Chapter 7
Doppelganger Discussions, Part 2
Author's Note: I wasn't going to post this until closer to the end of the week, but due to the response I got for the last chapter, I decided to relieve my loyal readers and reviewers of the wait for the resolution after such a huge cliffhanger!
Remember that Poll I asked you to answer a few weeks ago? This chapter is the reason for it.
This chapter has the first example of a scene with young Harry and young Hermione alone without Lord and Lady Potter. For these scenes, I will be marking them with ("Harry" = Young Harry; "Hermione" = Young Hermione). This is so there is no confusion about who is talking in that specific scene.
Sunday, November 1st, 1994
"Okay," Lady Potter said, then grinned, "How about I start with the very first moment I fancied my future husband?"
"Oh, great idea, my love," Lord Potter said, "Turn the question on her. If this doesn't end with Harry realizing that the girl he fancies actually fancies him back… then well… he's more hopeless than I am!"
"To understand this," Lady Potter said, "We have to go back to our First Year here at Hogwarts. Harry, and Ron, had just saved me from a scary Troll in a bathroom. Harry, Ron and I were walking back to Gryffindor Tower, and I looked at Harry, and couldn't help but think… 'Harry looks so handsome, even covered in dirt and grime.' That was the first time I thought my best friend was handsome. We weren't 'best friends' right then and there, but… well, anyway…"
Harry's eyes widened, and he looked at Hermione, whose cheeks had gone pink and she was doing everything she could to avoid Harry's gaze.
"Of course," Lady Potter said, "The following morning I was kind of embarrassed with myself. Until the night before, I'd never even thought about whether or not boys were handsome or cute. And I started wondering… whether or not I was actually old enough to think boys were handsome yet. Mum hadn't given me the talk at that point in time. It wouldn't be until Christmas Break when she learned I had two boys as friends, that she had given me the talk. And yet, I thought I was much too young for her to talk to me about those subjects! But she insisted!"
"Oh, boy, did she," Hermione muttered in agreement.
"I'm getting ahead of myself," Lady Potter said, "For the next week following Halloween, I did my best not to even think about the words 'cute' or 'handsome.' And then that first Quidditch Match came, and Harry just had to look so cute in his Quidditch outfit, didn't he?!"
Now it was Harry's turn to blush, and avoid the gaze of everyone in the room.
"Skip ahead to the end of our first year," Lady Potter said. "We went through the Trap Door, solved all those puzzles, and then it was just you and me, Harry. After we solved Snape's Potions Puzzle. We were talking about Snape – or who we thought was Snape – and about how he was in the next room. And I ended up hugging you, Harry, for the very first time."
Lady Potter was looking at her husband, not the younger Harry.
"Do you remember the conversation we had right after that?" Lady Potter asked. "Because I'll remember that conversation for as long as I live. 'You're a great wizard.' 'Not as good as you.' 'Me… Books! And cleverness! There are more important things — friendship and bravery and — oh Harry —be careful!'
"However, the most important part of that conversation was the stuff I didn't say. Friendship… and bravery… and love. I wanted to say it. I did. But I couldn't. Once again, I was embarrassed. Why? Because… that was the moment I realized I fancied Harry Potter."
Again, Harry's eyes widened, and again, he looked over at Hermione. Hermione's cheeks were red and she was looking at her lap.
"The months went by, and you just grew cuter, more handsome," Lady Potter continued, "I hugged you several more times. Why? Because every hug reminded me of the first time I hugged you. Moments before I realized I fancied you. The summer before third year, when I realized we'd get to visit Hogsmeade, I fantasized about going on dates with you, Harry, to the village. And even if we didn't kiss, I'd get to hug you more. And then you told me you couldn't go to Hogsmeade. Didn't have permission. Suddenly, the visits to Hogsmeade just became that. Visits. Even when I went there with Ron, my visits with Ron weren't dates. Just visits. Hogsmeade visits were supposed to be fun, but I didn't want to have fun. Because you weren't there with me, Harry. I didn't want to enjoy myself, because I thought that I'd be betraying you in some way.
"And then just like that, it was the end of third year. We used the Time Turner, to go and save not just Sirius, but also Buckbeak. When I realized we'd have to fly on Buckbeak to get to Sirius, I was scared to death. My fear of heights was roaring at me like a dragon. But then, I suddenly wasn't afraid. Why? Because I was with you, Harry. My hero. You scared that dragon away. You helped me overcome my fear and just like that… it was no longer a little girl's innocent fancy. That night, I fell madly in love with Harry James Potter."
Harry was staring forward again.
"And now," Lady Potter said, "We're going to get some peeks into the future. Or our future… a future that might not happen with the two of you. In case you didn't know, there will be a Yule Ball, a dance, on Christmas. Well, when I heard about that, I was fantasizing about the possibility of Harry asking me to the Yule Ball. Only… I was hit with a sudden realization. Harry didn't fancy me… he fancied Cho Chang. So… when the Yule Ball was announced, a couple days after the First Task, Professor McGonagall kept Harry behind in class to talk to him about the Ball. I knew, as a Champion, Harry would have to lead the Ball with the other Champions. And to do that, he would need a date to the Ball. I was pretty sure Professor McGonagall was encouraging him to find a date. Well, when Harry didn't immediately ask me to the Ball, it all came crashing down. I started having doubts about Harry. About if my desires and fantasies would come true. If my fancy was just one-sided. And then, one day, I was sitting in the Library, when the Durmstrang Champion Viktor Krum approached me. He asked me to the Yule Ball."
Hermione and Harry's heads jerked up and looked at Lady Potter.
Lady Potter smiled sadly. "At that moment, I felt desired by someone. Someone was actually attracted to me. So… I said 'yes'."
"Dear?" Lord Potter asked, "Should we tell them about your suspicions that you and Viktor were dosed with Attraction Potions to each other back then?"
"No," Lady Potter said, "Not right now. If my suspicions are correct, it will never happen to her, thanks to the bracelets, and hopefully by then, the two of them going to the Yule Ball together will be a sure thing."
"Viktor Krum?" Hermione asked, "Really?!"
"Yeah," Lady Potter said. "Of course, I wanted to keep it a surprise from Harry and Ron. Mostly Harry. Oh, I was being such a bitch leading up to the Ball. I had a date to the Ball. Harry and Ron didn't have a date yet. Harry tried to ask Cho Chang out, but she was already going with Cedric Diggory."
"I ended up asking Parvati Patil," Lord Potter said, "And I begged Parvati to ask her sister to go with Ron. Don't ask… looking back, I feel horrible about it. Neither of the Patils had a great night at the Yule Ball… well, most of the night anyway. After my first dance with Parvati, I didn't want to dance anymore. And Ron… he didn't want to dance at all. I think the Patils ended up dancing with some of the blokes from the other two schools. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
"The best part of the Yule Ball happened before it even began," Lord Potter said, "Hermione walked down the stairs into the Entrance Hall and… I was completely stunned. She was breathtaking and beautiful and… oh, believe me, I realized I fancied her. But I couldn't tell her, could I? Why would a girl that beautiful want me? More than just a friend I mean. Why would she want me in the romantic sense? There were plenty of good looking boys around Hogwarts, after all. Obviously I didn't know at the time that I was the one she found most handsome."
Hermione blushed and smiled.
"I'm afraid the rest of our story is going to have to wait," Lady Potter said. "There's things that we can't talk about yet. If we told you anymore… well…"
"I think I understand," Hermione said. "Thank you for telling us that much."
Harry frowned, and for a moment, Lord Potter thought it was because he and Lady Potter had stopped their story before it had really begun. Then Harry turned to Hermione.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can I talk to you, for a moment? In private?"
Hermione blushed again, and nodded. "Okay, Harry."
"You can have your discussion over at the table, Harry, Hermione," Lady Potter said, "You're not allowed in each other's rooms, after all."
"But it won't be private!" Hermione said, "Unless… are you going to go to your room now?"
"No," Lady Potter said, "I'm going to teach you a spell. It is called Muffliato. If you point it at the table and sit down. Anyone trying to hear you have a conversation at the table, will only hear buzzing bees."
"Oh, that's brilliant!" Hermione said.
Lady Potter taught Hermione how to pronounce and cast the spell. Hermione then cast the spell at the table, and sat down at the table with Harry.
"Don't tell me," Lord Potter said.
"It's not going to happen yet," Lady Potter said, "Don't worry. I wouldn't be surprised if Harry asks her to the Yule Ball though. But, I don't think they're going to kiss yet."
"I don't think he's going to ask her to the Ball," Lord Potter said, "Not yet. I know what he is going to do. Make sure she isn't going to go with Viktor Krum. I could tell he really hated the idea of her going with him. Of course he doesn't know your suspicions about why you and Viktor went together.""Then why wouldn't he ask her to the Ball now?" Lady Potter asked.
Lord Potter shrugged. "I suppose we'll see what happens."
Sunday, November 1st, 1994 ("Harry" = Young Harry; "Hermione" = Young Hermione).
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Hermione asked.
"Was all that stuff Lady Potter said true?" Harry asked.
Hermione blushed and nodded. "Yes, Harry. At least… everything leading up to the end of third year."
"Okay," Harry said, then cleared his throat. "Hermione, I… I don't know… right now… what my feelings are… for you."
"Oh," Hermione said, looking sad.
"However," Harry said, "I really don't like the idea of you going to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum."
Hermione laughed wryly. "To be honest… me neither. I don't know why Lady Potter accepted to go with him. Honestly, that's why I am so shocked that she mentioned Krum. My parents would never accept me dating someone who was three years older than me. Especially someone I don't know, someone who is basically a stranger. They must have been so disappointed with her."
"I want to ask you to the Yule Ball," Harry said, then quickly raised a hand, "Don't answer that yet! Listen… I was thinking about what Lord Potter said. About how he had a horrible date with Parvati. I don't want that to happen to you. I want you to have a wonderful night at the Yule Ball. Whether it be with me… or someone else. And, well… I was also thinking about what Lady Potter said. In the days after the first task, Professor McGonagall will announce the Yule Ball. When she does… well, if I don't ask you to the Yule Ball on that day, by the end of that day. Feel free to go with someone else. But… just… will you wait for me? I want to… figure out what I feel for you, Hermione. Just… give me a little time."
Hermione's eyes went moist with tears, and Harry was horrified.
"Oh, Hermione, don't cry!" Harry said, "I didn't mean to upset you!"
"You didn't upset me," Hermione said, "Harry, that was the most mature thing I've ever heard you say. I mean it."
Harry totally didn't expect that response. "Er… what?"
"Harry, I thought you were going to ask me on a date – either the Yule Ball or Hogsmeade," Hermione said, "But only because of what Lady Potter told you. I thought you were going to be like 'Well, Lady Potter and Hermione are the same person, right? Their first through third years were the same experience, right? So she must be in love with me! So I'm going to ask her out!' I thought you'd ask me out because Lady Potter basically told you that I fancied you.
"Harry, I'm perfectly fine with waiting until Professor McGonagall announces the Ball. Because by then, I'll know you've thought long and hard about whether or not you want to ask me out. And, if you do ask me out… then I'll know that what you feel for me is real."
"Uh… really?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Hermione said, "It's not like I'll be waiting too long. Only until the end of the month. What's another few weeks when I've been fantasizing about you asking me on a date since the summer before our third year."
"Okay," Harry said, "Glad to have cleared that up. You know… Lord and Lady Potter are staring at us."
"They probably think you wanted to talk to me in private so you could ask me on a date," Hermione said.
"What should we tell them?" Harry asked.
"The truth," Hermione said, "However, we'll do so in private. You talk with Lord Potter, and I'll go talk with Lady Potter."
"Alright," Harry said, "I really wish we could call them something besides Lord and Lady Potter."
"Oh… why?" Hermione asked.
"Because I know how the future me feels about the future you," Harry said, "And it's not going to help me make my decision about how I feel about you."
"You feel like… it is inevitable that we'll be married?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, and I really hate that I feel that way," Harry said. "I mean… if we do end up getting together, and eventually marry, will it be my choice? Or will I feel influenced by Lord Potter?"
"Well, look at it this way," Hermione said, "When they fell through the portals, our timelines split into two paths. Their old timeline and our new one. So the road they took might not happen. Which means…"
"I'm free to make my own choices," Harry said, "Thanks, Hermione."
"Harry… tell Lord Potter what you just told me," Hermione said, "That you feel like, because he's married to Lady Potter, that you feel influenced to feel the same. I think he'll give you some good advice."
"Alright," Harry said.
Hermione canceled the Charm. "Can we talk in private, Lady Potter?"
"Yes, dear, of course," Lady Potter said.
"Would you like to talk to me privately, Harry?" Lord Potter asked.
Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."
"How about we just sit out here then?" Lord Potter asked, "And let them take one of the bedrooms."
Harry nodded again, and watched Hermione as she and Lady Potter headed into Lord and Lady Potter's bedroom.
"So, Harry," Lord Potter said, "Let's talk."
Sunday, November 1st, 1994
Lady Potter led Hermione into her and Lord Potter's bedroom.
"Wow!" Hermione exclaimed, "This is nice!"
Lady Potter decided, as she shut the door to the bedroom, not to tell Hermione that it was a replica of the Master bedroom at Potter Manor. She'd let her find that out for herself.
"Yes, it is very cozy," Lady Potter said, then smirked, "Almost feels like home."
"I bet," Hermione said.
Hermione walked over to the bed and sat down on the end of it. Lady Potter conjured a chair, and placed it a few feet away from Hermione, then sat down.
"So, Hermione," Lady Potter said, "Did Harry ask you out?"
"Um… not yet," Hermione said, "He's still trying to figure out his feelings for me. But – um – he wants me to wait for him. Until the day Professor McGonagall announces the Yule Ball. He said if he doesn't ask me out that day, then I should feel free to accept a date with someone else."
"But you don't want to accept a date with someone else," Lady Potter guessed.
"No," Hermione said, blinking back tears, "I don't."
"I don't blame you one bit," Lady Potter said, "You don't know how jealous I am of you right now, Hermione. Or will be… if you and Harry go to the Yule Ball together. You'll have three more years together as a couple with Harry than I ever got."
Hermione blushed. "We might not end up as a couple if we do go to the Ball together."
"You will if you kiss him," Lady Potter said.
"What do you mean by that?" Hermione asked.
"There's a reason I stopped my story about how Harry and I got together – well, right before we got to the part where he and I got together," Lady Potter said, "I didn't feel Harry was mature enough yet to handle the information. I think, however, that you are ready to hear it."
"Okay," Hermione said, slowly.
"It's your choice, Hermione," Lady Potter said, "But know this… if I tell you the story, it will give you a new perspective of exactly how your relationship with Harry might go. Well, maybe not as fast as my husband and I did. But we were three years older than you and Harry are now. We were ready to make such moves."
"You can tell me," Hermione said.
"Okay," Lady Potter said, "Well, my husband and I explained to you and Harry about the end of our friendship with Ron, and when the Love Potions and stuff were finally purged from our bodies. The following day, we were feeling depressed and upset. Mostly because we were victims of such cruel things. I was crying – you know how we get when we cry. We turn on the radio and listen to music."
"Yeah," Hermione said, "I miss having radios here at Hogwarts."
"I felt the same," Lady Potter said, "Well, when a particularly good song came over the radio, Harry came over to me, took my hand and pulled me from the chair, and took me in his arms. We were finally doing what we should have done at the Yule Ball. We were dancing together. And just like that, all those feelings that had been blocked away by those Potions, they all came rushing back in. That was when I told Harry exactly how I felt about him. And I told him I'd been in love with him since the night we rode Buckbeak.
"Harry said he has fancied me since the night of the Yule Ball. And… then we kissed. And I broke into tears. I promised Harry that they were happy tears. But I told him we should have had our first kiss three years ago. Harry agreed with me. We kissed two or three times during that dance. And when the song was over… I told him I was tired, and I wanted to think about what just happened. I kissed him again and went to bed.
"The following morning I woke up, and Harry was ranting about Ron and Ginny and Molly, and how they had stolen three years of a relationship from us. And I told him to shut up, that I was trying to sleep. He told me he didn't say anything. I thought 'I heard you screaming, you idiot!' And Harry goes 'Don't call me an idiot!'"
Hermione gasped, and put a hand over her mouth. Her eyes went misty, and she used the same hand to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"You're not saying…" Hermione began.
"Yes?" Lady Potter asked, with a smile.
"You were reading each other's mind," Hermione said, "But that's… that's a symptom of…"
"Of a Soul-Bond," Lady Potter finished. "Which begins to form after a Bonded pair's first kiss."
Oh my god," Hermione whispered.
"It only took me a few minutes to realize what was going on," Lady Potter said, "Like you, like what you're feeling now… I couldn't believe it. It had to be impossible! And then I tested it again. I spoke telepathically to Harry for the first time. He answered my question out loud. And then I spoke to him telepathically again. I said 'read my lips, I'm not talking out loud.' And that was when I told him about the Soul-Bond."
"S-so, Harry and I…" Hermione began.
"When you have your first kiss, the first stage of your Soul-Bond will begin," Lady Potter said, "You and Harry could refer to each other as boyfriend and girlfriend, but in the eyes of Magic, you'd be Engaged. But you wouldn't be magically Married until…"
"Until we have sex," Hermione whispered, then blushed deeply, "Okay, I understand what you meant our relationship won't go as fast as yours. We're fourteen and fifteen. You were… seventeen and eighteen? Wait… does that mean that you two…"
"We made love for the first time, exactly two weeks later," Lady Potter said. "But during those first two weeks, we kissed, and cuddled up together, and even slept in the same bed together, because I knew our Bond would want us to be close during the initial phases of the Bond."
"Lady Potter," Hermione said, "What's going to happen when our Bond forms? I mean… Harry and I can't exactly sleep in the same bed here at Hogwarts."
"We – Lord Potter and I, and you and Harry – can talk to Professor McGonagall about the Soul-Bond," Lady Potter said, "More likely than not, you'll end up back in these Private Quarters with my husband and me. We'll request one more additional bedroom, with a bed fit for the pair of you. For those evenings when you feel you need to sleep next to each other. You'll still have your other rooms, for when you can sleep apart. However, young lady, Charms will be placed on both of you, when you want to share a bed, so you can't remove your pajamas."
Hermione blushed. "Of course. I understand."
Hermione then frowned and looked toward the door. "Lady Potter? Harry's really confused about his feelings about me. And the fact that he knows you and Lord Potter ended up married. It doesn't help him."
"Oh, dear," Lady Potter said, "That hadn't occurred to me. Harry feels like you being together is inevitable?"
"Yeah," Hermione said.
Lady Potter smiled. "He's right, you know. Even though it hasn't begun to form yet, you're a Soul-Bonded pair. You're meant to be together."
"I know," Hermione said, "Harry just doesn't know that yet."
"Don't worry, dear," Lady Potter said, "I know Harry will make the right choice."
Hermione smiled as pink blush rose on her cheeks.
"Yeah," she whispered. "Me too."
"Hermione," Lady Potter said, "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about. Something Lord Potter and I didn't discuss with Albus and Minerva, when we told them the story of what happened between the Choosing Ceremony and the First Task."
"Okay," Hermione said.
"Well," Lady Potter said, "It all started with Draco Malfoy…"
Sunday, November 1st, 1994 – A few minutes earlier
"So, Harry," Lord Potter said, "Let's talk."
Harry cleared his throat. "I… er… haven't asked Hermione out yet, if that is what you want to know."
"Oh?" Lord Potter asked.
"I told her I wanted to wait until Professor McGonagall announced the Yule Ball," Harry said, "I told her if I don't ask her to the Ball on the same day, she can feel free to accept a date with someone else. Between now and then, I… I wanted to think about my feelings for her."
"Even though you already know you fancy her?" Lord Potter asked.
"That's just the problem!" Harry exclaimed, "I fancy a lot of girls! How do I know Hermione's the one that I want to fall in love with?"
"Well, I know the answer to that already," Lord Potter said. "But I think I'm going to let you figure it out yourself."
"Thank you, that's very helpful," Harry said, sarcastically.
Lord Potter smiled, "Oh, believe me. You'll smack yourself in the head when you realize the answer. You'll realize you knew the answer all along. The problem is, Harry… I didn't realize the answer til the day of the Yule Ball. Then Hermione was dancing with Viktor Krum, and I realized… 'I'm too late, she feels that way for someone else. Not me.'"
"You said the Yule Ball was the first time you realized Hermione was beautiful," Harry said, "But that's just it, I think a lot of girls are beautiful."
Lord Potter smiled again. "You're getting closer. But I'm going to have to stop this topic right here. You need to figure out the rest on your own."
"You're not helping, you know?" Harry asked, in an accusing tone.
Lord Potter blinked. "How so?"
"You're married to your Hermione," Harry said, "How you feel about her is plainly obvious. You're four years older than me, and yet, we're still the same person. Maybe you've experienced more, but when it comes to Hermione… we're one in the same. But all that tells me is… it feels like it is inevitable that I'll end up with her. So how do I sort out my feelings when I know that already?"
"Well, I could Obliviate you of the fact that you know how future you ends up," Lord Potter suggested.
Harry scowled. "No thank you."
"Want to know what I think, Harry?" Lord Potter asked, "I think you already know the answer you're seeking. You just don't want to ask Hermione out today… because of what her older self revealed to you."
"That's what Hermione said," Harry said.
"Did she?" Lord Potter said, "And you're embarrassed that she's right, aren't you?"
"I just don't want her to be disappointed in me," Harry said.
"She won't be, I promise," Lord Potter said, "But, between you and me, if you want to wait to ask her out – even though you do seem to know what your feelings are for her – until Professor McGonagall announces the Ball, we'll keep that our little secret."
"Okay," Harry said.
"There's one more thing, Harry," Lord Potter said, "The biggest reason I fell in love with Hermione. At least, the reason I originally fell in love with her. Those other girls you're fancying. Most of them grew up learning about the Boy-Who-Lived. So they might still see you as that persona. Hermione… she has only ever seen you as Harry Potter."
Harry nodded. "I suppose that is a good point."
"The end of the month can't come soon enough, can it?" Lord Potter asked.
Harry shook his head.
"Well, just pray you're not the one chosen to be the Triwizard Champion," Lord Potter said, "Then the end of the month will be here faster than you think."
Harry gulped. "Even though your presence might be confusing me and how I feel about Hermione. I'm extremely thankful you're here, sir."
"Don't worry, kid," Lord Potter said, "I'm not going anywhere. Especially if you're the one chosen by the Goblet tonight. If you are, I will be your Mentor for the Tournament. I'll teach you everything I know."
"Thank you," Harry said, "That means a lot."
"Now, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about," Lord Potter said, "As you know, my wife and I are meeting with Amelia Bones tonight. After the Choosing Ceremony."
"Right," Harry said.
"I believe," Lord Potter said, "By the end of the conversation, Sirius Black will be one step closer to freedom."
Harry's eyes widened, and he grinned. "Really?!"
"Director Bones is the one person I trust to do the right thing for Sirius," Lord Potter said.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, "That means a lot."
"Believe me, Harry," Lord Potter said, "I want to see Sirius become a free man, just as much as you do."
Harry frowned. "He never got the chance to gain his freedom in your future, did he?"
Lord Potter shook his head.
"Did he…" Harry said, then paused and swallowed, "He died, didn't he?"
Lord Potter nodded his head. "Not this time, kid. I promise. I will do everything to make sure that doesn't happen. For both of us. And for Sirius, too."
Harry nodded. Lord Potter and Harry sat there in companionable silence, as they waited for their girls to come out of the bedroom.
Minutes later, the door opened. Lady Potter and Hermione stepped out of the room. Harry looked at Hermione, who was grinning for some reason. Lord Potter smiled, knowing exactly why Hermione was grinning.
"Hermione?" Harry asked. "Are your teeth different?"
Lord Potter was impressed that Harry had recognized the change immediately.
"Yes," Hermione said, nodding, "Lady Potter fixed them for me. How do I look?"
"How do you feel?" Harry countered.
"Good," Hermione said, "More… more confident in myself."
"Then I think you look great," Harry said.
Hermione's grin only grew larger.
"Wow, very suave, your Mini-Me is, Harry," Lady Potter said.
"Indeed," Lord Potter said, "Harry's going to ask Hermione to the Yule Ball after Professor McGonagall makes the announcement."
"I know," Lady Potter said, sadly, "And I am completely and utterly envious of them."
"Yeah," Lord Potter said, as he watched Harry and Hermione talk quietly amongst themselves, "Me too."
Chapter finished! And so you see the results of that Poll. Number 2, "When Harry asks Hermione to the Ball" ended up being the most popular. I combined the Poll on my profile on FFN, with the many comments and reviews on FFN and Ao3. If I went just by the Poll, on FFN, and not comments on Ao3, Number 1 would have won. But Number 2 won by a close margin thanks to the comments.
If you're confused about Harry's behavior in this chapter, or his feelings – or why he didn't ask Hermione on a date/to be his girlfriend – Chapter 10 will have the explanation why. It will also have more explanation about Lady Potter's suspicions when it comes to Viktor Krum. So now you know you're going to have to wait several more chapters (maybe the one after the First Task?) for Harry to ask Hermione out. Be patient, it will happen! We just have a couple other storylines to get through first!
It probably goes without saying, but if Number 1 "Immediately" was chosen, that private conversation at the table between Harry and Hermione would have been very different.
So Hermione knows about the Soul-Bond. I wanted her to know first, because she'd read up on the Bond before, and now she knows what to expect when she and Harry finally have their first kiss!
That line about Draco Malfoy, and then ending the chapter regarding Hermione's teeth was a last-minute decision. I knew I needed to get it in there somewhere, and I thought it went perfectly.
Next Chapter: A short time-skip to that evening. Lord and Lady Potter reunite with a few familiar faces. Then it's time for the Second Half of the Choosing Ceremony! Which Harry will the Goblet choose?
Chapter 8
The Goblet's Choice
Author's Note: In my fanon universe, Nymphadora Tonks was a Seventh Year at Hogwarts when Harry and Hermione were first years.
Warnings: Character Bashing: Dumbledore, Ron, Ginny and Molly Weasley
Sunday, November 1st, 1994
Lord and Lady Potter, and their young 'Doppelgangers' were making their way through the Seventh Floor Corridor toward the Grand Staircase. Instead of going the same way (in reverse) that Minerva McGonagall had taken them the night before, however, they went down the corridor where the Room of Requirement was located. A few minutes ago, Lord and Lady Potter had introduced their younger selves to the Room of Requirement, and taught them how to open it, and some examples of what the Room could be used for.
During their random teaching moment, Lord and Lady Potter also discussed (telepathically) the Diadem in the Lost and Found version of the Room of Requirement. They decided they would retrieve the Diadem in the near future, but it could wait for now.
Lord and Lady Potter had had a rather busy (and tiring day) since their big discussion with their younger selves. Or, as they told Harry and Hermione, the first part of their discussion. More of the discussion could happen in the future.
Earlier, both Lord and Lady Potter had gone to the Hospital Wing, where they had reunited with Madam Poppy Pomfrey. Lady Potter asked Madam Pomfrey for a Monthly dose of Contraceptive Draught (which she had taken during the visit), and they also requested a couple of Reinvigoration Draughts. When Madam Pomfrey asked the reason for the latter Draught, Lord and Lady Potter explained that they were going to be giving several copies of memories of the future to Madam Amelia Bones later that day, and they needed the Draughts to be able to retrieve those memories. Madam Pomfrey agreed that they'd likely need the Draughts by the time they were finished, so she gave the couple the Draughts they had asked for. She also gave them a box of discarded vials that Lord and Lady Potter hadn't thought to ask for, but realized they needed. The Potters thanked her for the ingenuity to think about such things, as well as the Draughts, then left the Hospital Wing.
When they returned to their Private Quarters, Harry and Hermione were still there, having a quiet conversation, and discussing various topics. The fact that they had writing material in front of them as they talked told Lord and Lady Potter that they were thinking of more questions for their older selves, including more specific information to the answers they had already been given.
Lord and Lady Potter had retreated to their own bedroom, and spent the next couple of hours retrieving copies of memories from their minds, and filling the vials. Each vial had several months worth of memories. The first had the remainder of their fourth year following the Choosing Ceremony, and the rest had memories of their next three years up to the defeat of Lord Voldemort.
While resting in between memory retrieval, they also discussed what else they'd talk to Madam Bones about. They knew it would be a relatively short meeting, because most of the stuff they could bring up during the meeting would be answered and discovered by watching their memories. Sirius Black was definitely one of the topics they would bring up. Ron, Ginny and Molly's plot against them would likely be another. Albus Dumbledore was likely yet another topic they'd discuss.
Then Hermione had an idea. In the future, she remembered seeing several objects in the Potter Family Vault that might be useful to them. After telling Harry about the idea, Harry summoned Dobby and asked him to retrieve an object from the Potter Family Vault. The object was another Lily Potter invention, this one made after she finished her education at Hogwarts. It was called a "Secret Keeper Box", and it was an invention of Lily's that was never released to the public before her death.
The Secret Keeper of the Box was whoever wore the Lord and Lady Potter rings. They would then give verbal permission to someone to allow them to open the box or retrieve items from inside the box. Whatever items were placed inside the box, and were removed, would return from wherever they were within an hour of their removal. Even if the items were stolen, they would appear in the box an hour after they were removed. They placed the memory vials inside the box after they filled them up.
It was planned for them to give Amelia permission to open the box, so that only she could open the box and retrieve the vials. She could allow other colleagues to view the memories, but it would be up to her to decide who those people were. If someone discovered the contents of those memories – someone whom Lord and Lady Potter didn't want to view the memories – then they would know that Amelia was guilty of handing them over to that person. After all, Lily had given the box one final touch to it. If the person using the box was under the Imperius Curse, or any other time of mind-control, they wouldn't be able to open the box. So no one could make the excuse they had no choice to show the contents of the box.
Lady Potter currently had the Secret Keeper Box inside a purse that their Private Quarters had offered her, when she asked for one.
Due to the small detour in the middle of their journey (where they stopped at the Room of Requirement), it took nearly half-an-hour for the two pairs of 'Doppelgangers' to get to the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts.
During their journey down the Grand Staircase, several Gryffindors and Ravenclaws, who were also making their journey to the Great Hall, had gazed and stared at the older version of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Last night, Lord and Lady Potter hadn't spent very long in the Great Hall after their arrival, so the students hadn't been able to get a good look at the pair. Sure they said their names were Lord Harry Potter and Lady Hermione Potter, but only those students near the pair at the time were able to get a good look at them, and confirm that they did, indeed, look like older versions of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.
Those students who did confirm it had sent the wheels of the Rumor Mill spinning. Then it had finally been confirmed that morning at breakfast. For the past twenty-hours or so (aside from when the students were asleep), Lord and Lady Potter were the main subject of the students' gossip. The other big subject, thanks to the Headmaster's announcement that morning, was the Fourth Champion and which Harry Potter would be chosen to be the Champion.
None of the students around them said more than a greeting to either of them as the students got near them, or passed them by. Yes, they stared and gazed for a few moments, but aside from a 'hello' or something, none of them said anything. Lord Potter realized that Albus, or Minerva, must have informed the students not to bother them, more than, perhaps, a greeting. Even those who knew Harry and Hermione closely (their roommates, Harry's Quidditch teammates, and classmates) hadn't even approached them too closely. Lord and Lady Potter had yet to see Ron or Ginny, for which they were thankful for.
When Lord and Lady Potter and their younger selves reached the Entrance Hall, they found Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall waiting for them, while also herding the students into the Great Hall. Lord Potter suspected that there must have been a crowd, at one point, waiting to see Lord and Lady Potter, and Professor McGonagall wasn't having it. Judging by the fact that she was telling all the students to 'make haste' into the Great Hall and 'do not toddle!', these suspicions were likely correct.
Minerva and Albus weren't alone. Waiting with them were Madam Amelia Bones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, Ludo Bagman, and Percy Weasley – the latter was likely the replacement for Bartemius Crouch, Senior's role in the Triwizard Tournament. Both Lord and Lady Potter had to control their emotions when they saw Tonks, her tragic death (along with Remus Lupin), leaving behind an orphaned son, was still so near a memory to them.
"Lord and Lady Potter, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger!" Minerva called, "Please, come over here!"
Lord and Lady Potter escorted their younger selves over to the Professors and other adults.
"I'm going to cast a charm so nobody eavesdrops on us out here," Minerva said, "Is that alright?"
"Yes, ma'am," Lord Potter said, and the others around him – including Albus, and the Ministry representatives – agreed.
Minerva cast a charm around them, and an opaque bubble of magic settled around them. Due to the spell, nearby students shifted away from them as they were herded into the Great Hall.
"Lord and Lady Potter, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," Minerva said, "I'm sure you're familiar with a couple people here, but perhaps not all of them. You met Madam Amelia Bones last night."
"Director," Lord Potter said, "My wife and I are prepared for your requested meeting after the Ceremony."
"I look forward to it," Madam Bones said.
"I believe you're also familiar with Mr. Percy Weasley here," Minerva said, "He is replacing Bartemius Crouch, Senior as a representative and judge in the Triwizard Tournament."
Percy stammered as he looked at Lord and Lady Potter, and cleared his throat. "Lord and Lady Potter, an honor." He bowed his head a little.
"Mr. Weasley," Lord Potter said, "Wonderful to see you again."
"Please, Lord Potter, call me Percy," Percy said, "There are so many Weasleys around here, as I'm sure you remember, it's probably for the best."
Lord Potter merely nodded, but also did his best to hide his surprise. Percy was normally a lot more formal about such things.
"This is Ludo Bagman," Minerva said, "Another representative and judge in the Tournament."
"Lord and Lady Potter!" Ludo said, "Ever since your mysterious arrival, I have been looking forward to meeting you!"
"Mr. Bagman," Lord Potter said, simply, so he didn't hint to the man how familiar he was with him.
"And this is Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt," Minerva said, "And his partner, Rookie Auror Nymphadora Tonks, who he is acting as a mentor during her first year as an Auror."
Any complaint Tonks had about her first name being said as she was introduced was ignored, because she was so overwhelmed and shocked at seeing Lord and Lady Potter.
"Auror Shacklebolt," Lord Potter greeted the future (and perhaps again in this timeline) Minister of Magic, then turned to Tonks, "Auror Tonks."
"Aurors Shacklebolt and Tonks have agreed to replace – ahem – Professor Moody as the Defense Professors for the remainder of the year," Albus said, speaking for the first time since Lord and Lady Potter, and their younger selves arrived, "It was suggested by Madam Bones that students and parents would not be so welcoming to having Alastor as the Professor, given the fact that the students had been taught by someone disguised as Alastor Moody. Anyway, Auror Tonks will be Auror Shacklebolt's assistant. First Assistant Professor we've had in many years."
"Oh, that's brilliant!" Lord Potter said, looking at the two Aurors, "Congratulations and – er – good luck!"
"Thank you, Lord Potter," Kingsley said.
"Yeah… thanks – er, my Lord!" Tonks stammered.
"Lord and Lady Potter," Minerva said, "A small table has been set aside in the Great Hall, for the two of you, along with Director Bones, Messrs. Bagman and Weasley, and our new Professors for your meal this evening. The three Triwizard Champions, as well as Headmaster Karkaroff and Madame Maxime will also be joining you. We can decide your seating arrangements during meals, for the future, depending on what happens this evening. Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, it is your decision. Do you want to join Lord and Lady Potter, or go to Gryffindor Table with your house-mates? As a possible Champion for the Tournament, Mr. Potter, you are allowed to sit there tonight, and Miss Granger will be allowed to join you too."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Each time they did this, Lord Potter had to wonder whether or not they kissed yet, and discovered their Soul-Bond and telepathic abilities.
"We'll join Lord and Lady Potter tonight, Professor," Harry said.
Albus didn't look very happy about that, but he said nothing. Lord Potter wondered if Minerva had suggested the idea. If she had mentioned the possibility that young Harry could still be the Fourth Champion and that he deserved sitting at the small table with the other Champions that evening, even as a possible contender, Albus might have agreed with her.
"Good," Lord Potter said to his wife, "This might make it easier to make our request to Minerva later."
"Indeed," Lady Potter said.
Earlier, Lord and Lady Potter had decided they wanted to ask Minerva if their younger selves could join them in the Private Quarters for the remainder of their (Lord and Lady Potter's) time at Hogwarts.
"Very well," Minerva said, "Then I must ask that you wait out here for a little longer while the rest of the students make their way into the Great Hall."
Lord and Lady Potter agreed, as did Harry and Hermione.
"A little longer" turned about to be ten more minutes, before Minerva led Lord Potter and the others into the Great Hall. Suddenly, all heads in the Hall were turned to the group as they entered, though a majority of them were likely looking at Lord and Lady Potter, as soon as the students realized the 'mysterious visitors' had finally shown their faces again.
"Not everyone is looking at us," Lady Potter said, "We;re not the only attractive new faces here. I'm sure several are looking at Tonks. Well 'returning face' when it comes to her. She was a student here just four years ago. She was a seventh year when we were first years."
"Yeah, I remember her telling us that she was actually still a student when we arrived here," Lord Potter said.
While Minerva guided the group over to a round table on the left side of the Hall, near the Head Table, Albus made his way to the lectern. As Lord and Lady Potter arrived, they saw Cedric Diggory, Fleur Delacour, Viktor Krum, Igor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime already sitting at the table.
Cedric's eyes were huge as he saw his first glimpse of Lord and Lady Potter. He had been with the other two Champions when Lord and Lady Potter had fallen through the Portal, so he hadn't been able to see them until now. When every other Hogwarts student had been talking and gossiping about the 'future Harry Potter and Hermione Granger', Cedric just had to take their word for it. Until now.
"Wonder what Cedric must be thinking," Lady Potter said, as she and Lord Potter sat down together.
"Dunno, but I will do everything in my power to make sure he lives to see next summer," Lord Potter said.
"I know you will," Lady Potter said.
When everyone was seated at the table, Minerva made introductions to everyone around the table. Cedric was still wide-eyed when Lord and Lady Potter were introduced.
"When dinner begins, this table has a different way for meals to appear," Minerva said, after her introductions, "Simply request what you wish to eat, and it will appear in front of you. Enjoy."
The table guests thanked Minerva, and she turned and headed toward the Head Table. Meanwhile Albus Dumbledore raised his wand and cast three fireworks into the air. The students (including the extra Beauxbatons and Durmstrang delegates) turned their gaze from the extra table, to the Headmaster.
"Welcome to an historic Second-Half of the Choosing Ceremony for the 94-95 Triwizard Tournament!" Albus said, "These events that are taking place tonight have never happened before, so it is sure to be an historic evening!"
Applause rang out around the Great Hall.
"Before we begin this feast, which precedes the evening's main event," Albus said, "A few announcements must be given. But first, I would like to give an extended congratulations to the traditional Three Champions of the Triwizard Tournament, already chosen last night! Viktor Krum, Fleur Delacour, and Hogwarts and Hufflepuff's own, Cedric Diggory!"
Cheers and applause exploded around the Great Hall, several students standing to applause, as Cedric, Fleur and Viktor stood up from their chairs. Cedric nodded his head, Fleur curtsied, and Viktor bowed, before they sat back down. Those students, staff and guests who were standing also sat down.
"Next," Albus continued, "This morning, during breakfast, I informed you of what happened to Bartemius Crouch, Senior, and why he no longer has a role in the Triwizard Tournament. Fortunately, a replacement has been found. As of last June, this young man was a student here at Hogwarts. A member of Gryffindor, he was a Prefect and the Head Boy. He graduated with an impressive twelve NEWTs! He is now a member of the Department of International Magical Cooperation at the British Ministry of Magic. Introducing the new Triwizard Tournament representative and judge, Mr. Percy Weasley!"
The Gryffindors – especially Fred, George, Ron and Ginny, who Percy had reunited with earlier that evening – stood up and applauded and cheered for their former house-mate. Most of the students and others around the Great Hall joined in, as Percy stood up and bowed his head, before sitting back down.
"Next," Albus said, as the din died down, "Even though she has no role in the Triwizard Tournament, our next guest is here tonight to make sure we don't have a surprise repeat of last night's Ceremonies, and that everything goes smoothly. Introducing the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, at the British Ministry of Magic, Madam Amelia Bones!"
As more applause rang out (none more so than Hufflepuff, where she was a former Badger, and also her niece and ward was currently a part of), Amelia stood up, bowed her head, and sat back down.
"Finally," Albus continued, "At breakfast, I promised you that I would introduce your newest Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor this evening. I must amend that promise, for I am about to introduce not one, but two new Professors. That's right… for the first time in a very long time, one of your classes will have an Assistant Professor in addition to Professor. Perhaps this will bring back what was once a long tradition. Perhaps not. But for the remainder of the school year, you will have two Defense Professors! Many of you older students might recognize one of them, especially those of you in Hufflepuff! I introduce to you, Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, the new Defense Professor, and his partner, and new Assistant Professor, Rookie Auror Nymphadora Tonks! Good luck, Professors!"
Once again, Hufflepuff was the first to stand, as many of the older students recognized Tonks. They began a thunderous applause for the new Professors of Defense. Tonks and Kingsley stood, bowed their heads, and sat back down.
"Without further delay, though I am sure most of you are looking forward to what will happen afterward," Albus continued, "Let the feast begin!"
Although most people around the Great Hall were now dishing out different offers of dinner-based foods and drinks at their tables, at the round table the occupants were requesting their own meals.
"Fish and Chips!" Lord Potter requested, "And… butterbeer?"
Lord Potter grinned when the requested meal and drink appeared in front of him. Lady Potter requested Shepherd's Pie, along with Butterbeer. Cedric, Tonks, and Harry and Hermione quickly took advantage of requesting Butterbeer with their meals since they – the younger three, at least – only ever got it in Hogsmeade. Fleur and Viktor requested meals from their own countries, and looked pleased when the meals appeared.
"Lord and Lady Potter," Ludo Bagman said, as the guests around the table dug into their respective meals, "I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I was most befuddled and shocked by your arrival last night! I had to make sure my beverage wasn't spiked with alcohol or a Potion of some type, because I thought I was hallucinating!"
"Yes, I'm sure that was an – er – common belief around the Great Hall," Lord Potter said, "After all, I'm sure a portal opening up out of thin air and dropping two people from it is not an everyday occurrence."
"Well, perhaps not," Bagman chuckled, "especially if those two people were – time-travelers such as yourselves, I believe?"
"Indeed," Lord Potter said.
"Albus Dumbledore said you are from – I believe – four years into the future?" Headmaster Karkaroff said, "Could you be more specific?"
"Halloween of 1998," Lady Potter said, "We were married the day before, and were just beginning our honeymoon, when we were unceremoniously flung through time."
"So it was nothing you did that made you come back in time?" Kingsley asked.
"Unless you believe eating dinner, just like we're doing now, to be the cause of our time-travel, Auror Shacklebolt," Lord Potter said, "I don't think we did anything that might have sparked such a thing."
"I'd have to check," Lady Potter said, "But I'm quite sure the stuff that our wedding guests were throwing at us after the wedding was rice, Auror Shacklebolt, not the sands of time."
Several around the table chuckled at that.
"It has already been assumed," Lord Potter said, "That the Goblet of Fire Summoned me. Why? Because I'm eighteen years old. My – er – counterpart here –" he pointed a chip at young Harry – "is fourteen years old, did not enter his name into the Goblet, and has no wish to compete against three obviously more talented competitors."
Harry blushed at having attention centered on him, but nodded adamantly at his older counterpart's statement.
"Owing to two of those facts – his youth, and the fact that he was unfairly placed in the tournament," Lord Potter continued, "The Goblet of Fire decided to Summon an older, more talented Harry Potter. Of course, until the Goblet of Fire chooses one of us, I can only base that on a theory at the moment."
"Sounds like a fine theory," Percy Weasley said, "Given all conclusive evidence."
"Indeed," Bagman agreed, "And might I say you do deserve to be the Fourth Champion, Lord Potter, instead of young Harry here. I believe it will make for a more exciting Tournament! Most certainly it will even up the playing field if you were selected instead of Mr. Potter, here! And I believe I speak for all of the Triwizard Tournament Champions and representatives, when I say we want the Tournament to be fair from start to finish, disregarding the – er – hassles we've already had to deal with, of course!"
"Of course," Lord Potter said..
"As for why I was brought along, because I know it will be asked," Lady Potter said, "My husband and I are newlyweds. Our wedding vows are still being – er – molded into our very being and cores. They're still binding us together. So when my husband was Summoned, I was brought along for the ride."
Lord Potter noticed Fleur Delacour raise an eyebrow at that statement, as she stared at his wife. She shrugged and returned to her Bouillabaisse.
Lady Potter noticed this too. "Oh, dear. I think Fleur's Veela abilities allow her to sense our Soul-Bond. Thank god she hasn't mentioned it yet. She must have just realized that we haven't divulged that secret yet, and don't want to at the moment."
"Yeah, we're going to have to talk to her in private at some point, and see if you're right," Lord Potter said.
"I have to agree with that theory as well, Lady Potter," Percy said.
"I noticed, Lord Potter," Kingsley said, "That you and your wife did seem more… familiar with myself and my partner here, Miss Tonks, when we first met outside the Great Hall."
Lord Potter swallowed a piece of fish and cleared his throat. "I can only say we've met before in our time. However, I'm afraid that is the last tidbit of information I will divulge about the future at this moment in time. My wife and I are going to speak in private with Madam Bones after these events of the evening take place, perhaps about things such as the future and our timeline. But until then – until we get permission from Madam Bones, and perhaps the Ministry and/or the Unspeakables – I'm afraid my wife and I can't answer any questions about the future to just anybody we meet."
Lord and Lady Potter had discussed earlier that day what they should say if anyone tried to ask them about the future.
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Lord Potter," Amelia said, "Although I haven't yet spoke in depth with the Ministry concerning our two visitors, – In fact, as far as I know, nothing has been discussed just yet about Lord and Lady Potter, though I am sure that will change – I am sure it is the Ministry's official stance, that such information should not be discussed outside of certain individuals. Please refrain from asking Lord and Lady Potter such questions during this meal, and in the near future for now."
Lord Potter grimaced at Amelia's statement. He was not looking forward to talking with certain Ministry representatives in the future – such as Cornelius Fudge, Dolores Umbridge, and perhaps even Lucius Malfoy, though he didn't exactly have a job at the Ministry, unless one counted member of the Wizengamot, and an unofficial Advisor to the Minister.
"Thank you, Madam Bones," Lady Potter said, and Lord Potter nodded in thanks.
Thankfully (in Lord and Lady Potter's opinion at least), the discussion around the table moved onto subjects and topics that didn't have to do with the two time-travelers. Half-an-hour after the meal began, the dessert foods appeared, then the meal was finished fifteen minutes after that.
Five minutes before dessert was finished, the Caretaker Argus Filch came over to the table, and whispered in Ludo Bagman's ear.
"Thank you, my good man!" Bagman said, "Mr. Weasley, I'm sorry to interrupt your fine dessert, but we must collect the Goblet of Fire!"
"I'm finished with my meal, Mr. Bagman," Percy said, "I'm ready when you are."
Bagman and Percy stood, then followed Argus Filch out of the Great Hall, through the door the three Champions had gone through after they had been chosen the previous evening. Five minutes after they left, Albus Dumbledore stood and returned to his lectern.
"Now that everyone has filled their bellies with the delicious, delectable feast," Albus said, "It is time to find out who our Fourth Champion will be! Mr. Bagman, bring forth the Goblet of Fire!"
The Great Hall erupted in cheers and applause as the Goblet of Fire returned to the Great Hall. Ludo Bagman carried the Goblet of Fire, while Percy carried a stool that looked very much like the one students sat on to be Sorted by the Sorting Hat. As soon as the Goblet of Fire was placed on the floor a few feet in front of the lectern, Albus spoke up again.
"As much as I am sure you all wish to hear me give you another long-winded speech," Albus said, "I'm afraid I must let another speak to you instead. Mr. Ludo Bagman, please come up here and get these historic events underway!"
Applause and cheers were heard, Ludo Bagman replaced Albus at the lectern.
"Thank you, thank you!" Bagman said, "Now is the moment everyone here has been waiting for! Mr. Harry Potter, of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, please make your way up here!"
As applause and cheers began again, Harry looked around at Hermione, and the Potters, and when they smiled and nodded, Harry cleared his throat and stood up. He walked over to where Bagman was indicating, just a few feet to his right. Harry stopped at the proffered spot, and looked around the Hall.
"Lord Harry Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter!" Bagman said, "Please make your way up here and stand next to Mr. Potter!"
Lord Potter kissed his wife's cheek, then stood and walked up beside Harry, and faced the students, all of whom were looking at him or his younger self. He didn't gaze at any specific person in the room, because he didn't want the memories of the future selves that he knew – or that he had lost – to overwhelm him at such a moment.
"Before we discover who the Fourth Champion is, I must make a few details clear," Bagman continued, "As these events have never happened before in the history of the Triwizard Tournament, the other judges and myself have had to come up with a clear way to choose the Fourth Champion. So… here is what will happen. One by one, Mr. Potter then Lord Potter will walk up to the Goblet of Fire, and place their hand on the Cup. Er – um – we're not exactly sure what will happen next – but –"
He looked at Albus, then at the other judges, then cleared his throat.
"But – well – it must be assumed," Bagman continued, "That the Goblet of Fire should give us a clear, concise answer as to who it has chosen as the Fourth Champion of the Triwizard Tournament!"
Several students and others around the hall murmured and whispered to their neighbors.
"So, first, I call up young Mr. Harry Potter!" Bagman continued.
Harry gulped and looked up at Lord Potter, who nodded and smiled. Harry cleared his throat again, then walked over to the Goblet. He hesitated for a moment, before he placed his hand on the side of the Goblet.
Students and adults, from first year students to the oldest adults, stared and waited in complete silence, waiting for the Goblet of Fire to do something.
Ten seconds passed. Nothing happened. No flames, no sounds from the Goblet. A few students murmured and whispered some more.
Thirty seconds passed. Forty seconds.
Finally Albus Dumbledore cleared his throat and spoke calmly. "Harry… Mr. Potter… can you feel any heat from the Goblet?"
"No, Headmaster," Harry said, "It feels… cold. Like I put my hand on a block of ice."
Lord Potter smirked as he saw Albus frown. "Ha, the Goblet of Fire is not the Sorting Hat, Albus! Not even you can force the Goblet of Fire to choose who you want!"
"Thank God, Merlin, and every other Deity for that!" Lady Potter said.
"Very well then!" Bagman said, "Mr. Potter, you may return to where you were standing. Lord Harry Potter! Come over here and place your hand on the Goblet of Fire, please."
Lord Potter winked at Harry, as he passed the boy. Harry gave him a very relieved sigh, as if he realized what was about to happen.
Lord Potter confidently placed his hand on the side of the Goblet, and suddenly, the Goblet lit up in blue and red fire, shooting five, then ten feet in the air!
Ludo Bagman chuckled. "I don't think we need to sit and wonder what that means! The Goblet of Fire has made its choice. I suppose we should have realized its choice when it summoned Lord Potter and his wife through time! Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Fourth Champion, the Chosen Champion, Lord Harry Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter!"
A deafening roar of applause and cheers erupted around the Great Hall, from students and adults alike. Lord Potter smiled as he looked around the Hall, then toward his wife.
"I had no doubts, my husband," Lady Potter said, "but I am glad that the Goblet made the right choice."
"Me too," Lord Potter said, "I just wish Ludo Bagman wouldn't have called me the Chosen Champion."
"He wasn't referring to something like the Chosen One, Harry," Lady Potter said, "But the Choice the Goblet of Fire made."
Albus replaced Bagman at the lectern. "And there you have it! The Four Champions have been chosen for the Triwizard Tournament! Champions, please join your Fourth Champion up here! Mr. Potter, you may return to your seat. Thank you."
Harry visibly sighed in relief again as he returned to the table, and sat down beside Hermione. Meanwhile, Cedric, Fleur and Viktor joined Lord Potter.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Witches and Wizards!" Albus said, "I give you the Four Champions of the Triwizard Tournament!"
Another thunderous round of cheers and applause were heard as everyone stood up. When the loud din finally died down five minutes later, Albus spoke up.
"The First Task of the Tournament will take place on November 24th!" Albus continued, "Neither the Champions – and therefore anybody else – have been told what they will be facing during the First Task. They will enter the Task with daring nerve and bravery of the unknown! It is during the First Task that we will discover if our Four Champions are up to the Task!"
Lord Potter rolled his eyes (and he wasn't the only one doing so) as more cheers and applause was heard.
Suddenly, something happened that caused much of the room to turn toward the entrance of the Great Hall. The large doors of the Great Hall opened. Lord Potter's eyes widened as a very familiar dog stepped into the room.
"Merlin's balls, what is he doing here?!" Lord Potter asked.
"I am going to kill that dog before his cousin ever gets a chance," Lady Potter growled.
Suddenly, the dog transformed into a man. A very ragged, dirty looking man, who had long, dirty black hair and a beard to match. His clothes were torn and dirty. And he was looking around the room with large eyes.
"I, SIRIUS ORION BLACK!" Sirius Black roared, "KIDNAPPING VICTIM IMPRISONED AT AZKABAN FOR TWELVE YEARS, INNOCENT OF THE CRIMES I WAS ACCUSED OF, CALL FOR SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY!"
Raise your hand if you really, truly thought I was going to make young Harry the Fourth Champion. If you did, I must ask "Really? Truly?!" For that to happen, I would have had to upend the entire plot of the story. One of the reasons I wrote this story! If that was my plan, why should I have started the story in the first place! Lord Potter was ALWAYS going to be the Fourth Champion. As Ludo Bagman said, "The Goblet of Fire has made its choice. I suppose we should have realized its choice when it summoned Lord Potter and his wife through time!"
Next Chapter: Lord and Lady Potter meet with Sirius and Amelia. Secrets are told, and surprises, even for Lord and Lady Potter, are revealed. Also! Minerva learns about the Soul-Bond.