed to get out of the Forest.
As Dumbledore tried to finally breathe the fresh air, he was grabbed roughly from behind.
"Where have you been, Albus Dumbledore?" growled Mad-Eye Moody. "The Third Task is about to begin."
WHAT! How long had he been in the bloody Forest? He didn't get any other thoughts as he was stunned by Moody, and dragged to the Third Task, while Tom was jumping up and down excitedly that the Third Task was beginning.
IlIlIlI
"Ladies and gentlemen, the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin! Let me remind you how the points currently stand! In first place, with eighty-five points — Miss Fleur Delacour, of Beauxbatons Academy!" The cheers and applause from the crowd sent birds from the Forbidden Forest fluttering into the darkening sky. "Tied in second place, with eighty points — Mr. Cedric Diggory of Hogwarts School and Mr. Viktor Krum, of Durmstrang Institute!" More applause and cheers.
Harry was sitting with his godfather Sirius Black at the very front. As Minister, Sirius was called to judge the final task of the tournament. Originally when the Tournament started Barty Crouch was going to be one of the judges, but once Barty Crouch Junior was discovered alive the man received Sirius' old cell in Azkaban for breaking his son out and casting Unforgivables on him.
The First and Second Tasks had been judged by Madam Amelia Bones, who Sirius worked with closely over the past many months bringing law and order to the Ministry dealing with the corruption. All the corrupt members were now imprisoned.
Sirius was finishing his role as Interim Minister at the end of the week. Amos Diggory won the election the previous month and was taking over the position on Monday. Sirius was of the opinion that the man was perfect for office.
Harry waved at his girlfriend as she prepared to go into the deadly maze. She gave a wave at him and a small wink. Harry smiled back and returned the gesture.
Dumbledore tried desperately to run from the Third Task. He knew his time was short. He was either going to die in the Tournament or go to prison after the Task for his crimes. He was currently petrified at the entrance, and Tom was wailing over Dumbledore's prone body. Sirius managed to keep himself professional despite the urge to laugh at Dumbledore's misfortune.
Eventually the Task started and Harry watched as the maze magically closed around Fleur. Harry hoped she would get out of it alive, and remembered the conversation he had with her the other day.
One Week Prior
Harry and Fleur were sitting by the lake with Hermione, Viktor, Cedric and Cho talking about the Tournament.
As Harry knew Hagrid the most out of nearly everyone at Hogwarts, he was relaying the kinds of animals to them that were likely in the maze. Everyone at Hogwarts knew Hagrid was the one to organise most of the creatures to be put in the maze.
"How the bloody Merlin will I able to get past Jaggy, if he's there?" Cedric was almost shouting.
"I don't think Jaggy will be there," Harry said, rubbing his temples. "Hagrid gave him to the Manticore Reservation in Macedonia back in the seventies. I'm just naming all the animals that I know Hagrid has had in the past."
"And what about the three headed dog," Cedric asked. "I managed to escape him back in Fourth Year when I took a wrong turn on that blasted Third Floor Corridor."
"I think you wandered there on purpose Cedric," Cho muttered.
Harry and Hermione laughed. "The secret with Fluffy is that music, any music puts him to sleep almost immediately. Whether he's in that maze or not, you now know how to get past him."
Fleur looked at her two fellow champions. "What matters to you most about this Tournament?" she asked.
The two male champions looked at each other before answering. "Surviving!" they said simultaneously.
"I don't care about winning anymore either," Fleur said.
"Indeed," Viktor Krum responded. Putting his arm around Hermione he spoke, "I have learned this year that some things are more important than winning."
Hermione blushed vibrantly red. Harry smiled in her direction and she smiled back. Hermione had become a lot more playful and fun since she started dating Viktor.
"I don't care about winning either," Cedric said too. "Originally I put my name into the cup to impress my dad. But with him becoming Minister shortly I doubt I will see him often to make him pleased."
"Cedric, your dad will be proud of you no matter what you do," Cho said fiercely. "He loves you. Consider yourself lucky."
"I am lucky," he said with a small smile, holding Cho close.
"Does anyone here care about eternal glory anymore?" Hermione asked.
"NO," came the unified response.
IlIlIlI
Present
Dumbledore was unpetrified the moment before the maze closed on him. He looked around terrified. He knew full well that Hagrid helped to organise creatures for this damned maze.
He had always been terrified of Hagrid's creatures. And the fact he hadn't had a wand on him since Dobby disarmed him months ago made him even more nervous.
He peeked around the corner and saw Fleur Delacour up ahead, holding her wand with a lit Lumos.
Anger flowed through him as he saw her. She caused him extreme torment by going out with Harry Potter, ruining many of his plans for the boy.
Without thinking of a calm and sneaky approach he charged. He forgot that the girl herself was part Veela, and was currently just finishing her transformation to scare the creature in front of her away. By the time Dumbledore noticed he was too late.
Fleur heard something approach her from her left. When she transformed her magic would reach its highest peak and her spells were incredibly powerful when that happened. So she turned her wand and cast a quick "Stupefy".
Dumbledore went flying through the air over several rows of hedges before landing painfully on his bum. Groaning, he looked around only to figure out he was in a dead end maze.
Suddenly, and without warning, branches and vines from the hedge reached out and tried to grab him. Dumbledore, now feeling alert, ran for his life from the now enclosing hedges around him. He darted down different paths. He turned to his left and suddenly let out a horrified scream.
In front of him was the most vicious monster he had ever come across in his long useless life. With a body of a lion, a head of a human, and with venomous spines of a tail.
Jaggy the Manticore, Hagrid's old pet, struck without warning.
"NO!" Dumbledore screamed, trying his hardest to kick the creature. He managed to land a blow on Jaggy's face, which made the creature even more angry than it currently was.
"HELP ME!" he screamed. "SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! ANYONE, HELP!"
His cries were futile. He was quickly devoured. With his last breath he swore.
"DAMN YOU HARRY POTTER!"
IlIlIlI
Voldemort hummed merrily as he made his way through the maze. He did not hear the cries of help coming from his husband.
He turned down several paths through the maze, unaware he had gotten himself completely lost in the maze.
"Hi, there honey," he called down the row to a creature at the end.
The sphinx didn't spare him a glance and continued with the crossword in the newspaper.
Tom went over to the sphinx and looked at the crossword.
"Anything interesting dear," he asked.
The sphinx had enough.
"Go down that pathway to the right, to the left and to the right, hedges towering to the sky," the sphinx said. "It's outta sight in the dead of night."
"Thank you," Tom said, making his way through the pathway the sphinx had ordered him to go.
Once he reached his destination he sat down and started singing.
"I'm happy as I lay here singing in the sand, singing in the sand, singing in the sand. The currency decided to go on a break and left me stranded alone," sang Tom in a high voice. "And now I wonder how did I get here alone, I wonder why I love Dumby like I do, is it because I think he loves me too, so come on and light my fire, my name not being known in heaven won't make me strong, this heart of mine won't break for gold-"
Tom continued singing out loud. The birds in the sky flew away as fast as possible, unable to listen to Tom's horrible singing. Every other animal in the maze trembled in fear at the horrible singing, and the now three remaining champions covered their ears.
"Merde," Fleur muttered. "This is worse than the creatures. Once I get out of this maze, I'm going to listen to Celine Dion to block out that sound."
However, there was one creature that was not affected by Tom's horrible singing. The happy animal traversed the maze, following the sound to its source, wanting to see the singer up close.
The animal found its source easily enough, only to recognise the scent of the man once it was up close, the man who once tried to kill it a little over four years earlier.
Fluffy the three-headed dog pounced on the man once known as Lord Voldemort and ripped apart the still singing former Dark Lord who had no idea what was happening.
"Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for-". Those were the last words spoken by Tom Riddle before he died.
IlIlIlI
"So, Harry," spoke Sirius softly. "Are you okay after seeing what happened to those two?"
Harry remained quiet. Sirius had arranged a modified camera to be planted on each champion and placed up on Projector Magical Screens so the audience could see what was happening inside the Maze. Fleur, Viktor, Cedric and Voldemort were all too happy to wear them. Dumbledore had one planted on him without his knowledge.
Harry's thoughts were reeling. He honestly wanted Dumbledore to suffer in Azkaban after the Tournament for everything he had done to him, so that he could see what it was like to be imprisoned, cut off from his friends and living around people who couldn't stand his presence.
Watching Dumbledore getting devoured by Jaggy though, while humorous to him, felt anti-climatic. While watching Tom's fate felt like justice since he got eaten by Fluffy who was assigned against him four years ago just felt purely sensational and awesome.
"They both should have gone to Azkaban," muttered Harry, keeping his face down and his eyes focused on the ground so his godfather couldn't see his expression.
"Harry, it's okay," said Sirius, pulling him close. "And besides, they are both serving a fate worse than Azkaban."
"How?"asked Harry.
"Remember when you married the both of them at Christmas," reminded Sirius, a shark like grin on his face. "Remember their vows: 'Do you, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, take Thomas Marvolo Riddle to be your lawfully wedded husband, to take him into your life and vow to be together after death so you do not part'. And once again in reverse order."
It only took two seconds for Harry to realise what he had said. He had completely forgotten about that.
Everyone turned to look at the laughing Sirius Black and Harry Potter who could both be heard above all the noise in the stands.
"I really put them through hell, didn't I?" said Harry.
"You put them through hell and straight to Hell, Harry," smiled Sirius.
Harry chuckled. "Oh, they would have both been sent there, alright."
IlIlIlI
Colin snuck into the seat behind George Weasley.
"Hey, George," he whispered. "Is it ready to go off."
"Payback Prank is about to go into effect," George whispered.
Since the prank war the twins, Colin, and Harry had, George and Colin were finally going to get back at Fred and Harry for vanishing them into the center of the maze every few days. They both would nearly always get the two back, but at every last second they would find themselves appear suddenly in the center of the maze and trying valiantly to get back to the entrance. They didn't want to involve the teachers in their predicament, since that would mean owning up to the pranks committed on Hogwarts from the prank war.
"Al systems go in ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two -
POP!
"DAMMIT," George and Colin screamed, as they once again found themselves in the center of the maze.
"I am so bloody sick of this," Colin screamed.
A noise of something very familiar roared right in front of George. He looked at the creature he thought was in front of him and burst out laughing.
"Why is there a CAR of all things in this maze?" asked Colin.
"This isn't just a car Colin," said George going up to the Ford Anglia his dad once owned and now lived in the Forbidden Forest. "This is a Ford Anglia that once belonged to my dad. What are you doing here?"
The headlights turned on and pointed right at something behind them. George turned and saw the TriWizard Cup up on a pedestal.
"You're the final obstacle," said George, feeling astounded. "You're guarding the cup."
George saw Colin investigating the cup. He knew immediately what was on his mind.
"Oh, hell no Colin," he practically shouted. "We are not claiming the TriWizard Cup. We are not champions. The crowd will lynch us. Hell, the champions will lynch us."
"No, they won't," smirked Colin. "Harry told me they don't care about winning anymore. They care about surviving."
George was still unsure.
"And besides, wouldn't a thousand galleons be enough to start up the joke shop you and Fred are always on about."
"Let's go."
IlIlIlI
Silence.
That's what greeted George and Colin when they landed back at the entrance of the maze. There was not a sound in the air.
Then Harry Potter and Fred Weasley started laughing.
George and Colin held the Cup high in the air.
IlIlIlI
Two Days Later...
"I simply still cannot believe you did that," screeched Hermione.
"Hermione," soothed Viktor. "Calm down, I'm just glad I survived that maze. I don't care that they took the cup. They want the money. Only thing I want now is you."
Fred and George were very grateful to have the champions backing them.
It was utter bedlam after George and Colin came back with the cup. The other judges, particularly Ludo Bagman were furious and tried placing the cup back in. But every attempt to grab the cup gave them a nasty electric shock.
Sirius Black though, read the rules which said the first one to grab the cup wins. It didn't specify whether it had to be a champion, Muggle, or random wizard.
In the end George and Colin were declared the winners of the TriWizard Tournament, especially when the other champions had backed them up.
IlIlIlI
Two nights before school ended the Champions, winners, and their boyfriends/girlfriends met up to have a celebratory drink before leaving.
Harry was currently talking Quidditch tactics with Cho Chang.
"No, Harry," Cho argued. "The Wronski Feint is very different from the Kleinheim Manoeuvre. The Kleinheim Manoeuvre is only performed by Seekers. You lure a following Seeker towards the stands and whenever you're about to hit it, you pull away at the last second."
"Oh," said Harry. "Should I have done that to you last year when we had that Gryffindor/Ravenclaw game."
"You wouldn't have dared," Cho laughed. "You were trying your hardest not to hurt me. I remember Wood roaring at you to not be a gentleman and to knock me off my broom if you had to."
Harry blushed. He remembered why he acted like that. That was the game where he first met Cho and had an instant crush on her.
"I know you had a crush on me, Harry," Cho said softly.
Harry reared back, shocked. "How- how did you know?" he asked.
"Have you ever met a subtle Gryffindor, Harry?" asked Cho
It took Harry less than a second to answer. "No," he said, chuckling. Merlin, how obvious was he?
"I had a crush on you too, Harry," Cho said quietly. "But truthfully, I'd rather stay friends with you. Something just tells me we would have been a terrible couple."
Harry smiled, looking over at Fleur, who was chatting rather amicably to Cedric and dancing with him.
"Well, then. Why don't we have a nice friendly dance like them two?"
"I'd like that."
George and Colin were going around the room, talking to everyone they could about the joke shop until Hermione got sick of them.
"Oh for heaven's sake George," she gritted her teeth. "Instead of annoying everyone why don't you and Colin avenge yourselves on Harry and Fred since the curse has clearly broken."
George and Colin had completely forgotten about their revenge on Harry and Fred since they won the cup.
"You take my brother Colin and I'll get Harry," George grinned, especially when he saw Harry was dancing with Cho.
"Deal."
Moments later there was a cry of outrage when Fred Weasley found himself in nothing but his underwear.
During his dance with Cho Harry suddenly found himself flung forward and his lips stuck to Cho's. They both tried to pull away but they couldn't.
"Me and Fred saw the way you were looking at her last year during the Quidditch Game," George said, coming up to them. "And I just figured, why not take my revenge on you now by embarrassing you."
"GEORGE WEASLEY," roared Fleur, suddenly realising why her boyfriend was 'kissing' Cho.
George's smile faltered as Fleur approached.
"Maybe I should have tried something else for revenge."
IlIlIlI
In A Place Far Far Away (Or Below)
"Ah, I've been waiting for this day for a long time," said Satan.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and Tom Marvolo Riddle were standing in front of him, absolutely terrified.
Upon his death, Tom Riddle lost his drunken like personality and once again became his normal self. An angry idiot who loved torture.
Satan happily informed the bugger that he had married Dumbledore back at Christmas under the suggestion of Harry Potter. The look of horror and revulsion appeared on the man's face, especially when he showed the couple pictures of what they had done during their marriage, was absolutely hilarious.
"You two are going into this room. Your ultimate demons are in there."
They went into the room without question, terrified out of their wits. Only to start screaming moments later.
Satan smiled as he walked into the room full of lawyers.
Who would have thought a 1960s Ford Anglia would be someone's ultimate demon?
AN: Sorry this has taken so long. I've been so busy since February and barely had time for FanFiction. However, I have now managed to set my own schedule I am coming back. There will be one more chapter showing everyones fate. Coming as soon as it can.