hpml151-160

Chapter 151

Bagman took a small bow and said loudly, "And former Quidditch star! Happy to be here

everyone. I look forward to a fantastic competition between our schools and our nations!"

Dumbledore waited for the clapping to quiet before he gestured to his other side. "And

standing in for the Department of International Affairs, Madam Umbridge."

The plump woman stood and gave the semblance a large grin. Her mouth was wide and

despite her bright pink clothes, she bore a striking resemblance to a toad. Enough that

Harry found himself wondering if perhaps she had been the victim of a bad transfiguration

accident. "Why hello, my dears. I am Madam Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to

the Minister for Magic of Britain. I am here as his direct representative so I expect great

things from all of you. This competition is simply a wonderful idea and I expect Britain to

put on a fabulous showing. These proceedings are such a delight to witness. And such

showy arrivals by our guests! My, my I so look forward to seeing the…effort put forth in

the Tasks."

As the woman sat back down Harry frowned at his friends. "Did she just insult the other

schools after declaring herself a direct representative of the Minister?"

"Yeah," Neville said grimacing. "I've heard stories about Umbridge. Gran may not tend to

like most people, but there are very few she actively hates. Umbridge is one of the people

with that distinction."

"She certainly seemed to be rather daft," Hermione snorted. "What even is a Senior

Undersecretary?"

Luna looked over and cocked her eyebrow. "You don't know Hermione? It's the highest

position that a nargle or wrackspurt can achieve while still maintaining the human cover.

Daddy originally suspected that the Rotfang Conspiracy utilized the office as a

headquarters but he quickly discarded that notion as The Umbitch was obviously not

intelligent enough to lead such a widespread coup."

Hermione's mouth worked soundlessly while Harry struggled mightily not to laugh. After a

moment he failed horribly while Hermione finally regained her voice. "Luna, did you just

call the Ministry representative Umbitch?" she sounded torn between shock and

admiration.

"No, Hermione," Luna said shaking her head and still maintaining her smile. "The Umbitch.

The article is very important as it is a title."

Ginny leaned over and slapped Luna on the shoulders a wide grin on her face. "I agree,

Luna. My dad has truly repulsive stories about the Toad."

Harry managed to get his chortling back under control as the muttering from the

Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students died down. Both foreign headmasters were glaring

at the pink toad woman who completely ignored them all. Harry frowned a bit as he

realized she was staring right at him with a predatory little gleam in her eyes. Well at least

he had found a likely target for who would be attempting to murder him this year if Moody

proved to be a decent person as Neville had said.

"Hmm, yes, well now that introductions have been performed," Dumbledore smiled with

his ever present twinkles shining in his eyes, "allow me to bring forth…the Goblet of Fire!"

With a flash, a golden cup appeared on a stand in front of the head table with a small

red-orange flame sprouting from the center. "This is the Goblet of Fire. If any wish to enter

the Tournament, simply add a slip of paper you're your name and school to the Goblet.

Tomorrow afternoon at dinner, it will choose the most worthy individuals from each school

and I will announce them at that time. Remember, only students have reached 17 years of

age prior to this morning are allowed entry. I will personally inscribe an Age Line around

the placement of the Goblet to ensure that this rule is followed. Now, the feast!" With his

piece said, Dumbledore sat back down and food appeared on the tables.

There appeared to be a nice assortment of English, French and Russian food laid out.

"What is this? Why's they give us crappy French food?" Ron's voice drifted down. "The

Beauxbatons are sitting over with the Ravenclaws. Why bother sending their food here too?

Waste of good food space."

Ginny muttered a few choice curses under her breath before turning to her brother. "Ron,

we're supposed to try and get along with the other schools. Part of that is trying their food.

You might like it. Merlin knows, you eat everything else."

"It's French. I'm not going to like it, Gin."

Harry for his part was trying to ignore his dorm-mate. "Hermione, Luna, Nev, is the Toad

still glaring at me?"

Luna made a show of carefully inspecting the entire room while Hermione shook her head

at the younger girl in amusement. "No, Harry. The Umbitch has started insulting Madam

Maxime. Do you think the larger woman will squash her? I can probably spin it into a nice

editorial in the Quibbler if she does."

Harry was too busy laughing to respond. He felt a tap on his shoulder and a soft, familiar

voice asked, "Excuse moi, are you finished with ze bouillabaisse? Ze platter by me was

empty."

"Sure, feel free," Harry moved to grab the plate indicated and pass it over. He dimly noted

that most of the males at the table were just staring behind him. As Harry turned to hand

the plate to the girl his eyes widened and his face broke into a grin. "Oh, hey, Fleur! I didn't

realize you were coming!"

The Veela blinked several times before laughing happily. "'arry? A small world, no? 'ello,

'ermione, eet is a pleasure to zee you az well! I should 'ave realized you both would be

here. Zis is the British school after all."

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Chapter 152

"You get a pass," Hermione said with an answering smile. "Would you like to sit with us?"

"You do not mind?" Fleur asked cocking her head. Harry noticed the slight hesitation in her

question. It reminded him a lot of how Luna had first reacted when asked to sit with them.

Harry took Fleur's hand and guided her down to sit beside Hermione.

"It would be our pleasure to sit near you, mademoiselle," he said with a polite bow.

Fleur laughed and was quickly joined in by Hermione, Luna and Neville. Almost like a

switch was thrown, the conversation at the Gryffindor table started back up again.

"Harry," Daphne's amused voice came from his Comm Stone, "I see you have acquired a

new friend. I hope that you will find the time to introduce us to her tomorrow. That's the

Veela girl you mentioned earlier yes? Tracey is practically drooling that she's sitting with

you."

Harry heard a distant, "I am not!" through the connection.

"Yes, you are Tracey," Daphne said laughing. "You're also cursing that Harry is gobbling up

all the beautiful women. You know, you can start your own harem if you want. It just might

be a bit more difficult." She laughed again.

Harry barely avoided snorting out his own pumpkin juice. "Tell Tracey I'm happy to

introduce Fleur to her tomorrow. I make no promises concerning her attempts at a harem

though."

"Will do! Oh and apparently Millie has said that if you manage to add Krum to your

growing collection she would like to ask for dibs."

Harry lost his battle with holding in his juice at that point.

After dinner the group of friends split up. Luna wandered off with Ginny while Fleur

followed her schoolmates back to their carriage. Harry waved goodnight to his companions

in the other houses and walked up the stairs towards the Gryffindor Common Room.

When they hit the seventh floor though Hermione stopped him.

"Harry," she said chewing her bottom lip. "Would you mind coming with me for a bit?"

"Sure, Hermione," Harry said curious. "Nev, we'll catch up in a few minutes." His friend

nodded and kept going while Hermione led Harry towards the corridor with their meeting

room. "How come you wanted to see the Room, Mione?"

"A few reasons…" she said quietly. Hermione pulled to a stop near the tapestry and asked

Harry to stand against the wall while she opened the Room. Pacing nervously in front of

the tap dancing trolls, Hermione eventually got the Room's door to materialize. "Okay,"

she paused hand on the knob and let out a long breath, "come on, Harry."

His brow furrowed at his girlfriend, Harry followed her inside and promptly stopped dead,

eyes wide. "What the…" The Room was not the meeting room he was used to. Harry had

long since figured out it subtly changed each time they used it but it had always been

primarily the council chamber with a few extras. Now…now it was basically as far from a

conference room setting as was possible to get. In place of the round table and chairs there

was a writing desk against the wall and a bed in the middle of the room. In place of the

comfy easy chairs surrounding a small fireplace, there was a beanbag chair and a recliner

in the corner. Almost every wall was consumed by bookshelves filled with everything from

Jules Verne to romance novels. The ceiling had several different posters including, Harry

noticed blushing slightly, one of him and Daphne made from the photo Luna had taken

over the summer as they stood in front of the dead basilisk.

"Mione…what the bloody hell…"

She stood near the desk nodding slowly. "Well, that answers that I suppose." Turning to

Harry she smiled and gestured for him to sit on the bed and she took a seat next to him. "I

started thinking about this Room over the summer, Harry, and I came up with several

conclusions. It's obviously not a normal castle room. Even magical locations can't generally

alter themselves on the fly like we've seemed to do at times with this place. I got to

thinking about how the older members of our contingent all stumbled across it in

different…configurations I guess would be the appropriate term: Shiva with her supply

cache, Amelia with her bedroom, Susan with her secret meeting area. When you

mentioned at the World Cup about the walls suddenly being able to absorb spells when

you needed a training area I started to put two and two together."

She shrugged as Harry stared at her in amusement. "I figured that there were two primary

explanations. Either the Room existed in several primary setups that could be subtly

changed in small ways or it quite literally molded itself to whoever opened the door. Either

way, the requirement to walk past it three times envisioning what you want would be how

it latched onto the configuration to display."

Harry looked around the small bedroom with an intrigued eye peering more closely at the

subtle touches that gave it life and character. "It's the latter isn't it? This is a copy of your

bedroom."

Hermione smiled at him and patted his leg approvingly. "Yes, it is. I thought it would be

excellent for accomplishing both purposes of this evening. The first was of course testing to

see if we could create new schematics for the Room, which obviously was a resounding

success."

"Agreed," Harry said turning to Hermione with a grin. "It's very you, Mione. I can't wait to

see it in real life. The poster is a cute addition by the way."

She blushed and muttered, "Yes, well it was a good picture and you were both rather

dashing in that pose…" Hermione shook herself and continued slower and more

confidently, "I would very much like for you to see it when we next return home, Harry. I

still need to introduce you to my parents in a better manner than the harried meeting at

Diagon a few years ago."

He nodded dutifully. "So, what was the second reason you wanted it to become your

bedroom, Mione? Just to show me?"

Hermione started ringing her hands and blushing even more fiercely. "Harry…I um…I'm not

sure how to…oh blast it all!" She took a deep breath and looked up at him determination

blazing in her eyes. "Harry, I would like to try and progress our relationship a bit."

Harry's mouth dropped open and his mind stuttered. "P-progress our relationship? Err,

what exactly do mean there, Mione?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and put a hand on his cheek. "You know what I mean, Harry.

We've been dating for nearly a year and haven't done anything more than snog. I know I'm

not pretty or beautiful or – "

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Chapter 153

Harry vehemently shook his head and cut her off. "Mione, you are beautiful. I don't care

that your teeth are a bit big and your hair gets a bit fluffy when you don't use that

shampoo Lavender recommended. You are beautiful and don't deny it."

She smiled at him. "Thank you, Harry. I'll perhaps admit that you find me attractive at least.

Which is horribly sweet of you, by the way." She held up her hand to stop him from

arguing. "Regardless of which of us is correct on the subject of my physical qualities, Harry,

I am a girl. I will never think I am as pretty as you as a boy would see me. Besides,

compared to someone like Daphne I am almost plain. Compared to Fleur with her

supernatural beauty and Tonks with her ability to fix anything she finds annoying I might

as well be invisible."

"Hermione," Harry said frowning, "you were basically my first friend. Whether or not you

are as attractive as other girls doesn't make an ounce of difference to me."

"I know. Well – I know that here," she said tapping her head. "But this is all besides the

point. Harry, you are surrounded by women now with only five real male friends and two

of them are practically triple our age – even if they are less mature than either of us most

of the time. I know it's stupid to feel insecure, but between that fact and that you are not

only more or less required to be in a multiple relationship, but that I am actively pushing

you towards that…I can't help but feel like I might end up on the sidelines. Stop," she said

shaking her head when he opened his mouth. "I know what you're going to say, Harry. And

I understand and agree with it. I just can't help but feel this though. I am smart. That's my

primary asset. I…want to feel like I am a woman also though. I want to know that you find

me attractive. Not to just understand it intellectually. And I've known ever since we started

this that I'd likely be the one to take the lead considering your childhood…I…" she wrung

her hands again and finished softly, "we don't have to go very far. But I would really like to

at least maybe…as the Americans would say, get to second base?"

"Err," Harry fumbled. He wasn't quite up to speed on American slang. "Um, okay. But I'm

not entirely sure what that means, Mione…"

Her head jerked up to meet his eyes and suddenly she started laughing. Her laughter set

Harry off and they fell back onto the bed chortling hysterically. After a minute or so

Hermione's laughter quieted and she pushed herself up so that she was hovering over

Harry with a smile on her face, both of their expressions far more relaxed than a few

minutes ago. "Let me put it in terms that you might understand better, boyfriend of mine. I

would be delighted if you would touch my quaffles."

Harry peered at her for a moment before his eyes widened and he snorted again. "Wow.

That has got to be one of the lamest Quidditch puns I've ever heard, Mione. Though…oh

god Dean and Seamus have used that before!" He laughed again and she smiled with him

shaking her head good naturedly.

"I assumed they would have. I don't think there's a good Quidditch reference for third base

but we'll approach that when the time comes. I would assume you'd understand if I said

catching my snitch though yes," she asked eyebrows raised.

Harry's face turned red though he nodded hurriedly. "Not really ready for that, Mione."

"Neither am I, love. Neither am I," she said leaning down to lightly kiss him not noticing

how he had stiffened slightly at her appellation. "Though I admit to being selfish and

wanted to be your first when we are ready for that." She pulled away from his lips and

peered down in confusion. "Harry?"

"You love me?" he asked softly. His arms came up and wrapped around her waist.

Hermione's mouth dropped open as she realized what she had just said and the

implications it would have for Harry. Blushing she nodded. "Yes, Harry. I do love you. I have

for a while now."

"That's…" he paused and leaned up to brush a kiss against her lips. "That's the first time

someone has said they love me."

Hermione blinked rapidly. "Surely Shiva would've said that at some point?"

"No," Harry shook his head with a rueful grin. "She's actually been pretty careful not to say

it. It came up a few months ago and she said that she didn't feel right telling me that yet.

She felt like if she told me that she loved me, it'd be like she was taking my mum's place or

something. And she's been doing everything she can to avoid replacing my mum – even if I

don't remember her at all beyond one or two hazy scenes. Shiva uses other terms of

endearment; like when she calls me 'kid', I know what she really means. Both of us agreed

this is better for the moment."

"Oh," Hermione said softly. "I hadn't realized."

"I love you too, Hermione Granger," Harry said his voice quiet but powerful in its emotion.

Hermione smiled and leaned down to claim her boyfriend's lips with her own. The snog

was deep and long. When they finally came up for air, she smirked at him. "Sooo…about

my quaffles…"

Harry looked in her eyes and paused for a long moment. "You're really sure, you're okay

with this?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and lightly patted his cheek. "Harry, I'd be willing to bet my

house that I am the more adventurous one in this relationship and that I am going to be

ready for things long before you are. So to bluntly answer your question: yes. Now, do

want me to take off my shirt or not?" She smirked at him as she sat up and lightly rested

one hand on her stomach so that her t-shirt rode up ever so slightly.

Harry groaned. "You don't play remotely fair when it comes to me you know that?"

Hermione just nodded sagely. "Yes, Mione, I would very much enjoy you taking your shirt

off."

Hermione's smirk widening into a full on grin, she reached down with both hands and

grabbed the trailing edge of her shirt. Hesitating for only a moment, she lifted it over her

head in one smooth motion leaving her upper body clad in just a scarlet bra. Her face was

slightly red but most of the awkwardness seemed to have been thankfully bled off earlier.

Carefully, Hermione reached behind her with one arm and popped the clasp to her bra

letting it fall to the bed beside her.

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Chapter 154

Harry tried not to stare. He really did. He failed. His Mione was perfect and her breasts

even more so. They were about average size and so perky he idly wondered why she even

needed the bra. Her nipples were small but clearly visible against her white flesh.

"Harry," Hermione said with a playful tone, "you need to breathe, love."

Harry heard what she said but it didn't really process for another moment. When it did, he

took a reflexive gasp and finally managed to tear his gaze away from her chest. Looking up

to Hermione's face he grinned sheepishly and said, "Mione, I don't care what you or

anyone says. You, are beautiful."

She gave him an adoring smirk and crawled across the bed so that she was straddling him.

Leaning down to his ear she whispered, "Prove it."

Harry walked into the boys' dormitory that evening with a smile plastered over his face

that he doubted even Voldemort would have been able to knock off. As he moved over to

his bed, his current mood did not go entirely unnoticed. Neville cocked his head at his

friend and raised his eyebrows. "Harry, you're in a horribly good mood tonight."

"Yup," Harry said succinctly.

"Anything you want to share?" Neville asked laughing.

"Nope." Harry smiled at him. "A gentleman never kisses and tells."

Neville fell back onto his bed holding his sides as his laughing increased. He wiped his eyes

after a bit and still chortling softly he saluted Harry. "Way to go, mate. I was wondering

just how long she'd wait before kicking your arse and moving things along."

"Hey! Who said Hermione was the one to push?" Harry asked feigning holding his hand

over his chest as if struck in the heart.

"Oh, please, Harry. We all know that you're never going to be the one to take the first

move. Oh wait, it still counts as the first week back. Yes!" he pumped a hand into the air as

Harry looked at him inquiringly. "I got to see Tracey in the morning. You just won me five

galleons, Harry!"

Umbridge paced around the Goblet of Fire close to midnight and fought the urge to giggle.

It had been so easy. All she'd done was write the horrible little half-blood's name onto a

slip of parchment and tossed it into the Goblet. There weren't even any protections against

her simple subterfuge! The stupid thing had accepted her entry without a single hiccup or

burp. Such a foolish old man. Why anyone could just submit any name to the artifact! A

quick compulsion charm on the thing so that it would choose her paper and that was that!

Losing her inner battle, Umbridge let out her giggle and took one final look around before

starting to walk away. She hummed to herself and envisioned the brat's death at the hands

of the monstrosity she had acquired for the First Task. That would teach the boy to

disrespect his betters!

Barty Crouch Jr. resisted the urge to slap his forehead. That pink toad was a representative

of the Ministry? Things had certainly changed since he had been imprisoned. Just because

Barty hated his late father didn't mean he thought the man had been incompetent. On the

contrary in fact. Bartemius Sr. had been exceedingly good and ruthless at his job. If

Umbridge was the cream of the current crop…well even the pathetic fool Wormtail

would've had a good shot at taking over!

A compulsion charm? On an inanimate object? How had she passed her OWLs let alone her

NEWTs? And just simply writing Potter's name down herself and submitting it? By Merlin,

if he decided to be smart and not compete she'd lose her magic since the paper was tied to

her and not the boy! Barty was strongly tempted to go and finish the fool off. It wasn't

even worth subverting people like that. All they did was pollute the gene pool.

Shaking his head in pity for her poor mother, Barty used his new magical eye to take a

quick look around. He was still getting used to the horribly awkward double vision, but

was quickly growing to love the thing. It had taken some time to figure out the X-Ray

functionality, but now that he had…well walls certainly weren't the only thing rendered

see-through. Barty was greatly looking forward to his upper level classes. If the Frenchies

joined in all the better! Even if they didn't, there were always mealtimes to ogle. That was

all he was getting with Babbling anyway. There was an attractive woman indeed – you

could bounce a galleon off that arse! Barty couldn't imagine how Moody had managed to

avoid using the functionality. The veritaserum questioning had proven the man was above

such things though even the potion had been unable to force the retiree to explain why.

Well Barty had been in prison and then under the imperius for…a long time. He certainly

didn't have such hang-ups. The Death Eater did have some standards though; he'd restrict

himself to just the sixth and seventh years.

Happily convinced that he was definitely alone in the Entrance Hall, Barty moved forward

and dropped his parchment into the Goblet. This one had been torn off of one of Potter's

old assignments so that the name was written in the boy's own hand. The school had been

filled in above the name by Barty but that wouldn't be enough to tie the magic to him.

Only to identify the appropriate category.

He chuckled again at how ridiculous this task had become. A hydra and a manticore? He

hadn't even been able to find out the final monster these fools would face. No, Barty

wouldn't be assisting Potter through this. There wasn't any point. If the Ministry was going

to go all out on this gladiator game he'd simply sit back and enjoy the fireworks. His master

would surely be satisfied with the boy's spectacular death.

Finishing a short spell to add a fourth school's name to the Goblet's enchantments, Barty

turned away smiling. He almost felt bad for Potter.

Dumbledore listened to the report from the portrait of Icarus the Winged. Icarus had a

penchant for heights and his portrait was stashed away in the loftiest reaches of the

Entrance Hall. It made for the perfect vantage point for spying on the coming and going of

students. Tonight in particular it made watching over the plots of others laughably easy.

Umbridge's foolish scheme hadn't a prayer of succeeding and when she'd left secure in her

own superiority, Dumbledore had groaned thinking he'd have to go and take matters into

his own hands. Then Alastor Moody – hehem – Crouch Jr. had stepped up to the plate. The

young man had been good, Dumbledore could give him that. He'd managed to fool most

and his performance might even take in Amelia in passing. But Alastor had been his friend

for several decades. He had long ago established safeguards to ensure that people would

be able to identify if someone was impersonating him. When Alastor had made

Dumbledore memorize three different phrases that would be included in his initial address

after some time apart he'd thought the man horrifically paranoid. Now that said

precaution had proven correct…well he'd buy the old man a bottle of firewhiskey when the

year was over and Crouch had been taken care of.

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Chapter 155

A simple check of the Castle wards had shown the list of personnel on the grounds and

revealed Barty's ploy. It wasn't a bad plan all things considered. Dumbledore had initially

tipped his hat at the man for coming up with it. Now Barty had proven worth

Dumbledore's blind eye by taking care of the little problem without Dumbledore ever

having to dirty his own hands.

Just because Harry needed to die, it didn't mean he had to personally participate in the

killing. After all, that was what trials were for, were they not? To test one's self and…if one

was found unworthy…to punish.

Considering the evening for a moment, Dumbledore was only too happy that Umbridge

was even more foolish than he had assumed. Merlin forbid, if she had actually managed to

be even an iota more competent he might have had to worry about Harry's name coming

up twice! Or three times if Icarus hadn't told him about Barty's attempt as well!

Shuddering at the thought of that potential disaster, Dumbledore popped a lemon drop

into his mouth and started preparing to head to bed.

By the time lunch rolled around the next day, Harry had gotten over his annoyance that his

friends were betting on his love life. That had probably been largely helped by the Weasley

twins quietly confiding that the main pot had already been taken by McGonagall last year

when Hermione and he had officially become a couple. Harry had barely been able to look

at the Scot all during the morning classes after learning that little tidbit.

He ended up in a rather interesting discussion with Fred and George during lunch while the

rest listened in. "I can't believe you missed our beards, Harry!" George groaned. "They

were so impressively long and everything!"

Fred nodded sagely and started stroking the air under his chin where his beard had

previously been. "Aye, truly epic, mate!"

"Well they weren't intentional so I don't see why you're bragging about them," Harry said

lifting an eyebrow at them. "Did you seriously think that a simple aging potion would get

you over that line?"

"It seemed like a simple enough thing to try," Fred said with a shrug.

Harry nearly choked on his drink he started laughing so hard. Fleur turned to Hermione

and asked, "Is zis normal? Does 'arry regularly have issues eating? Zis is the second time he

'as nearly died at ze table in less zen a day." Her mouth quirked up at the end of the

statement trying to hide her grin.

Hermione just rolled her eyes. "You get used to the random bouts of madness. It's a hazard

of the Comm Stones," the brunette gave her friend an evil little grin. "Just wait until you

get your own. Then you'll be the one interrupted by random insane comments you simply

won't be able to stop from laughing at."

Fleur shuddered theatrically. Luna gave a dreamy smile and reached over to pat her hand.

"Don't worry, Fleur. Our whispers are far more entertaining than Blibbering Humdingers.

They can be quite rude sometimes. We will simply harp on the amazing virtues of

classmates and staff." She paused and tapped a finger against her chin. "Though I may

inquire every so often if you've come across a crumple-horned snorkack."

Harry got his laughs quieted and smiled at Luna. "One day you'll find them, Luna." Turning

back to Fred and George he lifted an eyebrow. "So you two wanted a simple solution to get

your names in the Goblet and you went with an aging potion?"

Fred shrugged. "Granted it's not our best idea ever."

George continued with a solemn nod, "We're convinced Dumbledore is having this

selection so early in the year because he wants to ensure that we can't figure out ways to

cheat the precaution."

"Downright conniving of the Headmaster, that is," Fred agreed sagely. "Why it's a right

Slytherin move. No offense ladies." He nodded to Daphne and Tracey who simply raised

their eyebrows in response and acknowledged the point.

"You guys realize the age line is only two meters back from the Goblet right?" Harry asked.

The twins nodded. "Yeah, of course. What's your point, Harry? Got a rune we could use to

get across or extend our arms or something?" George asked.

Harry looked between all his friends. Susan, Hannah, Neville, Luna, Tracey, Daphne, Fleur,

Hermione, Fred, George and Ginny all looked back with confused expressions. Ron was

trying and failing to look like he wasn't listening in but the neglected food on his plate was

evidence against him. Katie, Angelina and Alicia all had their eyebrows raised as well.

"Really? None of you have a clue what I'm getting at? Katie, you at least should understand,

you're a half-blood."

"What does that have to…do with…" Katie began before trailing off and slamming her head

into the table. "God. Harry, you don't seriously think that would work?"

He grinned. "I'm sure Fred and George will let us know in a few minutes if it does or

doesn't."

"Harry. Mate. Buddy. Pal. Partner," Fred said with respect practically dripping from his

voice. "Please help a fellow prankster out."

"You guys ever heard of basketball?" Harry asked innocently. Hermione made a squeak

beside him and Dean groaned. Ron's eyes narrowed and the rest just looked confused.

Except for Luna. Luna fell off the bench holding her sides, laughing so hard she could barely

breathe.

"Um," George asked holding up his hand, "what's basketball?"

Harry took up a napkin, crumpled it into a ball and tossed it at George's face, hitting him

between the eyes. "Imagine that was the Goblet." At the stunned expressions of his

companions Harry took another napkin and folded it into a small triangle. He held that in

his palm and used his other hand to flick it toward the Slytherin table. The little paper flew

across the room and struck Malfoy in the back of his head. Harry had already turned back

to look at the others who were even more dumbfounded than before. "And that is from

Muggle American Football. Bit different than regular footy but still entertaining to watch."

"Who hit me?!" Malfoy screamed from the other side of the room. Harry completely

ignored him.

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Chapter 156

Fred and George looked at each other blinking owlishly. As one they reached into their

backpacks and tore out pieces of parchment. Hurriedly writing on their respective sheets

and folding them up they turned to Harry and bowed. "Excuse us for a moment." A little

ways away, Ron balled up his own slip of paper and hurriedly followed his brothers into

the Entrance Hall.

"No way is it that easy…" Tracey muttered staring after them.

Hermione sighed and shook her head staring into her plate. "Wizarding culture seems

immune to logic to a scary extent. I have apparently been infected by whatever infliction

they have. It certainly wouldn't surprise me at all to see…oh yes; it worked."

Three beaming red-heads returned to sit at the table. Fred and George bowed again to

Harry. "Our liege. You are truly worthy of your greatness!"

"No problem, guys," Harry chuckled. "Good luck. If you get chosen you better put forward

a good show. I know you're smart enough to do well."

Daphne shook her head. She muttered just quiet enough for Hermione and Tracey to hear,

"Merlin! Thank god I yelled at him yesterday before he had the chance to think about it."

Luna picked herself up and sat back down smiling from ear to ear. "Harry, Tracey? Would

either of you mind if I entered my name?" Matching expressions of horror blossomed

across nearly every face within earshot. She let it ride for almost a minute of complete

silence before devolving into more side splitting cackles. "Don't worry, I wouldn't want to

upset Fate by throwing that large of a wrench into her plans!"

Dinner rolled around fraught with tension. Everyone from three different schools were

waiting with bated breath for Dumbledore to end the meal and just get on with the

Champion selection. Harry was sitting with just Neville, Hermione and Luna as the others

had all decided this was important enough to stick with their separate Houses. His stomach

was clenched and he had barely eaten anything. Whether he was hoping his name did still

come out of the Goblet or if he was hoping it wouldn't…even Harry couldn't say. All he

knew was that he felt like he was going to be sick and he just wanted this night to end so

he could get on with his life one way or another. Hermione beside him was almost as

nervous. She had his hand clenched so tight under the table he could barely feel his

fingers.

"Attention please. Attention please," Dumbledore called officiously as he stood up with

arms outstretched. Immediate silence fell upon the crowd. Smiling Dumbledore waved his

wand and the Goblet of Fire floated into place on its stand directly in front of him. "The

Champion selection should begin momentarily. Headmistress Maxime, Headmaster

Karkaroff and I all wish to extend our best wishes to all who entered and assure you that

whether or not you are chosen as your school's Champion, you are all worthy of respect."

The Goblet's fire blazed higher and shifted from orange to blue. "Ah it seems the Goblet is

ready to deliver the name of our first Champion." Dumbledore moved forward and caught

a small folded piece of paper as the flames dropped back down into the cup. "The

Champion from Durmstrang is…Victor Krum!"

The Hall broke into applause as Krum nodded his determination and stepped forward. A

very small smile on his face was the only expression he let out. The rest of Durmstrang was

not so reserved though and they hollered and stamped their feet. The Hogwarts and

Beauxbatons congratulations was almost as loud. Ron's voice rang out over a good portion

of the noise, "Wooohoooo! Go Krum! Go Krum!"

Krum was waved towards a side door near the back of the Hall and Dumbledore waved for

the crowd to quiet down. The Goblet started flaring up again and when Dumbledore pulled

his hand back he was clutching another slip of parchment. "The Champion for Beauxbatons

is…Fleur Delacour!"

The applause from the Beauxbatons was not nearly as enthusiastic as Krum had received

though the students from Hogwarts and Durmstrang were obviously pleased with the

Veela girl's selection. Fleur smiled widely as she walked to the door Krum had entered.

Harry wasn't sure if he imagined it or not but he thought she held her head a bit higher

after Hermione had shouted, "Way to go, Fleur!"

Again the applause slowed and again the Goblet flared. "The Champion for Hogwarts

is…Fred Weasley!" Dumbledore started clapping with the rest of the school for a moment

before he blanched and looked at the note in his hand again. He grimaced and cast several

spells on the parchment as Fred was bowing and glad-handing practically half the school

during his way towards the back room. While the applause from the other two schools was

similar to the earlier Champions, Hogwarts seemed almost evenly split between cheers

and laughter.

Finally laying aside the piece of parchment with Fred's name on it Dumbledore raised his

hands for quiet. "Yes, yes, thank you one and all for your support." There were many

murmurs amongst the Hogwarts students though the staff reaction to Fred's selection was

varied. Flitwick apparently had won a bit of gold as he was happily counting galleons

handed over from Sprout, Vector and Shiva. Harry smirked as he saw McGonagall shift,

holding one hand to her face, her other hand surreptitiously slid over and deposit

something on top of Flitwick's pile.

"Now, we will – " Dumbledore cut off as the Goblet flared again. Harry groaned and

squeezed Hermione's hand. Daphne was right. He had never had to bother with

considering entering on his own.

Dumbledore drew the paper back from the Goblet as the flames died completely. "Harry

Potter." All sounds in the Hall died. "Harry Potter!" Harry sighed and stood up. Hermione's

eyes had widened and she tried to tug him back down into his seat shaking her head.

"I'll be back in a bit, Mione," Harry said softly leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Gather

everyone up into the Room's Council configuration." He stepped back from her and pulled

his hand out of her grip and headed towards the back room. The students flooding the

Great Hall all seemed to continue holding their breath. Harry glanced towards the staff

table and saw that McGonagall and Flitwick were both leaning back in their seats with a

resigned expression. Bagman on the other hand was looking ecstatic, Moody was

completely unsurprised, Snape had an even darker sneer than usual and…Shiva wasn't

there.

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Chapter 157

Harry's insides churned as he got closer to the Trophy Room the Champions had gathered

in. He hadn't had a chance to talk to Shiva about the conversation between Daphne and

himself the other day. Would she think that he had entered himself into the Tournament?

Would she care if he had? Would she take him telling Fred how to enter as proof that he

had done it too? Would she call him a liar when he said he hadn't? Would she kick him out?

Would he have to go back to the Dursleys after everything? Would Daphne's word be

enough to convince her? Would Daphne decide he'd gone and been an idiot despite his

promise? Would she leave him too? Would Hermione believe him? Would – Harry's rapidly

stumbling mind came to a grinding halt as he pushed open the door to the Trophy Room

and found himself pressed up against Shiva's shoulder.

Harry breathed out a shaky sigh and his guardian pushed him back. Her eyes were angry

but whether it was at him or otherwise he couldn't tell. "I'm only going to ask once and I

will accept whatever you say as the truth, Harry." She said softly. Her voice still seemed to

carry through the entire room. Fred, Fleur and Krum looked on with confused gazes. "Did

you enter yourself?"

Harry shook his head. "No. Daphne talked me out of it the night we heard about the

Tournament. I considered it but…"

Shiva pulled him back into her. "Okay, kid. Okay. We can deal with this."

" 'arry?" Fleur asked. "What iz going on? Do zey want us back out zere?"

Next to her Fred sighed. "No. Harry's luck is just acting up again I imagine."

The door to the Trophy Room banged open and Dumbledore came in like a storm of fury.

He started to reach for Harry but when he saw the teenager still next to Shiva the old

man's arm dropped and his gaze narrowed. Behind Dumbledore, Snape, Moody and the

other Headmasters walked in.

"Did you enter your name into the Goblet of Fire, Harry?" Dumbledore said. His voice

practically seemed to rumble with anger and power.

Harry scowled. "No, Headmaster. I did not enter my name."

"He is obviously lying," Snape said glaring at Harry. Harry and Shiva glared right back at the

Potions Master. Maxime and Karkaroff nodded along with Snape. Fleur looked between

Harry and the others.

"You are to compete 'arry?" she whispered. "But zere are already three contestants."

"Exactly!" Maxime said striding forward. Her bulk took up a large section of the corner of

the room. She came close enough to Harry that Shiva raised her wand slightly at the larger

woman. "Ze leetle boy is not only a liar, 'e is a cheat!"

"Don't you dare call Harry a cheater!" Shiva shouted back at Maxime. "If he says he didn't

enter, then he didn't enter!"

"This is outrageous! How dare Hogwarts have two Champions! I will not stand for it!"

Karkaroff shouted. "The boy will not be involved and if he is then Durmstrang will

withdraw!"

"No ve vill not!" Krum said scowling. He strode forward. "My magic is tied to the Goblet

and the Tournament now. I have no intention of vithdrawing and losing my magic because

somevon smart found a vork-around of the enchantments. He is obviously skilled. Let him

compete and show his skill."

"I didn't enter my name," Harry hissed through his ground teeth. He turned to Krum and

growled out in a slightly less frustrated voice, "But thank you for the support." Krum

nodded at Harry but didn't seem quite convinced.

Harry turned to look at Fleur as the Professors resumed shouting at each other. His friend

was frowning and talking to Fred who just kept shaking his head gesturing towards Harry.

"Fleur?" Harry said softly. She appeared to hear him despite the ongoing arguments and

turned to look at him. She gave a soft smile and a nod. Tapping her ear, she mouthed

"Later" and went back to talking to Fred. Harry sighed and felt Shiva pull him against her

tighter.

Turning his attention back to the debate he heard Umbridge say in her sickeningly sweet

voice, "Well the boy has made his bed. Now he must lie in it. Regardless of anyone's

feelings he is a participant and he will compete. Or we could simply bar him and he'd lose

his magic. Either way would be a suitable punishment for a cheater I suppose." She gave a

little giggle that set Harry's hairs on end. When had the woman even entered? For that

matter when had Bagman entered?

Shiva snarled. "Oh really? And how do we know that you didn't enter him? You certainly

seem to be taking every opportunity to degrade Harry and our guests."

Umbridge's smile made Harry want to hurl. "I am a representative of the Minister himself

little girl. I realize that may be a bit too complicated for you to understand."

"Oh so ze Minister is in the 'abit of insulting his allies zen?" Maxime growled. "Be quiet

pink toad or you will see yourself squashed."

"How dare you!"

"QUIET!" Dumbledore roared. The room fell silent. "The magic of the Goblet is absolute.

Harry must compete or he will lose his magic. There is to be no more debate."

"Actually I have a question about that," Harry said raising his hand. All eyes turned on him.

"Can I see that piece of parchment, Headmaster?" With a frown Dumbledore handed the

slip of paper to him. "Well this is my handwriting."

"He admits it!" Snape crooned.

"As I was saying," Harry snarled, "this is my handwriting with my name. But the school

above it isn't mine. I've never even heard of…'Salem Exchange'. And it looks like this thing

is torn on the bottom. Look, you can even see a bit of the next line down…I think this was

from an essay for History of Magic. Nothing else I wrote would have 'goblins' on it."

Shiva sighed. "The 'Salem Exchange' school closed about five years ago. Guess we know

how your name came out now."

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Chapter 158

Moody grunted. "Aye, someone was smart about it." Unnoticed to everyone present,

Umbridge preened – apparently forgetting that she had not used Harry's essay nor had she

written a new school. "The guilty party obviously entered him under a fourth school with

him as the only participant."

"It doesn't matter how he cheated to get in," Karkaroff said. "What is important is that

Hogwarts now has two Champions and Durmstrang and Beauxbatons only have one!"

"So just select two more of your own students," Shiva said glaring at the man. "Goddess

knows, it's not that complicated of a solution!"

"What?!" Karkaroff yelled.

"Why are you even here, Babbling?" Snape shouted.

"As Harry's legal guardian I have far more right to be in here than you do Snape! At least

Moody has the excuse of being a retired Auror. What's yours? Headmaster's pet?" Shiva

yelled back.

"Why you!" Snape grabbed for his wand but Dumbledore pushed his arm down and

stepped between the two Professors.

Harry stepped forward pushing Shiva behind him and tried to shift the argument away

from an out and out fight. "Madam Umbridge, the Ministry has declared that only legal

adults can participate in this Tournament this year correct?"

"Absolutely, child," Umbridge said with a little giggle on the end.

"I am not a child, Madam Umbridge," Harry said. Behind him, he felt Shiva stiffen. "And I

am being forced to compete in this yes?"

"You have no other choice," her smile widened.

Harry nodded slowly. "Okay then." He turned to Karkaroff and Maxime. "You're right, it's

not fair that Hogwarts has two Champions. So if we can't turn the Goblet's fire back on

why not canvas your students to see if anyone wants to be a second contestant for your

school to even things out? If you want the same restrictions on them as are on the four of

us then just have them sign a magical contract or something."

Fleur stepped forward. "Zat is not such a bad idea. It would remove much potential

controversy."

Krum also nodded. "I agree vith this proposal. It sounds fair."

Fred held up his arm. "I also like it. We could rename the Tournament into the Hexwizard

Tournament too!" Harry grimaced at that contribution.

Maxime and Karkaroff turned to each other and considered. Before either could say

anything though Dumbledore spoke up. "I do not think that would be keeping with the

spirit of the Tournament unfortunately. I have to vote against it."

Maxime sighed but nodded. "As distasteful as I find it, I agree. Risking one of my students

is already bad enough. I am in no 'urry to risk a zecond simply to balance ze scales. Fleur

can win all on her own."

Fleur's eyebrows rose and she glanced at Harry before nodding at her Headmistress.

Umbridge gave a little giggle. "The Ministry will not accept such a drastic change at this

stage."

Karkaroff scowled. "Well I would have agreed to it but it appears I'm overruled. Victor will

be more than enough to crush your contestants."

Krum snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Okay, well if we're all done fighting with each other?" Bagman said stepping forward with

a happy smile. The man's expression was so out of place that Harry almost started

laughing. "Now the First Task is meant to test your courage and ability to think under fire.

It will be on October 31st. Quite appropriate hold a frightening task on Halloween don't

you think?" Bagman chuckled and whatever good mood Harry had managed to acquire

from his minor victories just plummeted straight through to China. He might as well just

jump off the Astronomy Tower now because it would be quicker and less painful than

whatever was going to happen on Halloween. "We won't give you any hints to this except

that you should be prepared for a fight! Good luck to everyone and – "

"Wait," Shiva said holding up her hand. "What are the restrictions?"

"I'm sorry?" Bagman asked confused.

"The restrictions. What can't they bring into the area? What level of spells are they

allowed? Who can help them? What are the bloody rules you imbecile!?"

Bagman frowned for a minute then chuckled again. "Oh yes, I did seem to forget that part

didn't I. Crouch was supposed to be the one explaining all this you, but with Miss

Umbridge's late replacement – "

"Madam. It's Madam Umbridge. Or Senior Undersecretary Umbridge," The Umbitch

giggled.

"Yes, of course, with Madam Umbridge's late replacement I'm not fully up to speed on

specifics like that. Hmm let's see, rules, rules, what were they…oh right!" Bagman snapped

his fingers and nodded. "The Champions can't receive any assistance from members of the

staff of their own schools. They are allowed to bring in a single spell casting aide at the

start of each Task as well as any items of clothing they prefer. They cannot use Muggle

items. They are allowed to use any spell, rune or ritual they deem appropriate. Barring the

use of Unforgivables of course. Lethal force is frowned upon, but not illegal. I think that

covers most of it."

Shiva nodded and remained quiet. After glancing around the room and seeing no one else

about to comment, Bagman smiled and clapped his hands together. "Well then, good luck

to our Champions! I'll see you all next week for the Weighing of the Wands!"

The assembled students and teachers started to file out of the room. Fleur attempted to

speak with Harry but was quickly steered outside by Madam Maxime. Krum just nodded to

his competitors as he followed Karkaroff out. Dumbledore gave a small shake of his head

and left with a scowling Snape following completely ignoring both Harry and Shiva. Moody

went with them and Umbridge and Bagman left quickly as well. It was soon down to just

Fred, Harry and Shiva.

"So," Fred said with an air of forced joviality. "Looks like the Potter luck has struck again eh,

mate?"

Harry sighed and nodded. "Yeah. You know it's funny, I almost did enter intentionally. How

hilarious would it have been if my name had come out twice huh?"

Fred snorted. "Yeah that would've been a great prank. I'm surprised no one bothered to

yell at me for being underage."

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Chapter 159

Shiva groaned. "Yeah, I'm sure McGonagall will grill you later, Fred. To be honest, most of

us expected either you or your brother to figure out a way to get in so we weren't really

surprised. At least you'll be 17 before the school year is out. And you were an official

Champion so the Goblet deemed you worthy. The worst we can really do is yell at you for

being an idiot and then praise you for being smart and getting around the restriction."

"You know, Professor, Harry is the one who showed me and a lot of the other Gryffs how

to enter…" Fred said frowning. Shiva's eyebrows rose and she turned to Harry.

"Oh come on! It's not complicated. All I did was fold some paper and show them how to

toss it so they could lob it into the Goblet. It's not like I invented the wheel, Shiva!"

Her jaw dropped and she just stared between the two of them. "No bloody way…He didn't

even bother to put up a kinetic ward or a repelling charm around the thing?" Two shaking

heads answered her. "Oh for crying out loud. It's like he wanted people to try and

enter…Congratulations Fred. You earned your spot. I look forward to seeing how you do.

Unfortunately I can't help you since I teach here. However I don't teach at the Salem

Exchange and were you to sit in on some training sessions I have with Harry…well I can't

very well bar you from watching him now can I?"

"I might have to sit in on some of those, Professor," Fred said nodding. "Harry, you want to

head into the Tower together?"

"Yeah. But I need to meet up with my friends first. See how many I still have after this…"

he muttered. "If you come with, I can show you the Room I'll probably use for a lot of the

training. Oh, Shiva, Hermione worked out a lot more of what the Council Room can do. It's

pretty neat and a lot more versatile than we thought."

Shiva nodded while Fred bowed for them to show the way. Squaring his shoulders, Harry

walked out of the Trophy Room and heading up to face his friends.

Harry walked into the Room with Shiva and Fred following behind him. He winced as he

saw a divide down the center of the room. Hermione and Daphne were on one side while

Susan, Neville, Hannah and Tracey were on the other. Luna was sitting next to Hermione

happily playing with her hair but still obviously in the middle of the two separate groups.

Tracey was glaring at Daphne while Daphne and Hermione were busy comparing notes and

crossing things out on separate sheets of parchment.

"Err, hey guys," Harry said raising his hand in a slight wave. He received huffs of "finally"

from Hermione and Daphne, a happy smile from Luna and grunts from the others.

"Wow, tense in here," Fred said shaking his head and walking forward. "So which side is

the 'Harry's Luck Sucks But He's Not An Idiot Like Fred' side?" Snorts of amusement

greeted him as Luna gestured grandly towards Hermione and Daphne. "Cool," Fred smiled

and plopped down beside Daphne. "So, Nev, you leading the 'Seriously, Harry Why You

Would Go Be As Stupid As Fred' side?"

Neville groaned but nodded. "Apparently."

"You guys really don't believe I entered myself do you?" Harry asked quietly. He moved to

sit across from everyone in the center of the table. Shiva took a seat beside him.

"We're…reserving judgment until we had a chance to talk with you, Harry," Neville said

carefully. "We've been friends for over three years. None of us are about to throw away

our friendship with you over this, but we do want to know what happened tonight."

Harry turned to look at Hermione, Luna and Daphne. Daphne sighed and looked up from

her paper. "I already told you two days ago, Harry. I'm not abandoning you and I'm not

about to berate you for being dragged into yet another horrible situation for pissing off

some elder deity by having the audacity to be born."

Hermione sighed. "And I am certainly not about to let you deal with this with just Daphne.

You people say I'm scary. If I'm not around to tone you both down, she's going to have you

practicing the blood boiling curse by the end of the month." She shook her head and

smiled at Harry. "And no, Harry, I certainly don't think you would enter this on your own. I

am sure you would have had good reason to, but I seriously doubt you would have wanted

to annoy us all quite so much by not mentioning such a thing to us beforehand."

Luna spoke up. "I don't particularly care either way," she shrugged. "You are my friend and

I will of course support you no matter what. You helped me when no one else cared and I

will always do the same for you." She cocked her head and her gaze grew a bit sharper

with her tone slightly less vapid. "However I also know how badly you desire to be free of

the chains binding you, Harry Potter. If you did enter the Tournament of your own choosing

I have no problem with that. What would make me somewhat perturbed was if you had

done so without telling me prior." She smiled, her dreamy look back and the cold edge

gone. "Much as Hermione said, I don't really think that you would do that though. You are

far too noble to not tell at least one of your friends before you go and do something

foolish."

Neville sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Look, Harry, I know you didn't do squat with

the Goblet last night but you had some chances earlier today. And yeah the four of us," he

gestured to Susan, Hannah and Tracey, "agree with Luna and Hermione that you would

have a good reason to get into it. You're using it to get emancipated with the legal loophole

the Ministry left right?" Harry nodded.

Shiva looked at him in surprise before laughing. "Wow, kid, I hadn't even considered that

before Umbridge started going on about it in the Trophy Room. You realized that loophole

before?" Harry smiled slightly and ran a hand through his hair nodding again.

Daphne snorted. "You know, I'm not sure I really expressed just how impressed with that I

was the other day. It really is rather Slytherin of you, Harry." Tracey sighed and nodded her

agreement from the other end of the table. "It is extraordinarily cunning to use their own

rule against them like this without seemingly any of them realizing it. I think you're really a

Gryfferin."

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Chapter 160

Harry laughed and several others joined in. Fred turned to Daphne questioningly, "A

Gryfferin?"

She shrugged, "A Slytherin hiding in Gryffindor. Or a Gryffindor with Slytherin tendencies.

More or less the same thing I suppose."

"Ah. Yup, our Harrykins is totally a Gryfferin," Fred agreed happily flashing a thumbs up.

"I'll agree that I'm a Gryfferin if you agree that you are a Slythindor," Harry groaned. At the

questioning looks he expounded, "A Slytherin with Gryffindor tendencies. What true, full

Slytherin would willingly run into the Chamber of Secrets to fight a basilisk with no backup

beyond me?"

Daphne worked her mouth for a minute before the rest of the room agreed, Harry was

right she was certainly a Slythindor.

"Harry," Neville said drawing the attention back to him again. "Can you tell us what

happened?"

Harry sighed but nodded to his friend. "When Dumbledore announced it at the Welcoming

Feast I thought about entering so I could get out from under his thumb. Daphne talked me

out of it." He blushed as he continued, "She made very good points and was not shy about

expressing them." Daphne nodded her agreement but steadfastly refused to look up from

her sheet of parchment. "I didn't enter my name into the Goblet. I can't say I'm really all

that surprised that I did get entered or even that I'm entirely disappointed by it, because I

can still use it now to get complete control of my own life." He shrugged. "However I can

tell you that I did not put my name into that thing myself."

Daphne slid one of her papers over to him. "If you want, that's the magical vow. I had

Hermione look it over too. It's horribly specific but it's always smarter to be as specific as

possible with vows to ensure you don't accidentally force yourself into anything because

you missed a word or something."

Shiva took the paper from Harry's hands and smiled at the younger girl. "Thanks, Daphne,

but it's not necessary. We have some proof that Harry didn't enter. The parchment with his

name on it is in his handwriting but it looks to have been pilfered from an old essay and

the school name isn't in his hand."

Neville, Susan, Hannah and Tracey all let out a loud relieved sigh and slumped back. Tracey

saluted him. "Well, that's good to know. I'd hate to have to call you an idiotic Gryffindor

when you've been doing so well with being sneaky and conniving lately."

"Thanks, Trace," Harry said shaking his head in amusement. "I think."

Susan rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Harry. It's nice to know you didn't enter yourself. We still

would've stood by you if you did. But," she shrugged, "I probably would've been annoyed

with you for a while. From what I've heard this thing is a glorified blood sport if you're not

extremely well prepared and at least somewhat lucky."

Hannah nodded. "Yeah, I agree. Fred, by the way, you're a bloody idiot! Harry you get a

pass for coming to your senses. Always listen to the girl. We're pretty much always right.

Fred, did you even bother to ask Alicia if she was okay with you doing this?"

Surprising everyone, Fred nodded. "Of course. George and I love to prank anyone and

everyone but we're not idiots. I'm not about to lose my girl just because I wanted to prove

I'm more than just a prankster."

Hannah's mouth slammed shut with a clack. Hermione looked at Fred in a new light. "Wow.

A Weasley twin wanting to be more than a prank master…I'm proud of you Fred. I may

even convince Harry to introduce you to Padfoot and Moony now."

Fred had been leaning his chair back on two legs with his feet up on the table. At

Hermione's mention of two of the creators of the Marauder's Map he completely lost his

balance and crashed to the floor. "What the bloody hell?!"

As the group of Gryffindors trumped into the Common Room with Fred and Harry at the

forefront they arrived to thunderous applause and proffered butterbeers. With wide eyes,

Harry even saw McGonagall sitting in an armchair with a butterbeer in hand.

"Professor?!" Fred exclaimed. Harry vividly nodded along with the man.

"Ah, I was beginning to think you two had tried to run for the hills," McGonagall said

levering herself out of the seat. "First off, Harry, I've seen enough since you've arrived to

recognize your misfortune when it occurs. As I'm sure Professor Babbling has already

figured out, with you entered under a different school I would be more than happy to

provide any assistance you require. Professor Flitwick has also extended his services. And I

believe he mentioned something about 'perhaps now Potter will regret not taking me up

on those dueling lessons'. He seemed quite smug about it too so perhaps you should

prepare a rejoinder before class with him." Harry just stared as McGonagall cracked a large

smile. Half the room's mouths dropped at that.

"Secondly, Mr. Weasley," McGonagall turned to Fred and sighed heavily. Everyone seemed

to hold their breath. "Fred, you better bloody well put forth a good showing. I know you

can do it. Make the same effort as you use in your pranks and you should have few issues.

Make Gryffindor proud both of you!"

She walked past the goggling students towards the portrait hole. Just before opening the

way though she turned to Harry and gave one final note, "I imagine you'll be leaving the

castle tomorrow to…obtain necessary items. Do try to ensure that Professor Babbling gets

you back before curfew, Harry. Good evening everyone. Try not to stay up too late."

Tonks was about to go to sleep for the evening when she was interrupted by an insistent

tapping on her window. Trying to ignore it Tonks groaned and rolled over. Her bruises from

the stupid doxies were aching and all she wanted was to sleep. The work in clearing

Number 12 Grimmauld Place had gone a lot faster once Remus had started to help them.

Unfortunately she was still doing a lot of it on her own between Sirius' tentative dates with

Bonesy and his appointments with the Mind Healer that Remus escorted him to. This

Battle Maid job was getting old fast. It was interesting sure but she wanted to raise

Walburga and Orion Black from the grave just to kill them again. How many Dark artifacts

did one family need? Even the Malfoys probably had less than these people!