The walk back to the staging area for the task was awkward to say the least. Cold and wet, and surrounded by three beautiful witches, along with Fleur’s little sister, Harry did his best to keep his composure. Yet that was hard to do based on the heated looks both Susan and Fleur were sending his way.
And that wasn’t to mention Susan’s aunt, who kept looking back at him with a peculiar expression. He thought the woman would be mad, especially since she had caught him kissing her niece, and then doing the same to Fleur right after. Yet if anything, she almost seemed intrigued, like staring at a puzzle she was trying to solve.
Harry could only guess she was wondering how he got so close to Susan, with the younger redhead being his hostage for the task, despite her being infuriated with him for ignoring her. And then there was the Beauxbatons champion, who unlike Susan wasn’t mad, but rather almost besotted with him
The lake and the surrounding area was still misty, hard to see more than a couple hundred feet in front of them. He was to blame for using gravity magic during the task, as Harry was beginning to realize that manipulating gravity underwater was a foolish thing to do. But it had all worked out in the end, with Susan and Gabrielle safe, away from the Merpeople who wanted to recapture them.
Their group soon caught sight of the stands and judging booth as they walked along the edge of the lake, and it was then they were greeted by absolute pandemonium. Ministry officials were running around wildly, yells of panic came from the stands filled with younger students, all while the judges themselves were nowhere to be seen.
Their odd group picked up the pace, walking quickly to get close closer to where the 2nd task began. Of all people, it was Fleur’s Mother, Apolline Delacour, who saw their group first and came rushing over to them. She was too sophisticated a witch to outright run, her quick movements still somehow looking elegant, yet he couldn’t help but let his gaze fall to the way her heavy breasts bounced and jiggled with each movement.
“Maman!” Gabrielle exclaimed as she arrived.
“Gabrielle.” Apolline hugged her daughter before looking up at the group of them. “Fleur, ‘Arry, Madam Bones, zere is a problem with ze tournament organizers.”
“What is it?” Amelia Bones asked sharply.
“One of ze judges, Bartemous Crouch - I believe is his name - was murdered during ze task.”
“What?” Harry stiffened at that information, remembering the dour man who employed Percy Weasley as his assistant. “How?”
“Zey are looking into zat now.” Apolline answered, as their group quickened to get back to the main area. “Ze British Minister is here, along with ze aurors.”
“Just my luck.” Susan’s aunt muttered quietly under her breath. “Hopefully Fudge doesn’t do anything too rash.”
Fleur’s mother only nodded uncertainly, walking next to them. She ended up walking at his side, sending a blinding smile his way. “Thank you for saving my daughter, ‘Arry.”
He felt embarrassed at the praise. “Oh- um, it was no problem at all, Mrs. Delacour.”
“Apolline.” The woman corrected as her smile gained a seductive edge. “You may use my name, especially since we will be seeing each other more in ze future, non?”
He didn’t know what to say to that, and looked away while feeling slightly flustered. But he just so happened to look directly at Susan’s aunt, who was staring at him with a brow raised in question before looking somewhere else.
It was at that point that they arrived at the main area where the task first began, finding the stands were filled with nervous and anxious students and parents who weren’t allowed to leave. Several aurors stood around with their wands out, on the lookout for possible assailants.
“Dawlish.” Amelia said to one auror as they approached, getting his attention. “What happened here?”
“There’s been a potential homicide, Ma’am.” The man replied, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Harry. “They’re looking for culprits as we speak.”
“Who died? And who could’ve done this?”
“That, I believe, is something we all want to know.” It was Dumbledore who suddenly spoke aloud, walking over to their group with the Minister at his side. He had a grave yet severe expression on his face, and with him came the other judges for the tournament along with more aurors.
Harry couldn’t help but note they were all standing in front of the stands at that moment, as if performing a play for everyone to watch. The area was quiet enough that anything said now would be heard by every watcher in attendance.
“Terrible news, Amelia.” Fudge began, fiddling with his hat and sounding remorseful. “Barty went off into the woods during the task, and we found him dead only moments ago.”
“Dead, or murdered?”
“Murdered, by the killing curse.”
“Are there any suspects at this time?” Amelia asked.
“There is one.” Fudge’s eyes flicked to Harry of all people. “Someone that we lost track of while the task was in progress, not knowing where he was.”
Harry’s lips curled down in a frown. “You are talking about me, I assume.”
The group of officials didn’t know how to respond to that, but their heavy silence was answer enough. The reactions were varied, but telling, with most showing some variation of shock or anger, with the latter mostly directed at him. He couldn’t help but note Dumbledore’s disappointed look, Karkaroff’s glare, and McGonagall’s horrified expression.
“No…” Susan stiffened at his side, eyes wild. “Y-You can’t be accusing Harry of this! He was busy rescuing me the whole time!”
“Potter is the only one that we didn’t have someone watching when Mr. Crouch was murdered.” The nearby auror, Dawlish, spoke condescendingly. “The viewer watching him malfunctioned, meaning we can’t verify his location throughout the task. Strange coincidence, don’t you think?”
He means the snitch following me. Harry remembered the magical version of muggle television the Tournament organizers had set up, and how his snitch had been destroyed under the water.
Whispers erupted from the crowded stands, and he could practically hear the nearby reporters salivating over what was happening. Everyone in the Wizarding World was constantly looking for new gossip, and this event would surely make the front page.
“l' absurdité!” Apolline Delacour exclaimed, her French accent thick. “ ‘Arry was busy rescuing my daughter! And ze daughter of Madam Bones as well!”
“It is… unfortunate… that Mr. Potter’s whereabouts during this incident cannot be verified.” Dumbledore said before them all, a heavy frown marring his face. “Perhaps more measures should be taken to investigate this matter first?”
“I believe Potter should be thoroughly questioned. Perhaps some veritaserum to expedite the process?” Snape seemed to know the perfect moment to show his face, his drawl making Harry seethe. “The boy is already a known troublemaker, using his privileges as a false Champion in this tournament to skip classes. I propose that we relegate him to a cell and have him watched for the time being.”
Harry had to restrain himself from outright causing a scene then. It seemed that it wasn’t enough that Snape wouldn’t speak up for Sirius’ innocence in his third year, and now was actively trying to have him detained by the Ministry as well.
“Don’t act like you actually want Potter present for your class, Snape.” Moody stomped over. “And I think losing a few points for school mischief is a lot different than murder. Or anything you were accused of when serving the Dark Lord, for that matter.”
Snape fumed and went to respond, only for Fudge of all people to speak up. “Yes, perhaps you are right. Mr. Potter can even be given private quarters within Hogwarts until we determine his guilt.”
“You would treat ‘Arry like a criminal?” Apolline seemed shocked and infuriated, as she spoke up for him once again. “If you dare do such a thing, I will push ze French Ministry to intervene. He is a participant in zis international event, and your interference will see you removed from your position, Minister!”
Fudge blanched and instantly backed off, not wanting to infuriate the older Veela while also risking the ire of the French Ministry.
That was when Madam Bones finally spoke. “Enough. I will hear no more of this farce. Mr. Potter was immediately found by myself and Ms. Delacour after saving my niece and Gabrielle Delacour from the lake. There is no doubt in my mind as to his innocence.”
“I’m afraid that will not be enough, Director.” Dumbledore pushed. “Harry was the only person we cannot account for at the time of Bartemius Crouch’s demise. We need more information before we move further, such as details of Harry’s location and that of his magic which can only be found through simple questioning, maybe even the use of a pensive—”
“Then my word as Director of this country’s law enforcement will have to suffice for the time being.” Amelia cut the Headmaster off, not giving him an inch. “If more compelling evidence is to present itself as to Mr. Potter’s guilt, then I will happily resign. Or is that not enough, Dumbledore?”
The two magicals stared each other down, and Harry could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise. The surrounding officials unconsciously took steps backwards, as the weight of Amelia’s and Dumbledore’s magic settled in. Both were magical heavyweights in their own right, some of the strongest mages Britain had to offer, and were showing that clearly now.
“If this is your decision, Director.” Dumbledore finally bowed his head, doing so in an unconvincing manner, as the magical pressure finally ended. “Now then, the remaining judges will score the Champions, as to fulfill our obligation to the Goblet. Ludo, if you will?”
“O-Of course!” The brightly dressed man stepped forward, brushing off his unease as he pointed his wand to his throat. “Ladies and Gentlemen, the second task has officially concluded, and with it our Champions have retrieved their hostages and will now be scored. But sadly, due to the absence of one of our judges, Mr. Crouch, their scores will now be tallied out of forty.”
The three heads of schools along with Bagman talked for a brief moment before the man walked forward once again, scores in hand that the judges had filled out ahead of time. “First, in the lead is Mr. Krum, awarded 38 points for his remarkable transfiguration abilities. Next will be Cedric Diggory, who finished the task in a timely manner, being able to rescue his hostage quickly, and is awarded 35 points.”
The crowds clapped uproariously for their Champions, and there was little doubt as to why Krum and Diggory were awarded first and second place. It was the near opposite of the first task in terms of the Champions’ performance.
“Next, we have Ms. Delacour, who was attacked midway through the task by a grindylow, and forced to surface. We award her 24 points. And finally, Mr. Potter is awarded 23 points. While he exceeded the time limit, he was able to save both the remaining hostages as well as fend off the merpeople. However, some of the Judges cite the rashness of his actions…” Bagman trailed off awkwardly, before Dumbledore unexpectedly stepped forward. “Oh, um- Headmaster Dumbledore did you wish to speak?”
With those scores, it meant Krum was now in the lead with 78 points after the first task, then Cedric with 73, Fleur with 70, and finally himself with 63. It would mean Harry would have the fewest points going into the third and final task, which he had Dumbledore to blame for due to the man’s bias.
The Hogwarts Headmaster walked forward before the crowd then. “Magic, when wielded without restraint, becomes a danger not only to others… but to oneself. I will leave you all with this today, being that great ability must always be tempered by judgment, something that seems missing in today’s task.”
His name went unsaid, but everyone knew who the old man was talking about. Harry couldn’t help but grind his teeth in anger. Curse you, Dumbledore.
He wanted to pull out his wand and teach the Headmaster a lesson about “judgment and restraint” right then and there. But a hand grabbed his arm before he could do anything rash, and he looked to see Daphne standing at his side.
The blonde was trying to tell him to calm down with her gaze, while also trying to convey a message. She glanced off towards the castle, gesturing to a route away from the main student body where they could walk away unseen.
After a moment, he followed her, taking the long way around the castle that skirted the treeline of the Forbidden Forest in order to speak alone.
“Dumbledore intentionally picked Susan as your hostage to hurt you.” She said as they walked, starting the conversation. “Now the public has their sensation, especially with Delacour’s sister dragged into the mix. You’re sure to get bad press tomorrow.”
“I know.” Her blue eyes met his as they walked. “I probably could’ve done things differently just now.”
“Short of finding who actually killed Crouch, there was no way for you to get out of that situation better off. In fact, you actually did yourself a favor by not speaking all that much.” Within his rising group, Harry found that Daphne was the expert when it came to politics, so he would take her word for it.
“You were right about Dumbledore.” He said after a while, no longer stirring with anger as he logically began to think things over. That was the first thing that stuck out to him, not that Dumbledore had given him a low score for the task once again, but that he had gone further in his actions this time around. “I didn’t want to believe it at first, yet he tried to put me in prison just now.”
He hadn’t really believed Daphne the first time she explained that Dumbledore now opposed him, struggling to see the man he looked up to for so long as his enemy. Yet now that couldn’t be more clear, and the consequences were dangerous to think about.
“It wouldn’t be the first time.” She said. “Dumbledore only accepts those who follow him in every facet. Many learned that the hard way in the war, such as Crouch whose ideals were more in line with purebloods, and was an absolutist when it came to the Statute of Secrecy. It’s said the war would’ve ended much earlier if Dumbledore actually worked with the Ministry, yet instead refused and formed his own group of cult followers to oppose the Dark Lord. He would happily throw those in Azkaban who used… less than savory means to fight You-Know-Who.”
Such as Sirius. His Godfather had gone to Azkaban after he supposedly killed a dozen muggles, framed by Pettigrew, and Dumbledore had gone along with it without giving the whole case any scrutiny. It showed a great flaw in that Dumbledore only worked with those that truly aligned with him at every level of thought, and easily cast aside those who deviated in the smallest of ways.
“Still, trying to throw me in prison seems a bit extreme.” They finally entered the castle, and began navigating through empty hallways to reach the second floor.
“I don’t think he planned to actually send you to Azkaban.” She gave her opinion. “Rather that he wanted to back you into a corner and get some answers about where you disappear off to through questioning. He aimed for the stars while actually wanting to hit the moon, as the muggles would say.”
He let out a snort. “Turns out it didn’t work out for him in the end.”
“Madam Bones siding with you was a big deal. She even risked her career.” Daphne said. “We will need to reach out to her when the press dies down. She’s likely trying to ally with you, and probably sees in you what I do.”
He gave her a suggestive look, which made her blush. “That you’re a centennial wizard. N-Not the romantic part.”
Harry only shrugged. “And the Delacours’ interest?”
“Hard to say.” The blonde scowled, as they finally walked into the empty second floor girl’s bathroom. “They’re powerhouses in France, but I don’t know if they have political aims or if it’s simply that Veela’s interest in you.”
He thought back to Fleur and how she had thrown herself at him, literally, kissing him as if in heat all the while. She almost seemed desperate in a way, no longer able to hold herself back.
Suddenly, a blue blade extended from his wand, as his arm snapped outwards before pausing in a seemingly random point in midair. In the next moment, a disillusionment charm came undone, revealing a redhead who had his conjured carian slicer resting several inches from her neck.
“Morgana’s tits!” Daphne’s eyes were wide in shock.
“Ah!” Susan Bones let out a squeak of fright, his blade holding its place at her neck before disappearing. “W-Wait!”
Harry lowered his wand, still watching her. “What are you doing here, Susan?”
“I- was, um-” The redhead blanched at the hardness in his tone. “J-Just wanted to see where you were going…”
“You should bring her with us.” Of all people, it was Daphne who said those words, as he looked to her questioningly before she spoke again. “You need allies, Harry. You were lucky that Susan’s aunt and the Delacours prevented you from being sent straight to Azkaban, which would have happened to anyone else if Dumbledore and the Minister were trying to frame them.”
He frowned oddly. “I’m surprised to hear you advocating for her.”
“I already agreed to share you.” Daphne admitted, even if he could tell it was a struggle for her to say it. “I even agreed to share you with Delacour, and it’s obvious you and Susan like each other.”
“I am the one you would miss the most.” Susan added from the side, her cheeks red. “B-By the way, where are you going exactly? This is the girls bathroom, you know…”
He resisted a sigh, instead letting out a hiss of parseltongue for the sinks to open up even as Susan gave another squeak of fright. “Fine.”
/////
“Even if I’m standing in it, I still struggle to believe this place is real.” Susan said from the side.
“You’re not the only one.” Daphne pinched a lock of her hair between two fingers, idly studying one of the many snake statues within Slytherin’s chamber before looking his way. “What are you doing?”
He stood over the grace site in the Chamber of Secrets, a hand outstretched and face pinched in concentration. Harry had told the two witches to give him a moment, but what he was attempting was taking longer than he had originally expected.
“Almost…” The mutter escaped his lips, before beads of light conjured into existence at his side.
The motes of grace solidified to form a hooded brunette wearing a medieval outfit, with a singular golden eye that met his own. “I have long observed the Lands Between, and even glimpsed other worlds that stretch beyond the fog. But this is the first time I have visited your own domain, Harry.”
“Melina.” He took her hand, as they shared a kiss before turning to face the others. “Melina, this is Daphne and Susan. Daphne and Susan, this is Melina, my Maiden.”
Daphne examined the brunette impassively, yet he could sense her interest, while Susan held little back in way of her confusion. “Maiden? Just what is going on?”
Melina curtsied, pulling off her hood to reveal her face and singular golden eye. “Greetings, consorts of my brave Tarnished, I am Harry’s personal Maiden, and guide within the Lands Between.”
“Tarnished? Wait, you’re Harry’s personal what? And what’s with those clothes? They look ancient.” Susan looked even more confused, and even Daphne couldn’t hide her own. After all, Melina looked different from normal humans, even witches, possessing golden irises and a black scare over one eye, along with her medieval clothing.
“It’s where I go when I disappear.” He answered instead, gesturing to the Site of Grace. “I found this after being selected Champion when I came down here. Interacting with it allows me to travel to a separate world, or dimension, where I’m what’s called a Tarnished.”
“And that would be… what?” Daphne asked for clarification.
“It is a title given to those typically not native to the Lands Between, usually stripped of what its residents would call grace.” To show them what they were talking about, Melina conjured a ball made up of golden motes of grace in her palm for demonstration. “They are also those called back to the Lands Between, to become its Elden Lord.”
Both Daphne and Susan opened their mouths to question what specifically that meant, but Harry spoke before they could ask. “It’s… complicated. Basically it means that I’m one of those chosen to supposedly reunify the Lands Between and rule it. There is this magic system consisting of grace and runes, along with only a few Great Runes that are rare and make its bearer incredibly strong.”
“How strong?” Daphne’s expression was intense, as she stared at him as if enraptured.
“I somehow possess one already, not that I know how to work it.” He shrugged. “I’ve met others with their own great runes, but never seen what they can do up close. They are powerful though.”
“I forgot to ask, but how did your Task go, Harry?” Melina interjected. “Millicent was worried sick, and hasn’t left her room.”
“About that…” He couldn’t hide his grimace, and Susan looked equally off-put. “We need to discuss things.”
He went on to explain the second task from the beginning, which was actually good to do with both Daphne and Susan present. The two added their own input, especially with Daphne’s perspective of Crouch randomly disappearing and then being found dead. But before that, Fleur had run to the other side of the lake with Amelia Bones, clearly looking for himself, Susan, and Gabrielle.
Then came Fudge and Dumbledore trying to pin the murder of Bartemous Crouch on him. Although Harry was of the mind that it was Dumbledore’s idea, basing his judgment on how quick Fudge was to back down.
“Dumbledore is after me. And if he’s somehow managed to manipulate Fudge… Then the whole Ministry might as well be after me.” He finished in a sour mood.
“Not if my Auntie has anything to say about it!” Susan said hotly. “She’s the director of the DMLE, and won’t let them get away with this!”
“Madam Bones’ position isn’t as strong as you make it out to be.” Daphne cut in. “Fudge and Dumbledore uniting could oust her, and Malfoy would surely join their side. While he has our backing, Harry needs more political power if he is to stand on his own.”
A sudden thought occurred to him. “The Delacours might be able to help.”
Daphne’s expression became tight and conflicted. “They are a powerful French family, and would be a good start. But we would need more than external government pressure… To be frankly honest, we need something more tangible rather than a guarantee from a foreign family.”
“What of the assassination you spoke of?” Melina suddenly asked, getting their attention. “Crouch, you said his name was?”
Susan nodded. “We still don’t know who killed him. Maybe it could help if we actually found out who’s responsible?”
“It’s a start. We can begin looking into it.” Daphne agreed. “But I’m more worried about the long term. Harry needs allies and political capital now, and preferably before Dumbledore makes another drastic move.”
It was a hard conundrum to say the least. Going up against a legendary figure like Dumbledore who had decades of political capital was near suicidal, and Harry would need powerful allies if he wanted to compete with him.
Another thought occurred to him then, one that made him pause in its audacity. He turned to Melina. “What of Malenia’s offer?”
The two witches looked confused, but understanding dawned on Melina’s face as to what he meant.
“If worst came to worst, she would be able to assist. Champions can be transported in small groups through the Site of Grace here in this Chamber. But if you wanted to move a larger force… That would require taking Leyndell, and then securing the base of Erdtree first.”
He nodded, thinking it over, before a question struck him. “Has it been done before? To use the Erdtree to transport people to other dimensions in large numbers?”
“Once.” Melina nodded, looking lost in thought. “Centuries ago, a crusade was declared by the Golden Order to invade a separate realm-”
“I’m sorry, but what are you two talking about?” Daphne finally seemed to reach the end of her patience.
Harry let out a breath as he settled his thoughts. “There are different factions in the Lands Between, almost like their own countries. The ruler of one of them, Princess Malenia, offered to take me as her consort. Basically offering a marriage between us.”
Of course, Melina knew this, but he hardly had the time to explain this to Susan and Daphne before the Second Task. The Blade of Miquella had only proposed this to him a day ago after all.
“And you would marry this princess… Why?” Daphne’s tone was dry and unimpressed.
“Why wouldn’t Harry want to marry a beautiful princess?” Susan joked at the blonde’s expense. “But if it doesn’t work out… Then I guess you and Fleur could fit the role pretty well?”
“Princess Malenia is the mightiest demigod to emerge from the Shattering War, and is known as the best swordsmen to ever live.” Melina answered Daphne’s question, ignoring Susan. “She also rules the Haligtree and its army in her brother’s stead, commanding a force of ninety-thousand that is soon to march.”
The blonde stiffened in place while Susan blanched. “Okay, maybe not that type of Princess...”
“Did you say demigod?” Daphne suddenly asked.
“The former ruler of the Lands Between is a known god, named Queen Marika. She disappeared in the Shattering, which split the Lands Between into what it is now.” Melina explained simply. “She had several children, with Malenia being one of them, along with her twin, Miquella, who disappeared.”
“Ugh, this makes my brain hurt.” Susan pinched her temple. “Fine! Just marry the part-god Princess so you have an army to back you up in case Dumbledore tries to get you.”
“But the problem is that you can only transport so many people through there at once.” Daphne gestured to the Site of Grace, understanding part of his and Melina’s earlier conversation. “And not just that, but this is the only Grace Site you can access. Perhaps we can acquire more?”
He turned to Melina, who nodded. “If needed, I can conjure a Site of Grace at a new location. Although the ritual to do so will take time.”
“Which would mean finding the place to do so.” It went unsaid that it would be outside of Hogwarts, so that Dumbledore wouldn’t be near it. “Maybe somewhere in the Forbidden Forest?”
“There are ruins scattered around the surrounding valley, maybe you could put one there?” Susan suggested. “A few hundred galleons could also buy you a decent enough property.”
“It’s something to look into.” Daphne nodded. “After that, you can bring your… Princess here to help out if things get rough.”
“It’s not that simple.” Harry stated, knowing their plan wouldn’t be so easy to pull off. “Malenia plans to march off to war soon, and I will have to go with her if I became her consort.”
“Which means more time away from us.” Daphne concluded. “How long do you have?”
“A few days.” He paused. “Why?”
“Because you need to speak with Fleur Delacour.”
Disclaimer: All Characters are over the Age of 18