Chapter 18: Preparing for the Ball
Upon returning to the castle Hermione and Harry joined their friends on their first Hogsmead visit. They caught up with Neville and Luna who were exploring Honeyduke's when Harry asked, "So…anyone seen Draco and Ginny?"
Luna giggled a bit, "Oh indeed." She said then led them over to the window pointing to the Quidditch supply shop across the way.
Draco and Ginny could be seen coming out of the shop laughing together. Harry smiled seeing Ginny looking at the blonde with a charming smile as they discussed something. Draco too had a bright smile on his face. "I think this is the first time I've ever seen Draco truly happy…in either lives." He mumbled the last part so just Hermione and Luna could hear.
"Is it possible they are soulmates?" Hermione asked looking to Luna for confirmation.
Luna simply smiled, "It lovely to see Fate's design going as it should." Was all she said before she turned to go pick out more candy with Neville.
Harry looked to Hermione, "I suppose that's a yes." He said as he smiled.
Hermione giggled a bit then looked back to their two friends to see Ginny drag Draco into Zonko's, "They make a cute couple."
"I wonder if Draco is going to have the bollocks to ask her to the Yule Ball." Harry muttered. He then glanced Hermione's way seeing she was a bit red, "Speaking of…I know it hasn't been announced yet…and I don't want you to feel obligated to go with me because of the whole soul mate thing, but uh…would you…would you want to go to the ball with me?" he asked his were cheeks on fire.
Hermione looked to him with wide eyes, "Sure." She said quickly, "I think I'll have to get a new dress though. You've likely already seen the one I've picked."
"Periwinkle blue? Lots of ruffles?" Harry asked.
Hermione smirked, "Yes, definitely need a new dress." She chuckled a bit.
Harry thought about it for a moment, "Wait here a second." He then turned and rushed over to Luna and Neville, "Psst." He hissed to the two of them quietly, "You two want to sneak off to Diagon Alley?" he asked.
Neville went wide eyed, "How on earth can we do that?"
"Well thanks to my name coming out of the Goblet I'm legally emancipated. Which means," Harry began but was cut off.
"You can legally apparate." Luna finished for him.
"Exactly." Harry grinned.
Luna appeared to be pondering this, "I assume we're going dress shopping?"
Harry continued to grin, "Its no fair that you know everything."
"Dress shopping?" Neville asked.
"For the Yule Ball." Harry told him, "Its why we had to get dress robes this year."
Neville's eyes widened even more, "Oh…did you find out because you're a champion?"
"Something like that." Harry smiled.
"I…I uh…I don't even have a date though." Neville mumbled.
Harry stared Neville directly in the face then looked to Luna then back to Neville before nodding his head in Luna's direction.
At first Neville looked confused at what Harry was doing then he looked at Luna who was simply standing there smiling while looking at a Blood Pop. Neville looked back to Harry wide eyed and discretely pointed to Luna to which Harry nodded.
Neville gulped, "Uh Luna…." He said.
Luna turned to him, "Yes Neville?" she asked with her usual dreamlike smile.
"Would uh…would you…wouldyougototheballwithme?" the boy said quickly.
Harry face palmed himself as Neville reminded him of how he asked out Cho Chang in his last life. However unlike Cho, Luna did not force Neville to repeat himself, "I've been waiting for you to ask." She smiled, "Yes, I'd love to go with you."
Neville's face went scarlet, "Great…" he squeaked out.
"Perfect now I just have to make sure Draco asks Ginny and we're all set." Harry mutter, "Be at the Shrieking Shack in ten minutes." He then turned and walked back over to Hermione, "Can you go with Neville and Luna for a minute? I have to do something."
"What are you scheming Harry?" She asked.
"Nothing I swear." He told her, "We're meeting at the Shrieking Shack in ten minutes. I'll be back." He then dashed out.
Harry rushed over to Zonko's and slipped inside. He spotted Draco standing alone looking at some products while Ginny looked over something else an aisle away. Harry slunk his way over to Draco without getting seen by Ginny then grabbed the blonde by his arm and pulled him to a corner.
"What the hell Harry?" the blonde hissed, "Can't you see I'm on a date?"
"I'm well aware." Harry commented, "You know about the Yule Ball right?"
"Of course I do. Its Tournament tradition." Draco snapped back.
"And have you asked anyone yet?" Harry asked.
Draco's cheeks went a bit red, "No it hasn't been announced yet."
"Is there anyone you're planning to ask?" Harry inquired nodding his head in the direction of Ginny.
The blonde's face got redder, "Maybe…why?"
"Well since I'm legally emancipated now I'm planning to sneaking Hermione, Luna, and Neville off to Diagon Alley to do some shopping for the ball. I know for a fact Ginny's mom likely just got her something cheap and modest. Wouldn't you like to see her all dolled up when you go to the ball together?" Harry teased.
Draco gawked, "How would we pay for it, I have to have Sirius's permission to use Black Family funds."
"I'll cover it. Sirius can reimburse me later." Harry shrugged.
"Really?" the blonde stared.
"Yes," Harry said firmly, "Now go ask her and meet us at the Shrieking Shack." He said, "Go!" he hissed then pushed the blonde out from behind the shelf they were talking behind.
Harry watched as Draco gulped nervously.
The blonde then made his way over to Ginny and stepped up beside her, "Uh…Ginny."
The youngest Weasley turned to him, "Oh there you are? Find anything?" she asked.
"Uh not really…" Draco replied, "Um I don't know if you know this but the Tri-Wizard Tournament has a tradition of holding a Ball on Christmas Eve called the Yule Ball and uh…I know they haven't announced it officially yet but when they do…um…I know this is our first date and all but I was really hoping…you'd go with me."
Ginny blinked and stared, "Really?" she asked her cheeks turning red like her hair, "I…I don't really have anything I could wear at something like that. Not anything that would look good compared to what you might wear."
At this point Harry popped his head around the corner, "Don't worry Gin I got you cover say yes!" he hissed then hid himself again.
The girl blinked, "Was that Harry?"
Draco sighed, "Yes…he's taking Hermione, Luna, and Neville to Diagon Alley to go shopping for the ball and has agreed to cover the expense."
Ginny crossed her arms, "Is he the reason you're asking me?" she asked looking sternly at the blonde.
"NO!" Draco exclaimed, "I was going to ask you anyway! I was just going to wait for the official announcement before I did. But Harry thought if I asked you now instead we could all go shopping together. Does that make sense?" the blonde was panicking.
Ginny kept her stern expression for a moment then smiled, "Okay." She said, "I'll be your date to the Ball."
The blonde smiled brightly but before he could say anything Harry peeked his head around the corner again, "Shrieking Shack six minutes." He said then promptly left.
"Oh my god I can't believe I ever liked him." Ginny grumbled.
Six minutes later the group had met up at the Shrieking Shack as Harry requested. Once everyone arrived Harry took Neville and Luna's arms, "Apparated before?" he asked.
"With my Gran." Neville replied.
Harry looked to Luna who shook here head, "No, but I'll be fine."
"Alright then," Harry said then looked to the other three, "Be right back. They was then gone with a CRACK.
"When did he learn how to apparate?" Ginny asked looking to Hermione.
"Uh…" Hermione was trying to think desperately to come up with an answer, "I think Sirius taught him." She lied, knowing Harry knew how to apparate since he was mentally eighteen.
"Well that's not fair." Draco commented, "I'll have to get mother to teach me."
CRACK, Harry was back, "Okay Ginny, Draco your next." He said as he grabbed their arms, "Done this before?" he asked as he had with Neville and Luna. Draco nodded and Ginny shook her head. "Be prepared for some light vomiting then." He told her. CRACK. They were gone leaving Hermione standing there alone.
She fidgeted nervously for a bit due to the silence then suddenly a loud CRACK came from behind her. She jumped, "Must you scare me Harry." She said as she turned to him.
Harry was grinning, "Sorry, but your startled face is utterly adorable." He replied which made the girl go red.
"You're the worst." She grumbled.
Harry the slid up to her now standing only a inch apart from each other, "I know, it's a shame your stuck with me as your soulmate isn't it?"
"A tragedy really." Hermione commented back.
Harry quirked an eyebrow, "Is that so?" he smiled. Before Hermione could reply through he slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer holding onto her firmly, "I'll just have to change your mind."
Hermione's face was scarlet, "You can try." She commented.
Harry grinned, "Hang on tight." He told her.
Hermione then wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and CRACK.
The next thing she knew she was standing on the street of Diagon Alley. She didn't feel nauseous at all this time. She then looked up at Harry who was still holding her by the waist, "That felt different than with McGonagall." She said.
"Agreed it was the easiest apparition I've even done." Harry said as he looked down smiling at her.
Hermione smiled back but before she could reply Ginny cleared her throat. "Guys, we're right here."
Hermione whipped her head to the right to see their four friends standing there watching, "Uh…right." Was all she said.
"You two dating now or what?" Draco asked.
"Huh?" Hermione asked.
"You do look awfully cozy." Luna said with a smirk.
Hermione then looked back to Harry and realized their close proximity. Her eyes widened and she leapt away, "Nope, still not dating." She said quickly.
"You're not?" Neville asked, "I thought you've been dating since the end of last term."
"No." Hermione said straightening her clothes a bit, "Still just friends." Her face was as red as a tomato.
"Uh huh." Ginny replied, "We'll see how long that lasts."
"We're here to shop right?" Draco said.
"Right," Harry finally spoke up, "Draco where is your mother's favorite boutique?" he asked.
"That place isn't cheap Harry." The blonde replied.
"You sorely underestimate how rich the Potter family actually is." Harry replied.
"Alright then." Draco replied, "Follow me." He then led them off.
Draco led them to a high end boutique on Diagon Alley and once inside Harry walked up to the counter to speak to the receptionist, "Good afternoon." He smiled to the young woman behind the counter, "These three lovely ladies need dresses." He said as he gestured to Luna, Hermione, and Ginny. "Spare no expense and send the bill to Ragnok the Head Account Manager at Gringotts. He'll take care of it." He then allowed his Potter Family ring to appear on his finger to clearly show it off.
The young woman's eyes widened as she saw the ring, "Of course sir." She then looked to the three girls, "You may join me in the back when you're ready." She then scurried off with an excited look on her face.
Harry turned back to his friends, "You heard her girls. Go nuts. Accessories, shoes, make up, the works. Us guys will head to Twilfitt and Tattings an get our own stuff."
"Shouldn't we pick colors first?" Ginny asked.
Harry looked to Hermione, "What do you think?"
"We could do green?" Hermione said blushing a bit.
"How do you feel about gold Neville?" Luna asked her Ball partner.
"That sounds nice." The nervous boy gulped.
"How about blue for us?" Draco suggested to Ginny, "It will pair nicely with your hair."
"That sounds good." She smiled, "The blue will make your silver eyes pop too."
"Sounds like we're all set." Harry smiled, "You ladies have fun. We'll meet you outside Florean's in about two hours. That will give us time to shop then get back to Hogsmead before anyone notices we're gone."
"Oh merlin what if we get caught?" Neville whined.
"Don't worry Neville." Luna said, "We'll be fine."
The girl then got on her tippy toes and kissed the nervous boy's cheek which seemed to make Neville go stiff as a board. She then walked off tugging Hermione and Ginny along with her leaving Draco and Harry to sort out the bumbling mess she just turned Neville into.
"You know, I used to think she was just crazy," Draco mumbled, "Now I know she's a cunning little vixen. Look what she did to Longbottom." He pointed to Neville who was slightly swaying in a daze.
Harry just laughed, "That's Luna for you. You expect one thing and she does the complete opposite." He said as he grabbed Neville by the arm and started pulling him along, "Come on lover boy." He said as he led his housemate out.
Harry was looking at himself in the mirror while wearing the robes Draco had picked out for him, "You got great taste Black." He called.
"Of course I do." The blonde commented as he too stood in front of a mirror fixing his cuff, "I was raised by a Malfoy, one good thing from growing up with my father is I have excellent taste."
"Guys are you sure this suits me?" Neville whined.
"Longbottom you look good stop worrying so much." Draco said, "As I've said, I have great taste."
"Now we just give the color schemes and we're good to go." Harry smiled.
"Yes but how do we know the right shade to chose without seeing the girls dresses?" the blonde asked.
"No need to worry, I'm sure Luna has that covered." Harry smiled while getting a confused look from Draco and Neville, "Lets go." He said.
Each boy changed back into their clothes before going up to the counter to let the clerk know the color scheme they wanted. Then promptly left the shop. "We're done a bit earlier than expected what should we do?" Neville suggested.
"Hmmm, you're right we have another forty-five minutes." Harry mumbled, "Oooo I know! Lets go to Ollivander's." He grinned.
"What for?" Draco asked.
"To get Neville a new wand." Harry replied.
Neville gawked at this, "What? No! Wait, can we do that?" he asked.
"Sure why not? Your Gran is still being a pain about taking you right?" Harry asked to which Neville nodded, "Well lets just go behind her back then. She can't say anything if I pay for it." He smiled.
"Harry I don't know, You're already getting me those fancy robes." Neville fidgeted.
"Nev relax you can pay me back in the future when you've become Lord of your house." Harry tells him.
"I better start saving receipts." His fellow Gryffindor grumbled.
Off the three of them went to Ollivander's, and after thirty minutes they walked out with Neville holding a brand new wand. "If my Gran finds out about this I'm so dead." The boy said.
"Just hide it in your trunk when you go home for the Holidays then when your at Hogwarts swap them out." Draco suggested.
"Right…I suppose that will work." Neville muttered.
"Come on guys I think the girls are waiting on us." Harry said.
Sure enough, when the three boy approached Florean's Hermione, Ginny, and Luna all stood outside of it.
Luna spotted them first, "There you are. Was your extra stop productive?" she asked.
Harry smirked, "Yes, Neville got exactly what he needed."
"Wonderful." Luna smiled, "As did we."
"Harry are you sure you're okay with this?" Ginny asked, "I saw the bill it was massive!"
Harry laughed, "I highly doubt you even made a small dent in my family fortune. Ask Hermione she saw my vaults."
"He's right." Hermione said, "I hate to agree but that number you saw on the bill won't even scratch the surface of what Harry has in his vaults. Its mind boggling really."
"He's that loaded?!" Ginny gawked, "Way to go Hermione." She mumbled.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing." Ginny said grinning.
"Alright lets get back to Hogsmead." Harry said grabbing Neville and Luna's arms, "Ready?" the two nodded. CRACK. They were gone.
Harry dropped the two of them behind Honeyduke's but before he went back for the other three Luna grabbed his arm, "Fair warning." She whispered, "Be prepared the night of the Ball. If you don't brace yourself you'll faint when you see Hermione in her new dress." The blonde girl smiled as she let him go.
Harry smirked, "Thanks for the warning. I can't wait." He then apparated away with a CRACK.
Up Next: Harry has his first meeting with Skeeter and things go exactly a Harry plans.
Chapter 19: Squashing Bugs
The month went by r,ather quickly after that day.
Harry walked the halls of Hogwarts daily and noticed the badges people were wearing that promoted Cedric as the true Hogwarts Champion but they would quickly morph to read out 'POTTER STINKS'. As a group of girls walked by wearing the badges proudly while Harry and Hermione sat in the courtyard he wondered aloud, "Wonder who made those this time?"
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"You've seen the badges right?" He looked to her and she nodded, "In my last life Draco made them." He explained, "But Draco's on our side this go around so I'm curious who would be bored enough to make all those things."
"Hmmm. I doubt it was Ron." Hermione stated, "Fred and George are still keeping him on a tight leash."
"Perhaps Pansy? I mean seeing as I've apparently 'stolen' her precious Draco from her." Harry rolled his eyes as he remembered the remark the pug girl made one day as Harry, Hermione, Draco, and Ginny left the library.
She blamed Harry for everything, which she technically wasn't wrong about, but she added that Harry and the 'Gryffindorks' stole Draco from her. Draco had rolled his eyes and dragged Ginny away while Harry just laughed his head off at the insinuation.
Hermione chuckled as she remembered the encounter, "That girl needs to see a Mind Healer." She says as she sets the book she was reading to the side. "Aside from us not having Ron around is anything else different this time?"
"Well, I expected to hear from Hagrid by now regarding the dragons. Then there is 'Moody', he's not being as nosey as he was in my last life. Still I should warn Cedric about the dragons. Its only fair that he be fully prepared like the rest of us." Harry said.
"Perhaps do it anonymously?" Hermione suggested.
"Great idea!" Harry smiled then stood, "I'm going to get my cloak. See you at dinner?" he asked.
"I'll save your seat." She smiled back her cheeks a little pink.
'How did I not notice how adorable she gets when she embarrassed?' He thought, 'Fucking Dumbledore.'
Harry then retrieved his cloak from his room then waited outside the dungeons for Diggory.
Harry had thought about Cedric for a while now. He didn't want the Hufflepuff to die this time around so he planned to just let Cedric deal with the Imperiused Krum while he got to the Cup. It would be a bit ruthless of him but Cedric handled the Bulgarian Seeker on his own just fine in his last life so he really shouldn't be worried. As he thought about his plans he saw Cedric coming up from the Dungeons to head to dinner.
The seventh year Hufflepuff had Cho on his arm which made Harry chuckle a bit especially noticing the older teen's disheveled hair, 'They had to either be in a broom cupboard or Diggory snuck her into his dorm either way go on him.' Harry then dropped a folded piece of parchment then flicked his wand at it. The parchment turned into a origami mouse and scurried after Cedric then climbing into the boy's robes.
"There, he has been officially warned." Harry muttered then turned to head back to Gryffindor Tower.
However he paused when he noticed Fake Moody heading down to the dungeons. A sly grin crept across Harry's face as the man walked right by him while his magical eye was completely oblivious. As he walked away Harry followed, using the Muffliato Charm to silence his footsteps.
Harry knew where the imposter was headed.
He needed more ingredients for his Polyjuice Potions so he was heading for Snape's storeroom.
Though Harry had already informed his godfather's new boyfriend of Crouch Junior's sticky fingers and Snape assured him that the fiend would be in for a startling surprise the next time he broke in. Knowing this Harry was deeply curious as to what exactly Snape had planned hence why he chose to follow Fake Moody down to the storeroom.
Harry stopped just outside the storeroom and watched as Crouch was attempting to break in. Harry refused to get caught in the middle of whatever trap Snape had set so he watched with a smug expression on his face.
When the imposter finally got the door open he had a look of victory on his face. However the moment he stepped inside metal wires suddenly shot out. The wires wrapped around the man's arms tightly and suspended him in the air making it look a if he was being crucified. Another wire shot up from the floor and bound the imposters legs and just before the door shut all on its own trapping him inside Harry pulled off the cloak with a grin and waved at Junior who saw him and his eyes went wide.
"Well then I'll leave him to Snape. I'm sure he plans to bust him after dinner so the Polyjuice Potion has time to wear off." Harry said then threw his cloak back on and started making his way back to Gryffindor tower.
The reveal of Barty Crouch Junior came the next day.
Dumbledore spoke at breakfast and informed them of the imposter that had been among them for months. They even got a testimony stating he had been the one to put Harry's name into the goblet. Though surprisingly the old man didn't tell the students why.
Harry assumed Junior must have admitted to them he was trying to revive Voldemort.
Harry couldn't figure out if Dumbledore left that information out because there was no undeniable proof or if he had been talked out of it. Either way the students were then informed until the real Moody recovered from his three month confinement Professor Snape and Professor Flitwit would be substituting for him.
However all this changed Harry's original plan.
With Crouch out of the way the Triwizard Cup wouldn't be turned into a portkey which meant Harry no longer had to win.
Instead he could sit back and bomb all the tasks without worry.
However the Slytherin in Harry just couldn't abide that idea. This would be a great opportunity to show everyone just how powerful he really was. He had no interest in actually winning the tournament but he could still display a show of force that would in turn make people realize he was not one to be trifled with.
With that in mind Harry completely dismissed his original plan of dealing with the dragon during the first task.
Hermione's idea had been similar to the plan from his first life but instead of summoning his broom Harry would summon a sleeping potion, brewed by Severus, that was so powerful the fumes alone would put the beast asleep. While this would be quick and effective Harry decide now that Crouch was out of the way he was just going to use brute force, though he refused to tell Hermione his new plan, 'She'll kill me herself.' he thought.
Finally the day came for the Weighing of the Wands. Harry sat in his Potions class awaiting Colin's arrival. He tapped his foot rather impatiently which annoyed Hermione and Draco, who sat on either side of him, to no end. Hermione even reached over and grabbed his knee firmly to stop his bouncing leg.
"Relax." She said in a hushed tone.
She may have thought she was helping to calm him but for Harry her hand on his leg did nothing but irritate his teenage hormones.
He quickly pulled his leg out of her reach, his face having gone red. 'Crap!' he internally screamed, 'Why did she have to do that?! That only made things harder…literally.' He now had a slight erection that he was hiding by keeping his legs closed, 'Having the mentality of an eighteen year old in a fourteen year old body really fucking sucks!' He now prayed for Colin to show up. He needed to put distance between himself and Hermione as quickly as possible. And his plan for Skeeter would likely distract him from the lecherous thoughts that were jumping around in his head.
When the third year finally came to get him Harry practically fled from the room at top speed calling over his shoulder, "See you at dinner." to Hermione.
After he got to the classroom in which the ceremony was to take place he saw Dumbledore, Fudge, Bagman, Madam Maxime, and Kakaroff off in the corner while the champions all stood around Ollivander, 'Guess we get to see how good Snape's memory modification skills are.' He thought remembering how he had stayed outside when Neville got his new wand.
He moved to join the other Champions. However as soon as Cedric spotted him, the seventh year Hufflepuff walked over and pulled Harry aside.
"Harry, I have to tell you something when we're done here. Will you have a minute?" the brunette asked.
Harry was intrigued by this and smiled, "Sure thing Ced." He smiled.
"Oh and about those stupid badges…I've asked people not to wear them." The teen states.
"I know you have Cedric." Harry tells him and pats his arm, "I'm not worried about it."
"You sure?" the Hufflepuff asks.
"It's just some moron trying to stir up strife between us." Harry tells him. "We both know I want nothing to do with this tournament. But since I'm being forced to participate we are both Champions of Hogwarts. So lets just do our best and may the best man win." Harry extended his hand to the, physically, older boy.
Cedric looks down at Harry's hand and smiles, "Right." He says then shakes it. After their little 'bro' moment the two join the other Champions and the Weighing begins.
Harry watches from the back as one by one his fellow Champions surrender their wand to Ollivander. His comments to them were the same as they were in his last life. But when he took Harry's then man looks up at him, "Ah Mr. Potter how is my father's creation treating you?" he inquires politely.
"Quite spectacularly." Harry responds, "Its even better than my old wand."
At these words Dumbledore swooped in, "You had to get a new wand?" he asked looking utterly flabbergasted.
"Indeed." Ollivander said, "Mr. Potter visited me shortly after the summer holiday's began." The old man explained, "The wand I sold to him four years ago had been snapped in half."
Dumbledore looked to Harry with wide eyes.
Harry simply looked at him and shrugged, "My Uncle Vernon threw a fit when I came home about how I accidentally blew his sister up like a balloon last summer." Harry told him. "As soon as we were in the house he took my wand and snapped it." Harry lied with relative ease.
Dumbledore stared his eyes wide with shock. The old man then looked to Ollivander, "This wand wasn't made by you?" he asked.
"Oh no." the wandmaker smiled, "It was one of my father's creations. After we tried nearly forty wands I noticed the box it was kept in was vibrating which was the first time the wand ever showed a reaction to anyone. It had been in storage during Mr. Potter's first visit to my shop four years ago. I had only recently dug it out. I had intended to keep it as a memento of my father but seeing the wand reaction to Mr. Potter I had to sell it to him."
"I of course compensated him extra for having to part with it." Harry added with a smile happy to see Snape's memory modification had been exquisitely done.
"Is the wand suitable?" Dumbledore asked the old wandmaker.
"Oh yes," Ollivander replied as he looked it over, "It was made with two wood types," he explained, "with a phoenix feather core. Eleven inches, sturdy, and unyielding." He said as he passed the wand back to Harry, "I'm proud to see one of my father's final works to have found its wielder." He smiled.
"Thank you sir, I'll continue to take excellent care of it." Harry said as he slipped the wand into his holster on his arm.
Harry glanced the old man's way to see him looking rather perplex but he then turned and walked back over to the other committee member's.
Harry then joined the other contestants as they all posed for pictures. Then she came in.
Rita Skeeter walked into the room looking as harlot like as ever. Harry had to hold back a look of revulsion as she smiled sweetly at them. "What a charismatic quartet." She smiled.
She went about her nonsense of wanting to unmask them all for her 'readers' while Harry tuned her out a bit having heard it all before. When she approached him and grabbed his arm Harry sighed, 'Same old Skeeter.'
"Shall we start with the youngest?" she asked then moved to pull Harry away.
Harry swatted her hand causing her to retract it, "I can walk myself thanks." He said as he straightened his robes.
"Of course you can." She smiled but Harry could see she was a bit miffed, "Follow me."
Harry did and he was once again led to a broom cupboard as he had been in his last life. Once inside Harry discretely flicked his wand casting privacy wards then without batting an eye he walked to the seat meant for him and sat down, "Please Miss Skeeter," he gestured to her seat, "Take a seat."
The woman cocked an eyebrow at him and walked over sitting across from him. As she pulled out her vicious and tacky peacock feathered Quik-Quotes quill Harry raised an eyebrow, "You don't mind if I use a Quik-Quotes quill do you?" she appeared to be ready to move on without giving Harry a chance to respond but he spoke first.
"Actually I do." He smiled. She looked at him surprised. "Forgive me but I've done my research on you Miss Skeeter." With a flick of his wand her quill went limp and fell to the floor with a clatter, "Let's just say…I'm not impressed."
She looked from Harry to her lifeless quill then back to Harry her eyes clearly showing her shock.
At that moment a ladybug seemed to float over and landed on Harry's shoulder. Harry looked to it for a moment then promptly smacked his hand down on top of it which seemed to startle the woman in front of him as she gawked. This was part of Harry plan. The 'ladybug' he just squashed had actually been conjured by Snape and had been following Harry all day for this exact moment. Intimidation.
He looks to her as he makes a show of wiping his hand on his trousers, "I hate bugs." He says looking directly at Skeeter with a smirk.
Her eyes widen at his statement. She gulps a bit, "Is that so?"
"Yea." Harry smiled, "Anytime I see them I squash them. My friends like to do the same because they know how much I UTTERLY HATE BUGS." He put extra emphasis on the last three words and Skeeter's face went pale. "Now then, I have a proposal for you." Harry lifts his right leg and sets his foot on top of his left knee.
She gulped, "W…what kind of proposal?" she asks.
"You see Miss Skeeter I've recently learned that certain aspects of my life have been…for lack of a better word…'controlled'." He began, "I have recently taken steps to insure that will no longer happen in the future. However the one responsible must still be punished. After researching your…work. I noticed you have a habit of getting the most tantalizing and most secretive of scoops. Many have confirmed after you published articles that the conversations you 'quoted' were done in private. Makes one wonder…" he was grinning, "if they checked the room for bugs."
Again she gulped nervously, "What do you want from me Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"Its quite simple really." Harry tells her, "When it comes to writing any articles regarding me, my family, and my friends you will use the absolute truth. None of your usual…speculations and the like. Should you uphold this request I will personally sign a contract with you giving you every little exclusive regarding me henceforth. Now is that not tantalizing? Being the one reporter allowed to write about 'The Boy Who Lived'?" he asked.
She gave a curt nod, "Very tantalizing indeed, but what of this person who has been controlling your life? You said he needs to be punished? How exactly?"
Harry's grin grew, "Well I said you couldn't right your usual slander about me, my family, or my friends. I never said you couldn't use your…talents on others."
Her eyes widened, "Is there anyone in particular you'd like me to…direct my talents at?" she asked.
"Well a few." He said, "But before we get to that I'd like to see how well you keep your word regarding being truthful in your articles regarding me. Starting now. From now until the end of this tournament I will be looking VERY closely at your coverage of the tournament. Should you meet my standards I will invite you to my home over the summer for an in-depth interview with me. How does that sound?"
"That sounds…" she paused, "very agreeable Mr. Potter." She stood and stuck out her hand.
Harry smiled, "Excellent." He stood as well and shook her hand, "Now shall we move on to your first interview with me?"
Up Next: Harry shocks everyone with his performance in the first task...particularly Hermione
Chapter 20: The Bond is Sealed
Trouble With-in Hogwarts
By: Rita Skeeter
Welcome back my dear readers.
At the beginning of this term for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry the Triwizard tournament was announced leading many students among the student body seemed eager to become the Hogwarts Champion for the competition, though it appeared that some were not too thrilled about the age restriction. However, on the night of the Selection Ceremony when Cedric Diggory was called as the Hogwarts Champion the students of Hogwarts erupted in applause.
Cedric Diggory, a seventh year Hufflepuff, is well liked among his peers throughout all the houses at Hogwarts. He is an accomplished student who received numerous O's on his O. so response to him becoming the Hogwarts Champion was well received. However underhanded tactics made it so the young man wasn't the only Champion of Hogwarts to be chosen.
Shortly after Cedric was led away to be given a briefing with the other champions the Goblet of Fire erupted once again shooting out another parchment. The name of the mysterious fourth competitor was none other than Harry Potter.
Yes, you read that right Ladies and Gentlemen. Fourteen year old Harry Potter was selected as the mysterious fourth competitor in the Triwizard tournament. Before anyone could speculate his entrance however the boy himself was outraged. Harry stated before the student bodies of all three schools and the tournament committee that he wanted an investigation as to why his name came out of the Goblet seeing as he nor any of his friends ever went near the goblet.
According to a reliable source, the Headmaster of Durmstrang, Igor Kakaroff, blatantly accused the young Boy Who Lived of putting himself in this tournament. But eyewitnesses state Harry was not having that.
"Harry looked at that stuck up prick in his face a basically said, 'You know who I am right? You know how much money my family has? So what need do I have to be in this tournament?" sixth year George Weasley told me when asked for clarification regarding the matter. "And he was right. Everyone knows who Harry Potter is. And the Potter Family is an Ancient and Most Noble House so of course their loaded he had no need to participate in this tournament." The sixth year Gryffindor added.
Upon further investigation it was later learned that the man responsible for entering Harry into the Tournament was the Chairman of The Tournament committee Bartimus Crouch's son, Bartimus Crouch Junior. Now many of you may know this but for those who don't, allow me to enlighten you on a few key details.
Crouch Jr. was a convicted Death Eater who was serving time in Azkaban after being identified as one of the assailants who brutally tortured Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom. After looking into Azkaban records it was learned that Junior supposedly died only a year after his incarceration. So imagine the DMLE's surprise when Severus Snape, Potions Master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, contacted them after finding the man alive and well in his storage closet.
According to the Head of Slytherin house, he had noticed someone had been stealing from his stores and set a trap thus resulting in the criminal's capture. After interrogation while under Veritaserum, Crouch Junior confirmed his father and mother swapped the two of them as his mother didn't want him to suffer in Azkaban. After hearing this Head of the DMLE Amelia Bones arrested Crouch Senior but it was quickly learned Senior was under the Imperius Curse.
Junior was confirmed responsible for the curse on his father and also stated he was the one responsible for casting the Dark Mark in the sky after the attack at the World Cup. He then admitted to also attacking Retired Auror Alastor Moody with the help of Peter Pettigrew.
His reason? To bring You-Know-Who back by getting Harry into the Tournament forcing him to compete with plans to help him win so he could be whisked away during the final task where the Boy Who Lived would be used to help revive Voldemort.
We reached out to the Ministry to comment on this matter and the Minister had this to say, "These are nothing more than the words of a Madman. There is no way You-Know-Who could be revived." Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge stated.
However after speaking with the new Lord of House Potter our famous Boy Who Lived had this to say, "I'm not surprised. It wouldn't be the first time he tried to come back. I had to fight him my first year when Voldemort hitched a ride on the back of our DADA professor's head and tried to steal the Sorcerer's Stone that was being kept in the school."
Alarmed by this, I reached out to Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall for clarification. The Transfiguration professor confirmed during the 1991-1992 school year the Sorcerer's Stone, created by the famed Nicolas Flamel, was indeed being kept in the castle under protection. "The Headmaster asked me and other Professors to create protections but not only was Quirrell able to get passed them, three first year students also managed to get past them in their attempt to stop You-Know-Who and his 'taxi' from getting to it. To this day I'm ashamed at myself for not listening when Potter and his friends tried to warn me. They did MY job."
After hearing all this I for one hope the DMLE actually looks into these instances because if You-Know-Who is out there and trying to regain a body we could all be in real danger.
Interviews with Champions on page 3
Harry had a smirk on his face when he read Rita's recent article. Minutes later owls swooped into the Great Hall.
All of them headed for Dumbledore.
There were howlers, cursed letters and even a dungbomb that exploded as soon as it landed. He was being berated for putting students in danger with the Stone incident and also for not doing more to keep Harry out of the tournament. Harry was actually laughing at this which made Draco, Hermione, Luna, Ginny, and Neville all start laughing as well, though the others were much more discrete than Harry.
This continued as a daily occurrence all the way up to the first task.
On the day, Harry stood at the back of the tent with his eyes closed while he focused his magics. He was busy determining the extent of his magic reserves so he knew just how quickly he had to end his planned tussle with the Horntail. Bagman entered the tent making a lot of noise which only annoyed Harry. He opened his eyes and glanced to Cedric who was pacing and looking nervous. Cedric spotted Harry looking and gave Harry a nod.
After their interviews a week ago, Cedric had pulled Harry aside and tried to warn him about the dragons. The teen was surprised when Harry told him he already knew and he was the one who gave the Hufflepuff the note. Cedric thanked him profusely to which Harry waved him off and told him to just stay alive and that would be thanks enough. Now Cedric seemed to be pacing while he formulated a plan to do as Harry asked and 'Stay alive'.
Harry sighed and prepared to resume his mental training Severus suggested but before he could he heard a familiar voice from behind the tent flap, "Pssst, Harry." Hermione's voice whispered.
Harry smiled, 'She's the same as ever.' He thought as he turned to the tent, "Yes?" the tone in which he said it indicated he had known she was coming.
"I really hate it when you do that." Hermione mumbled.
"Do what?" Harry asked.
"That annoying tone you get when you know what someone's gonna do." She responded.
"Sorry Mione." He said back, "But you have to remember a lot of the things that are happening are like déjà vu for me."
"Yea…I guess you're right." She said through the hide flap, "Are you alright…you remember the plan right?"
"Yes." Harry told her, "I'll be fine Hermione." He then counted down in his head, '3…2…1.'
Hermione pushed the flap out of the way and hugged him tightly making his neck pop. 'Geez have her hugs always been so bone crushing?' But he just chuckled and hugged her back around the waist pulling her close.
There was a sudden flash and Skeeter's Voice suddenly called, "Oh my! Is this young love Harry?"
Hermione immediately pulled away red in the face, Harry sighed, "I'm abstaining from commenting at this time Miss Skeeter." He said firmly giving the woman a warning look.
Rita smiled, "Very well, I look forward to that particular interview." She gave a slight excited giggle then turned and walked away with her photographer.
"She's not going to put that picture in the paper is she Harry?" Hermione whined a bit.
"No," Harry told her, "She has her orders." He pets Hermione's head, "It will be fine."
Hermione smiles and nods before glancing Krum's way, "What's with him?" she asked.
Harry followed her eyes and saw the Durmstrang was glaring at Harry with a death stare, "Well…he was supposed to be the one who was courting you this year. But you've been avoiding him and dismissing him since he got here and now your clinging to my arm." Harry said wiggling the arm that Hermione was latched onto a bit. "He's obviously jealous." He explained.
"But why?" Hermione asked, "Its not like I'm that much of a catch." She mumbled the last part.
Harry's eyebrow twitched at that statement, "Don't talk about yourself like that Hermione." He said firmly, "You're brilliant, kind, and beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you different. Anyone who tries is a fucking idiot."
Before Hermione could respond to Harry's declaration Dumbledore enters, "Champion's gather round!" he called.
Harry just walked over with Hermione still latched onto his arm. Dumbledore began his speech but then spotted Hermione, "What are you doing here Miss Granger?"
Hermione looked to be about ready to stammer her response and go as she had done in his last life but Harry quickly took her hand and squeezed it, "She's here because I asked her to be." He said firmly looking at Dumbledore defiantly.
To his credit, the old man didn't say another word about it. They just went on about the first task as Harry pulled Hermione behind him a bit as things were discussed. Then they each chose their dragon.
Just as before Fleur went first getting the Welsh Green, followed by Krum getting the Chinese Fireball, then Cedric once again got the Swedish Short-snout.
When it was Harry's turn he said nothing and pulled out the miniature Hungarian Horntail, 'Its like they are trying to kill me letting the fourteen year old get the most aggressive type of dragon.' He thought.
He, Hermione, Snape, and Sirius had done their research over the summer and concluded there were numerous other breeds they could have chosen from but they chose the most aggressive, most territorial dragon there was, but Harry just shrugged.
He then joined Hermione in the corner letting her hold on to the mini-dragon which was definitely more docile than the real Horntail.
"You'll be okay right?" she muttered, "According to you this thing has killed you before."
"I'm not going to die again Hermione I promise." Harry tells her taking her hand in his, "I got this."
The bushy headed Gryffindor simply let out a sigh, "Right…just stick to the plan." She affirmed.
"The plan…right." Was all Harry said but this got him a side eyed look from his best friend, "I know the plan!" he affirmed holding up his hands in surrender while thinking, 'She's so going to kill me later.'
After each of the other champions took their turn, finishing the exact same way they had before, it was finally Harry's turn.
Hermione went up to the stands to watch with Draco, Luna, Neville and Ginny leaving Harry to stand at the tent exit. He had his eyes closed and he took a deep calming breath. At this point Cedric had just returned from getting his score and looked Harry's way. The older teen prepared to walk over to give the younger boy some words of encouragement but froze mid-step.
Harry's wand hand slipped into his hand just before Harry opened his eyes and for a moment the Hufflepuff swore he saw Harry's green irises swirling which caused him to take a step back in surprise.
The cannon sounded and Harry walked out before Cedric could say anything or ask him about that. Not that Harry would have any clue what the Hufflepuff meant seeing as even he was still unsure just how much the Family Magics he had received over the summer had affected him.
Harry walked out into the arena and stopped.
Just as before the Horntail was not immediately in sight. He waited, not moving an inch until he heard the sound of a rattling chain and the sound of claws scraping across stone. The beast came into view and Harry looked up at it tilting his head to the side, 'Ya know…its not nearly as scary the second time around.' He then shrugged his shoulders and assumed a stance, "Lets go ugly…I have better things to do."
Harry was unsure if the dragon could understand him but his comment seemed to enrage the beast. It reared it head back preparing to unleash its fire breath but just before it did Harry stuck his wand out and cried out, "PROTEGO MAXIMA!"
Fire erupted from the dragon's mouth but before it could touch Harry it collided with an invisible barrier thus sending its flames in every other direction. When the beast finally stopped Harry just smiled, "Surely that's not your best." He said his attitude rather cocky.
The dragon let out a roar and moved to swing it spike tail at Harry but Harry swiped his wand up and the stone around him shot up creating a wall, "Spongify!" he called just as the beasts tail was to connect with the wall.
The spikes on the dragon's tail didn't pierce the slab, instead the spikes sunk in as if it was mush. With the momentum absorbed the spiked tail bounced back smashing into the far wall. Harry quickly flourished his wand at the wall the tail hit and the beast's tail began to sink in swallowing it. Harry flicked his wand at the wall and the stone hardened again trapping the beast.
Enraged by this, the dragon began breathing fire again, but another Protego Maxima shielded Harry without so much as singeing his clothes. The Horntail quickly learned it breath was not doing anything so it started ramming its body against the wall that was confining its tail. Harry just chuckled before casting the same spell that trapped the beast tail to the ground at its feet. The dragon began thrashing as its feet started to sink. Harry just watched as its feet sunk until it got to what Harry figured was its knees, he then flicked his wand again the ground hardened once again.
With that done Harry started walking forward towards the nest as the beast roared and tried to break free. He ignored it until the dragon once again directed its fire breath at him. Harry just simply cast his Protego Maxima again and kept walking as the flames bounces off his shield. He made it to the nest grabbed his egg and then made his way out all while keeping his Protego up as the Horntail had continued to shoot flames at him since it couldn't break free from its restraints. Once Harry was out of range the dragon wranglers jumped in and began trying to free the beast so they could contain it.
Harry entered the tent and tossed his egg over to the bed he was meant to use for treatment while Madam Pomfrey rushed him to check him for injuries, "Madam Pomfrey I'm fine, really there isn't even a scratch on me." He tried to assure the frantic woman but she wouldn't have it. She insisted on running diagnostics on him only to be baffled to see he was indeed completely unharmed.
As the Matron looked over the results in shock Harry noticed Dumbledore had entered the tent and was looking right at him in astonishment. Harry smirked a bit but said nothing until Madam Pomfrey released him to go get his scores. As he stood there waiting for the judges to score him he caught sight of Hermione in the stands who was glaring down at him with a look of utter fury, 'Yea…I'm dead…I'm more afraid of Hermione than I was the Horntail…' he thought.
The judges then gave their scores. Bagman gave him a ten, which Harry expected. Amelia Bones, who was now taking Crouch Senior's place on the judging committee, also gave him a ten as she looked at Harry with an impressed expression. Surprisingly Madam Maxime also gave him a ten, 'I suppose she knows power when she sees it.' He thought.
Dumbledore gave Harry a nine, which made Harry cock an eyebrow at the old man. Meanwhile Kakaroff gave Harry an eight. At that Harry took a page out of Sirius's book and flipped the man off which got applause from the entire crowd who were booing the Durmstrang Headmaster for his score.
This gave Harry the score of forty-seven which placed him in a tie with Cedric who also scored forty-seven, Krum came in second with the score of forty, while Fleur came in last with the score of twenty-five.
'That's all the same except this time Cedric and I tied.' Harry thought then shrugged and went back to the tent for the briefing of the second task.
Harry ended up tuning out the entire speech and sighed in relief when they were dismissed. He grabbed his egg and left the tent to see Cedric surrounded by his fellow Hufflepuffs and a few others from different houses including Cho, who was hugging onto the teen while sobbing. Cedric looked a bit uncomfortable by this but didn't seem to be trying to get away so Harry shrugged and started making his way to find his friends. However before he could Neville came running up out of no where.
"Harry! Hermione's coming!" He said frantically.
"What?" Harry asked, but before Neville could elaborate Harry was suddenly tackled to the ground by a bushy headed missile sending his egg flying into the air.
Neville caught the egg as he looked down on the scene before him.
Harry was now sprawled out on his back his face twisted in pain while Hermione had her arms around his neck and her face buried into his neck as she cried quietly. "Oh…that's what you meant." Harry groaned out and slowly brought his arms around Hermione, "Mione I'm okay…breath…its all good."
"All good?" Hermione's quiet sobs stopped and Harry immediately sensed he was in danger. Hermione then sat up as slapped him right across the face, "ALL GOOD?! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING HARRY JAMES POTTER?!" she started punching at his chest repeatedly, "WHY CAN YOU NEVER STICK TO A PLAN?! A SIMPLE ACCIO AND YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN DONE! BUUUT NOOO! YOU HAD TO SHOW OFF!"
Throughout her rant she kept punching Harry in the chest again and again until she stopped and started crying again. Harry sighed and reached up wiping the tears away gently with his thumbs, "I'm sorry Hermione…I thought the dragon would be a great test for my Family Magics. I wanted to see just how deep my reserves go."
She looked at him surprised and Harry noticed when her brain clicked the information he just gave her, "And?" she asked.
He smiled, "Didn't even scratch the surface." He replied.
She sighed, "God your such an idiot." Mumbled. She then bit her lower lip for a moment and before Harry knew what was happening she had pushed him back down and kissed him hard on the mouth.
Harry's eyes went wide at the kiss which at first was just a chaste meeting of lips, but that change as soon as Harry wrapped his arms around her, one hand holding her waist the other the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss. It felt as if everything around him was shaking, but he didn't care in the slightest. He continued to kiss her as it felt as if something deep inside, which had been missing something, just became whole. Though his eyes were closed he could see lights shining brightly through his eyelids.
After what felt like an eternity of them kissing they finally pulled away and Harry slowly opened his eyes to see Hermione's big chocolate brown eyes looking into his only now the edge of her irises had a green hue to them. Harry couldn't see his own eyes but Hermione certainly noticed the brown that now encircled Harry's green irises, "Your eyes." They both said in unison.
But before either could contemplate what was going on Draco walked up and pulled Hermione off Harry while Snape picked Harry up off the ground, "Stay quiet and follow me." He growled as he pushed Harry towards the castle while Draco escorted Hermione, albeit more gently.
Harry had no idea what was happening as he was led to the castle by Snape, "What are you on about?" He asked his godfather's boyfriend.
"Shut up and keep walking before Dumbledore catches up." Snape hissed.
The Potion's Master led them down to the dungeon and entered the his private quarters practically throwing Harry inside. As soon as Draco led Hermione in Snape turned to his godson, "Out." He said firmly.
"But professor…" Draco tried to protest.
"Not now Draco, Potter and I need to have a discussion one that you can not be apart of due to an Unbreakable Vow, now leave." He ordered.
"Yes sir." Draco looked to Harry who looked baffled.
Once the blonde left Snape rounded on Harry, "Did you know?"
"Know what?" Harry asked.
"Did you know that you and Miss Granger were soulmates?" the Slytherin head growled only more firmly.
Harry was surprised by the question, "Um…yea…Death told me."
"And you didn't bother tell any of the adults in your life because?" Snape snarled.
"Uh, I thought it was something personal between me and Hermione." Harry said as if it were obvious.
Snape put his fingertips to his forehead and begins massaging them gently, "You're going to be the death of me Potter."
"Professor what is the issue with Harry and I being soulmates?" Hermione asked.
"I'm glad you asked Granger, allow me to explain." The Potion's Master replied in a slight condescending tone, "Soulmates meeting is a rare occurrence in this world. Every living person on this planet has a soulmate. Even muggles. However just because a person has a soulmate does not mean they will ever meet them. There are 5.6 billion people on this planet so the odds of a person meeting their soulmate is rather low, however when it comes to witches and wizards our soulmates are always magical as well. Thus making our chances to meet our soulmates much easier than it would be for muggles. However like muggles we are not guaranteed to meet our soul mate. Take me for example, I'm thirty-four and have yet to meet my supposed soulmate. For all I know they could be dead by now." Harry resisted the urge to ask the question that popped into his head that would have inquired if Snape thought Harry's mother had been his soulmate, "The fact that you two are soulmates and that you both attend this school is astounding in itself."
"I don't understand Professor." Hermione spoke up, "Why is it bad that we are soulmates?"
Snape sighed, "Miss Granger while there are many benefits to finding ones soulmate and sealing the bond, there is one major flaw. When one of the pair dies so does the other."
Harry's eyes widened at this, "Come again?"
"You heard me Potter." The man snapped, "If two people who are soulmates seal their bond and one of them dies the other dies as well."
Both Harry and Hermione looked to each other then back to Snape, "How…how does a bond get sealed?" Hermione asked.
"Between soulmates its quite simple really." Snape said, "One kiss and the bond is sealed…permanently."
Harry's face went white, "Oh fuck…" was all he mutters.
"Yes Potter, "Snape said, "The two of you just sealed your bond. In front of at least a hundred witnesses. Now you've made yourself a giant weakness. If one of you falls so does the other."
Up Next: Harry is panicking due to the new information he's been given. After a heart to Heart with Hermione he calms a bit but a new bit of information is set to get the Boy Who Lived all worked up again
Chapter 21: Here Comes the Bride
Harry was now pacing the room.
The information Snape just gave them changed everything.
Hermione's life was now tied to his, 'Wish Death and Fate opted to share that little piece of information.' He internally growled.
With Crouch Junior's capture. Harry had intended to leave Voldemort alone for the time being but with this new information that was not a safe option, "I have to kill him now." He mumbles aloud.
"What?" Hermione and Snape said together.
"Voldemort." Harry said as he kept pacing, "I have to get rid of him now…he's too dangerous."
"And how do you plan on doing that?" Severus asked.
"All his Horcruxes have been handled but one." Harry says, "The Diary was destroyed my second year, the ring was taken care of when I summoned the stone to me, and the goblins have taken care of the locket, diadem, and cup. The one in me was destroyed when I came back. That only leaves, the snake."
"Nagini?" Severus asked to confirm.
"Yes." Harry said, "If Voldemort and Pettigrew are still hiding at Riddle Manor we could ambush them. Pettigrew will be practically useless, and Voldemort is nothing more than a wrinkly deformed baby. We should dispose of him before he gets a body. He may try using someone else now that Crouch was caught. We should move in on him and soon."
"Harry this is dangerous." Hermione tried to interject.
"No what's dangerous is your life being tied to mine while an insane mass murder is out to get me!" Harry snapped, "He needs to be taken care of immediately!"
"Potter!" Snape hissed snapping Harry's attention to him, "Relax and breathe." Harry blinked for a moment then took a shaky breath before exhaling, "Good, now stop trying to handle this on your own! Was this not the very reason Death let you tell myself, Black, Lupin, and Granger here everything. So we could help you?"
Harry nods, "Right…sorry I panicked."
"Good, now we need information." Snape explained, "Firstly, we need to know if the Dark Lord and Pettigrew are still at Riddle Manor."
"I can't see into his mind like in my old life." Harry explained, "With the horcrux in my scar gone our mental connection is broken."
"Then we will need someone to investigate." Snape said.
"That will be dangerous!" Harry proclaimed, "Why don't we just set Anti-Apparition wards around the place and set it on fire with a Fiendfyre." He seemed very enthusiastic about this plan.
"That spell would likely end up swallowing the entire village." Snape growled, "Be logical!"
Harry took another deep breath trying to calm his mind, "Okay…we need to know if he's still there. Why don't I apparate over and use my cloak to investigate? The cloak is flawless now, they wouldn't be able to see me."
"No!" Hermione objected, "That's still too dangerous."
"Granger is absolutely right." Snape affirmed, "The Dark Lord may be in a weakened state but he is no fool. If he is still there, the place will be like a fortress. Detection wards, Inferi, traps, everything needed to by buy time for an escape. What you need first is surveillance. Then a well executed plan with allies involved. No one should go there alone!" the Potion's Master affirmed.
"But there is only five of us!" Harry countered.
"You are forgetting Narcissa and Draco." Snape countered.
"And Professor McGonagall!" Hermione added.
Harry blinked, "They don't know the full story!"
"Then we tell them what we can." Severus affirmed, "Minerva will like agree immediately. She will not let her students rush off to danger without proper back up."
"And Draco and his mum have sworn Oaths of Loyalty to House Black. If Sirius says they need to fight. They will." Hermione explains.
"That still only makes eight people!" Harry said, "Two which are fourth years without any experience. I fought in a war before coming back."
"Do you think I was sitting idly reading all summer?" Hermione spat, "After everything you told us I basically forced my parents to let me stay at Grimmauld place and whenever you weren't around had Sirius and Remus training me to fight. I'm not helpless!"
Harry stared at her, "This is different Hermione."
"How?" she snapped.
"Because in my last life we weren't bound together!" Harry declared.
"What does that matter now?!" she shot back, "Even if I don't go if you make one mistake we both die!"
"ENOUGH!" Snape shouts, "This is getting us no where. I suggest we gather our comrades and convene to hear everyone's thoughts."
"Professor!" Harry exclaimed.
"Potter!" he warned, "I'm fulling the obligation your mother asked of me. That is the end of this conversation. I will be reaching out to our contacts and we'll set up a meeting. Until then you are not to leave this castle am I understood?" he hissed.
Harry scowled, "Yes sir." He grumbled.
"Good now, I suggest the two of you come up with an explanation of your little show you put on when sealing the bond." Snape affirms, "Now go. I have letters to write."
Harry stood there for a moment until Hermione came over and gently took his hand, "Come on Harry." She said in that comforting tone and Harry couldn't refuse her so he let her drag him out.
Harry was silent as Hermione led him down the hall but instead of taking him to Gryffindor tower she leads him to an abandoned classroom and closes the door. After locking the door and throwing up Privacy wards she turned to Harry, "What's wrong with you?"
"I didn't know…." He mumbles, "I didn't know that us being soulmates meant you'd follow me even in death." He was shaking.
Hermione stepped up to him, "Harry tell me, the Hermione in the future you came from, did she run when faced with danger?"
Harry scoffs, "Of course not." He replied, "She followed me onto the battlefield without a second thought."
"Then why do you think I'm going to be any different?" she asked.
"That was different." He mumbled, "We weren't bound together. I willing went to my death in that life knowing you and the others still had a chance for survival. This is just like it was then. All the Horcruxes were destroyed but the snake. That was all that was left. So long as one of you killed the snake Voldemort would have been finished. But now…I can't think straight!" His hands moved to his hair as he started pacing again.
"Harry stop!" Hermione grabs his shoulders and turns him to face her, "You have to stop thinking as this as a liability."
"How else am I supposed to think about it?" he asks, "You don't have the battle experience I have. You have no idea what its like watching those you care about, those you love, dying right in front of you. First it was Sirius. Then Dumbledore, of course I can't stand him now. Then it was Moody, the real one, he was an ass but he was pretty cool. Then Dobby, Remus, his wife, Fred, and Snape…they all died because of me."
"No Harry." Hermione said, "They died because of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. They died fighting for what they thought was right." She gently placed her hands on his cheeks and smiled, "Dumbledore aside, each and everyone of those people you named fought not just to protect you, but also to protect those they loved. And now WE have a chance to spare them those fates."
Harry stared into her brown eyes, seeing the bit of green around her irises, "Your eyes…they have green in them now." He mumbles.
She smiled, "Yours have a little brown in them." She says.
Harry leaned his forehead against hers and chuckled, "I don't know what to do Hermione."
"That's why you have me." She said, "Who kept you alive throughout that war?"
He snorts a bit, "You did."
"Has any of my plans really failed?" she asked.
"No…but-" he started to say but Hermione interrupted him.
"No 'buts'." She said, "You need to have faith in me and in your allies. Stop trying to take everything onto your own shoulders. Let us help you. That's why we're here."
"Okay." He mumbled.
She smiled, "Sirius was right. You may have the mind of an eighteen year old, but you still think like a kid."
He chuckles, "Sorry…I guess I've always just thought I had to do everything alone."
"And that where you mess up." Hermione says gently, "You're not alone Harry. You've never been alone. And now you never will be. You're stuck with me."
Harry's arms slide up to her waist and pull her closer, "I don't deserve you ya know."
"I'll be the judge of that." She says before tilting her head up a bit and gently pressing her lips to his.
The moment her lips touched his Harry seemed to forget everything else.
He kissed her back, gently at first, but soon they both deepened the kissed. One of his hands sliding to her lower back while the other slipped up to the back of her neck gently holding her there as the kiss grew more passionate. He had no idea how long they had been at it but eventually they parted both panting a bit.
"So…" he said breaking the silence, "Does this mean we're dating?"
"Well I don't just snog anyone." She shot back.
They both chuckled a little.
Harry pulled her closer, "I'm going to keep you safe." He said firmly.
"We'll keep each other safe." She told him sternly to which he nodded.
"As you wish." He replied with a smile.
"Come on…I'm sure the other's in Gryffindor Tower are ready to celebrate their champion." She stepped back taking his hand in hers as she gently started pulling him along, and he followed happily like a puppy following his owner.
The twins had the party already going long before Harry and Hermione ever arrived. When the two of them entered hand in hand, everyone in the common room cheered. "The Gryffindor Power couple has arrived!" Fred called out as soon as he spotted them.
"How was that snog Harry?" Angelina Johnson asked.
"Mind your business!" Harry shot back his cheeks a bit red.
"So are you two finally a thing?" Ginny asked.
"Yes." Hermione said firmly now having realized if she didn't take the initiative Harry would simply let it lie until he fretted about for days.
"Finally!" The youngest Weasley said, "Its about bloody time!" she then hops up.
"Little sister stop teasing." George told her, "Or would you like us to tell everyone here about your new boyfriend?"
Ginny gawked, "You swore!"
"No need to be shy Gin." Harry smirks, "I'm sure Draco is the best boyfriend he could be."
"Harry!" the girl screeched.
"You're dating Malfoy?!" Katie Bell exclaimed.
"His last name is Black now." Fred corrected, "But yes she is. George and I caught the two of them snogging in the library."
"Why the library of all places?" Hermione asked a bit annoyed.
"It just…happened." Ginny said blushing, "One minute we're looking up spells and the next…I kissed him. He was surprised but kissed me back almost immediately…it divulged from there."
"Gin practically had her tongue down his throat by the time we caught them." George said smirking.
"I did not!" she exclaimed.
Fred laughed, "No but you did ruffle his hair up. It was all over the place."
That had Harry howling in laughter.
The thought of the prim and proper Draco, who always had his hair styled to perfection, with disheveled hair was utterly amusing.
"Okay so we are all dying to know," Seamus asked, "What the bloody hell was with the shaking and the twinkle lights when you two were going at it."
"In front of the whole school, I'd like to add." Lavender states, "Way to stake your claim Hermione." the girl smiling at her dorm mate like a proud teacher. There was a gleam in her eye.
"Lav!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Oh? Know something the rest of us don't Lav?" Pavarti asks inquisitively.
"Hermione came to me a few weeks ago for relationship advice." the girl smiled.
"Hermione!" Ginny shrieks, "Why didn't you come to me?"
"I'm sorry." Hermione says flatly, "I thought about it but it felt...weird to talk to someone I see as a younger sister about it so I went to the person I know with most experience."
Harry does not bother to point out that in his last life Ginny had numerous boyfriends through out there fifth and sixth year. 'She is younger now. I'm not actually sure when she start dating. I know she did go to the Yule Ball with Neville. Could they have been secretly dating and hiding it? Neville is shy. And Gin would have likely worried about what Ron would do to Neville in our dorm.'
He shrugs the thought away seeing as it was useless information now. Ginny was now definitely dating Draco and the blonde seemed very devoted.
Harry had noticed since they came back from their Diagon Alley shopping trip, that Draco is practically Ginny's servant.
During meals he makes her a plate of all her favorites before he even considers himself. When we leave a group meeting he immediately picks up Ginny's bag and books before getting his own. After every class he bolts out of the room to go check on her before the next.
'Wait a second...bloody hell he's a better boyfriend than me!' He internally screamed. 'I mean technically we just started dating but we've known about the Soul Mate thing for a while now. Do I even know her favorite food?'
He pause his train of thought to check, 'She likes pudding. She always goes for a second helping after dessert. Does she have a favorite book?' he pauses again to dig through his own memories.
'Hogwarts: A History, is definitely her favorite magical book. She always had a copy and would read it regularly even in the tent.' But he didn't know her favorite muggle book.
He was sure she had one though.
Now he wanted to know these things.
'But how do I go about getting the information?' He grumbles in his own head.
'Do I ask her directly to tell me? Ask her friends? Or Parents? Or just stare at her until I memorize it all?' That last one seemed like his best option. Less humiliating. But it would take longer.
'I mean we're Soul Mates so well end up together forever but I shouldn't slack off. I wouldn't want a marriage like the Dursleys.'
He pause again, 'Wait we never talked about marriage. Bugger I'm jumping too far ahead! I haven't even asked her what she wants!Will she want to get married? Have kids? I know I've always wanted too. I used to fantasize about mine and Ginny's kids. Their names. What they'd look like. That was the potion though. Ugh! Stop thinking about it we're fourteen! Well she's fifteen.'
"Harry?" Hermione says snapping him out of his thoughts, "Your brooding I can feel it. What are you thinking about?"
"Our future kids." He suddenly blurts out before slapping his hand to his mouth shock that he said that aloud in front of everyone.
The twins grin devilishly, then start humming the tune to 'The Wedding March'.
Hermione's face is flushed with embarrassment.
"Wow Harry." Dean speaks up, "That was smooth."
"Hermione I think you just got proposed too." Lavender teased.
"Here comes the bride!~" the twins sing out in unison.
"Shut up all of you!" Harry barks, "That just slipped out!"
Everyone laughs.
Seamus speaks up, "Back to my question please. Why did the ground shake?"
"That was just Harry's magic." Hermione quickly lied, "Ever since he took up his Family Magic he has accidental burst all the time."
"Then he must've really like that kiss." Ginny teased.
"Yes I did!" Harry admits firmly deciding to play along with Hermione's lie.
"Alright we've teased them enough." Fred says seeing Hermione's cherry red face must have been enough entertainment for him.
"Fine." Seamus say then tosses Harry the egg, "Go on open it up so we can hear the clue!"
"Uh you don't want me to do that?" Harry said immediately.
"What?! Come on Harry show us please!" Colin begged excitedly holding up his camera ready to snap a picture when Harry opened it.
"I checked before I came." He lied, "I just screams."
"What?" the whole room asked.
"I can prove it but better cover your ears." he lifts the egg and moves to unlatch it as everyone proceeds to cover their ears.
He opens the egg.
The mermaid voice screeches out sounding like a wailing dementor.
He then closes it quickly, "See?" he says.
"What the bloody hell was that?!" Ron suddenly screeches from the doorway to the dorms.
"Nothing Ron." George told his brother, "Just a prank the tournament is playing on Harry."
The younger Weasley scoffs, "Keep it down." he growls and turns to go back up stairs.
When he is well out of ear shot Lavender speaks, "What is going on with him? He's been an ass since the year started."
"My older brother is suffering from an inferiority complex." Ginny says bluntly.
This earned her snorts of laughter from her other two older brothers.
And with that the night came to an end.
The following day Harry, Hermione, and Draco are walking into Hogsmead together.
McGonagall had dropped by this morning before he left Gryffindor Tower to inform him that during today's visit he and Hermione were expected in one of the private rooms at The Three Broomsticks for a meeting. Draco had been informed the same by Snape.
Harry sighed, "I assume we'll be discussing yesterday." he mutters.
"Definitely." Draco comments.
"What do you know about what happened?" Hermione asked the blonde.
"I know the story you told Ginny and the other Gryffindors is bullshit." he said firmly. "I haven't told her the truth...it not my truth to tell." the blonde adds.
"Thanks..." Harry mutters.
The three of them arrive at the pub and ask Madam Rosmerta about a private room under Sirius's name. They are directed to the stairs and told to go to room three.
Once outside the door Harry takes a deep breath then opens it.
Inside they see Sirius, Narcissa, Severus, Remus, McGonagall, and surprisingly Madam Bones and Sir Ragnok all sitting around a table.
"Harry!" Sirius said standing. From his seat beside Severus. He walks around the room and pulls Harry into a hug, "Congratulations!" the animagus roared out, "But honestly why didn't you tell me?"
"Sorry I thought it was a little personal. I tried to keep it from Hermione too, but that didn't work out." Harry admits as he pulls back from the hug.
"I understand pup, just remember you can tell me anything." Sirius says as he ruffles Harry's hair.
"Enough of that." Severus calls, "We need to have an important discussion."
Sirius huffs, "Yes love." he calls back.
Severus glowers a bit his pale face getting a touch red. Apparently pet names embarrass him.
Sirius returns to his seat and Harry takes his spot beside his godfather, Hermione sits in the empty seat beside Harry, and Draco sits in the remaining seat between Hermione and his own mother.
"Now then," Severus starts, "We are here to discuss the new situation that has occurred regarding Potter and Granger sealing their Soul Mate bond. On that note Sir Ragnok, thank you for join us. Please." he gestures for the goblin to begin.
"Thank you." The goblin replies and stands in his chair, "Normally," he begins, "I'd summon you to Gringotts for this but as you are currently in school I reached out to your godfather. He recommenced we meet here so not to draw your Headmaster's attention." he explains then looks to Harry and Hermione grinning.
He then sets two small velvet boxes onto the table.
"Yesterday evening I got notified that a Soul Mate bond was solidified between one of my clients. Imagine my surprise to learn it was you Lord Potter."
"Why were you notified?" Harry asks.
"Because Lord Potter, the magic of a Soul Mate bond is a powerful thing." Ragnok explains, "The moment one is sealed...everything changes."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asks nervously.
"As of six o'clock yesterday evening, following the sealing of your bond Miss Granger's status has now changed." He then wiggles his fingers and the boxes slide across the table only to stop in front of Hermione, "Congratulations," he snaps his fingers and the boxes open, "Lady Potter." he finishes.
Both Harry and Hermione stare down at the rings in the boxes.
One was made of white gold and looked like and extravagant engagement ring to Harry but instead of a diamond, a flawless round ruby was mounted on top.
The other was gold with a similar design but the gem was a brilliant emerald. The shape of it was similar to a triangle but curved.
Harry looked from the rings to Hermione then to Ragnok, "Huh?!" he says confused.
The goblins smirks, "With the sealing of your bond the young lady is now magically and legally...your wife."
"What?!" both Harry and Hermione exclaimed.
Up Next: Harry once again starts over thinking but is quickly brought back to the present thanks to a surprising source. Discussions move to Voldemort and their next step but whilst discussing a plan of action they catch an eavesdropper that may be able to assist them.