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Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

I do not own any of the characters except the ones I created.

Chapter 1

Three years had passed since ‘Septimius’ had put one foot in the British magical world, longer still since he had stepped foot within Hogwarts. Yet here he was about to do just that; it was complete and utter madness. They’d had many meetings with the ICW but the last one, it had been during the summer holidays, and instead of leaving the children on their own, they came with. Harry had single-handedly goaded the ICW into an agreement, an agreement Talin had been trying to hash out with the stubborn members of the ICW.

-----------0 Flashback 0-----

“This is boring!” Jaden grumbled, it was really hot outside and inside too, and their dad had made them wear really stuffy dress robes. “I don’t see why we couldn’t stay on our own! We aren’t babies we don’t need a babysitter!”

“Yeah, I agree,” Harry sighed, “Dad could have used the House-elves,” listening to old men arguing with their dads wasn’t exactly their idea of fun. Especially since it had been going on for years now, meeting after meeting, the ICW just kept putting it off, despite the fact they’d already been inspected, the school had been deemed outstanding and quite deserving of being internationally recognized. There only problem was the age in which they graduated; the old men didn’t think they were mature enough to handle being a fully-fledged grown adult at the age of fourteen. They didn’t want to be embarrassed if anything happened so they were being observed further while they made up their mind. It wasn’t what they’d said, but his dad had read between the lines.

“Can’t we ask then go home?” Jaden sighed, he’d graduated school for Merlin’s sake, when was his dad going to stop treating him like a baby? Or was his older brother right and he’d always be treated like a baby because he was the youngest?

“No,” Harry grumbled, shaking his head. “We best not interrupt,”

“We wouldn’t have a chance to get a word in edge wise,” Jaden snorted, they were bickering like a bunch of first years who couldn’t decide what to name their Quidditch team.

“It’s a bit insulting listening to this,” Harry grumbled, as they spoke, “What do they think we are hooligans?”

Jaden laughed at that, “It would seem so,” they could hear every word from within the room, the people within were either unaware that they were there or just didn’t care if they heard or not.

“…have no time for this, we are in the midst of bringing back the Triwizard tournament, to create international cooperation.” Bathurst explained while barely clinging to his patience.

Harry glanced thoughtfully at the door, an idea sparking within his mind, a way to prove once and for all that his school deserved everything. Green eyes gleaming brightly, he paused momentarily, his dad wouldn’t like this, perhaps he shouldn’t…but he knew he could do it; he could prove to everyone that his school was the best. If this backfired his friends were going to go mental at him, his dad and Headmaster too.

“Where are you going?” Jaden blurted out in surprise when Harry stood up. “Our dads told us to stay here, remember?” blinking in confusion when Harry went to the doors…not in the opposite direction to leave the building.

Harry held up his finger to his mouth, using the universal language to tell him to keep quiet. Ever so slowly he began to press the handle, until the door was ready to open, quite well timed, in fact, as they begun discussing the tournament yet again. Which did annoy Harry, this was meant to be a meeting about his school, and they were using it to brag about how they’d revived the fabled Triwizard tournament.

“So, if we could prove ourselves you would willingly admit defeat and give us the status we deserve?” Harry called out, causing everyone to jump, completely startling everywhere there.

“Harrison Regis, just you wait until I get you home,” Severus muttered under his breath, giving Harry a stern look.

Harry flushed, his dad rarely used his full name, although it isn’t really his full name, Harrison James Severus Potter-Snape-Regis was it. His dad had no intentions of going back to using the Snape name, he would always be Regis now, and Harry was happy to be Harrison Regis too. “We could participate in the tournament! Just as well as any of the other schools! It would show them! All of them!” not just the ICW but the other schools they weren’t to be underestimated.

“Harrison, please go outside and wait on us finishing up in here,” Talin said after a moment of silence. “I am proud that you would defend the school, exceedingly so, but this is something that they, your dad and I need to work out together.”

“Just hold on a minute,” Bathurst said, raising his hand, “Are you trying to tell me little boy, that you think you’re better than three seventeen-year old’s from other schools?”

“My name is Harry, not little boy,” Harry told him firmly without being cheeky, “I’m not saying I’m better, just as good as them. Plus there is no guarantee I would be picked if we went,” yes, he knew about the tournament, the announcement that the ICW were trying to bring back the tournament had been in the newspaper. He had read up about it, having to use the library since there was no books about the tournament for sale, just old newspaper clippings. “But my friends are just as good as well.”

Severus groaned inaudibly, his eyes closed in exasperation, his son was going to give him grey hairs if he kept this up. These people were old and traditionalists, the worst kind too, they were going to try and prove a point with all this and Harry had just fed them the idea on a silver platter. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he opened his eyes observing the reactions of the ICW, who were all conversing quietly amongst themselves, Bathurst looked undeniably smug at the moment.

Graham Winsor cleared his throat, “We have come to a decision,” speaking for the group, while Bathurst just sat there with a smarmy look on his face. “You will be entered into the tournament as the fourth school, fourteen-year-old and up if you win then there will be no contestation of your school being given international recognition.”

“I will not,” Talin refused immediately.

“Then we are done here,” Bathurst informed them, lips twitching but he refused to show how happy he was at this declaration.

“Why not? This will give you what you want!” Harry protested in disbelief.

“Harry, you are currently doing your NEWTS in a dozen classes, your friends in your year doing pretty much the same thereabout, do you honestly think that this tournament is a good use of your time? My students come first before any desire of my own.” Talin said sincerely.

Bathurst deflated listening to the Headmaster speak to his student, something inside of him gave a little at the knowledge that Headmaster Addison was well and truly a better man. Here he was all smug about trying to prove Hogwarts was truly the better school and that fourteen-year-olds couldn’t be as good as seventeen-year-old’s…and Albus liked to say he was old and wise beyond his years. He definitely didn’t feel it right about now.

“Please, let us do it,” Harry begged, “At least let us try,” he would do anything for him, Talin had been part of his whole life, and would have under normal circumstances been called ‘Uncle Talin’ if he hadn’t had the unfortunate pleasure of being Headmaster and in a position of power. Harry would certainly go to Talin before Remus, who said they had been called ‘Uncle Remy’ and ‘uncle Siri’.

“The parents won’t go for this,” Talin shook his head, his resolve wavering but still held to a higher standard. Glancing at Severus for help, to help convince everyone even him, that it was a bad idea.

The ICW wizards listened intently to the conversation going on in front of them. They honestly didn’t know how to feel about it now they’d spoken. It had been a fun idea on how to get Talin to back off, none of them wanted to allow a school with so many Muggle subjects taking prominence. Yet as they listened, they realized subjects had nothing to do with it. Just pure unadulterated passion, not just from the Headmaster of the school but the students too.

Severus wasn’t the slightest bit happy with what his son had started, unfortunately, he seemed very passionate about making sure the school was recognized for what it was. Everyone always thought they attended the best school, it was just the way it was, well almost everyone. He certainly would have said Hogwarts was the best school despite his own experience there, that was before he found out about Grand Riviere. He knew how much Talin wanted this as well, giving a single terse nod. He wasn’t about to let his son go on his own so he was damn well going. With a little luck Harry wouldn’t be picked. He liked the odds of his son being picked very much.

If only he knew.

------------0 End Flashback 0--------

It may not have shown, but Headmistress Minerva McGonagall was extremely excited for the tournament to proceed. Traditionally only three schools competed in it, thus it was usually called Triwizard tournament but this year, this year was special, four schools would be competing for the cup and prestige that came with winning the tournament. Since it wasn’t a three-way competition, the official name for it was Quadwizard tournament.

“Miss Patil, fix your hair!” Minerva called as she made her way through the crowd of students all clamoring for a look at the students that was about to descend on the school. “Mr. Weasley straighten yourself up! You are representing Hogwarts!” she scolded the redhead. When he didn’t move quickly enough a spell left her wand and his clothes righted themselves causing him to squeak in discomfort.

Any minute now the three schools would make an appearance. She would get to see Severus again after three years, talking over the mirror just wasn’t the same.

“Look! Look! Look!” was called out by all the students, “They’re here!” excited babble poured from the students of Hogwarts as they waited all crowded around the steps and along the gravel and grass in the hundreds, even the Slytherins were excitedly watching, admittedly with a lot more decorum than the other house

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 2

Rampant speculation began to take hold of the students at Hogwarts as they watched the large silhouette come closer. From dragons to millions of broomsticks, all were wrong, although Dennis Creevey had the most accurate guess, it wasn't a house, but extremely large carriages, being pulled along by horses, pale blue they realized as it got closer to them and they were able to differentiate it from the darkening sky.

"Flying horses!" called a first year Muggle-born called out in awe.

"They're Palominos," Hermione corrected the girl with a roll of her eyes.

As one the student body began to back away in worry that they may end up being crashed into as it loomed fearfully close. The worry was for naught as the carriage landed at tremendous speed, causing the ground to shake as it crashed into the gravel.

Minerva stepped forward as a young boy fiddled with the carriage - producing gold steps for the students to descend from the large carriage. Her lips twitched as her students all gasped in amazement at the sight in front of them. The Headmistress of Beauxbaton was a sight to see indeed. Resplendent in black satin with many magnificent opals gleaming from her throat, wrists and fingers.

"Ah, McGonagall," Madam Maxime called as she stood beside the Headmistress, "I hope I find you well?"

"Very well," Minerva explained a small welcoming smile on her face. Despite the fact she had to make small talk, she wasn't one for long drawn on conversations unless it struck her fancy.

"My students," Maxime said gesturing towards her students, male and female, all in blue satin, standing shivering in the Scottish weather decidedly not used to it. All were gazing apprehensively at Hogwarts as if they weren't sure what to make of the beautiful castle yet.

Minerva gave a nod to them as they stood there, she rather hoped they had brought along warmer weather. It was wrong of Maxime not to prepare her students for the colder weather, they should have cloaks on.

"Has Karkaroff and Addison arrived yet?" Maxime continued her conversation, staring down at Minerva, while the Scottish professor stared up, or at least tried to, for it was deeply uncomfortable on her neck.

"No, they should be here momentarily," Minerva stated, "Would you prefer to go inside and warm up?" she eventually asked, they looked so miserable standing there shivering utterly freezing cold.

"Warm I think," Maxime decided after a single glance at her students, "The Horses…"

"We have someone who is more than capable of handling them, have no fear," Minerva interrupted her; "Hagrid will see they are put comfortably into stalls with something to drink."

"Very well," Maxime said giving the Headmistress a short bow. "Come," she added to her students, and they immediately obeyed her as they walked in a single file up the stone steps and disappearing into Hogwarts with gratitude.

"You think they'll all be coming the same way?" Lee asked the twins in interest.

The twins who wore identical grins shrugged; they didn't know any better than the others after all. Although considering how the schools liked to show off when they came, he knew it would be something just as spectacular.

The entire school was on the lookout for what was coming next, but it wasn't until someone called out that they found themselves looking in the right direction.

"Look! A Mast! Out on the lake!" Colin called out; his hand dramatically pointed towards the great lake as if calling out wasn't enough.

The Hogwarts students all shivered at the magnificent sight before them, the ship looked oddly skeletal, as if it were a resurrected wreck returning to the surface for the first time since its sinking. Even over where they were they could hear the loud sloshing noise as the water parted way forceful for the ship. It was still moving, making its way towards the banks, the sound of another plop as the anchor was put down to keep it in place, before another bang was heard, they saw the plank smacking against the bank surrounding the water.

Then one by one the bulky figures emerged from the ship, wrapped in thick fur coats, all matching except the figure leading them - presumably the Headmaster. Who was tall and thin just like their Headmistress, with gray hair to match but without the goatee of course.

"McGonagall, how are you my dear lady?" Karkaroff asked, shaking her hand heartedly.

"I am very well," Minerva answered immediately, returning his handshake, regardless of the fact he was gazing at Hogwarts with a cold shrewd look.

"Dear old Hogwarts," he said, "How good it is to be here, how good…Viktor, come along, into the warmth…you don't mind do you, McGonagall? Viktor has a slight head cold…"

"Bloody hell!" Ron cried eyes wide, "its Krum!" gazing at Seamus and Dean in wide eyed wonder.

"Of course," Minerva said generously, giving permission for them to enter the school, she believed he just didn't want to be there to greet Talin, he had thrown a big stink over the whole thing, but the ICW had been adamant about four schools competing, he had been given the opportunity to back out, and thus make it 'the Triwizard tournament' once more. Which of course, he had not done.

"Only Grande Riviere now," Hermione said some excitement breeding into her voice. She stood nearby McGonagall, as did Luna Lovegood on the other side.

Minerva shared Hermione Grangers excitement, but didn't show it, she honestly couldn't wait to see how they would make their entrance. Severus had refused to say; perhaps she should think of him as Septimius, she really didn't want to screw up their lives. Neither Harry nor Severus would forgive her. The beating of wings gave away their entrance before they appeared, Minerva's lips twitched, of course, two sets of Pegasus' flapped their wings, as the magic keeping them invisible dispersed as they made their entrance, the Pegasus was carting a mobile home, as soon as the mobile home touched the ground, it became significantly bigger.

"Wow!" many of the students exclaimed, the loudest came from beside Minerva, as Luna exclaimed and cooed over the magnificent beasts.

The hall vision of Headmaster Addison soon made an appearance, a genuine smile spreading across his features as he opened the door. He made his way straight to Minerva, extremely pleased to see her again. "Minerva, I hope you're well?" greeting her, shaking her hands with an emerging grin replacing his smile.

"I am," she replied, shaking his hand, becoming distracted by the immediate exclamation from Granger.

"They're far too young to be in the tournament!" Granger protested eyeing the students in shock; they looked her age not seventeen. Why were they getting to be in the tournament when she wasn't able to? She was just as capable as them.

"The other Head teachers and students have already entered Hogwarts, the feast will be ready momentarily," Minerva explained, ignoring Granger as she usually elected to do when she began endless comments, as though the professors were wrong.

"That's good, my students are quite hungry, it's been a long journey," Talin explained.

"Make yourselves at home," Minerva said with a welcoming smile.

"One of my students would like to know if their familiar will be welcome?" Talin enquired, he didn't need to explain further for Minerva to realize who and what it was.

"Of course, one cannot forbid familiars from Hogwarts, so long as they are not a danger to anyone," Minerva explained, knowing the Hogwarts charter inside and out. It would certainly give something for the students to talk about tonight.

Turning around Talin gave a single nod to Harry, who would be known as 'Harrison' here to further pull him away from any accidental occurrences were someone found out who he was born as. With that the fourteen year old who were in the middle of taking their N.E.W.T's made their way to Headmaster Addison a white wolf trotting alongside one student in particular paying no attention to anyone, despite their reactions both good and bad…mostly bad.

There wasn't a single student over the age of fourteen amongst Talin's lot, except one they assumed was a teaching assistant due to his age.

Harry gazed at the school, his dad and parents had attended this school, had walked up and down these steps millions of times, trudged around the school even more than that, they say seeing where your parents had been helped you feel closer to them…but Harry didn't, was it because he knew so much about them already? That he'd had a very happy upbringing that he couldn't imagine any other life?

"Where should we sit?" Josh asked, since he was closest to their Headmaster, gazing around in curiosity, he could tell the students from the other schools apart, not only by their numbers but the uniform they had on.

"Either of those two, I guess," Dylan pointed between the red and gold uniformed students and the black and yellow uniformed students.

The Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables, since Durmstrang had sat with the Slytherins and the Beauxbaton had sat at the Ravenclaw table.

"Er…how about that table," Harry suggested, the black and yellow scarf clad students sat at.

"Go on then," Talin said, urging them to take their seats, waiting until they had sat comfortably before he headed to the teachers table at the top of the Great Hall, it seemed as Minerva had conveniently ensured he was next to both Filius and herself. Dumbledore, of course, had a seat as well, his magenta robes were unmistakable, he hadn't seen him outside, but he hadn't paid much attention.

"That thing doesn't belong in the Great Hall," Zachariah Smith bit out glaring daggers at the wolf sitting at the end of the table with his owner. Nobody missed the subtle shaking of his hand as he pointed at Luna. Neither did any of the others, they weren't old enough to be in the tournament, why should they get to if he wasn't going to be granted the same favouritism.

Harry bit his tongue, refraining from commenting that he didn't belong. He wasn't a bully, and he knew how much words could hurt. The younger students who had been gazing at the wolf in awe flinched when Smith spoke. Harry frowned, pondering on what it meant.

The food suddenly appearing caught everyone's attention and prevented any tension from surfacing so soon.

"Wow!" Josh exclaimed, "Is this what you normally get?"

"There's more on each table, but yes, it's what we usually have more or less," Cedric Diggory explained with a happy-go-lucky grin.

"I'm just glad my parents aren't here to see this," Dylan chortled gleefully as he dug into the food, there was so much food there, hardly any of it healthy, if his parents had been there, they would have tried to fill his plate with vegetables.

"I don't think they agree with you," Harry said in amusement, they were looking at the food with distaste, Beauxbaton was in France, they were known for eating snails and frogs' legs, he wasn't sure why they were so disgusted by the food. Too greasy? Just too different?

Dylan and Josh glanced to where Harry pointed to, and saw what he meant.

"You're awfully young, how is it that you were allowed to enter yourselves into the tournament?" one of the Ravenclaws asked, sitting the wrong way around on the House table to question them.

"They might be young, but they're taking their N.E.W.T's," Susan chimed in to defend them.

"So, you're what geniuses or something?" Smith asked barely disguising his scorn.

"No, we just start school earlier than you that's all," Josh explained, the guy was already getting on his nerves. He could see his best friends were getting irritated as well.

Harry having grabbed a plate and filled it with as much meat as he could before putting it on the floor for Luna.

"May I pet her?" came a dreamy voice to his right.

Harry turned around, knowing it could only be him that they were talking to, he found a shockingly blonde-haired girl, with a face that made her look forever startled or surprised. She had a serene look on her face regardless, when she looked at Luna, he could tell she had a deep fondness for animals just like he did. "Not when she's eating," Harry explained, "She's domesticated but not to that extent, she's a wolf, it would be natural to her to defend what's hers." only he, Talin, his dad and Talin's kids, Alejandro, Jaden and of course, Tali since they were the people closest to her could even pet Luna while she ate.

"What's her name?" the Ravenclaw asked, the wolf was breath-taking, she'd never been so close to one, she just had to write to her dad he would love this.

"I named her Luna, because of her color and the fact she's a wolf," Harry explained, a wolf was most associated with the moon. He saw the look of surprise filtering over her eyes as she beamed.

"That's my name too," Luna said awed.

"Nice to meet you Luna," Harry said politely, "Please excuse me, I am rather hungry," he added regretfully, but his stomach growled conveying the truth of his statement.

Giving him a small smile, she turned around, going back to her own meal and being ignored by the majority of her classmates and Housemates. The Hufflepuff and Ravenclaws were next to one another, and their seats were opposite which had allowed their small conversation.

"What's it like?" Susan asked after a brief interval where they ate their dinner.

"Hmm?" Deacon questioned, swallowing the food he'd been chewing.

"Taking your N.E.W.T's so early," Susan explained further.

"It's not early for us," Deacon pointed out thoughtfully, "It just is." he couldn't explain it, it was just normal to him. His classmates all nodded in agreement with Deacon's statement, they might find it odd, but to them they'd worked hard to get to where they were.

"Will you be staying in the castle?" Hannah queried.

"No, we have our own rooms in the cabin," Chao answered, the girl's question patiently. Thank goodness for that, as fun as it was to meet so many new people, find out about a different way of life, the questions would eventually get tiring. Especially since they were all being asked the same thing from different people further down the table. Josh had just been asked the same thing if she was right.

From the Gryffindor table, a bushy haired teen watched the newcomers from Grande Riviere magical school with a hopeful look on her face. She had been at Hogwarts now for four years and hadn't made a single friend. She hadn't even been able to keep the Pen-pal she'd been assigned, she wasn't sure why they'd stopped responding, but after a few letters they'd just stopped. She'd sent a few more before deciding to call it quits and got a clue, they obviously didn't want anything to do with her which had hurt greatly, and she'd spent the afternoon in the bathroom crying. She just wanted a friend, one who could keep up with her superior intellect.

It had surprised her when they had chosen to sit with the Hufflepuff's instead of the Gryffindors. Gryffindor was the best house in Hogwarts, everyone knew that. It's why she'd argued with the hat about her placement. Even if she didn't get along with them, not all Ravenclaw's were smart anyway, look at Lovegood, she was a nutcase, always staring into space, saying silly things and talking about animals that didn't exist.

Maybe they would change their seating arrangement every day? Get to know everyone while they were here? She could only hope so, she'd love to speak to them, get to know them, they were smart after all, and would be able to have spirited debates with her regarding many subjects of magic. She felt quite excited, would they be attending classes at Hogwarts she wondered or would they be taught by their Headmaster/mistress? Oh, she hoped they attended lessons in the school; it would afford her more time to spend with them.

Pursing her lips thoughtfully, she decided to go to the library after dinner, she didn't understand how they could be allowed in the tournament, not only was it dangerous but they were her age, Headmistress McGonagall had said only those who were seventeen could enter and that an age line would be drawn up to prevent anyone underage putting their name in.

-------------------------0

Later that evening

"I'll get it!" Harry called, scrambling from the communal living room; through to the kitchen where Talin and his dad sat having a cup of coffee waiting for Minerva and Filius to come, they'd quietly made the arrangements during dinner a few hours ago. When he opened the door, he couldn't help but shiver a little, it was extremely cold outside. Luna quickly dashed around the visitors and bound out into the night. "Dad and the Headmaster are inside, excuses me!" he added giving them a grin as he too dashed out after Luna to make sure she didn't wander too far away, or go into the Forbidden Forest, he didn't want anything happening to her after all. Summoning his coat as he dashed away.

Filius and Minerva curiously entered the house, unsurprised to see it was significantly larger on the inside than on the outside. It was very homely, to their right was a hallway with a few doors, presumably leading to the bedrooms, and to their left was a kitchen and sitting area by the look of it. The students were sitting near the fire conversing happily and drinking cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows in it. "It's very good to see you again, Septimius," Minerva said giving him a fond smile, "How have you been?" knowing he had been anxious about the tournament.

"I am well, would you like something to drink?" Severus questioned, as Talin cast a silencing spell to give them some privacy as they spoke, not wanting young ears to overhear.

Minerva paused, wondering if she did want something to drink, it was exceedingly cozy in here, perhaps even a little too hot for her taste but the others seemed fine with the current temperature. "Something cold wouldn't go amiss," Minerva admitted as she removed her tartan cloak and put it on the back of the seat she decided to occupy.

"Filius?" Talin questioned as he put his wand away.

"I too would benefit from something cold to drink I think!" Filius said cheerfully, levitating himself to his seat and getting comfortable.

"We have many different drinks, both non-magical and our usual kind," Talin explained, opening the fridge to show off the contents. "Whiskey?" he suggested after a few moments. He had a charm on it to alert him if it was touched; with fourteen-year-olds around he felt it was a necessary precaution to take.

They were quick to agree to that, with a flick of his wand he had glasses and the bottle out for them to use, magic filling them up and the ice clinked into the glass afterwards.

"I am surprised you'd want to host the tournament given the last few years have been rough," Talin commented, wanting their thoughts and reasoning for their decision. Raising his glass in salutation before sipping it, one glass was all he'd allow himself; he had children to look after.

"Let's go Luna," Harry called as he opened the door, whistling to get her attention, shivering in the cold despite his cloak. He was warming up already though; he closed the door as soon as his familiar was indoors and out of the way of the door. Waving at the three teachers and his dad he bound back over to his friends reclaiming his cup of hot chocolate while Luna lay at his feet contently.

"It has been quite tough," Minerva agreed, after the trial and the removal of the obstacles and stone, Minerva had refused to allow the stone to remain in Hogwarts, and since she was now in charge, she could get rid of it before something happened. Regretfully that had not been the case the students had found Quirinus Quirrell dead on his classroom floor with the back of his head missing. The classes had been cancelled and the Auror's called in to investigate. To their horror the magical signature was known to the Auror's, it was the same signature that was at the Bones, Dorcas Meadowes, and the Potters residence in Godric's Hollow and dozens upon dozens of other places but nonetheless, that's where the magical signature was most recent.

The Dark Lord, it became apparent after a lengthily investigation that Voldemort was back in Britain and had possessed Quirinus and for some reason had ripped himself away in a burst of angry magic. Quirinus had been a willing accomplice in the crimes perpetrated against Hogwarts. Without a family, Minerva had seen to it that he was cremated and his ashes scattered.

This wasn't known to the public, of course, since it would only cause fear, suspicion and chaos. It did span an intensive search that included the Unspeakables as well as Auror's, who had been forced to make an oath before they were let in on the case.

Even to this day they were continuing their search, but they'd only had one instance of success, but that was all down to Albus Dumbledore. Who had regained favor in the eyes of the British Ministry of magic. Somehow the Dark Lord had regained corporal form, not just any body either, but his teenage body, he had become Tom Riddle once more, when the Auror's felt his magic they had descended upon Hogwarts in droves, and Dumbledore had successfully saved Ginny Weasley's life, by destroying a diary causing the wizard to explode in a fierce white light. The Auror's had taken the diary, refusing Dumbledore when he desperately tried to claim it.

As if that wasn't enough to deal with, Minister Fudge in all his wisdom decided to place Dementors around Hogwarts to 'protect' the school 'just in case' of any further attacks from 'You-Know-Who' no further attacks had been forthcoming and for that she was grateful. Although Poppy and her new Potions Professor (it was only the beginning of his third-year teaching after all) had been extremely busy due to the affects the Dementors had on her students. Nearing the end of the year she'd had enough, and exploded at the Minister to remove the Dementors or she was going public with the affects the creatures were having on her students. They had exams to study for, for Merlin's sake, and the depressed state or over cheerfulness were affecting their sleep and grades. With that threat in place, Fudge had conceded to her demands and removed them back to the island. He'd always been a coward behind the swagger that came with being the Minister of Magic.

"Last year was only because of the Dementors," Minerva conceded, "It's been quiet on that front, and I am grateful for It." the lines of worry evident across her face. Quite frankly she was tired, she just hoped that this year would be fun for the students.

"I'm assuming that it's the sole reason for Dumbledore's presence remaining within Hogwarts?" Talin enquired, a displeased frown crossing his features, "His house arrest was over two years ago, he has no reason to remain here,"

"The stipulations were overturned," Minerva sighed shaking her head as she drank from the glass.

"That it was, fortunately he couldn't return as the Headmaster, it seems Hogwarts quite prefers Minerva, and didn't return to Albus," Filius commented, "Not that he was given a chance, they didn't overturn that particular decision, nor the other titles come to that."

"Yes, that is true, he's allowed contact with children without supervision. I do believe it was only asked for due to the fact they didn't want to waste more Auror's presence here at Hogwarts looking after Dumbledore. I am keeping an eye on him regardless, I prefer him where I can see him if I am honest," Minerva admitted, "So long as he has no decisions when it comes to the students, I'm quite content to let him stay. You know Voldemort won't attack with Albus there." plus, she honestly wouldn't feel right about forcing him out, it was true what he'd said at the trial, it was his home, he'd lived at Hogwarts for most of his life now. Perhaps it was knowing that Harry hadn't truly died that made her feel sorry for him a little enough so he could remain at Hogwarts. She honestly would have to do a lot of soul searching to know for certain. If he did anything to anyone, then she would indeed remove him from Hogwarts.

"Tell that to Quirrell," Severus said dryly causing Filius to snort into his drink decidedly amused by Severus' dry wit.

"Dumbledore was at Hogwarts during that time, correct?" Talin queried, he spoke to Filius more than Minerva and he didn't speak about the troubles, Severus did occasionally keep him up to date regarding such things though.

"He was," Filius admitted, watching the Grande Riviere students all talk away on the mirrors, "Their parents?" he guessed, gesturing towards the living room.

Talin turned around to see what Filius was talking about, even though he had his suspicions already. "Yes, and their friends no doubt," he said amused. He would need to ensure that Josh, Dylan and Harry did not spend all night talking to Jay, Rowena had not wished for her son to come let alone be entered into the tournament. Jay had spent the week before pouting constantly, hating the fact he would be separated from his friends for an entire year, he wasn't the only one thankfully and would have the rest of his classmates to spend time with.

"Still using the old design, I see?" Filius commented.

"Yes, they're quite happy with them, although the parents do have the new design, it's became more popular than the Floo, so it's no surprise really." Talin explained. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin had designed a different version, one that only required the single mirror with a 'Mirror name' charm on it, and anyone with the name and the password could speak to you from their own mirror anywhere. It meant they didn't need a different mirror for whoever they were calling, which is what turned out to happen, until Sirius had asked Harry's permission to use the premise of the idea to make a new one. Harry received fifty percent interest on that design, acting as a 'secret investor' of sorts. "We have one on the fireplace; it helped sooth the worries the parents felt about their children being gone for so long. They aren't used to it, at least most of them aren't only five percent of my school's population remain all year around, and those are from quite far away countries and asking children to Portkey every day would be quite tedious."

"The boys were always quite inventive, lazy but inventive," Minerva said lips twitching just remembering the things they'd all get up to in school.

"Do you know the new design is based on Harry's idea?" Talin questioned, as always eager to speak about his students, pride deep in his voice.

"It is?" Filius squeaked, rather excitedly.

"Yes, he wanted to be able to converse with all his friends, the one mirror could call all three of them," Talin answered, drinking the remains of his whiskey. As always, it was just a matter of time coming up with an alternative.

"Has Sirius been behaving himself?" Minerva queried, she knew it had been difficult to begin with, for both Sirius and Harry who found the wizard a bit too childish for his taste. And Sirius found Harry a bit too 'grown up' and 'Snape-like seriousness' annoying.

"Surprisingly yes, Harry got through to him," Severus replied, "That as well as Remus and his mind healer I believe," Remus had forced him to continue seeing a mind healer after their move to St. Lucia, refusing to relinquish the progress Sirius had begun making with someone to talk to.

"Good," Minerva said, nodding in relief slightly surprised that neither wizard was here, but they had no reason to so it wasn't as though they could just show up.

"Will you require aid teaching your students?" Filius asked, well aware that this was an extremely busy year for them, with it being N.E.W.T's and all.

"I am not teaching them alone," Talin said amused, "The mirror has been installed in all classrooms; they will be taught by their teachers, except in Potions and Alchemy, of course, which requires more than being taught through a mirror. Those classes will be overseen by myself and Severus personally." that's not to say he won't be there to keep an eye on things from this side.

"That is…very well done," Minerva admitted it's certainly not something she would have thought off that's for certain.

"It was Severus' idea," Talin confessed.

"That is too bad, I would have greatly liked to teach a class," Filius mused, "To observe and see how well they do,"

"You may do so if you wish," Talin answered,

"It would be my greatest pleasure to teach them," Filius said solemnly, meaning every word. Ronald Weasley could learn something about these teenager's worth ethic. He had been held back a year, after failing nearly all his classes at the end of his first (first year). Repeating his first year for a second time, much to Molly and Arthur's shame, as well as Ronald's who had classes with his younger sister, who outdid him at absolutely everything. He had passed his second go of his first year by the skin of his teeth; he was currently starting his third year now. He had better up his game; otherwise he would end up failing once more, and being kicked out of Hogwarts. He had been warned, both by his teachers as well as the Headmistress. Hopefully the message would sink in.

"I know a student or two who could learn from them," Minerva stated, they were still talking into their mirrors she observed, but that wasn't a surprise, everyone in Hogwarts, almost everyone in Hogwarts had one as well, she wasn't sure how many times she'd instructed the students to put them away in class.

Filius snorted, "My thoughts exactly," it should have been scary how they were on the same wavelength sometimes, but it wasn't, it helped run a tight ship, as Deputy Headmaster he had to think quickly on his feet.

"How is the Potions Master I recommended?" Severus questioned after a lull in the conversation.

"Professor Magee is perfect, we've seen a significant rise in Potion grades, more people also took Potions for their N.E.W.T class, and I had ten students come to me wishing to take it after the school year began." Minerva replied honestly, smiling grimly at the wince from Severus. "He's using your book; I believe he may have been questioning my sanity when I laughed at that one."

Severus chortled, "I can imagine," he had been aware that he wasn't the best Potions Professor to have, he wasn't teacher material, and being forced to teach had left him bitter. As he had told his son, he hadn't been living…he'd been existing, coming back and saving Harry hadn't been his second chance, it was raising him, living life the way he wished for the first time in life and he'd want it no other way. "I suspected he would be a good fit." he hadn't attended Hogwarts, and had met the young man at Potion conferences and read about his success. He had answered every single question asked, no matter how idiotic it had been. Calm, patience happy to educate, yes, he'd suspected he would be very good indeed. He was happy his recommendation had been a good one.

"He is also Gryffindors Head of House," Minerva added.

"And the Defense position?" Severus queried, "Any problems on that front?"

"Surprisingly not, I'm not sure if it's because there was nothing to the curse…or if it was tied to Dumbledore being headmaster…either way, he's been here four years nearly without a problem." Filius was the one to reply, it was another Scottish professor for Transfiguration, Professor James Frazier, Head of Slytherin House well liked, although it had taken the Slytherin's a while to warm up to him.

"He has," Minerva continued after, "The grades for Defense have also shot up, and as you know a few other classes have been added to the curriculum here. I am seriously considering having the students begin Hogwarts at a younger age, so with a little luck your student will do well enough that I am able to convince the Council of Magical Law to permit it." she'd added Wandless magic classes and Alchemy was back on the list of classes they could take.

Severus groaned, "I do not even wish to think on that," he sincerely hoped that Harry wasn't chosen, "It's giving me gray hairs just thinking on it."

Talin agreed, "Yes, it is quite nerve-wracking," his sons were here, only one at the right age to participate, and Jaden was determined to put forth his name and help just like Harry. He believed his son; Jaden had a desire to take over the school when he stepped down. His daughter, Tali was already earning her Mastery to teach she'd gained her Mastery in Charms and Transfiguration. And right now, was acting as a teaching assistant with each subject to see what it was like. To see which she would prefer, within the next year or so she would be working full time. He couldn't be prouder of her if he tried.

"Ah, I assume both your sons have a desire to participate?" Filius asked, decidedly amused, glancing between Talin and Severus.

"They do," Both replied immediately with a deadpanned note to their voice, unimpressed with Filius' amusement at their predicament.

"I'm sure they would do both of you proud," Minerva said solemnly, and she knew that without a doubt.

"Yes, yes, they would, no matter what happens," Talin replied immediately, he honestly didn't care, the fact they were willing to come here, to enter the tournament to help him meant more than whether or not they won.

"Indeed," Severus stated in agreement.

"Excuse me, I think it's time to get my students to bed," Talin said amused, standing up, this was going to be fun. Each of the students had a room of their own, except Harry and his sons. His sons would be rooming with him, and of course, Harry with Severus.

To Minerva's surprise there was absolutely no complaining, but they did look on the tired side, regardless of how tired they were, the students were polite and respectful enough to cheerfully say goodnight to them as they passed.

"Where could I find a bathroom, Sev-ptimus?" Minerva asked as her bladder made its demands known.

"First door to your left," Severus pointed it out.

"Excuse me," She said vacating her seat, and making her way to the spacious bathroom to take care of her needs.

They remained for a few more hours, talking about everything and anything just happy to see each other again after years apart, mirrors not included, of course. By the time they finished it was midnight, and all of them were bone achingly tired. Severus and Talin respectfully escorted them half way, before returning to the cabin.

-----0

Finally the story is coming together right without massive potholes in it! :) and they were potholes!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 3

Halloween, October 31st

Harry groaned as Luna began to slobber all over him, yanking his face away to stop her as he muttered incoherently. Sighing in resignation, Harry pouted; he'd been having a very good sleep and wasn't amused at being woken up. Unfortunately, sleep wasn't for him, not now, he knew if he wanted to he could go back to sleep, but Luna needed the toilet, he knew all her tells, so still half asleep, he slid his feet into his slippers and grabbed a warm winter cloak before shuffling out of the room, not before noticing his dad was still asleep.

A small smile appeared on his face as he closed the door, and padded to the front door of the cabin they'd be using until they returned to St. Lucia. He jumped when he heard barking, and it definitely wasn't Luna, it was a dog's bark. Glancing around, he found himself confronted with a massive - perhaps not when compared to Luna - black dog, it was a boarhound, or rather a Great Dane, he knew his animals. He'd seen one before, he liked visiting the vets. Ever since Mark had tended to Luna, he liked to visit the veterinarian at least once a month, and Mark didn't seem to mind. Mark didn't own the practice anymore, mostly just provided the potions for them, but occasionally he would go in, at least ten times a month.

"Don't yeh worry, he ain't gonna harm you none," a loud booming voice insisted, looking star struck at the sight of Luna.

"I'm not worried or afraid," Harry explained craning his neck upwards to see the giants face, and he wasn't being metaphorical when he called this man a giant, he definitely was one. This must be Hagrid, Sirius, Remus, Minerva, Filius and his dad mentioned him quite often. "Luna won't hurt him either, she's just curious!" he explained with a grin, hearing her thoughts, Luna was used to being around people and animals and had never hurt anyone unless they were trying to harm him.

"She's a beauty!" he boomed, "I'm Hagrid, keeper of keys here at Hogwarts, and the care of magical creature's professor, it's nice to meet ya, you a Grande Riviere student?"

"I am, professor," Harry said politely, giving him the respect, his station deserved. Teachers put up with a lot, and didn't get much in the way of monetary compensation at least that's what his dad says.

"None o' that now, call me Hagrid," Hagrid said, beaming in happiness. "I didn't expect anyone up so early," he was still doing his rounds.

"Luna needed out," Harry shrugged, his way of explaining. "Oh, my name is Harrison, Harrison Regis, you can call me Harry though!" remembering his manners.

Hagrid's eyes gleamed a little and he sniffed, "its nice ter meet ya Harry," thinking of another little boy taken before his time. Oh, he held a lot of regret for what happened to the little tyke.

"You too!" Harry chirped.

"Yeh be careful now, there are a lot of dangers in the forest," Hagrid warned him.

"I will be," Harry said solemnly, taking the warning to heart, his dad would kill him if he did anything stupid like that. Headmaster Addison had already warned them repeatedly until it took about the dangers in there. He wouldn't be surprised if Talin had added some wards to prevent any mischief from happening probably his dad too.

"Come on, Fang, let's go," Hagrid called out to his hound, "Yeh take care o' yer self, Harry!"

"Bye, Hagrid!" Harry called out, mentally calling out to Luna through their bond, both of them bound back into the cabin again, and into the warmth. Despite the fact Luna was used to the heat, she didn't seem even the slightest bit daunted by the cold weather that was normal in Scotland.

"Good morning, Harrison," Talin said, looking up from the newspaper in interest to see who it was.

"Good morning Headmaster," Harry replied, he no longer found it difficult to differentiate what to call Talin most of the time, at home it was always Talin, and most of the time in his head too. At school though, or even here it was definitely Headmaster, even though all his friends knew his dad and the Headmaster was close, it was about time and places as well as respect.

"The House-elves are making breakfast, it should be ready soon," Talin explained, watching as Harry prepared Luna's breakfast.

"Everyone will be disappointed," Harry sniggered in amusement, "They liked dining at Hogwarts last night."

Talin hummed in agreement, "Yes, indeed they did," and he'd had to give out six potions to soothe stomach-ache to prevent it from actually leading to being sick. They tended to eat a lot more healthily at home, most of the food at Hogwarts was fried, almost swimming in grease, and the amount of meat they consumed…he doubted even the moon wolves would have been able to consume it.

Harry swiped his hands together, having completed his first talk.

"How are you feeling?" Talin asked, his stomach in knots just thinking about last night. He had at ten o'clock led them up to Hogwarts again, letting those who actually still wished to enter the tournament to do so. To his immense pride and anxiety none of them had stepped back, even his son had put his name in without pause. Harry was like a third son to him so sons might be a more accurate term.

Harry turned around and slid into his seat, having been taught not to lie, Harry rarely did, especially because his dad always seemed to know or find out. He hated being grounded or going to bed early, it sucked, especially when he got his mirrors taken off him. "I haven't thought about it," he answered honestly, showing how smart he was that he knew what Talin was referring to. They'd returned back to the cabin right away after submitting their names to the goblet and had an extra hot chocolate to warm up before heading to bed. He'd fallen asleep almost right away, if he didn't know any better, he would have thought there was something in the hot chocolate to help them sleep.

Talin nodded, today was going to be exceedingly long, tonight they would find out which one of his students would be competing in the tournament. Removing his wand from his holster he held it out at the corridor before using a spell to make a loud noise, like a bell for a short moment before food appeared for their breakfast.

Toast, butter, strawberry jam, an assortment of fruit, eggs done three different ways, scrambled, omelets, boiled and Benedict made the usual way with half muffins, each topped with Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce then there was some bacon, sausages all done the healthiest way possible.

Harry dived right in, not realizing just how hungry he was until the delicious smelling aroma penetrated his still groggy mind. He picked tow egg Benedict's, waving to Dylan as he walked in, his hair sticking up at all ends, still in his pajamas like Harry was and slouched down.

Harry made an enquiring noise through pursed lips, gesturing towards the hallway, not even needing to say anything properly for Dylan to understand.

Dylan sniggered as he scooped up two portions of omelet with pepper and onions in it. "Shower," he murmured, and that was the last of the conversation as they began to eat their breakfasts, waving or nodding to their friends as they too made appearances. Josh was last to come in, already dressed his hair still damp.

It was half an hour later before anyone spoke.

"Are we doing anything to celebrate Halloween? Headmaster Addison?" Chao questioned curiously, after the House-elves cleared the table leaving only the juice behind for them to drink. Normally they had at least a party, ones that everyone in the school attended, dressed up or otherwise, so that those at home could have fun just as much as those who stayed full board while at Grande Riviere.

"Why? It's not like we can dress up, I mean I didn't bring anything with me!" Deacon said in half panic, wondering if the others had.

"Wait, Hogwarts is bound to be having something happening tonight, other than the tournament announcements surely?" Dylan pondered.

"I wonder what they normally do?" Josh mused, as everyone tried to give their own questions.

"Hogwarts doesn't do parties or dressing up for Halloween, it's a grand feast nonetheless, but that is all they do." Severus answered their questions as he entered the room. "Do not go crazy with the sweets," he warned them, but his tone wasn't scathing, but concerned.

"That's just boring!" Josh groaned, "A feast? It's supposed to be about dressing up and having fun!" revealing their age, sure they might be what people here called 'Advanced' for their ages intellectually but the reality was, they were still just fourteen-years-old.

"Every school has their own quirks and has different ways of celebrating things," Talin said soothingly, "I think once the announcements have been made this evening you won't be bothering overly much about dressing up."

"I can't wait!" Jaden said practically shaking with excitement.

Talin just groaned at his sons' words, his son might not be able to wait but he was dreading it. Glancing at Severus he saw that his own emotions were reflecting in those black eyes, yes, he wasn't the only one.

"Did you hear the rumor about Durmstrang?" Chao exclaimed, eager to share.

"What do you mean? What rumor?" Harry asked curiously, everyone looked Chao's way quite excited to know too.

"Well, they've said that only one student put his name in the goblet! So, he's like guaranteed to end up as the champion!" Chao said seriously.

"That can't be right…" Harry frowned, glancing at his dad to see what he thought.

"It isn't," Severus explained for his son, always up to sharing any shred of information with him so that he knew what was what. "There has to be at least three participants put forth, and no name can be the same, the line has a spell that absorbs magical signatures, so nobody could their names in more than once or for someone else."

"Two others could have put his name in for him," Harry pointed out.

"They could have," Severus agreed.

"How cool is that Mr. Regis!" Deacon grinned.

"Not very, it's not so much of a competition if the others are already cheating to get their own way," Severus replied, his distaste at the thought already showing on his face. It wouldn't surprise him if Igor had done exactly that, he had already shared with his son what Igor is, demanding that he keep away from him as much as possible without rousing suspicion. Only fellow Death Eaters would know of Igor's deflection, or those high up in the Ministry, if Harry avoided him for no reason, suspicion would be roused, and he wasn't risking it. He was going to have to be cautious anyway with Dumbledore around.

"Not only that but they say it's Viktor Krum who's only put his name in!" Chao ended her titbit with flare.

"KRUM!?" they called out half excited half terrified, "But he's brilliant!"

"Yeah," Harry muttered, "He has to be, in order to play Quidditch you have to keep your grades up, imagine being under immense scrutiny due to the fact he played professionally not just for a school team..."

"Oh, man!" Josh groaned, "Maybe I shouldn't have put my name in! He has the best grade for Defense in his year!"

"So, do we!" Dylan stated right back nudging Josh.

"I guess," Josh mused thoughtfully, ignoring all the chatting going on around him. "What do you think, Harry? Do you think the rumors are true?"

"I would say so," Alexis whispered, braiding her long brown hair, "I was leaving the Great Hall when I heard the Headmaster offer mulled wine to Krum, he sounded really gentle, parental even, like my mum is with my older brother, Adam when he gets home from work…Krum said no, but when another student asked…" Alexis shuddered, "It was like he became a whole different person, he was so cold, and then he embarrassed him just for having food down his clothes!" Headmaster Addison would never do such a thing to them, he was always kind.

Harry ducked down so they could hear him, before starting slowly, "I…wouldn't put it past their Headmaster to set something like this up, maybe thinking it himself…or the ICW helping him." there was no doubt Krum was absolutely the best not just at Quidditch either. It looked like the Headmaster also favored Krum too.

"You think they're trying to sabotage us?" Josh's jaw tightened in anger.

"I don't know," Harry said quietly, frowning, "If anything you'd expect them to help Hogwarts…they are biased in favor of this school…but the Headmistress is very fair, she wouldn't allow it, everyone probably knows that so they might have decided to go to someone else…honorable?"

"Bloody hell," Dylan groaned, rubbing his head.

"Well if anyone knows Karkaroff then yes, he's definitely capable of it," Alexis admitted, her blue eyes filled with fire. She believed it completely, that wizard…there was something about him she'd never trust him.

"It could be just a rumor though," Harry said unhelpfully, and it was obvious he didn't believe what he was saying.

"There's always some element of truth in rumors though," Josh pointed out pensively.

"Guess we'll find out tonight," Harry stated determinedly. "Whoever gets picked, we'll stick together, help each other through it." and he would begin searching for information to see if what he suspected was true.

"Hell yeah!" Deacon chimed in, "One for all and all for one!"

The two adults watched possessively over the students, eye gleaming with pride, this was what the competition was meant to be about. Sticking together, helping each other, becoming strong, united in face of trials and tribulations.

The students all laughed, relaxing in their seats, they were right, they had each other, and they would do their school proud, no matter what. They had agreed to this wanting to help their Headmaster, strongly believing that their school deserved international recognition, although in hearts of hearts some of them did indeed desire eternal glory, the money that came with it. It was why Jay had wished to come, one thousand galleons were a lot of money, it would have helped his mum cover the cost of attended Grande Riviere, but she wasn't having any of it. She'd rather work around the clock than risk her son for anything, he was all she had, and Jay had been gutted.

It was a Saturday so they didn't need to worry about school or classes they just enjoyed their day.

The anxiousness didn't return until night fell.

---------0

Once the Grande Riviere students made their way to the Hufflepuff table, they began to absorb all the talk of the day. Apparently, Fred, George, Fawcett who was a Ravenclaw, Summers -who flushed at the attention - who was a Hufflepuff, had all tried to fool the Goblet of Fire into accepting them, an aging potion apparently. Only to be flung after successfully getting over the circle to grow enormous beards.

The Grande Riviere students had all laughed in amusement.

"It's curious isn't it? How the age line worked for us?" Josh said, his eyes twinkling brightly, like they usually did when there was a mystery presented between him and his three best friends. They liked to know how everything worked.

"That's easy, when we stepped into Hogwarts our magical signature was collected by the age line before it was activated, we are the exceptions," Harry breezed through the answer, the Great Hall was packed with people, pumpkins and candles floating through the air, ghosts bobbing up and down speaking to the students or doing their own thing.

"Whoa!" a few Hufflepuffs murmured in awe having heard Harry's reply.

"That must have been some intricately designed work, I wish I could have seen it!" the fourteen-year-olds breathed, "Can you imagine having to tweak the original works like that?"

"It's not easy, but once you get the hang of it…" Dylan said thoughtfully, "I suspect it was runes, they're always best when tweaking certain spells."

"I agree," Harry nodded, "Definitely runes," absently patting at Luna, ensuring her tail was tucked in so she didn't get stepped on, glancing at her bowl, she was nearly finished with her food.

The fifth through seventh year students at the Hufflepuff table, gaped at the fourteen-year-olds for a few moments. Runes was an exceptionally difficult subject, they should still only be on the basics never mind advanced work like tweaking Runes, the seventh years actually understood the implications more than any others. Just watching them, they realized the others laughing had been premature, these students were actually going to be very good contenders for winning this.

"Hey, Harry, where's your dad? I've not seen him at Hogwarts yet?" Alexis queried, they all liked and respected Mr. Regis, he may be stern sometimes but he always answered any questions they had, helped with their homework when they were at Harry's and attended all his games and his books were a major help for those like her who just didn't get Potions like the advanced class group - or she hadn't back then, but with the book…she'd understood it better and ended up in advanced group a few years ago. It was a good thing because she wanted to be a Herbologist, and that required an EE in potions. She also wanted to do well in Alchemy, which was also steeped in potions knowledge since it was half…more than half potions.

"He's back at the cabin, he's coming for the announcements though," Harry answered her immediately, he had gone off to the goblins to find out about tweaking the pendant, to make his features less prominent, but to prevent anyone who had seen him from seeing any of the changes. Like Harry himself and everyone from his school and maybe even Minerva and Filius to everyone else he will be just different enough nobody could say he was Severus Snape or related to the Princes. He wouldn't be different enough to call any attention to him and his friends though. Even the thought of trying to figure it out baffled even him. He definitely wanted to see and inspect the pendant when he returned home though.

"I really hope its Cedric!" Summers admitted, still put out her plan had failed, "A Hogwarts, Hufflepuff victory!"

"It would show them all what we can do!" agreed Bones sagely, they were looked down upon for being loyal, "That just because we're Hufflepuff's we aren't idiots or spares!"

"What do you mean by that?" Chao asked, who was sitting closest to Susan Bones, they were already friends, pen-pals really, they'd been writing then talking through the mirrors for years now. It was odd being at the school but she was looking forward to spending proper time with her when she could.

Susan took a deep breath and told Chao about everything they endured by the other students within the castle just because of where they were sorted. That there were fewer students wishing to be with them because of it or feeling embarrassed, bullied and ostracized due to their placements. She never said this when they wrote, other than the first few letters the school hadn't been mentioned again, it had just been a factor for breaking the ice between the girls.

"Do you know if the other schools work the same way?" Sophie asked, joining the conversation, shaking her head, glad Grande Riviere didn't sort its students, it sounded like blatant permission to just be a horrible person and judged because of their placements.

"Only one other school sorts the students," Josh explained, having spent weeks looking them all up after Harry told him about Hogwarts and how they had to wait until they were eleven to attend. "It's the American school, um, what it is called…"

"Ilvermorny," Harry imputed as he slowly ate his food, he wasn't in the mood for a gigantic feast. He was definitely taking some of the treats back with him though. He made a mental note to remember cauldron cakes, they were his dads favorite.

"That's right! It's mirrored after Hogwarts! Four houses, four animals, even the subjects are the same, with some alterations," Josh went right back to it. "At least when I read it, I know Hogwarts is starting to make more classes available to its student's now." none came even close to the amount of choices they had at his school though he thought with satisfaction. "It was fascinating to read about all the diff…" Josh trailed off when every golden plate in the hall reverted back to their normal spotless states. As soon as this happened the noise cut off completely, as every student in the hall including him turned to the Headmistress of Hogwarts, to hear what was going to be said.

"The Goblet is ready now to make its decision," Minerva stated calmly, as she stood up, not even the slight bit apprehensive to see so many students gazing at her impatiently, the desire to know who the champions was written across their faces. "When I call out the name of the champions, please come up to the top of the hall and walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber," Minerva gestured towards the chamber for those who weren't familiar with the school. "This will be where you will receive your first instructions."

Minerva removed her wand, just as Severus stepped inside giving her a nod and every candle in the Great Hall was extinguished, and darkness descended, except for the pumpkins and the glowing Goblet of fire.

Severus closed his eyes feeling quite anxious, before opening them and breathing out, whoever it was, he would help them as much as he could. They were fourteen-years-old and the others competing where seventeen, magically they were all the same level, in fact he'd say Harry and his friends were magically stronger having been using magic longer, but physically and mentally…well that was the difference. Especially when met with the students of Durmstrang, it made Harry and the others look exceedingly younger. The Beauxbaton students though, didn't have the same intense - probably intimidating to others - presence.

Severus straightened his spine when the Goblet sparks turned red, Minerva was already summoning the charred paper towards her, he could tell she wasn't completely confident about the tournament, he'd known her long enough to see her tells. Her eyes were narrowed a little more than usual, mouth slightly more tense, it gave away her anxiety.

"The champion for Durmstrang will be…." Minerva called out, "Viktor Krum!" without too much dramatics.

Harry and the others all glanced at each other, no surprise showing, but they nonetheless cheered politely for the champion. Alexis gave Harry a pointed look when even over the cheering they heard Karkaroff bellowing out his own congratulations. Harry just smirked and shrugged his shoulders, before both were once again distracted by the Goblet and more red sparks.

"The champion for Beauxbaton," Minerva called, "Is Fleur Delacour!"

Harry craned his neck to see who she was, a blonde girl rose from the table next to their temporary ones. Oh, she was a Veela, well, half-Veela, he'd definitely know if she was a full one, everyone would. Still the pull would be quite immense, especially to those who don't have strong magical cores, she was like a siren, had an allure about her. He was quite glad he'd managed this, between giants, Veela's, half goblins this was going to be so much fun. He definitely wanted to talk to her at some point, he had quite a few questions about her lineage if she'd permit him.

"This is it!" squealed Susan, her red hair shining like a beacon even in the darkness.

"The champion for Hogwarts is…"

"Cedric Diggory!" Minerva called out, and there was an immediate roar of triumph and happiness from the Hufflepuff table, as they cheered and hollered out support for the newly elected Hogwarts champion. It drowned out the groans, the boos from a few of the more disrespectful students. Harry and his classmates remained seated as the Hufflepuffs stood, applauding as Cedric Diggory stood up, looking bashful and a little overwhelmed with the support shown to him.

"Yes! Now we have a chance to prove ourselves!" Susan exclaimed; her face twisted in victory. She was very passionate about her house, all her family had been Hufflepuff's, and she hated the rampant bullying they received because of their penchant for being loyal. A lot of the Ravenclaws were decent though, but the Gryffindors and Slytherins were unbearable.

Once Cedric Diggory disappeared through the antechamber, silence once again reigned over those within Hogwarts walls. Talin and 'Septimius' became tense once more, Minerva hadn't un-tensed since she begun reciting the names from the slips of paper.

"Here we go," Harry and Alexis muttered quietly, each student from Grande Riviere glancing at each other, hearts pounding as they waited.

"Last but no means least, the champion for Grande Riviere is…" Minerva snatched the last slip of paper from the goblet, noticing both Severus and Talin's tense states, but since they were the only two with actual children here and potential champion candidates there was nothing suspicious about it. "Harrison Regis!" oh, boy, poor Severus, he was in for a rough year, but she suspected he would have been regardless, Severus cared a lot about children, especially those he considered under his care, even if his attitude conveyed the complete opposite.

"You've got this," Dylan said, squeezing Harry's shoulder in support.

"We're with you," Josh added, patting him on the back, as they all stood up cheering for Harry, giving him their unequivocal support.

Harry gave them all a wry grin, his stomach was twisted in knots, he felt undeniably nervous. This was all on him now, he wanted so badly to help his Headmaster get his biggest wish, and he too wanted Grande Riviere to be given international status, it deserved it - that and more - in his book. He would give it his all and hope it was enough, he felt anxious and worried but the cheering and strength of his friends made him feel like an immovable force to be reckoned with.

With their strength giving him courage, Harry was finally able to get his limbs to move after what felt like forever. Fortunately for him it wasn't any longer than any other student who had just been called forth, so no odd looks or laughing thinking him weak. Fur brushed his fingers; Luna was following him. He didn't even think to force her to remain behind, the noise had startled her, it had her on edge.

The polite cheering seemed to fade into the background as Harry searched the crowd for his dad. His brow was furrowed, a sure sign on worry, but when his dad noticed him watching, it smoothed out, a comforting nod was then given, causing Harry to grin more genuinely, he suddenly realized he could do this, maybe not win but he could compete.

"Congratulations, Mr. Regis, go and join the other champions, we will be through momentarily," Minerva informed Harry as soon as he stepped in front of her.

Harry gave a nod of understanding, sound finally coming back to him, hearing the buzzing of over a hundred students all talking about the results of the goblets decisions. The cheering and applaud had died down, and they were all seated again, Harry observed before he lost view as he turned into the antechamber, feeling utterly dwarfed by the two male champions, who were standing arms crossed, leaning on the wall waiting impatiently to learn what happens next.

Harry didn't dwell on his fellow competitors, he turned to look around the room in a curious manner. He hadn't been in this part of the school - obviously - like the majority of the school it seemed to house a lot of portraits. Was there anywhere in this school you could actually get any privacy? Only a few rooms at Grande Riviere had portraits, and it was only one or two, he'd never seen a building so burdened with a great many portraits before.

It was cold in the antechamber, even with a fire roaring in the large fireplace. Then again, the three other champions were already huddled around it, claiming all the heat for themselves. He rather hoped they weren't going to be here for too long. The only warmth he felt was where Luna was leaning against his leg keeping close to him. Showing her teeth to Krum - slummed and brooding as he was - was eyeing the wolf as though he wanted nothing more than to kill and eat it.

Harry patted Luna's back, soothing her from her earlier fright, if it had been loud to him, he could only imagine how loud it had been for her. That and he was stealing some of her warmth his hands were cold. Her attention was diverted to the door, Harry glancing with her, just a few moments before the door opened again, and a large group of people began to trickle in, including his Headmaster and his dad, the noise of all the students was heard until Headmistress McGonagall, the last to enter, closed the door once more.

"How are you feeling?" Talin asked quietly, leaning down to whisper into his students' ear.

"I'm fine," Harry replied, "I'd like to know what the first task is though," perhaps that would completely settle his nerves.

"I'm sure you're all eager to get back to your friends and classmates, so let's crack on, shall we?" Ludo Bagman said with a cheerful smile on his face, looking thoroughly happy with the outcome of the tournament's announcements. "Barty? Would you like to do the honors of giving the instructions to the champions?" he called out as he was joined by everyone, including Dumbledore.

Mr Crouch, who none of the champions had noticed due to their attention being focused on their Headmaster/Mistresses. They did notice the extremely tall wizard who stepped forth, the light of the fire splashing across his face. His eyes were cold and his face was lined harshly, a deep contrast from Ludo Bagman that was for sure.

"The first task is designed to test your deductive reasoning," Crouch informed them, his voice sounded so old but just as cold as the rest of him. "It involves a hunt, a total of ten puzzles will be placed in and around Hogwarts, each puzzle will hold a clue leading to the next, in the end you'll find the last puzzle holds a clue to the second task."

Harry's eyes lit up, buzzing with excitement, he loved the sound of that, he just knew that this was Talin's design. They did these logic puzzles each Easter; in the end you got a chocolate egg if you succeeded in finishing it.

Talin cleared his throat, "I think something vital has been forgotten, don't you?" his tone smooth with a subtle rumble in his chest that wasn't discernable to everyone.

"Ah, yes, of course, my fault!" Ludo said apologetically, face going red, "I volunteered to give the information to our champions,"

"What information is this?" Fleur demanded, her accent making it difficult to understand her words fully. What could be gleaned from her though was that she was perplexed, maybe a little worried at the way they were being squirrelly about revealing the information.

"During a meeting after tying up the remaining loose ends for the tournament, one of the Headmasters decided that there should be more tasks during the tournament, protesting the unfairness of only three of the head teachers getting to set up a task." Ludo explained patiently, nobody missed his gaze going very briefly to Karkaroff when he said 'one of the Headmasters' not that Harry would have had difficulty figuring it out due to the fact the logic puzzle was definitely something Talin would design.

Karkaroff not perturbed at being called out, merely straightened defiantly, refusing to be cowed by the looks thrown his way. That was until he met 'Septimius Regis' gaze and it waved very briefly, as he observed the death spit firing from those eyes, it gave a whole new meaning to 'if looks could kill'.

"So, four tasks, one by each of your Head teachers," Crouch explained, "Depending on how you do in these tasks, you will be judged by the tournament panel at the end of these tasks."

"This is unacceptable!" Fleur argued, "We entered the competition with only three tasks, it should remain that way!" they had no right changing it at the last minute.

"Legally you can just compete in the three tasks, just because they alerted it at the last minute…doesn't mean that the rules of the contract were changed. which means you're legally only obligated to see through the three tasks, albeit with the only exception being gravely injured." Harry pointed out, "If the contract was changed, you can challenge it, you were not informed of its changes so it was misleading and mis-advertised."

Dumbledore and the others stared at the fourteen-year-old surprised and impressed, it wasn't often that children knew the rules that governed their world. Usually when they picked a career in the Ministry, they had to read everything in order to pass the tests to get into their chosen profession. Dumbledore thought it was extremely worrisome and foolish to allow fourteen-year-olds to compete alongside seventeen-year-olds in a tournament that is known for its violence and danger. Now he pondered on this school and what it was teaching its students, why teach them about law at such a young age? They had no need for it, another foolish waste of time, and he was fighting Minerva tooth and nail over the changes to Hogwarts, he didn't like it. For the most part, he was failing spectacularly, it seemed even the purebloods were happy with the changes, especially the school Governors backed by Lucius Malfoy. A wizard who seemed to take great delight in deliberately goading him by agreeing to anything he disagreed with, not that he had a say in anything on those matters anymore. He was staying here on Minerva's say so at the moment, and when and if it changed…he had no idea what he would do. Hogwarts was the safest place, and his base for all things - especially war related - and he knew sooner or later that Tom would return. Without Harry the prophecy had been nullified, and the world would be in grave danger.

"Quite right, quite right," Ludo agreed, "Do you wish to challenge the contest Miss. Delacour?"

Everyone in the room glanced over at Fleur who flushed red at the attention, it most certainly hadn't been her intention when she spoke. All of them looked quite worried, if they postponed the tournament…it was quite possible it may take longer than the school year to see it through. It would screw everything up, but the adults there all knew she was perfectly within her rights; they had changed the rules of the game - without altering the contract too - without informing them, it was their bad.

Karkaroff looked ticked off, both annoyed that someone was contesting the changes he'd fought for and the prospect of it being drawn out. They would need to leave at the end of the year for the exams, his students wouldn't be able to take them here, then they would need to return when they were no longer students, it was messed up.

Fleur looked up at her Headmistress, looking to her for guidance, all she got in turn was a small smile and a pat on the shoulder. It was obvious that Maxime was going to support whichever step she took. "No, I will compete," Fleur decided, deflating utterly, her earlier anger was gone. She did feel a small margin of embarrassment that she was the one picking a fuss when a fourteen-year-old remained unperturbed by the turn of events.

"Mr. Crouch?" Minerva prompted the wizard to continue explaining what was going on.

"The first task will take place on November the tenth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wand. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament it has been decided that the champions are exempt from the end-of-the-year tests."

"I think that's all, isn't it, Minerva?" Crouch turned to the Hogwarts Headmistress.

"I believe so," Minerva agreed. "Go on, I'm sure your friends are all waiting eagerly to celebrate with you," she informed the student with an amused lilt to her voice, it was going to be a long and loud night tonight.

"I have no doubt," Talin said sounding just as amused at Minerva, gripping Harry's shoulders he began to lead his student out of the antechamber, Septimius following very closely along with of course, their four legged sentry, the others doing the same, speaking in their own languages, Fleur and Maxime conversing in rapid French, but Krum and Karkaroff were silent but excited, Cedric and Minerva were talking also, mostly just Minerva making sure Cedric was truly alright and not worried about the upcoming task.

Septimius and Talin didn't glance back, they knew they would see Minerva and probably Filius for a nightcap once Minerva's duties were seen to. Not only did she have her own champion to deal with but the panel of judges to tend to while they visited the castle.

"Students, please line up in an orderly fashion, we are returning to the cabin for tonight," Talin called out to his students, who immediately obeyed him, positively vibrating with excitement, and true to Talin's thoughts and words, they didn't seem to care about the lack of party this Halloween. He knew they were going to be up well past their bedtime discussing this, and quite honestly, he was against ordering them to go to bed at their curfew due to the unique circumstances, they wanted to help Harry, the school, and who was he to prevent that?

They were thankfully able to get out of there before the older students from Durmstrang began to pull themselves away from the Slytherin table to make their way back to the boat. Karkaroff and Krum led the way, all of them quite smug and pleased with themselves.

The Beauxbaton were the same but doing so with considerable more grace than the Durmstrang students.

Everyone was quite glad to leave behind the utter cacophony of noise coming from the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

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There we go edited :) I hope i've not overlooked anything anyway lol

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 4

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November 10th

"Eat," Severus stated softly but firmly, placing two pieces of unbuttered toast on Harry's currently empty plate. Absently petting Luna as he moved to sit down opposite his very nervous son. It certainly brought him back to when Harry was a child, the day of the championship Quidditch games, no matter how many times he played, on those days, he always felt nervous despite the fact he wasn't what one would call extremely competitive. He was, but not in the fanatical way a lot of others are, Harry didn't believe it was the end of the world if he didn't win, and always encouraged his own players to play their best game. Win or lose, it didn't matter. Severus always made sure to let his son know he was proud of him no matter what and that parental wisdom and advice had been heeded and distributed in turn by his son to his players when he became captain.

"I think I'll be sick if I do," Harry said, staring down at the food, his stomach rumbling hungry despite the fact it was twisted in knots.

"Yes, as always, at least until you've had a few bites," Severus said dryly, his lips twitching despite himself. He wasn't worried about this task; he had no need to be. There was nothing dangerous going to be at work, it was the other task he'd end up feeling the same as his son did right now, if not actually worse. "You'll do just fine, so long as your mind doesn't go blank at the most inopportune moment."

Harry stared horrified at the thought, it would be just the thing too.

"Eat," Severus told him again, giving him a pointed look, one that said he wasn't moving from this table until he had.

Harry sighed, very familiar with that look as he picked up the toast and began to eat.

"In twenty minutes, you'll meet the others on the Quidditch pitch with the first puzzle," Severus explained, "As you know there are ten in total, the last puzzle once complete, will give you a clue to what your next task will be."

"Do we all have different sets of puzzles or will we all know when we get to the first one how ahead we are of the others?" Harry questioned as he absently

"They are different," Severus replied, lips twitching, "It wouldn't be much of a puzzle if you could just follow each other now would it?"

"Doesn't sound fair," Harry pointed out biting his lip thoughtfully.

"You each have the same logic puzzles, just in different orders, so you go in different directions," Severus corrected Harry's assumptions. "Each one you read from the first clue and all thereafter will be different to each other's." elaborating on what he had meant the first time.

"Oh, that makes sense," Harry murmured around a mouthful of toast, wiping his clothes of gathered crumbs. Absently picking up his second piece, suddenly finding himself utterly ravenous.

"How is our champion doing?" Talin queried as he entered through the front door, the sound of hundreds of students, talking unintelligibly, sounding extremely excited for the task to commence before it cut off as the door closed tightly behind him. "Trouble eating?" he guessed at the discernible lack of food on his plate. Harry had always been a hearty eater, so you always knew something wasn't quite right when he didn't eat or ate little of what was on his plate. When you got to know someone, you picked up on little nuances like that.

"I'm fine," Harry said sincerely, and he was, the first few bites had been difficult, but he was more than ready to get started now.

"The weather is quite cold today, remember your cloak," Talin informed him seriously, he'd seen Fleur walking with her Headmistress just not five minutes ago. Wearing a silk cloak, shivering in obvious cold, it was winter here in Scotland, the fact the Headmistress had not prepared her students adequately was quite infuriating to him. Yet he knew it wasn't solely the Headmistress' fault, the parents should have very well known better too. He had done all his research on both Scotland, Hogwarts and potential tasks that the tournament might employ. Not only to ensure that his son - if he'd been chosen - had been more than prepared. Admittedly most of his information came from Severus himself, and of course, the books, he'd trudged through in order to learn everything. It had been then written down and sent out with each student, to give to their parents after they'd signed up for the tournament so they too could prepare their children.

None of his students had come ill equipped.

"And what has you vexed?" Severus asked Talin, standing up, letting his son eat his breakfast in peace as he moved towards the small kitchen, putting on the kettle.

"Oh, just the idiocy of some people," Talin waved it off, but seeing Severus' determined gaze never wavering he sighed, "The Beauxbaton students, they made no adequate preparations for the winter weather here. The students are all quite chilled, wearing naught but thin silk uniforms its little surprise."

"If they do not have the smarts to cast heating charms…then I pity the fools," Severus snorted wryly, shaking his head, "Honestly, you wouldn't think they were witches, would you?"

Talin grinned sheepishly, "I er…honestly forgot that they could apply them,"

"Perhaps broaching the topic in passing might dissuade you of any misplaced guilt," Severus informed him, pouring two cups of steaming hot water, both adding what they wanted, how they wanted it absently.

"I'm going to get my winter cloak!" Harry exclaimed, as he lurched over Luna and ran towards his bedroom, looking much better than he had when he woke up this morning.

"What should we do with Luna?" Talin asked, staring at the wolf, "She will try to follow Harry, and that will definitely not be allowed. I'm pretty sure if we kept her in here, she would find a way to get out, these weren't truly built to keep anyone out or in for that matter bar a few spells."

"She will remain seated with me," Severus stated, he knew as well as Talin did if they left Luna in here, she'd find a way out.

Talin nodded once, glancing shrewdly at his friend from around the cup of coffee he had at his lips, "Did you sleep at all, last night?" observing the wizard with a sympathetic look.

"Not very much," Severus admitted, leaning back against the worktop. A sigh of relief leaving him as he gently unwound after an unsettled night. The coffee helping him a great deal, he'd scarcely added a drop of milk to the brew, wanting it as strong as possible. Thankfully it wasn't scalding hot, otherwise his tongue would have paid for it.

"I myself found it rather difficult," Talin confessed, his hands rubbing over his small amount of hair that was growing on his head, he had decided to grow it out a little, experiment. He had been shaving his head now for over twenty years. "It's just anxiety and excitement I'm sure," he knew the task he had assigned to the champions weren't difficult.

"Excitement?" Severus arched an eyebrow, but his severe look didn't quite win, due to the subtle smile that was twitching at the ends of his mouth.

"It is not the first task we have to worry about," Talin explained, his brow furrowing, "I would say Karkaroff is the most concerning one of all."

"And that task is?" Severus queried, anxiety crawling up his spine, to have Talin actually convey concern definitely indicated that he was worried about whatever it was. He knew a lot, more than he probably should as a parent of a student in Talin's school, but he was also a good friend, and a confidant, it went both ways. He hadn't had anyone quite like Talin for a friend before, the closest he could say would have been Lily. She hadn't stuck around through the bad days, Talin knew everything and had stuck by him, there was a difference though, both he and Talin were adults, Lily had been a teenager, everything had been black and white for her, perhaps things would have gone differently if she'd had been given the opportunity to grow up.

"Dragons," Talin whispered, "In all his wisdom he decided he wanted dragons to be his task." at the end of today's task they could find a miniature crate numbered for each one, first, second, third and fourth, inside they'd find the dragon they would be facing. The dragons themselves wouldn't be brought to Hogwarts until it was time.

Severus' eyes widened, staring in disbelief, he would have expected Talin to laugh and say he was kidding but he wasn't that sort of man. He wouldn't kid when it came to the safety of his son. "What the hell is he thinking? Why on earth would they agree to it? Do they want to have it cancelled after only just reconvening it?" if someone did die that's exactly what would happen, the tournament would be thrust back into obscurity from whence it came, only remembered as history.

"He was extremely irate that he wasn't given the opportunity to pick a task, it very nearly made my ears bleed, he was speaking in two language, insulting everyone and everything. Thankfully most people couldn't understand him, otherwise I believe they would have been a lot more insulted and less likely to agree to his demands." Talin replied darkly. "I've never seen such a thing in my life, an adult complaining and whining like an impudent child."

"I wonder if it was solely his idea," Severus pondered suspiciously, "From what I've seen Karkaroff seems very fond of Krum, there's no doubt about it. If anything happened to Krum in the tournament not only would he face backlash from Britain but Krum's parents are steeped in politics, they could make his life a living hell, one that would make his short time in Azkaban seem like a pleasure cruise."

"Have you been talking to the students?" Talin questioned, "They seem to have the same idea, albeit not about the dragon,"

"Excuse me?" Severus asked perplexed, his hands wrapped around his coffee cup, the warmth coming from the fire wasn't warm enough yet.

"You were there, they were conversing about the possibility of cheating going on by those in Durmstrang?" Talin pointed out, draining he last of his own cup.

Severus rolled his eyes in exasperated fondness, "The goblet is a very powerful magical artefact, I doubt very much they could get away with bending the rules to fit their needs. At least two others in Durmstrang definitely put their names in, even they knew this by the end of the night." gulping from his cup now that it was beginning to get a bit too cool for his tastes.

"It had to be alerted in order to allow my students to put their names in," Talin pointed out with a mild retort not meant to offend but argue the point.

"Touché," Severus conceded wryly, his lips pulling into a smirk.

"But you may have a point," Talin added after a few moments of silence, "I wouldn't put it past Bathurst to try and set the bar too high for one of my students." but to risk it with introducing a dragon? Surely, they were barking up the wrong tree? They were professionals, just because they didn't want his school to gain international recognition it didn't mean they'd go to such extreme lengths to ensure they don't? It was quite concerning, and quite frankly he didn't want to think more on the prospect never mind find out if it was quite true or not.

"Nor I," Severus stated sharply, "Do you know the stipulations for this task?" just because Talin wasn't able to help, it didn't mean that he wouldn't be able to help his son. He would do whatever it took, even if it meant bending the rules a little, although truthfully, he was bending not a single rule or breaking one. The teachers weren't allowed to help and he wasn't a teacher.

"No, we won't find out until the end of the task that comes before it," Talin shook his head, flicking his wand to place the cups into the sink, the tap turned on as they began to be washed. "I am unsure of which order they are in, perhaps it's within all the paperwork I've received?" he'd kept it all, he was very organized about that sort of thing. As a Headmaster it was habit really, when he was younger, he'd been beyond messy, but necessity was a mother of invention.

"You've read it at least twice, I very much doubt it's something you'd forget," Severus said, chuckling in amusement. The paperwork was extremely boring, he'd barely got five lines into the documents sent over, and this was coming from him. It hadn't been meant for him, but when it came to the tournament and the whole 'International recognition' pursuit he was very immersed in it.

"No, it's not," Talin sighed, glancing at the clock on the wall, they would need to depart soon. Looking at his half full cup, he began to drink a little quicker. He was rather looking forward to seeing how everyone did with the task he had decided upon. Logic wasn't for everyone. Of course, he wanted Harry to be the best, the quickest, but that was just because Harry was his student. That didn't mean he wasn't curious about how the others would do.

"I will be sitting with the judges today, part of me is rather grateful, Dumbledore has a way of…way of making you say more than you intended. It's quite burdensome, if I didn't know all I knew…I would seriously like the wizard." Talin admitted, his voice dry, a bit of a peeved expression on his face. "There's only so many times I can make excuses and avoid him without gaining naught but suspicion from him, and that is something I do wish to avoid. You said it yourself he has a way of making life uncomfortable for anyone he suspects of wrongdoings,"

"He doesn't have that sort of power anymore," Severus informed him before finishing off his brew and placing it in the sink. "He only gained enough respect back to avoid being followed around by Auror's day and night, but they will never fully trust him again. Not with the students to be Headmaster, he's there on Minerva's say so, she feels sorry enough to let him remain in Hogwarts but monitored carefully." and Severus knew it was only because Harry wasn't actually dead that she let herself feel sorry for him. If she didn't know Harry had actually survived…there would be no going back for the old fool. Minerva had adored the ground both Lily and James walked on, although he highly suspected Slughorn had been fonder of Lily than even Minerva and that said a lot, since Lily hadn't been a Slytherin.

"I do notice Minerva keeping an eye out whenever they're in the same room," Talin conceded, he too placing his mostly empty cup in the sink.

"I'm ready to go!" Harry said, having changed out of his pyjamas and had taken his Headmaster's advice and was wearing an short open cloak, gave him plenty of room to manoeuvre and run.

Severus noticed that Harry also had his running trainers on, he hadn't been aware that he even brought them. They were usually tucked away in his Quidditch bag, with the rest of his gear. Brought out only during training, and when the team were running practice laps. "Just remain calm and centred, you'll do wonderfully, and I will be proud of you no matter where you place, be it first or last." Severus stated seriously, only to grunt at Harry flung himself at him.

"Thanks, Dad," Harry said quietly, slightly muffled from where he was burrowed in his dad's chest, arms tightly wrapped around his back. Taking comfort from the hug, he would never get tired of hearing his dad say he was proud of him no matter what. He knew everyone else wasn't quite so lucky. He knew some of his friends were constantly pressured by their parents. To succeed, to do better, anger and disappointment when they didn't do as well as their parents expected them to. It left them nervous wrecks come exam time. He'd snuck a calming draught for them to share once, he'd told his dad it was for him, but his dad had known he was lying. It had helped actually, so each year they usually went to the medic ward to acquire one for themselves.

"I'll be watching every step of the way," Severus informed his son, squeezing his shoulders tightly before stepping back, checking to make sure Harry's wand was on his person, but as always, it was. Not that he necessarily needed it, with his ability to use Wandless magic, but he'd rather safe than sorry.

"It's time," Talin said, a fond smile on his face, "Keep an eye on the boys, won't you?"

Severus knew Talin meant his sons, "Of course," he was actually responsible for all of them, and the only reason he was allowed to take part in the proceedings since they weren't yet off age yet. By take part was be in areas that usual spectators wouldn't get to see. If it were a Muggle thing, he'd have an all-area access pass. "Don't worry about them, they'll probably be watching just as avidly as the rest of us, plus you know Luna would alert me if I do happen to miss them sneaking off." Luna was without a doubt most loyal to Harry and him, she was also very protective of Talin, his sons and daughter. They had been such a big part of her life since she was a cub.

Talin chuckled in amusement, giving a nod of gratitude to Severus, "They're already sitting with everyone else around the Quidditch pitch. I informed them to keep a seat free for you, and near the edge…I had a feeling Luna would be going with you." Treating his sons like they were children. His Eldest boy Ale was eighteen-years-old, had graduated four years ago, and was working towards a Mastery of his own.

Harry was bouncing on the edge of his toes waiting patiently.

"Go on," Severus said, shaking his head, giving his son a nudge towards Talin, "I'll see you both later."

"Stay," Severus stated sharply, as Luna scrambled to get up in order to follow her master. She froze at his words, whining a little before slumping back down with a grumble. Severus' lips twitched, she did not like being parted from Harry, but thankfully she was used to it. She couldn't follow him to school after all, he was sure she'd survive a few hours until the tournament was over.

Moving to put his own shoes on, he had a few minutes before they had to go too.

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Harry was waiting impatiently bouncing on the balls of his feet, Talin hadn't come in, instead making his way towards the judges' seats. Everyone else was just as nervous as he felt, not as nervous as they'd all be if they didn't know what the task actually was. The fact it wasn't dangerous probably helped their nerves a little. He had overheard his dad and Headmaster talking earlier, and he was quite baffled by how one of the tasks could be about dragons. Real, live, fire breathing dragons? He'd definitely need to remember and ask later today. Right now, he wanted to get this task done with so he can relax a little.

Merlin he really hopes he didn't go utterly blank at the face of the first puzzle.

"Good afternoon, champions, welcome to the first task," Headmistress McGonagall called out as she entered the tent along with a short pale wizard. "When the bangs sounds, you will all vacate the tent and make your way to the table out in the middle of the Quidditch pitch. Once there you will find your puzzle and a map of the school once complete it will lead you to the next and so on. You have exactly one hour to complete this task. Do you have any questions before we proceed?"

Everyone resolutely shook their heads.

"Good luck, ladies and gentlemen," Minerva added, before she wandered out, Ludo Bagman hot on her heels, glancing back very briefly with an odd look on his face, as he gazed at each of them.

Three resoundingly loud bangs heralded the end of their wait, Harry and the others immediately stepped out, and found the table each with an identical box on them. The sound of the cheering was drowned out, all of them overly focused on their task. Once Harry got closer, he realized what it was "Runes cube!" he murmured grabbing a hold of it, and sitting cross legged on the Quidditch pitch grinning from ear to ear. Harry had gotten a few while he was growing up, took ages to complete - he just hoped it wouldn't today.

On a classic Runes Cube, each of the six faces is covered by nine runes. For the puzzle to be solved, each face must be returned to have only Rune kind. Rune cubes were actually very popular, sold all over the world, next to chess and Gobstones it was quite high up on the list of most purchased toy. Each side had to have their identical runes packed together for it to be considered complete. So round and round, Harry went, trying to gather them all to their appropriate sides.

The cheering intensified, someone had obviously completed it, Harry paid no mind, nor did he let it bother him. He could hear swearing being uttered under someone's breath. Cedric had been closest to him so he was assuming it was him. Twisting and turning, he was down to the last two runes, which were being utterly stubborn.

Two more twists, the cube glowed blue, finally, he'd completed it.

"GO HARRY!" was roared with glee from his friends as the glowing ceased, one of the middle square runes slid to the side, revealing a small wad of parchment. Plucking it out, Harry began to read the words upon on the parchment.

I cannot myself see, as blind as night

yet am commended when all seek the sight

revealing love, and war, a dog, the dragon's eye

you need my lack of sight for all you scry

Blinking, his mind whirled to try and figure out what the clue meant, love, war, a dog, the dragon's eye, planets and stars? Scrying the night sky, a telescope! Scrambling to his feet, Harry noticed the map of Hogwarts on the table, snatching it up, Harry grinned gleefully, the astronomy tower. His eyes roamed over it, mapping out the best way to get there, folding up the map he bolted towards the entrance hall. Avoiding the large mirrors that was giving everyone a good view of what they were doing and where they were going.

Harry only had to check the map once when the damn stairs went in the opposite direction on what he wanted. Which probably added Harry reckoned five minutes to his run, added with the time he'd had to stop to find out a way to get to the astronomy tower. He was definitely glad he had decided to wear his running trainers.

Puffs of breath left him as he ran up the remaining steps to get to the astronomy tower. He stopped for a few seconds to gather himself, before opening the door, relieved to see he hadn't misinterpreted the riddle at all. Stepping into the room he walked straight up to the large scroll of paper. Stuck to the wall, directly below it was seven potion vials. Jumping in fright as fire suddenly surrounded him on all sides, his wand automatically falling into his hand.

Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind,

Two of us will help you, whichever you would find,

One among us seven will let you move ahead,

Another will transport the drinker back instead,

Two among our number hold only nettle wine,

Three of us are killers, waiting hidden in line.

Choose, unless you wish to stay here forevermore,

To help you in your choice, we give you these clues four:

First, however slyly the poison tries to hide

You will always find some on nettle wine's left side;

Second, different are those who stand at either end,

But if you would move onward, neither is your friend;

Third, as you see clearly, all are different size,

Neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides;

Fourth, the second left and second on the right

Are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight.

Harry arched an eyebrow, scoffing at the riddle, which wasn't much of a riddle at all. Kneeling before the vials, his eyes roamed over them all, before he plucked one from its place, uncorking it and sniffing it, a sly smirk appearing on his face. This would let him pass over the flames without being burnt. His dad was a Potions Master for Merlin's sake, why use such an easy riddle? Grabbing the rolled-up parchment next to the desk with his name on it, he pocketed it, knocked back the potion, before making his way back through the flames, which immediately died down as soon as he stepped back over the threshold.

Too easy.

Harry pondered on whether the first rune cube was the first clue along with the riddle or if he was merely now just finished his second and not his third? Shrugging his shoulders, he grabbed the parchment from his pocket and opened it up, to see what was next.

In the space that's underground your next prize can be found

Look in the space down below where herbs go for storage

Look in the space down below the cold air likes to go

Storage? Oh, basement, the potions labs perhaps? Harry groaned audibly when he looks at the map again. He sorts of wished this tournament was happening at his school, it meant he'd get the task done much quicker. Unfortunately, due to the fact he did not know the school all that well, he was having to rely on a map. He only hoped that this clue was in a potion's lab, if not he was going to be looking for ages.

With a resigned sigh, Harry began to run down the stairs, trying to avoid any that moved, how was it that nobody was late for class with stairs that moved whenever and wherever they liked? Unfortunately, Harry wasn't able to avoid them completely, but gratefully they didn't move allowing him to head straight down to the next floor without too much trouble.

Skidding to a halt, he realized there was a quicker way to get to the lab, so he bolted in the opposite direction. Down the spiralling stairs, and coming down just outside the 'Slytherin common room' he gave the portrait of Salazar Slytherin a grin as he listened to the hissed complaining he was doing under his breath. The look he got in turn made him laugh, it appeared as though Salazar Slytherin had realized he could understand him.

He ended up getting lost once, but only very briefly, before he found his way again. Opening the door to the first lab, he found nothing, there wasn't even another door. Giving it another speculative look, his mind pondering on whether his dad, father or mum had worked in this room. He found five rooms to be very similar, all without cupboards.

He was beginning to feel despondent when he opened the last door, to find that this was the proper classroom. Now this was where his dad had definitely taught students for years. Smiling impishly, he made his way through to the storage cupboard to find he was in the right place. "Yes!" Harry cheered happily, he didn't care that two were already gone, he plucked up the one with his initials in it.

Opening it curiously, finding another puzzle, glancing around he decided to go out into the classroom, and sit on the teachers chair and figure it out. This one was a Chinese puzzle box, it was hollow, that required certain ways to open it and find out the hidden message. Hollow or not, he knew if he tried to stamp on it - it would not move - probably spelled unbreakable.

Fifteen minutes of fiddling around with it, he finally figured out how to get the lid open. Placing it aside, he unrolled the parchment.

I have seas with no water,

Coasts with no sands,

Towns without people,

And mountains without land.

What am I?

Harry frowned, his mind mulling over the riddle, his eyes widened when he finally got it! A MAP! "A Map," Harry stated, but the parchment didn't glow or anything. What? Was he supposed to go and find a map? Where the hell would he find one here? He knew there was no geography classroom. They didn't really have any Non-Magical studies, wait…there was one, they had Muggle studies…was that supposed to be where he goes? This was the suckiest clue ever.

At least if he was wrong it was only one floor, he consoled himself as he sprinted out the classroom, up the steps into the main entrance. Twirling around the post and up the stairs, straight to the first floor. Having to look at the map yet again, to find this Muggle Studies classroom.

"Aha," Harry breathed out, sliding into the classroom, actually quite enjoying the challenge and forgetting it was a competition and the others may have already finished. "Why Muggles need electricity? Weird," Harry said noticing that a few homework sheets had been put up for all to see. There was a gigantic map at the bottom of the classroom. Grabbing his H.R inscribed parchment he unrolled it.

I have many names

Many purposes

I am poison but only if dealt with incorrectly

I come in 250 species

Legends says I come from the slavering mouth of Cerberus

What am I?

Where can I be found?

Harry nodded, rolling up the parchment before exiting the room, giving the Muggle studies room a once over, finding it completely ridiculous. That was an essay an eleven to seventeen-year-old had to write? Why Muggles used electricity? It wasn't just Muggles anyway, he and dad lived in a place with electricity, not just them everyone at home did too. Although the school didn't have a lot of electrical appliances due to the amount of magic that was cast every day.

Harry retraced his steps, until he got to the entrance hall before actually going outside, jogging towards the green houses. The riddle had meant a plant, Aconite, it has many names and many uses, and very poisonous if dealt with incorrectly, has 250 species. Although legend saying it came from the slavering mouth of Cerberus was something he hadn't known. Greeks and Romans believed in gods in the old days, before science truly began to take over, giving a real reason not mythical one for things that happened.

His feet and legs were starting to hurt from the constant running, how many puzzles had he completed? How much longer would he be running around like a headless hippogriff? Entering greenhouse one, he began to browse up and down the plants and herbs on display, but found only basic ones he'd been dealing with since he was seven.

After repeating the process, it was the fifth green house that heralded results, he noticed the purple plant almost immediately. Aconite, there was only one parchment left, his, picking it up, he unrolled the binding before reading what was written.

We are eternal and ever changing,

We need no voice, but require countering,

Come seek us where darkness is fought.

For without us it cannot be beaten.

Scratching absently at his chin, Dark Arts, those were the first words written in his dad's DADA book, from two years ago or something. For those who wished to apprenticeship in Defense, he had difficulty following the book it was written for someone who wanted to dedicate their time and life to the Dark Arts or rather the Defense of them.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Another classroom. Harry internally groaned, trying to mentally calculate how many puzzles he'd worked on in total. He wished he'd also put his watch on, that way he would know how long he still had to complete the task…or whether he had gone over his allotted hour slot. Removing his map, his eyes roamed over it, there, the Serpentine corridor, third floor, Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

He needed a drink, he thought as he bolted from the green house, he was so thirsty he'd drink from the dirty pond in Hogwarts. He was grateful that it was cold, it helped with the sweating too. He found it odd that he hadn't come across any of the others yet, but they had been sent in different directions in the beginning he supposed, so maybe it was made to play out that way.

By the time he was done running up the stairs and into the entrance hall of Hogwarts, Harry was positive his feet were about to fall off. Breathing heavily, he stared upwards towards the steps he had to go up with distaste. His thoughts turned to Talin, and his dad, it gave him strength and determination. So, without further ado, Harry began to run as fast as he was able up the steps. Working through the pain in his thighs and lower legs as he pushed himself further than he had ever before. By the time he was up the steps to the second floor, he was basically using his arms to hoist himself along, going steadily slower.

He walked up the last level slow, regulating his breathing, trying to make his lungs not feel as though they were about to explode. His chest felt uncomfortably tight, when this was over, he was going to plant himself down on the nearest surface and he wasn't getting back up, no way no how.

Finally, on the third floor, Harry lit up seeing the Defense classroom, thank Merlin for that. Opening the door, he stepped forward seeing four boxes only to end up extremely disorientated as he found himself standing on the ceiling. Red words appeared before him.

To right yourself, say the words of Hogwarts motto.

"Oh, bugger," Harry groaned, what was it? Something about a dragon isn't it? Come on, he knew this, what was it? Closing his eyes tightly, he had seen his dad's books, cloaks, the cloaks had the Slytherin emblem on them though, not the Hogwarts motto. Then his eyes popped open, wider than normal, he had a picture of his mum and dad before going to Hogwarts with their Hogwarts robes on, on the train, the Hogwarts emblem stitched onto the cloaks, well before their sorting. 'Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus' and being so good at Latin, the words smoothly left his lips, "Never tickle a sleeping dragon,"

An 'oof' left him as the ground came up to meet him, the floor wasn't as hard as normal, thankfully, otherwise that would have hurt worse. Standing up he approached the boxes, instructed to remove only one item from it and head to the Quidditch pitch. Perplexed he slowly put his hand in, jumping when he felt scales, was there a snake in there? Why couldn't he hear hissing? His fingers wrapped around the scaly item and removed it.

It was…. "A Peruvian Vipertooth," Harry whispered in awe, he had a statue of one in his bedroom back home, along with a whole slew of other figurines and statues. Yeah, he wasn't so much in awe at the thought of seeing one fully grown, they couldn't be serious about letting them face an actual dragon though?

Finally, it was over. How long had it been? It felt like a whole lot longer than an hour.

------0

"Harry! Harry!" Josh shook his best friend, staring down - hovering over - him in concern.

Harry's eyes snapped open, a groan leaving his lips, "Wazzit?" he murmured, yawning tiredly.

"Er… the scores are going to be read soon," Josh explained, "You alright?"

"Yeah, just tired," Harry stretched out, groaning in relief.

"Here, drink this," Dylan thrust a bottle of water into his hand, "Your dad's coming too,"

"How long was I in here?" Harry asked scrambling to get up, greedily drinking the water his best friend had given him. He'd gone straight to the tent and sat down; he must have fallen asleep.

"Ten minutes, or there about," Josh said, "Krum got burnt, he's with the healer right now getting fixed up."

"Burnt how?" Harry frowned, what did he do? Try and run through the fire circle?

"Tried to get out using 'Aguamenti' his leg caught fire, it's not too bad though, he put it out quite quickly." Dylan told him, "What do you reckon the dragon means? What kind of clue is that?"

"I er…think it means the next task is facing an actual dragon," Harry explained, opening his hand showing the miniature dragon.

"That's the same one you have at home isn't it?" Dylan asked peering at it curiously.

"Definitely, he's got every single one, same with Pegasus' and wolves." Josh nodded in agreement.

"Not every single one," Harry said sheepishly, a wry grin on his face. He'd been collecting them as far back as he could remember. "Man, my feet hurt so much," he just wanted to sit back down again. He could feel blisters formulating as they spoke.

"Wait, what the hell do you mean you think you're facing an actual dragon?" Dylan whispered heatedly; eyes wide.

Harry laughed, "Just realized what I said huh?" grinning widely.

"You're really serious, aren't you?" Dylan asked, looking aghast.

Harry nodded solemnly, grunting as Luna's body barreled into his legs that were already feeling weak as it was. Bending down he hugged her close, his arms clasped around her body, burrowing his face in the side of her neck, the warmth of her heating him up.

"Has the others already got their scores?" Harry asked, his voice muffled by Luna's hair.

"Yeah, they're just waiting on you," Josh explained peering out of the tent. "Come on,"

"Did everyone get it done in time?" Harry asked as he walked side by side with his two best friends out of the tent, the bottle of water still in his hands. Luna walking protectively in front of him, causing Harry to have to walk oddly in order not to end up kicking his familiar.

"Depends, on whether the clock ended in the Defense classroom or whether it was when you get to the pitch." Josh called out over the noise. "If it's the last classroom I think everyone made it just in time, if it's the pitch, then the girl from Beauxbaton and Krum were just out of time…they had a hard time figuring out the motto, the Hogwarts champion got through that one really easy."

Standing before the judges, grinning happily at his Headmaster, he waited impatiently for his scores.

Madam Maxime was first, her wand was raised, and a silver ribbon shot from her wand, twisting itself into a large figure of 9.

Crouch went next, shooting a 9 into the air as well.

Karkaroff was next raising his wand, pausing for a moment before shooting out a 5 from his wand.

Minerva's lips pursed unhappily with Karkaroff's put up her own wand and the longer than usual ribbon split into two, making a 10.

Ludo Bagman followed, another 10 was raised in the air.

Talin who had yet to let up his disgusted glare at Karkaroff for his utter prejudice and inability to play fair. He too put gave Harry full marks.

53 points in total.

"Head back to the tent, Mr. Bagman has something he wishes to tell you all before its officially over with," Severus stated from behind his son, causing Josh, Dylan and Harry to jump in fright and spin around.

"Bloody hell, dad!" Harry gasped, grabbing a hold of his dad's arm, his legs wobbling a little.

Severus narrowed his eyes on his son, cupping his chin, his pride fading to concern, "Are you alright?"

"Just ache from running so much," Harry said truthfully, which was true. "I've got blisters."

"Go on, in you go, be quick, I'll have something for you when you get out, drink some more," Severus gestured for him to head on into the tent again. "Josh, inform the students we are returning to the cabin, we have a few hours before lunch, we will eat at Hogwarts this afternoon,"

"Will do, Mr. Regis!" called Josh running towards the pitch.

"Mr. Regis? How do you feel about the judging of the scores? How you son did?" a blonde haired, red lipped woman said with a shark-like smirk on her face. "Being the youngest contestant and all?"

"No comment," Severus stated sharply, he knew better than to talk to Skeeter. "Let's go," he called to Dylan keeping the teenager close to him. He saw the curious look his sons best friend gave him, but he seemed to understand the undercurrents and remained quiet and stuck to his side.

"So, how did I do?" Harry asked as he came out of the tent, the other champions with him, temporarily blinded by flashbulbs going off.

"You came second," Severus told him, a scowl lighting up his features, "Karkaroff ensured that, the prejudice idiot," he seriously wanted to kill the wizard for that. Not able to call him what he actually wanted to in the presence of teenagers who would be liable to repeat his words.

"If he graded you fairly you would have been first!" Josh explained just as angry as Septimius was on his son's behalf.

"All the judges were furious though," Dylan explained, "I don't think Krum is going to be fairly marked for the rest of his tasks."

"It's not really Krum's fault though, he apologized in the tent, to all of us, so I guess it wasn't just me?" Harry said, as everyone made their way towards the cabin.

"No, it wasn't just you," Talin stated, joining everyone, looking displeased, eyes roaming over his students until he found his sons and relaxed completely. He was fuming over Karkaroff's score, Harry had finished first, had figured out the majority of the clues first, sure Krum had figured out the Rune cube first but Harry had done nothing to deserve such a low score. He was very tempted to repay the favour during the next task, see how he likes it.

------0

And another edit done

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 5

December 20th

"Ah, Mr. Regis, I'm glad I caught you, I was just on my way down to the cabins to inform you," Minerva called out to the entrance hall, Harry and everyone with him – which was the entire group of students from Grande Rivière – who she knew they had all been visiting Filius Flitwick for extra classes. It was morning, they would be attending their own classes in the afternoon, GRMSS (Grande Rivière magical school students) attended their classes via 'mirror', in fact, all of the students were continuing their education that way. It was their N.E.W.T classes very important classes. "You must choose someone to accompany you to the ball as a champion."

"Could you repeat that please, Professor?" Harry asked, blinking at the sight of McGonagall in slight confusion at her abrupt statement. Wondering if he had misheard her as she approached him and his friends who all lingered to gossip.

"The Yule Ball is being hosted this year for the first time in centuries," McGonagall informed him, now close enough for them to hear without her call out, her lips twitching in amusement. "On Christmas day, you will all be allowed to attend the ball, but Mr. Regis here will be opening it with a partner and a dance. There are classes available for those who wish to learn to dance before the date." She was unfortunately one of those professors, but she would see that they made a good impression on their visitors.

"Four days isn't exactly much help," Dylan pointed out a wicked grin on his face as he remembered the time, he'd had of it.

"Especially when it came to you," Josh laughed, "I think the professor was so glad you decided against taking more classes!"

"Her poor feet!" Harry teased; his grin somewhat impish. It was true though, Dylan was absolutely horrendous at dancing, he just didn't have the grace for it. which was odd, since he was so good at Quidditch and running, you'd think he would be able to do it. His mom had helped him though, it had made Dylan actually learn so he could get it over with and spend more time with him and their friends.

"Wait are we all invited?" Chao asked, eyes widening in horror in a way only a fourteen-year-old teenager could dramatically accomplish.

"You are indeed, anyone fourteen-year-old and up can attend or those invited by one," Minerva informed them.

"But we didn't bring anything!" Chao exclaimed glancing at Alexis who was the same size as her in hopes that she had brought something stylish. Alexis knew what she was asking and shook her head, no she hadn't brought anything with her. She had grown some since she'd been fitted for anything, so the chances were none of her dresses would fit her anyway.

"We'll have to ask Headmaster Addison if we can go shopping," Alexis pointed out calmly, "It's four days, might cost for a rush order," she had enough coins with her though, her parents had seen to that.

"I'll have to call my mum, see if she can send some money over," Chao said, she hadn't brought much of anything with her, just a few galleons for sweets and the like.

"That's assuming we can get anything and the Headmaster agrees," Harry said mildly, he didn't understand the urgency, something could be transfigured for the evening, wizards and witches do it all the time. Then again boys weren't as crazy as girls when it came to having the 'right' attire. Which was crazy, they didn't even like wearing the same thing to different parties anyway, yet they'd pay a lot of money for it anyway.

"Of course, he will," Jaden said with a smirk, his dad would do anything for them, and they wouldn't need to beg too much. He had seen how overwhelmed his dad had been at the signatures turning up to allow the students to participate in the tournament. He had wrongfully assumed that nobody would sign up, no matter how brave they were. Yet nearly the entire year had signed up, thankfully not all, otherwise Jay would have been left to study his N.E.W.T's alone and he reckoned Harry, Josh and Dylan would have hated that. The four of them were the absolute best friends. They all had their own social groups and best friends, but lately…since coming here, the groups were melding into one strong unit instead of the four or five individual groups they used to be.

"Come on, if we go now and ask, we could be finished in time for dinner," Deacon suggested, after glancing at the time on his wristwatch. Well, the guys would be…the girls though…the girls could spend all day at the shops looking for the 'perfect outfit' hopefully the Headmaster would split them up, boys and girls go their separate ways, he could hope anyway. He definitely wanted something to wear though, his parents were very social conscious and he'd inherited that from them.

"Come on," Sophie exclaimed, "Let's go!"

"Thank you, Professor," Harry said politely, "Bye!" seeing Dumbledore approaching, and not wishing to be in his presence for even a moment. Not after everything the old man had done to both him and his dad. Dumbledore had left him to die at the hands of abusive relatives, no, he had died at the hands of his so-called relatives. It was hard to contemplate, since his dad was all he knew. He only had an abstract concept of what would have happened, and it didn't paint a pretty picture. He also knew his dad was worried about him being caught out, being found out as Harry Potter, and everything he had done to keep him safe unravelling. So, yes, he would avoid Dumbledore and allow his dad to keep his peace of mind.

It was the main reason Sirius and Remus had not been allowed to come. They would not have been able to keep their emotions to themselves, and would have unavoidably given Harry away. After all, everyone in Britain knew Remus, Sirius and his dad did not get on, to see Remus and Sirius getting on so well with his 'son' would have raised very heavy suspicions. They might not be the brightest but they were far from stupid. Sirius was sulking though, barely talking to him as if it was his decision, which to be fair he had been part of the decision. Ultimately though it had been up to Talin and his dad.

Minerva watched them leave rather confused by Harry's quick departure, until she heard a voice beside her. "I still think having Fourteen-year-olds competing in a tournament is extremely dangerous," he said clear disapproval in his voice. He had made his displeasure known to everyone who would listen, he was just waiting for the shoe to drop, they wouldn't allow Minerva to remain Headmistress when something happened to that child. He wasn't sure it would lead to him being replaced as Headmaster once more…but if it didn't whoever became the next headteacher might not let him remain in the castle which was unacceptable.

"It's dangerous full stop," Minerva stated curtly, and it was true, especially now, with dragons being brought to the school. She honestly could have killed Karkaroff his stupidity. If anything happened to any of those competitors she would need held back, not that Karkaroff was playing fair, all the judges were still furious with him over his low scores. Especially with Harry being the youngest competitor in the tournament it had roused everyone's ire and she pondered on whether Mister Krum would be judged fairly after his Headmasters dubious actions. "They will do their school proud," of that she had no doubts.

"One can only hope," Albus declared, glancing at Minerva who wouldn't even look at him, and he felt a slither of sadness deep in his gut. She had at one point been his most vocal friend and defender. She had sided with him even if she didn't fully agree with his actions, how he wished they could return to those times. He had so many things he wished changed or changed back, yet each time he opened his mouth with a suggestion, it was taken with a grain of salt and she continued on with her course of action. It wasn't just Minerva either, it was everyone.

Without another word, Minerva moved away, steadily making her way towards and walking up the stairs, presumably returning to her classroom. Albus sighed, shaking his head, it would change one day he knew that. He would just have to patiently wait until that time came, sooner or later Voldemort would return – if he hadn't already – and the world would need him. It would just be like the time with Grindelwald, everyone begging him to take action, to save their lives. There was no alternative really, he would need to do what has to be done, he refused to let Voldemort take over the magical world. He just wished Harry Potter was still alive to take care of it for him, he was the one who had been destined to do it after all.

The boy had already played his part, maybe, all along it had been his destiny to defeat the resurrected mad man.

Part of him wondered as he glanced out at the vastness of Hogwarts grounds wondering if it would be enough to elevate him to what he had once been. Or had his reputation been completely besmirched forever due to one little mistake he had made, he knew the Dursley's wouldn't love him, but to kill him? No, he hadn't expected that at all, but there was nothing he could do short of resurrecting the child which of course he would not do. Not for anyone, it was dark tainted evil magic that always came at a price. He missed being who he used to be, even if he had been constantly busy, between the Wizengamot, international confederation of wizards, Headmaster and of course the Head of the Wizengamot and constantly written to by all, especially the Minister of Magic. With nothing to do, he had too much time on his hands, time he hadn't had in decades.

The boredom was making him nostalgic for better times.

Of course, he was quickly brought out of that by the students unashamedly ignoring him and avoiding him like he had the plague when he was used to awe, speechless and reverence. Barely suppressing a scowl or a growl Albus, turned swiftly and made his way back to his quarters, grateful at least that the Ministry had called off the Aurors they had watching him day and night after the incident with Tom Riddle's diary. At least something good had come out of him finding just how Voldemort did not die that night. Or rather heavily suspecting, since he couldn't get confirmation. They had taken the diary before he could run even a single test upon it.

-0

"Headmaster you have to take us shopping! Please, please, please, please, PLEASE!" Alexis pleaded with the Headmaster the moment he stepped through the doors to the cabins they were using for the year. They didn't even wait to let him catch his breath or sit down, all of them were milling around, the other girls nodded just as eagerly.

Talin's lips twitched as he observed his eager fourteen-year-old students, who were not only working hard to complete their N.E.W.T's but also doing everything they can to help Harry through the tasks. Each year as he handed them their graduate certificates he wondered if he just felt older that they looked younger each year or if it was just the way it was. They did deserve to relax and have fun, especially since they had missed out on their usual Halloween get together. They celebrated the solstices; one could say they were pagans and did the rituals religiously.

They would be celebrating the Yule as is customary, if the other schools did not appreciate that then it was their problem.

"We don't have anything to wear to this party, I didn't think we'd need anything of the sort!" Yasmin complained, but her tone wasn't one of whining like Alexis just more of a statement. "I assumed they didn't celebrate the solstices,"

"They do not," Talin answered seriously, "But we will continue our tradition, but in the morning instead of the evening,"

The group cheered extremely happy with the answer they had just received from their Headmaster. Talin waited patiently for them to calm down and let him speak again.

"Very well, be ready to leave in twenty minutes, I shall have the carriages brought to us," Talin said, once again listening to the cheering and squealing, mostly from the girls as they immediately took off towards the rooms, very eager to get something nice. He knew Septimus wasn't going to attend the event this evening, it most certainly wasn't his thing, but between all the teachers there, he knew the teenagers would be safe. He would keep an eagle eye out anyway, just to be on the safe side. He knew with the inevitable inclusion of drink…things could get out of hand extremely fast.

It didn't even take fifteen minutes for the students to be standing outside the cabin, impatiently waiting for the carriages he had summoned to take his students to Hogsmeade. He rather hoped they found what they were looking for, he didn't want to take them to Diagon Alley, that was a bit more open than Hogsmeade was. That and he didn't know either area all that well, so many nooks and crannies they could get into.

"Some rules before we leave students," Talin called out to them, "You remain in sight at all times, otherwise we will all return as soon as the culprit is found, regardless of whether we have robes to wear or not." They all knew he was serious of course, he never joked about the safety of his students, or rather joked full stop when it came to giving rules or warning to them.

"Can we go to the candy shop?" Jaden asked, "Please dad!" giving his dad a wide-eyed pleading look, his brother had eaten his candy, all that was left was a few chocolates and that wasn't going to last him for the whole duration of the trip. He would need to find a better hiding place for his treats otherwise his brother would steal them again. A scheming look came on Jaden's face knowing just the perfect place to put them, his dad's trunk, Ale wouldn't think to look in there for them.

"That's them coming!" Sophie called out, noticing the horse drawn carriages immediately, they didn't get a chance to get excited before their Headmaster was speaking again. As they always did, they listened to what he had to say, even if they were tempted to ignore it, they knew if they did, they'd be left behind and it wasn't something they contemplated.

"If everyone behaves themselves at the end of the trip, then, yes, we will go to Honeydukes sweet shop before returning for the evening," Talin said loud enough for them all to hear. Added incentive to actually be good and take a telling, his students were usually well behaved, but he never forgot that at the end of the day, they were teenagers. Teenagers constantly pushed boundaries and of course, without their parents here they would be more tempted to spread their wings and take risks as well as explore. "Split into the two different carriages, no fighting, it's a very short ride to Hogsmeade!"

Talin entered the first one, along with Harry, Jaden, Ale, Sophie, Alexis and Jason. Once Talin was sure all the students were in the coaches he was literally just about to close the door before barking caught his attention before a white blur jumped into the coach causing everyone to giggle and pet Luna. She was just as much a member of the group, albeit a honorary member. In fact, it had been a close call, she'd almost became their quidditch mascot instead of the Pegasus' but outvoted by just a single one.

Talin gave a long-suffering sigh, not even attempting to get Luna to remain behind, once again wondering how she managed to get outside the cabin. Then again, Severus had often wondered the same thing at home, she was just too good at being an escape artist, even with magic at their disposal. He was just grateful Luna hadn't come to school with Harry every day. It would have been a great distraction that the students couldn't afford. Tapping the wand on the roof, as he'd been informed was the correct procedure for the horses to move.

"Why do they call them horse drawn carriages?" Sophie questioned, "Sounds pretty dumb to me, considering they're not really horses…"

"What's more stupid though…the carriages moving on their own apparently or believing they are…" Jaden snorted, he glanced up when his father cleared his throat, giving him a pointed look, "What? It's true! Why would anyone believe the carriages pull themselves?"

"They do not begin their education until they are eleven," Talin said, his tone disproving, "It's not completely their fault, especially Muggle-borns new to the magical world."

"It's true, I don't think they even have a library here for those who wish to know more before they begin Hogwarts, which doesn't help those not well off to get a head start." Harry sighed, and they definitely had nothing to say regarding that. Jay was one of the few people who's parents or rather mother wasn't well off. Although truthfully, he had been smart and with an education at Grande Riviere he had come into his own properly.

"Wait, what? No library?" Jason gaped, "Not even the place we're going to? What was it called…Hogsmeade?"

"No, the only library is the one at Hogwarts," Talin explained, which didn't sit right with him at all. Knowledge should be encouraged, children should be able to take books out and educate themselves, learn things especially before attending school.

"Although there is a second hand bookstore," Harry piped in, "I'm definitely going to have a browse during one of the trips!" he declared passionately. He had found some of his favourite books in second hand stores, two of them were written in parseltongue in fact, not that finding them itself had been unusual, it was just most definitely his favourite books.

"Oh, it looks pretty from here," Alexis said, glancing out the window, careful to avoid Luna who was sprawled out on the floor of the carriage. "Can you imagine how pretty it would be covered in snow? With those lanterns lit?"

"I do believe they have postcards with picturesque photos of the village," Talin informed her with a small smile, she was quite right, it was a beautiful place, if one could ignore the smell of course. "In the post office if I recall correctly," he added. Which is probably how they would have communicated with their families if not for the mirrors that were so prominently a part of their lives now. Each of his students seem to have one, and always carried them with them no matter where they went. Even his own kids had their own, and he was rather happy he had the means to communicate with them if they ended up hurt or lost or anything of the sort.

"That's right! You came here before didn't you Headmaster?" Jason said, "Did you get to see everything? Visit Stonehenge? Oh! What about the…" blinking owlishly, trying to think of anything else that was renowned here, to visit while you were abroad. He could think of nothing, absolutely nothing, he'd drawn blank. Then again, the UK wasn't one of the places he was most passionate about, there were other places he wished to visit, Egypt and Italy were amongst his top five on the list of priority visits when he was old enough. He wanted to see all the sacred magical sites and learn everything he could about them. To write about them, and educate others of the best places to visit.

The others in the carriage giggled and sniggered at his silence.

"I visited many places when I was here, yes, it was very…educational," Talin explained with an amused smile, "And it looks like we've finally arrived."

"Will we be able to visit anything like that while we are here?" Alexis questioned, "Stonehenge I mean, it's said to be very powerful!"

"I am afraid not," Talin replied, "It would have been a good outing," he had to say, and it was true, very educational, but it wasn't something he could allow. Their parents had only allowed them to come to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade for the duration of the yearlong expedition. He would need to get everyone's permission and it wasn't easily done from across the pond. Verbal permission just didn't sit well with him alone, he needed written permission otherwise it didn't happen. It didn't just risk him but it also risked the school, and he could not allow that to occur.

"Come on Luna," Harry whistled, getting Luna to jump down first so everyone else could actually move.

Everyone piled out quickly after that.

"So, who are you asking as your date?" Jaden teased, causing Dylan and Josh who had dismounted their own coach to laugh as they swung and slapped Harry's back in greeting. "Yeah, who are you going to take?" it was Dylan who taunted him.

"Does it have to be someone from our school?" Josh questioned as he walked back occasionally looking over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't going to hit anyone.

"Good question, Headmaster Addison?" Harry called out, "Do I need to take someone from our school to the dance?"

"No, the whole purpose of the ball is to make friends, you may take whomever you choose," Talin explained patiently, after he counted out the students, relaxing when they were all there, standing in groups of two and together waiting uncomplainingly.

"What about Luna?" Dylan said thoughtfully, as they began walking towards Madam Malkins shop, "I mean the human one," sniggering as Luna glanced up at him when she heard her name.

"What age is she again? She's a third year isn't she which means she's thirteen unless she started a year later…" Chao, "Which means she won't be able to go unless she's invited," she liked Luna the best out of all the Ravenclaws, maybe because she spent quite a bit of time with Harry's wolf, Luna, and in turn Harry, Josh and Dylan and the others herself included.

"Yeah, she's thirteen," Harry confirmed with a nod of his head. "It's not a bad idea actually," Luna got bullied a lot, even by those who were in her own house. Not so much now with the fact she was hanging out with them, but he'd caught it happening a few times and cut them all down verbally, and a few threatened spells that had them running for the hills with a description on what they do.

"How about you and I go, Sophie?" Josh called out, a boyish grin on his face.

"Ask me properly and I just might," Sophie declared with a wink in his direction, before she entered the shop with a jump in her step.

"You know…I've just realized, there's more boys than girls…someone is going to be left out," Dylan pointed out, "Unless a few of us as those from the other schools."

"True but you've spent some time with the Beauxbaton girl," Alexis pointed out.

"Her names Doriane, I think she's going to go with Louis," Harry corrected her, as he too entered the dress shop, which was now packed, Louis was one of the male students of Beauxbaton, there weren't many male students, just the two. He wasn't sure if they were the only two in the entire class back at their own school or if they were the only two that chose to come.

"Actually, she said no," Sophie informed them, "She's already going with Enzo,"

"I don't think anyone would say yes to us anyway, not seventeen-year-olds, they won't take us seriously," Jaden said, while he looked around the shop thoughtfully, looking for a set of dress robes he liked the look of.

"Good point," Dylan called out his voice slightly muffled as he grabbed a set of robes he saw and wanted. "Which sucks by the way!" he added in way of complaint.

"It does," Harry agreed, glancing between two different sets of dress robes. His dad always said green went best with his eyes, but he didn't have green eyes right now, they were more like hazel, green and brown mixed together. After all everyone knew his parents here, and he didn't want any comparisons and none of his friends saw the need to mention his looks to outsiders. They all knew he was a metamorphamagus, much like they hadn't mentioned him talking to snakes, it was just normal for them. So, in other words there was no need to talk about it, it is what it is. He hadn't bought a set of green dress robes for about two years now, so he decided on the green robes, not the disgusting lime green ones next to it. He sighed when he noticed they had his size, relieved.

"Hey, Harry what are those robes you've got?" Josh called out.

"What do you mean?" Harry called back, glancing at his own robes.

"The ones you wear outside, they're really warm," Josh added, he'd grabbed Harry's by accident when he ran out to get Dylan and Alexis for dinner the other week.

"Ohhh," Harry made a noise of understanding, "They're just closed winter robes, I put a heating charm on them…it's freezing when I have to let Luna out at night." Which was true enough, and he didn't just let her out he went with her to make sure she was safe. There were too many creatures in the forest, that might hurt her. He knew she could defend herself, but he was very protective of his familiar just as she was of him.

"Excuse me, ma'am can you tell me where your closed winter robes are?" he couldn't see anything resembling the robes Harry bought, but the store must have known about the ball, because everything in the shop was orientated towards attracting customers with such wear, dresses, snazzy suits, robes, shoes, everything you'd need for a night out for teens.

Talin remained at the door, overseeing his students with Luna sitting calmly at his side, eyeing her Harry the entire time, keeping him in sight.

Thirty-five minutes later, all students were quite happily traipsing towards Honeydukes to get something sweet to eat.

-0

Later that evening, those from Grande Riviere sat at the Ravenclaw table, often alternating between the Hufflepuff table and the Ravenclaw table. Even if it meant a tighter squeeze due to the fact the Beauxbaton students sitting with the Ravens too. By now each student from Grande Riviere had someone to attend the dance with, choosing from the third- and fourth-year Students at Hogwarts due to their close proximity in age. The elder students already had asked their boyfriends or girlfriends to attend the ball.

"Hey, Cedric who are you taking to the dance?" Harry heard one of the fellow Hufflepuff's ask his classmates.

"I asked Cho," Cedric called back with a smirk on his face. He'd also asked her to be his girlfriend which she had accepted hence the smug satisfaction written across his face.

Harry shook his head, that explained why Cho was sitting giggling with her friends incessantly from a few seats down. "Have any of you seen Luna?" Harry asked the closest Ravenclaws. Most of them he did not know by name, but their faces were becoming familiar to him. He avoided sitting near the ones who seem personally offended when he spoke of 'deviations' from the books, they didn't seem to like it much. He also avoided the bullying tormenters.

"She was in the dorm the last time I saw her," Harry got his answer, he couldn't say he knew her name in all honesty. This school seemed to actually use their last names more than their first names, even the teachers all did it and outside of class.

"Which was when?" Harry queried, hearing her friend calling her Padma so that was her first name.

"Just before dinner," Padma answered, shrugging her shoulders looking apologetic that she couldn't help further.

"You going to ask her then?" Dylan asked, from where he was squashed in-between Josh and Harry, it was going to take some getting used to when they went back. This food was just amazing, he loved it all, his parents would have probably had a heart attack at the sight of it. They were eating healthy breakfasts and lunches though, lately they'd just been having dinner in order to socialise. According to Doriane they had their own breakfast and lunches too.

"Yes," Harry answered, "Only if I can get a chance!" he didn't know where the Ravenclaw dorms were, but he didn't want to be rude and go find it and ask, it didn't seem right to him. He didn't think any of them would be happy if a Hogwarts student just came to their cabins and wandered in, trying to find a date.

"Best hurry, everyone seems to be asking for a date," Josh murmured through a mouthful of food, and it wasn't a lie, even now during dinner he'd heard a few Gryffindors asking Fleur Delacour to the dance. It had been hilarious, they'd been red in face, presumably under the lure of the Veela. In the end he had been red in the face as he suppressed his laughter. He wasn't sure why they were so affected by the Veela, and she wasn't even a full one, could it be their lesser magic? Those who are more powerful were less affected? There was a lot known about Veela's but why they affected only certain people – even without purposely using their lure – was still quite a mystery.

"There's nobody else I actually want to ask," Harry admitted his lips pursed thoughtfully, he did wonder if Luna would like to attend the ritual, they would be doing on Christmas morning. If she was there, then he'd need to give her a little gift at least, it was only the proper thing to do. He wasn't about to give his friends gifts and leave her without one.

"What about that bushy haired girl? What's her name…Granger…Hermione! That's it! Hermione," Chao suggested, causing Jaden to groan dramatically, "She's smart, she's curious and I think she'd make a perfect date someone to keep up with you,"

"She's smart but self-righteous," Jaden corrected her grudgingly. "She believes she's right and doesn't take anything else into consideration even after you prove her wrong."

"Oh my god! Granger, that's a name I recognize she was your pen pal wasn't she?" Jason whispered hastily. He'd gone on about it for weeks after he decided to ignore any correspondence from her.

"Yeah, she was," Jaden grumbled under his breath, "And seeing her in real life made me realize she's worse than the letters made out."

"Good job dad can't hear you," Ale insisted with a wicked grin on his face, their father didn't tolerate disrespect, especially towards girls or women. He was very old fashioned that way, which was why Jaden had never told their dad that he had stopped writing to his pen pal until a year had gone by.

Jaden grimaced, that was true, he conceded with a nod of his head. "True," he admitted, "Also doesn't make what I said any less true either,"

"I kept talking to mine," Alexis said, "Susan and I get on rather well," her name wasn't a surprise to them, since Alexis had said she had become good friends with Susan who she spent a great deal of time with and sat next to her when they were at the Hufflepuff table.

"She is really nice," Harry agreed, "Smart too," and very passionate about her school, which was something they all understood all too well. It was the reason they were all here.

"Speaking of smarts, Harry did you bring your Runes Master book?" Sophie asked.

Harry blinked, "Um, I think so, I brought most of my books…I thought we all did?" he questioned confused.

"No, my book isn't in my trunk, I must have forgotten it at home," Sophie said in exasperation, "Since it's my weakest subject I really need to brush up, I won't have the chance when he returns home."

"Wait why are you discussing exams?" Cedric asked, standing behind them with a curious look on his face. "Didn't you hear? The exams have been cancelled? It's not just for us either, but everyone."

"You're not going to take your N.E.W.T's?" Sophie asked incredulously, staring at Cedric stunned.

"Strictly speaking you really don't have to, even if you attend school until the last day," Padma pointed out, "Although I would and will definitely be taking all my exams." She added seriously.

"You really aren't going to take them?" Sophie repeated, still staring at Cedric. "How did your parents react?" they paid a fortune to give them the best education they could get, yet those two years were about to be in effect be put to waste? She was shocked that someone could take their education so casually as if it was nothing in the grand scheme of things. "Why not just leave after taking your O.W.L's and focus on the mastery of your choosing if that is the case?"

"They said we didn't need to take them," Cedric defended himself, feeling very judged by those fourteen-year-olds who were staring at him evidently horrified and shocked by his decision…which again, wasn't his decision.

"The tournament will be over by the time the exams are to be done, we'll be back home just in time for them," Alexis said, "Everyone including Harry will be taking them." As if his father would let anything less be done, Mr. Regis was nothing if not a determined wizard, stern but not too strict. He was always willing to help if they were stuck with their homework, although she was seeing less of him not more since they came here which was odd. He was helping them with their Potions and Alchemy work, and he definitely enjoyed himself.

"Hey, Regis? Luna's coming," Patil called out loud enough for Harry to hear, once again, his wolf's head rose from her meal to see what was going on. Giving them all an unimpressed look before she returned to her meal, crunching loudly on the chicken bone.

"Why does he want to know when she's here?" Cho asked, staring up her nose at the blonde-haired teenager who she felt wasn't good enough for Ravenclaw.

"Nice date you've got there," Harry said scathingly to Cedric, before he stood up, and approached Luna, who was wearing two different shoes looking rather upset.

"What did they do this time?" Harry asked her softly, his tone sympathetic and annoyed at the same time.

"It's nothing, I'll find them eventually," Luna said, her tone as always was serene and warm as if nothing could affect her. Which wasn't true, Harry knew that they upset her a great deal.

"Them? They took your shoes I take it?" Harry stated resignedly.

"Yes," Luna agreed simply, and it was to her, she had endured it not for three years, it was worse at the end of the year. During the year it was only a few of her things, so it wasn't too bad.

"Luna, would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the Yule Ball?" Harry asked her, asking her the way his dad had said to ask a girl out especially to an official function.

"Are you sure you want to take me?" Luna asked, her jaw slightly unhinged showing her shock at being asked. "It isn't a pity date is it?" she asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Yes, I'd very much like to take you and no, this isn't a pity date, I promise," Harry said sincerely, she deserved better than this damn school. It was just a shame she hadn't attended Grande Riviere, she would have found friends and fitted in. She wouldn't be able to take her O.W.L's and then a year later her N.E.W.T's to graduate his school at least he didn't think so. He was going to ask Talin if it was possible, for some reason he didn't want to leave her here at the mercy of theses bullies she was determined to protect – except the occasions where he'd seen the bullying himself – probably out of self-preservation, he knew, the second he left it would probably get worse for her.

"We'll help you get a dress! Do your hair and make-up and have a girly day!" Alexis gushed as she basically forced Luna to accept them.

Harry pursed his lips in amusement at the alarmed look on Luna's face, at the same time it hurt to see that she didn't have friends to do girly things with. He could have kissed Alexis for her forethought, Luna needed something like this, the experience would be good for her. She wouldn't always be at Hogwarts and this would aid her in getting friends maybe in Hogwarts or afterwards.

"Definitely, it will be fun, I promise! We paint each other's nails and do our hair, make-up and play games and listen to music!" Sophie was gushing as much as Alexis.

"Don't overwhelm her!" Chao joined in, but all of them were practically vibrating with excitement, "You have to come, the boys outnumber us," and the day they joined was the day the world ended.

"So, what do you say? Will you come as my date?" Harry asked her after a few moments of silence, well silence to them, but the rest of the hall was being loud as always, everyone having their own conversations, the clattering of cutlery and the general hum that was somewhat soothing.

"I'd love to," Luna said eventually, still unsure if the girls meant what they said or if they were going to bully her, they hadn't yet. Unfortunately, she had been burned numerous times in the past, and didn't trust anyone at the face of value even if it didn't look like she did.

"Well thank goodness for that!" Chao said, beaming at Luna in delight. "Come on, let's sit down! We need to discuss dresses!" she finished with a near squeal.

"I guess you don't want that book anymore?" Harry said slyly to Sophie as they all climbed back onto the benches, grateful for the girls keeping Luna between them.

"Yes, tonight, if you've brought it with you," Sophie answered, poking her tongue out at him.

Harry laughed and nodded his head, giving both Josh and Dylan a nod, letting them know he had a partner for the ball, which was imperative due to the fact he was opening the ball with a dance along with the other champions. Something Talin had only told him while they were in Honeydukes, but it hadn't made him panic too much, Minerva had forgotten that little detail. He'd already chosen someone to take with him to the Ball. If that fell through, he knew one of the girls would have had the dance with him at the very least before going back to their chosen partner.

They grinned in happiness, everyone had someone for the night, all was good.

At least for them.

Rumour was Ronald Weasley had tried to ask Fleur Delacour and Hermione Granger (the only girl he assumed wouldn't have a date) and been humiliatingly cut down with sharp words leaving him as red as his hair. Even his own brothers and sister were laughing about it.

He had not been seen since.

----0

Much better! :) can't believe i screwed up on Ale and Jaden's names LMAO!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 6

Luna knocked on the cabin door belonging to Grande Riviere magical school, bundled up against the bitter cold. She had been invited to breakfast with them, it had taken her ten minutes to convince herself to come. She half expected to be completely ignored, to hear giggling coming from the back of the door. Everyone made fun of her, it was just the way it was, mostly because she was odd. Or seen as odd, Luna just didn't want to change to please anyone, least of all her classmates. The snow lay thick on the ground, giving Hogwarts an even more majestic appearance, even the cabin looked regal.

The door was suddenly yanked open, and the wolf – Luna – ran out into the snow bounding about like a mad thing. Harry, who had opened the door laughed at his familiar with a rueful look. "Hey, you're early," Harry said, giving her a reassuring smile, "Everyone's still getting dressed, they'll be down soon, there's hot chocolate available, come on in, I'll be back in a few minutes." Not needing to explain since Luna had bound out seconds before. He wasn't about to close the door and leave her out there on her own, not this close to the Forbidden Forest. He'd die if anything happened to Luna on his watch.

"I'll come?" Luna offered, still unsure, but not displaying it for all to see. Although she might not be showing it, Harry and the others could still see it. It saddened them all to see her so unsure of herself, it was why they were going to such great lengths to make her see not everyone was the same. That her being different, unique wasn't necessary a bad thing. Once Hogwarts was done with, she'd find her own niche in life. One that didn't involve the students of Hogwarts, who couldn't see how great Luna actually was.

"Sure," Harry answered, closing the door and gesturing for her to come. "Have you ever celebrated Yule?"

"Every year," Luna replied, giving Harry an odd look.

"Not Christmas, Yule," Harry said as he walked, the snow crunching under his feet as he moved, Luna's added to it too when she began moving. "They're different, similar but different." Just like most of the Celtic holidays actually, but that's why it had been done in the first place.

"Oh," it dawned on Luna what he meant, "My mum used to celebrate the Yule, daddy hasn't celebrated since. We exchange gifts, but that's the extent of our contribution to this holiday." It was not an easy time for the Lovegood's, both of them missed their mother/wife sorely.

"I'm sorry," Harry said quietly, rubbing at his hands, deducing what she didn't say, "For your loss." He had lost his mum and father but it was so long ago he didn't remember it. His dad spoke of them often, made him feel as though he did know them. Yet he couldn't imagine how it would feel to lose his dad, he'd almost lost him once, years ago, due to an incident at the zoo. He only vaguely remembered the incident though.

"Thank you," Luna replied with a smile, which looked more like a grimace really. "Daddy can't really talk about her…it still hurts too much." Not sure why she said this, but she so desperately needed someone to talk to. She'd only ever had her daddy and at one point Ginny, who she'd later found out had been forced by her parents to befriend her. She's swiftly ended that budding friendship after she heard the girl whining about having to play with her.

"I'd imagine so, how did it happen?" Harry asked, as they continued to walk, talking quietly.

"My mum was…beautiful you know, smart too," Luna said, a slight glaze in her eyes, "She was a spell creator, an inventor…one of her spells went wrong. It backfired; she chose in that few seconds to protect me bodily rather than try to cast a spell to shield us." She didn't resent her mum for that, she just missed her, wished she was with them but didn't all children who had suffered such a loss in life?

"It's always a parent's first instinct to protect their children," Harry stated, a sad smile on his face, "Even from themselves." Which is exactly what his dad had done, given him the best childhood a boy could ask for, protected his innocence, and hated himself for having to reveal the truth to him. Harry would rather the truth though, than being kept in the dark, forewarned is forearmed. "Luna!" Harry called out in warning, seeing her nosing closer to the Forbidden Forest.

A quiet huff was all he got in reply, before she bound off in the opposite direction.

Luna giggled despite the conversation, she loved animals, probably liked them a whole lot better than she did humans. They didn't care what you wore, what you were like, what you looked like…they just liked who they liked and that was the end of it. There was no manipulation, no ulterior motives, they just liked you, that was what Luna liked about them most.

"We celebrate the Yule," Harry changed the subject, "Every year, usually during dinner but today with the Yule Ball we're hosting it at breakfast. We should have said something last night…but we didn't think, this is normal for us…if you'd prefer to head back to the school we will understand." Nobody was going to judge her for not wishing to partake especially after losing her mother.

Luna didn't reply straight away, merely turned around when Harry did, and began the short – but cold – walk back towards the cabin. The wolf was running all over the place, definitely getting enough exercise if she was to be inside a small cabin all day. "Is she domesticated?"

"No, she lives with her siblings in the back of our property, well some of the time, the rest she spends with me," Harry confessed, slightly surprised by the change in subject. Perhaps she didn't want to say no in case she felt she was insulting them. "She's my familiar, she always listens to me," nobody else though, not unless Luna felt like it anyway. She'd be more liable to listen to Josh or Dylan not even Jay could get much out of her. Jay hadn't been around the length of time Josh or Dylan had, they'd seen her as a cub, under careful supervision of course.

"Oh," Luna's mouth shaped an 'O' in surprise.

"Wolves aren't made to be domesticated," Harry said, repeating the words his father had said to him, even after finding out that she was his familiar. She was very protective, and in turn, Harry was extremely protective of her. She deserved it being so loyal to him after all.

"No, no they're not," Luna agreed wholeheartedly. She didn't believe in domesticating animals, especially not ones that were wild to begin with, or born to be. The wolf is most definitely born to be wild, beautiful magnificent creatures that they were, should be observed from afar. Yet being so close to one, Luna was quite frankly in awe of the beautiful beast. "What made you name her Luna?" already suspecting the answer. The cabin looming in the near distance heralded an oncoming end to their conversation.

"After the moon," Harry replied, a sweet smile lighting up his features, he'd always been obsessed with wolves and winged horses. "Her colouring, I was young at the time of course, but I loved her from the moment I set eyes on her." His magic of course, letting him know that she was his familiar. Not that he'd understood that at the time, no, it took his dad to figure that one out.

Stopping outside the cabin, Harry turned to face her properly, "So? Coming or going?" he asked nonchalantly, allowing her to see from his tone and demeanour that there was truly no wrong answer.

"Coming," Luna agreed, it had been so long since she'd seen a Yule celebration, and it didn't take long at all.

"Come on in then, everyone should be up already…." Harry said, opening the cabin door and clambering in, yanking his wellington boots off, transfigured by his dad when the snow began to make an appearance. He had repeated the process – with Talin joining in – on everyone else's, so they weren't going to have sodden feet wherever they went. Sure, they could spell them dry, but prevention was better than a cure. "Yep, everyone's up!" he stated after seeing everyone already surrounding the table.

Cries of Luna echoed around the table, all of them expressing delight that she'd made it.

"Hi," Luna said, warmth invading her heart and body, at their acceptance and of course, the warmth of the cabin getting rid of the chill. Behind everyone sat an altar, the table had a whole plethora of items on it, leaving hardly any of the table showing. Red, silver, gold and white candles, sun disks. White pouches that were poultices back in the day, filled with all manners of herbs she'd bet. White snowflakes, with evergreen plants, wreaths, holly, pines, fir, juniper and cedar. A small bowl of fruit and nuts, Mistletoe, quite a few bells in various sizes strewn about, even hanging up on the wall with mistletoe attached. A wood etching Celtic symbol, and a book, the smell of burning wax wafted through the air.

The alter was…not the most professional she'd ever seen, but it was obviously done with thought and care. Just like her parents had done in the past, it wasn't about making it look pretty after all.

"We bid thee Crone farewell, and gratefully accept the Maiden back into our lives," was murmured quietly by all, giving their own prayers for a good year.

"Headmaster, where do we put this year's donations?" Queried Chao, glancing at Talin and incidentally Septimus too, who was a massive contributor to the donations received. "Are we sending them on to the school?"

"This year…I have something else in mind," Talin said, sharing a look with Severus.

"What do you mean donations?" Luna whispered to Harry, clearly confused by their conversation.

"Come on, sit down and eat breakfast before its gone," Harry ushered her towards an empty seat. "And each year, we run a donation, it's modern Paganism I know, but I like the idea very much. We have a large stall set up for donations, food, clothes, toiletries even books." Harry explained as they both piled food on their plates. "They've probably already done it back home and ready to give it to those in need. We believe in helping those who need it, usually after doing a formal blessing on the items."

"The school has a competition of sorts, to see who can gather the most," Dylan entered the conversation.

"Nothing official, it's not a competition," Talin said with mild rebuke.

"Harry always wins anyway," Chao laughs, "His dad is one of the biggest contributors to the donations," he never handed over money, but gave a great deal of items over, both used and just bought. He didn't believe in handing money over to others according to Harry. He would help them in any other way, food, clothes, and more importantly signed books, which could theoretically fetch a decent price if they were that desperate for funds.

"That…sounds good," Luna said in admiration, "I'd like to help if I can," the thing was she wasn't sure what she could give. Her daddy kept everything, never got rid of anything. Maybe she could donate a few of her old toys and some food?

"Everyone is welcome to do so," Severus informed Luna, "Even the littlest helps go a long way," and it was true, it was just a shame the community didn't do something like that here. It would have been greatly welcoming, his mother had struggled for years to see them surviving, which they'd done so, barely. He refused to give money to anyone though, it was his own experience that it wasn't spent on the necessities. Perhaps after seeing his father spending so much on drink instead of food had ingrained that into him.

"I'll write to my dad, Mr. Regis!" Luna declared, even if it was only a few items, it would brighten someone else's day, as Mr. Regis said, every little helps.

"Call me, Septimus," Severus answered, the response automatic, he was far more used to the name Septimus now than Severus. He honestly didn't know whether he would automatically respond to Severus now. His life as Septimus had been more fulfilling than it ever had as Severus. Even if he had been the youngest Potions Master in the world. He hadn't regained that as Septimus Regis, but he honestly didn't care about the title, not when he had such a good life.

"Um…Yes, Si…Septimus," Luna practically stuttered, she was as good with grown wizards as she was with students…that is to say not at all. She preferred being with animals, at least there was no necessities to be obeyed.

Talin chuckled at the endearing look on the young teens face.

"Once you're finished breakfast, why don't we bless the tree?" Septimus suggested, having finished his own long ago. It was going to be an extremely long day. Not only were the girls going to spend all day getting ready, but the Ball would be running all the way to midnight, despite it only being until eleven. All due to the fact it would take the teachers that long to get all the students out of the hall and seen to. They were going to be exhausted tomorrow morning, but they'd enjoy themselves, that was all that mattered.

"Finished!" they all exclaimed, which was lies of course, they all still had at least one thing on their plates. Talin was torn between telling them to eat everything on their plate or letting them have their fun. He decided to let it slide, just this once, they'd be eating enough junk food tonight to more than make up for any piece of forgotten food. He made a mental note to have more fresh fruit and vegetable available for breakfast tomorrow.

Standing up, Severus approached the tree they – by they – he meant Talin and every single one of the students – and not to forget Luna who had peed against nearly every single one of them. They had cut down yesterday together. Which had been a headache on its own, due to the fact everyone had different opinions on what tree was appropriate. After three hours, they'd finally all agreed, but Severus personally believed it was due to the cold and weakening warming charms. Nobody wanted to take their gloves off to grab their wand and reapply the charm. It had been that cold.

When they'd finally decided the noise had been…atrocious "Evergreen, evergreen, big fat tree! I ask you now please to come home with me! We'll cover you with ornaments and lots of pretty lights, and let you shine about our house at Yule, the longest night! Thank you, tree, thank you, tree, for the gift you give today, we'll plant another in your name, when spring comes our way!" they all sang out of tune. Afterwards he'd doused the area with fertiliser to promote and renew growth.

Severus lit the candle with his wand, the smell of incense filled the air.

He said nothing, allowing the students to enjoy their ritual, Severus had never celebrated either Christmas or Yule, not until he was eleven. Celebrate was a strong word, he'd spent it with Lily, he gave her a difficult potion he'd brewed and she gave him a potion book or other gift, mostly books though she knew how much he'd loved to read. He celebrated them with Harry, even though he didn't much care for the holidays, it's something he reckoned was ingrained into you from childhood.

By the powers of earth, I bless this tree,
that it shall remain sacred, a symbol of life,
stable and strong in our home throughout the Yule season.
By the powers of air, I bless this tree,
as the cool winter winds blow away the baggage of the old year,
and we welcome the brightness of the new into our hearts and home.
By the powers of fire, I bless this tree,
as the days have gotten shorter, and the nights grown dark,
yet the warmth of the sun is returning, bringing with it life.
By the powers of water, I bless this tree,
a gift I give, that it may stay bright and green for us a bit longer,
so that we can enjoy the harmony and peace of Yule.

One by one, they got up and circled the tree with the salt they removed from the bowl. Positively beaming with excitement, as they did so. It had taken ages to memorise the words, but their teachers had been very patient with them, they did the Yule rituals before school ended for the holidays in Grande Rivière even those who remain over the holidays. Which wasn't at all that big a group, most went home for the holidays, especially Christmas if no other time – except summer but that was a given – before school was closed.

After that the seriousness died off, as each of them begun to decorate the tree. Levitating ornaments or candy canes and placing them where their small statures could not. Luna began to relax and just enjoy the time she was spending with this close-knit group of people she was coming to really like. The cinnamon salt dough was in a variety of different shapes unlike the ones decorating Hogwarts with Christmas-y coloured baubles. Shaped like stars, trees, pentangles, there were even Patronus' swirling around large glass vials hooked to the tree. Herbal sachets, sun disks wooden disks that look like they were made years before. Fertility symbols, anglers, with cups and eggs dangling blow. Created 'gods eyes' with green, red white and gold threads.

"It's beautiful," Luna observed, watching as the last of the items were floated to the top of the tree, the large sun disk gleaming with gold and silver. The homily smell of cinnamon, fresh baked goods, pine and wood was just a blast from the past and it didn't upset her at all.

"Yeah, we did good this year!" Sophie declared proudly.

"Gather round everyone," Talin called out, nobody so much as twitched, as they begun to gather around the tree, cuddling into each other so they all fitted together. Luna found herself wedged between Dylan and Harry, as they all smiled and grinned for the photo Talin was about to take. The flashbulb went off a few times before he lowered it, two was more than enough. They would be copied and sent out to the families. "Now, why don't you go and speak to your family now before you get too busy?" and they would be too busy, they were already overly excited for this evening but it was always the same way things went back home. It was a good thing they weren't expected at lessons, otherwise nothing would get done.

"Would you like a copy, Miss Lovegood?" Talin asked the teen, who had relaxed considerably since she'd entered the cabin. He suspected she was just a little overwhelmed, the times he'd seen her she'd been very much on her own. Even while welcoming the school, she'd stood just a little apart from the rest, the closest person to her had been Minerva if he recalled her correctly. She most certainly stood out in a crowd. Her blonde hair was quite distinctive even if she was on the short side. Then again everyone was on the short when compared to him, he was a rather tall man after all.

"Can you…call me Luna please?" Luna asked Talin, she noticed he used his students first names. Dumbledore had only done that with his favourites and McGonagall was a stickler for the rules, she called everyone by their appropriate title.

"Only if you answer the question," Talin teased her, a small smile twitching at his lips. He hoped that his students would make her feel welcoming and happy. That it would encourage her to come out of her shell more. She was much too quiet and reserved. This…this was the happiest he'd ever seen her. Although, true he didn't know her well enough to really comment, seeing her from afar didn't mean he knew her. For all he knew she had a situation in her life that was taking a heavy toll upon her person. He could only read from her what he had seen this far.

"Yes, please," Luna said, her daddy would love the picture, he was always so worried about her. Or rather her lack of friends, she refrained from pointing out her daddy didn't have friends either. Except all the animals he befriended, her mum had been the social one, and when she passed…people stopped coming around, as her daddy's more exuberant displays weren't tamed by her mum. This would keep him happy for a while, maybe she'd be able to have a summer without him bringing it up. She knew he was only concerned about her, but she had not told him anything about what happens in Hogwarts walls. There was just no point to making him worry more, they didn't have the funds to send her to another school, her mum had paid for her Hogwarts education before she was one years old. After her first display of accidental magic, which was her summoning her milk bottle, she'd been seven months old apparently.

Even if she'd been tempted to move school, she didn't' want to attend a school so far away, Ilvermorny, it was all the way in America. She loved going on holiday, don't get her wrong, but living in America nine months out of the year? No, no thank you.

"Then you shall have one," Talin replied, his gaze moving towards the 'sitting area' where most of the students were now situated wishing their families well, thanking them for the gifts they'd received and telling them everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours since they had last spoken. Telling their relatives that they miss them and can't wait to come home, that the weather here was ghastly.

"Come on, Luna, try the hot chocolate, it tastes lovely," Harry called her over from where he sat, placing a salted Caramel hot chocolate in front of his dad and Talin's spot at the table before giving one to Luna then serving himself. There was whipped cream and marshmallows as well as a dash of powdered chocolate on top.

"Mmm, it is good!" Luna exclaimed, lovely and chocolatey and the caramel flavour wasn't too overwhelming.

"You're dress robes are on top of the wardrobe," Severus informed his son as he claimed his seat, grimacing a little at the sight of the hot chocolate, he'd very much prefer a coffee at the moment. He unfortunately, had to attend the Yule ball with Talin due to the fact there was nobody else there to help him with the students. It was a bit too much for him to deal with alone, both could only hope none of the students got their hands on any alcohol or there would be hell to pay. They were only fourteen after all, but there were those who could bring drink to the Ball and were legally allowed to drink. It was fact, and nothing anyone could do to stop them.

"Thanks dad," Harry said with a grin, he was actually looking forward to it. It was nothing new, they had Yule parties every year, nothing as fancy named as a 'Ball' or anything. They didn't dress up super fancy like they were tonight, but they did put on clothes that were nicer than everyday wear.

Severus nodded, he felt like his son was growing up much too quickly for his tastes. Then again, he thought that nearly every day, Merlin, the years had gone by so quickly, it astonished him. During that time, he had accomplished so much, but nothing would beat out raising such a wonderful young man. Lily would be proud of how their son had turned out, James may be slightly disappointed that his son wasn't into pranks and having a good time, but ultimately…he would have been proud of Harry too. He'd been unable to hold onto the hatred he felt for the wizard. James had been twenty-one years old when he died, protecting his family, and he'd unknowingly given him the greatest gift conceivable. A son.

One that Severus loved with all his heart.

"Coffee, Septimus?" Talin asked, standing at the coffee pot, pouring his own.

"Merlin, yes," Severus replied immediately, floating the two hot chocolates back onto the tray, a small smile appearing on his face at Harry's pout. He'd drink hot chocolate with his son, but preferred a coffee first thing in the morning…then a few more after breakfast to get through the day. More out of habit than any real need, since he no longer taught children and kept to his own schedule.

"Luna did you bring your dress?" Chao asked, running over and plonking herself down next to the blonde.

"Um, no?" she murmured, "Should I have?" she'd just get dressed in the dorm before the party.

"Then we'll need to go get it!" Chao insisted, "We're all getting dressed here!"

Talin cleared his throat, "Only if she wishes," he added, he wasn't about to let the others push their will upon the quiet girl. It didn't look like she was going to say anything in her own defence regarding what she actually wanted to do. Just agreeing with everything someone asked wasn't a good way to make friends in his opinion. It just caused more problems down the line.

"Yes, sir!" Chao said, calming herself down a little, "We all plan on getting dressed up for the Ball here, you could join us if you like? We'll do each other's hair, make up and everything!" she'd thought they'd already planned this, unless Luna didn't want to do it?

"Okay," Luna agreed, she hadn't planned on anything really, not sure whether they were just teasing her or not.

"Okay!" Chao exclaimed happily, clapping her hands together eagerly, "Sophie and the others can come with us to get your stuff, stop them from trying anything." Her eyes narrowing in on the unhospitable assholes those Ravenclaws tended to be with Luna. She would never say that out loud though, the Headmaster would be extremely displeased with her language…and she was not missing out on tonight, not for anything.

Luna wanted to reassure them that it would be okay, but honestly? She liked the thought of someone having her back. She rather hoped they hadn't messed with her things again; she didn't want to spend the day trying to find everything. Luna honestly wouldn't put it past them to hide her dress or her shoes. They weren't to everyone's tastes but Luna liked them very much.

"Soph, we're going to get Luna's things from the school, you coming with?" Chao called to the sitting room where everyone other than Harry was.

"Remember you have a lesson with Septimus today," Talin reminded them, glancing at his watch, in exactly forty-five minutes time he realized.

Chao wanted to groan but Harry's dad was sitting right there, so she refrained, it would be rude to do that after all. He wasn't a teacher, and was giving up his free time to educate them. To make sure they were ready for their N.E.W.T.S but why today of all days? At least it was only the one lesson though, there was that. Holidays or not, Septimus had plans for a certain potion that had to be brewed near the end of the month where the ingredients were available. In fact, that's where he had been, in the forbidden forest collecting what he needed. She was curious how he knew they were in there, but not enough to ask.

"I'm coming," Sophie called out, reluctantly closing the book she'd just begun to read yet again. Harry had given her the runes book last night. She'd been reading it on and off since then, Runes was her weakest subject, so she had to read up in time for her exams. Revision sucks, especially when you wanted to do so many other things. Yet everyone stressed how important the results were, what jobs she could get if she passed them all, with flying colours. So, she would do her damn best to make sure she didn't fall behind or worse…fail the exam.

"Me too!" came from Alexis, and another "Me too!" came from Daisy, she was definitely the quietest of the lot, but no less excited for the party like the girls.

So, the four girls quickly grabbed their cloaks and transfigured wellington boots. Ensuring they explained where they were going and how long they'd be to their Headmaster. He had demanded that he always be informed of their whereabouts even if they were only going to the school. If anything happened, he said, he wanted to know where everyone was.

"Be back in time for your lesson," Talin informed them, "Do not make me have to send someone to retrieve you." He cautioned them.

"We will, promise!" Chao replied, before they all trudged out into the snow, keeping the door closed as often as possible so not to let Luna get out again. She might be Harry's familiar, but all of them loved her to bits, they didn't care that she was a wolf.

-0

The girls had just barely managed to get back in time to stop their Headmaster from sending Harry after them. Harry had sensed the malcontent exuding from them. Unfortunately, Harry hadn't been able to get a chance to ask as they headed straight for their lesson. Harry didn't talk during that particular lesson; his dad didn't tolerate such things when they were brewing. He'd had it drummed into him that potion brewing required one hundred percent of your concentration, anything less was dangerous. That potions were dangerous if handled incorrectly, in fact it was something they were all aware of and it had more or less been a silent two hours as they worked hard on the difficult potion. Yes, difficult even by their standards. Not surprising since it was a N.E.W.T's potion after all.

Once they had bottled up their potions and cleaned their workstations, Harry immediately drew Sophie aside, "What happened?" he'd be able to get a proper answer from her, Chao was too tightly wound at the moment. Luna would just say she was fine, so there was no point to asking her.

"Those…those assholes stole her clothes," Sophie said, righteous anger gleaming in her eyes. "We found the majority of her clothes hidden around the castle but…Her dress was…cut up, burnt in different places and utterly irreparable!"

Harry winced, no doubt she was very upset, "I have half a mind to go up to the castle and return the favour," he scowled, having no doubt about who probably did it. Cho Chang, the girl was a nasty piece of work. "Hopefully the shop will have a dress for her."

"She doesn't want anyone to go into 'any trouble'," Sophie rolled her eyes, quite honestly, Luna looked as if she didn't care, and she would have bought it if not for the disappointment and unhappiness in those blue eyes of hers. "Chao is going to ask the Headmaster if she and Luna can get escorted there to get a dress for the ball."

Harry nodded, wondering if he was going to have a date to the dance after all. "I'm glad I didn't end up attending this school," he said, staring out the window to the magnificent castle.

Sophie scoffed, "Tell me about it," thinking Harry was just being figurative, not literal. Not that he would have had a chance to attend school, if his dad hadn't saved his life…he would be six feet under." His 'grave' was still attended to by many people, always flowers and plants set down. Sophie wandered away when she noticed Chao's conversation with their Headmaster was finished. To think his dad had endured that sort of abuse for seven years too, maybe not quite the same way as Luna but abuse was abuse.

The smell of food began to waft from the small kitchen, as food was prepared for them, not dinner since they'd be having that in the castle. It must be just something to tide them over, since dinner was hours later than normal, or going to be. His stomach grumbled at the smell; he hadn't realized how hungry he was.

"You alright, Harry?" the shoulder nudging his brought Harry out of his reverie.

"Hey, yeah, I'm fine, just annoyed," Harry admitted to his best friend, "How did your potion turn out?" he had been totally focused on his own, and hadn't even glanced at the others. He'd worked too hard to brew the potion so he wasn't about to screw it up by looking at the others while preparing it.

"The colour wasn't as consistent as I would have liked," Josh admitted, "But it didn't blow up so there is that." Which was disingenuous, he was quite good at potions, for the most part, but not compared to Harry. Harry had a potions Master as a father, so that was self-explanatory as to why he'd be better than the others. He'll he'd been watching his father brew since he could walk.

"Ah, you crushed the bean instead of cutting it open and let the juice slow in then put the bean in whole." Harry said expertly, "As Crane and Wren have said…go with your gut not always the recipe since there's sometimes better ways to do things."

"I'll need to remember that for the next time," Josh nodded absently, making a mental note to change the information on his workbook. He wasn't one for writing in his workbook often, but this was information he definitely wanted to have written down and memorised before his N.E.W.T's exam. Which was dauntingly less than a year away and drawing closer with alarming accuracy.

"Yep," Harry agreed, "I plan on brewing a few more…after the holidays' of course, if you'd like to join us," he knew potions was important nine times out of ten when it came to careers outside of school. Especially his, he wanted to work with animals, perhaps be a Vet or Zoologist, he hadn't made up his mind yet. That required a good knowledge of potions due to the fact he'd be administering them to animals. Then there's the fact animals could be poisoned so he'd need to know how to counteract it.

"You're going to take a Potions Mastery?" Josh asked, not quite surprised by that.

"Well, I think so, I'm going to ask Mark if I can work part time," Harry said, Mark had been a vet himself. He still practiced even though he'd 'retired' so to speak. He had been the one to see to Luna each time she needed help, or even just checked over to ensure she was healthy. Mark was patient with him, explained things in a way he understood as a child. He often went to see the animals too, and Mark and his dad got on well due to the fact.

"At the vets? Well it's good work experience I suppose…but you'll be stretching yourself a bit too thin, with a Mastery and a job." Josh pointed out. A few people actually did that, and he had seen how exhausted they were all the time. Almost falling asleep in their lunches at school. "I think you're nuts," he added, even though he would probably end up doing the same thing.

A light smack to the back of his head caused Josh to squeal and jump in surprise.

"Don't go dissuading my son on working hard," Severus informed Josh, his lips twitching, showing that he wasn't saying it to be harsh. The few years after school was the toughest, he'd worked hard to gain his Mastery, becoming the youngest Potions Master in the world – which nobody of course knew – and set himself on a career, out of necessity than desire. He'd had no choice but to become a teacher, something he'd detested doing especially full time and at Hogwarts. He was always meant to create potions and spells, not teach. Something he'd been able to do when he came to St. Lucia's. Ironically enough, his dreams had taken second place in his life when he realized it was more fulfilling raising a son. Not something he'd ever foreseen. To begin with it had been difficult doing both…but since Harry didn't need him quite so much, both fitted comfortably in his life.

"I'm not!" Josh rasped out, dramatically clutching his heart.

"Indeed," Severus replied dryly, "Go ahead and eat, Talin will return when he can." Basically, telling them they could eat now and they weren't to wait until the Headmaster returned. Talin, Luna Lovegood and one of the girls had gone shopping for a dress for Luna due to the girl not having any other suitable attires.

The statement caused Harry's stomach to rumble, "I'm so hungry," already making his way to the table.

"Remember to feed Luna," Severus threw out absently, but he knew his son wouldn't forget to feed his beloved familiar. Heck, Luna wouldn't let him forget, she'd tell him herself.

"I will," Harry called back, already giving her the large hunk of meat on the table, placing it at his feet so she could eat. After that he was quickly drawn into conversation with Josh and Dylan and everyone else who sat and ate merrily, conversing while they could before they had to split up for the evening to get ready for the ball.

That time was fast approaching.

Severus watched over them all for a few moments before turning to face the school, once again struck on just how different everything was. Being here was bringing up his nostalgic side, more and more frequently. He just wished Dumbledore wasn't here so he could relax and allow this tournament to play out. Or as much as he could relax with this tournament in play. One thing to worry about was certainly better than multiple. Fortunately, he didn't think Harry had been in Dumbledore's proximity for more than a few seconds. He'd always worry about them being caught out.

It wasn't out of fear for himself, it's what Dumbledore could do. The irony wasn't lost on him. Fearing what Dumbledore would do over what Voldemort could. Fortunately, Voldemort was gone, and Dumbledore's warmongering had no place in society at the moment. He didn't believe for a second Voldemort was gone for good, but he refused to let his son become a scapegoat for the masses. If they wanted Voldemort destroyed for good, they'd all need to stand up and do something about it.

The magical world in Britain had become…complacent due to the fact people kept bailing them out. Becoming hero's when they refuse to do anything. Dumbledore with Grindelwald, Harry's other parents with Voldemort…yes, it was as if they felt too safe to care about the suffering of others. With a little luck, Voldemort would remain a spirit unable to wreak havoc in their lives.

So far, each attempt had proven futile and been dismantled before it amounted to anything. The stone. The diary. How many other ways could he have? Hopefully, none.

"Dad, I've saved a plate for you!" Harry called over, his green eyes – with black flecks in them – watched him in concern. He often did that since he learned everything that had been previously unknown to him. He would re-apply the changes to his eyes later.

"Do you want a drink, Mr. Regis?" Josh asked, as he collected one for himself, glancing at his best friend's father.

"I would, thank you, Josh," Severus said, giving him a small smile in thanks as he wandered over, his fretting forgotten for the moment as he just enjoyed his life.

If anything happened, he'd deal with it when it came, he refused to let his Christmas he spoiled by his fears.

"Here you are, Sir," Josh said, giving him a goblet over, no matter how many times he'd been asked to call Mr. Regis 'Septimus' nobody actually did. He was quite imposing despite his personality, which they found calm and soothing really. He was always the first to help them if they needed it, and he explained it properly and didn't just give the answers like he didn't really care about their education.

It was the same with all their parents though, his best friends still called his mum and dad by their titles. Although his dad was a teacher, so he sort of expected it. They'd all been taught by him when they were younger after all.

"Thank you, Josh," Severus said, sipping on the Christmas-y brew its warmth sliding down throat allowing him to relax. He listened to the chatter of the students around him, all of them eager for the Yule Ball. Then he said the Yule blessing as they finished eating.

"May all who need a miracle be blessed. May all those feeling unwell and weak be given strength. May all those who have heavy burdens have their loads lightened. May all those who have worry find peace." Severus recited the words slowly; everyone became silent listening to him say the blessing.

"May your Yule be filled with happiness, Joy and Love." He finished lugubriously.

"May the Yule be filled with happiness, joy and love," the other recited the last verse in sync.

Then afterwards they immediately began to chat, as Severus cleaned up the mess everyone had just made. Keeping the extra food, he'd had set aside for the three latecomers warm.

----0

And another I apologise you're having to endure the chapters being reposted!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 7

Harry, unfortunately, was forced to wait in a room adjacent to the Great Hall while his friends begun to enjoy themselves. The sound of the music pounding could be heard even from where he was, the other champions were there with their own chosen partners. They'd all chosen to take partners from their own schools, except Viktor, understandably, since there hadn't been any female students with the Durmstrang lot. Instead, Krum had chosen Hermione Granger, he thought her name was, he'd only met her in passing a few times, he could be wrong. She'd tried to integrate herself into the group, and they had given her a chance, second chance some might say due to the owl pen-pal incident when they were younger, but her need to outshine everyone and everything had once again alienated them to the point where they just did not want to deal with her or her attitude.

There was one thing going for her though, she didn't seem to care for Krum's fame and wasn't in awe of him. It was, perhaps, for that reason she had been chosen. She dressed up pretty, and Harry rather hoped she learned how to make friends, it was a very lonely place at the top. The door opening had all his idle thoughts of Granger wiped from his mind.

Minerva McGonagall opened the door, and in came Luna, Harry's breathing hitched, she was beautiful. The girls had done well complimenting her natural skin tone with appropriate make-up – not a lot just a bit – accenting her features and the dress also complimented her skin tone. It was a nice green colour, duck egg maybe? When she moved it almost shimmered blue.

"You look mesmerising," Harry said, watching her flush red in unsure pleasure and happiness. Harry didn't need to see her reaction or know her to realize that she was still very unsure. Had she been worried this was all a joke? Well, probably, the students at Hogwarts were just…plain horrid. "The dress suits you," he added, wanting her to feel special, to be happy even if it was just for tonight.

"Thank you," Luna said, unable to meet his eyes, today had been a very good one, everyone had made her feel welcoming, including her in the festivities. Activities she hadn't practiced since her mother's passing, years ago but still remembered well. Then they'd spent hours getting ready, adjusting their dresses and such, and then make-up. She'd never applied any before, her father couldn't teach her so the girls had. It was the most fun she'd ever had, took away the thoughts that constantly plagued her that maybe they were playing an elaborate joke on her. She'd honestly expected Harry to have a partner when she walked in, told it didn't matter, or something. But no, here he was, and he said the most wonderful things, making her feel beautiful for the first time in her life.

"Shall we?" Harry said, holding his hand out, he'd been taught everything when it came to interacting with girls. His dad hadn't wanted him to flounder, not like he had, awkward and unable to express his own feelings. He'd even been taught to dance, without stepping on anyone's toes. He wouldn't be embarrassing his school tonight with a lack of grace.

Luna peered at Harry through her eyelashes, before nodding almost eagerly, placing her hand in his, Harry's grip strong and secure giving her the courage to fully relax. "Let's," she said, her blue eyes wider than normal.

"Never let anyone make you feel inferior without your consent," Harry whispered to her, the very words his own father had stated to him. A wide happy grin splitting his face when she straightened up, her head coming up and staring straight ahead.

"Line up and be ready to go!" Minerva called out to the others before leaning down towards Harry, "They would be proud of the man you're becoming." She informed him with reverence.

Harry glanced up at Minerva and smiled, "I know," he knew who she was referring to, his biological parents, James and Lily Potter. Severus was also his biological parent too, and he had always made sure that he knew his parents loved him. He didn't feel like he'd missed out on anything, it was always nice to hear they'd be proud though.

Minerva stalked out, proud of Harry, Severus, James and Lily would be so proud of the young man Harry was becoming. He had never seen Luna light up that way or act so confidently, whatever Harry had said had worked wonders on the girl's self-esteem. It was difficult to believe that Harry was only fourteen and that Luna was only a year younger than Harry. And seeing Miss. Granger in that dress had been shocking, she could barely recognize her pupil! Perhaps she was beginning to spread her wings and make friends instead of reading, it was progress and she was proud of her. She'd worried about her as much as she'd been exasperated by her need for validation that she was good.

Glancing back, she nodded when she noticed that they were following her.

"You ready?" Harry asked as they stopped at the doors of the Great Hall, waiting to be let in. He was grateful he knew how to dance otherwise this would have been humiliating.

"Yes," Luna agreed, hand fluttering over the dress in a nervous tic. She knew how to dance, and they'd had some lessons to brush up on it, but she didn't want to embarrass Harry, he'd been so kind to her, she didn't want him to regret it. She was used to being bullied and harassed; it was nothing new.

"Wait, is that Lovegood?" Cho got out through strangled lips, staring in stunned disbelief at the girl, unable to believe her eyes. That was Loony Luna? Why the hell did someone want to go with her let alone open the first dance with her? Even more shocking was Granger! She'd thought she would be the only female from Hogwarts opening the Yule ball. Completely forgetting that no females from Durmstrang had attended.

Luna rolled her eyes, able to predict what she was thinking, for a Ravenclaw she was quite thick sometimes.

Harry arched a brow at Cedric with a deadpan look on his face, 'This is who you've chosen to represent Hogwarts' was screaming all over his face. He turned back around, giving them no more of is attention.

And with that the doors of the Great Hall opened, and the splendour revealed to them, as everyone crowded around the dancefloor, but weren't on it, due to the fact the first dance belonged to the champions. It was a sight to see, Harry and Luna went first, being the shortest, and bringing up the rear was Viktor Krum who definitely the tallest of them all.

The normal benches were gone and small intimate round tables were all around the edges of the Great Hall, with only the teachers table bigger and of course, the stage for the band as well as one for a buffet. The Beauxbaton, Durmstrang, Grand Riviere delegation were already sat at the head table. Thankfully there were no gaudy Christmas decorations inside the Great Hall. It was a proper setting for Yule, with an ice sculpture of Hogwarts, Grande riviere, Durmstrang and Beauxbaton were present with food and drink surrounding it. Goulash and stew, they would soon find out, was the main staple in the buffet.

The band started up, and the dance began, all four partners began to dance, more than enough space so that nobody ended up squashed or hitting at one another.

"Thank you for agreeing to attend with me," Harry said as they danced with elegance and sync, having no trouble being able to lift Luna, she was small and dainty, which helped. It was only for a few moments, and the transitioned back into the dance once more.

"Thank you for inviting me," Luna murmured, able to talk and dance, the moves already ingrained. "I've had so much fun!" she added flushing red at her admittance. Both shy and happy, it was a good look on her. Both their heads close together as they enjoyed themselves.

Up at the head table, Severus groaned quietly seeing it, he wasn't ready for his son to start dating anyone. He almost wanted to forbid it until he was thirty years old.

Talin chuckled smoothly, "It's going to be painful for them to part," he informed Septimus quietly, young love, sometimes it lasted sometimes it didn't.

Severus grimaced, "Indeed," he hadn't thought of that part if he was honest. At least Harry's love wouldn't be rejected, as his had been.

Just then someone dropped a drink just as Cho and Cedric danced passed them just as the song was coming to an end and caused Cho to fall spectacularly the sound of the ripping evident to all even with the band, which stopped, wanting to see what the commotion was. Cedric only barely managed to prevent himself from falling on top of her. Her dress not only drenched but ripped down the seam due to her flailing.

"Carry on!" boomed Minerva, gesturing for the weird sisters to begin playing, "Come on, move along!" getting their attention, clearing up the mess someone had made, glancing at the students, who all seemed baffled as to what happened. Shaking her head, asking Cho if she was alright or needed the hospital wing, but Cho just declared she was fine, in a petulant tone, Minerva then informed Cho to sort herself out she was a Hogwarts representative after all, as Cedric helped her up. Taking Cho at her word that she was indeed just fine, Minerva returned to her seat.

Cho muffled a whine of pain, her ankle throbbing, she was not going to let some idiot ruin her first date with Cedric Diggory. Flicking out her wand she cleared up the mess and sorted the rip, and numbed her ankle, as Cedric helped her towards the chairs. Everyone else was zooming towards the dance hall, eager to participate now that the official dance was over.

Nobody saw the smirk or vindictive gleam in Chao's eyes, as she watched the girl with satisfaction. Luna was fast becoming her friend; she would not get away with harming her or stealing her belongings and destroying them. That dress Luna had wanted to use, had meant a lot to her, whether it would have looked good on or not, but Cho had destroyed it. Chao suspected it had belonged to Luna's mother, who had passed on. slinking in amongst the students, nobody the wiser, making her way through the crowd to her friend.

"Where's Luna?" Dylan called out to Harry as he danced with his own partner. He wasn't used to seeing Harry without his shadow.

Harry blinked, considering he was with Luna, he knew what Dylan was talking about, his familiar. "In the cabin, dad bought a nice fresh bone for her from Hogsmeade," she'd get through it really quickly, but hopefully it would keep her preoccupied for a few hours while he had fun.

"Speaking of which, I didn't think your dad was coming…" Josh said from Harry's other side, all of Grande Riviere students muddled together somehow able to hear each other over the pounding music.

"Too many of us for just the Headmaster and Ale," Harry called back, shrugging his shoulders, dad didn't want to be here, that much had been made clear over the past week. Unfortunately, he didn't want to ruin the fun for them so had agreed to go. He did look remarkably calm though, sitting talking to Talin as if nobody else existed.

"Luna, what did you give Harry's dad earlier?" Dylan asked Luna, curious and nosy, dancing around his partner who laughed uproariously at his silly antics. "Care to dance?"

Harry rolled his eyes and went with it, taking Dylan's partner and dancing with her.

Luna looked deeply uncomfortable, but nonetheless answered, "I asked my dad if I could donate some things…he sent some stuff along."

Surprise flashed through his eyes, "That was kind of you, from what I've observed Hogwarts doesn't seem to do it," he gestured towards the Hogwarts population absently.

"They don't," Luna agreed, "They mostly celebrate Christmas not Yule," they might mean the same thing but it was fundamentally different. "It's a wonderful idea," giggling as she was twirled around playfully.

Every single one of the boys had danced with Luna – and other partners – including Ale before they all decided to head for a drink giggling and laughing, generally just enjoying themselves. As they did every year, the Yule ball might be a new thing for Hogwarts but not Grande Riviere. Luna had lost her earlier fears and was truly enjoying herself, but there was no doubt she preferred Alexis', Sophie, Chao and Harry's company.

"Do you think Cho's okay?" Luna asked, as they made their way over to the food, watching her fellow Ravenclaw who had remained seated looking rather glum even from across the room. Cedric was sitting with her looking extremely bored and longingly at the dancefloor as he just wanted to go dance but was gentlemanly enough to realize it would be a shitty thing to do to his date. "She hadn't danced…" as always proving she was pure and sweet as could be despite what they did to her she still worried about others. picking up a bit of food and biting into it with relish.

"Don't worry about her," Chao stated, shaking her head, how could someone who was relentlessly bullied by her be concerned about her? She was something else, she truly was and it made them all like her even more. Grimacing at the taste of the food, okay, she definitely didn't like that. grabbing a cloth, she unobtrusively spat it out and wrapped it in the cloth before putting it in the bin. An idea hitting her as she straightened up a little. "Do you think you'd be able to come back with us for a sleep over after the Yule Ball is done?"

Luna immediately perked up at the idea, it would save her being questioned when she returned to the dorm tonight. Which she knew would happen, but perhaps not with malicious like normal. "I'm not sure Professor Flitwick would allow that," she said, blue eyes wide and hopeful.

"Come on! we have to ask!" Sophie asked, hooking her hand through Luna's arm, Chao did the same thing and they were marching off, presumably to find Flitwick and ask permission. Sophie wasn't afraid to ask for anything, but hopefully she'd remain polite even if it was a no.

"Girls," Josh sighed, shaking his head, "I'm starving,"

"It's good," Dylan managed to get through a full mouthful of food, "Go-lish" in an attempt to tell them it was the Goulash he was talking about, neither understood but got the gist when he pointed to it, trying to swallow it down.

"Think we'll get away with no more dancing?" Josh said, sounding hopeful, "Deacon saved us a seat, by the way!"

"Yes! Furthest away from the stage!" Harry said grinning, "Come on let's go! piling up a mountain of food on his plate. The others did the same, before making a beeline for Deacon and the others, the girls would probably join them within ten-fifteen minutes.

"Do you realize how smart Luna is?" Deacon asked, as soon as the others sat down.

Harry blinked, "What do you mean?" Harry then asked, cocking his head slightly.

"She knows the work, at least every creature in the book I've been reading, and some that wasn't but I think those are primarily ones from UK. She could pass the N.E.W.T's exam on magical creatures right now," Deacon explained.

"That's not surprising, Luna loves creatures," Harry said, but still impressed, but it had set his mind on something else entirely. He wondered if she'd be able to keep up with them and actually take her exams at his school? Sure, she'd end up at school for another year but that didn't mean anything if she had people around, she could trust and be happy with, friends. Everyone here would still be at Grande Riviere…or most of them, under apprenticeships or further learning. Would Luna be happier with them? Could she afford it? Would she want to go so far from her father? Who Harry knew she loved dearly. It was the same love that Harry had for his own dad.

"She's offered to help me brush up on them," Deacon said, "I really need to pass with more than eighty-five percent," a hint of worry showing through, if he didn't, he'd need to take the exam independently again until he got it, otherwise the career he wanted…wouldn't be an option to him.

"You managed to get her away from the girls for any length of time?" Josh teased, wiping the mess on his mouth.

Dylan, Deacon and Harry laughed, more amused than anything.

Deacon shrugged lightly, "I think the book caught her attention when she was going to the toilet earlier, I think she wants to be a Zoologist too."

"I do," Luna confirmed causing Deacon to almost jump a foot in the air at the unexpectedness of her voice.

"Bloody hell!" Deacon grumbled, heart thumping a mile a minute. "Wait, how much did you hear?"

Luna shook her head, "Just that you thought I wanted to be a zoologist." More amused than anything at being talked about behind her back. She was used to worse things being said about her at the end of the day.

The day passed astonishingly fast for Luna, surrounded as she was by four girls who seemed to genuinely like her. They were pretty, kind and it made Luna sad that she didn't have that in her life. For the first time she truly understood what it was like to have the kindness of friendship and happiness. They'd gone out of their way to help her, and asking the Headmaster to take her to Hogsmeade, they'd even helped her afford the dress she liked – that they'd known she liked – giving some of their own funds collectively to her so she could get the dress that well and truly caught her eye. She'd never understood just how…liberating it was to have friends who didn't care that she just wasn't…well, normal. They didn't make her feel not normal.

The only interruption they had was when mail had arrived for her just after lunch, Luna's father hadn't paused a second before sending her the requisite requests she'd asked for. It probably helped that Luna kept nothing from her father, and had told him what she intended to do with them. In fact, when she opened it, she found that there was more than she'd asked for inside. The box was filled with all manner of foods, pasta, jars, sweets, a lot of perishable items, clothes and of course an abundance of toys that had been hers but were clean and tidy. She'd immediately given it to Severus. She did wonder where they'd go, St. Lucia or here, perhaps both? She hadn't thought to ask. "By the way, do you know where the donations are going?" voicing her thoughts as she hadn't done earlier.

"Nope, do clue, Harry?" Josh called, glancing at Harry, wondering if he'd heard.

"I'm not sure," Harry admitted, "Dad hasn't said."

"Guys! Guys! Guys! Have you tried the punch yet?" Sophie whisper/shouted as she approached them, with a big glass of the punch, "Here taste it!"

"What…" Dylan blinked staring at Sophie with an odd look, pretty much everyone was.

"It's punch…" Josh added unhelpfully, but taking it, "Is it different from ours?" taking a drink, before gagging, giving it back to her waggling his tongue at the taste, having swallowed it before the taste hit, "Disgusting!" what on earth had been put in there?

Harry took it himself, curious, taking a sip instead of a gulp, "That is firewhisky," giving it back to her, "And you're right it's disgusting."

"They managed to get alcohol into the punch?" Chao asked in disbelief, "But nobody's ever been able to do that!"

"Not back home," Josh agreed, unable to help himself but taste it too, grimacing, yup horrible, the taste clashed. "There's always someone watching though." The bowls were not left unattended and anyone under age were checked to make sure they weren't bringing illicit substances into a party with underage students. "Tish was caught last year, and she's the closest anyone's gotten to spiking the punch." She'd actually done it but been caught, it was more for the challenge these days than trying to do it. Fifty galleons were the challenge pot.

Sophie giggled; cheeks flushed.

"Um, you might want to lay of that, Soph," Chao said, "You're drunk!"

"If Headmaster Addison sees you like that…you'll be forbidden from coming to any of the activities, and maybe sent home." Alexis pointed out, "You know how he feels about things like that," which was true enough, you were given severe penalties if caught doing something that might endanger even a single student.

"He'd really do something like that?" Luna asked, eyes slightly wider, the Headmaster didn't come across as a strict disciplinarian at all. If anything, you'd like Mr. Septimus was worse, he just had that vibe about him.

Sophie burst like a balloon, staring at them in drawing horror, realize that they were right. "Yeah," Sophie herself answered, banishing the large – now half empty – cup of the punch before she was caught. Pouting, but the warmth spreading through her prevented her being too disappointed. She wasn't missing a moment of this tournament not for a drink anyway. "Headmaster Addison is always strict when it comes to things like this,"

"Anything that can cause danger to yourself or others," Josh recited, well aware of the rules and the consequences for breaking them. not only by the stories they'd heard but by the rules and following set of hypothetical punishments for breaking them that Headmaster Addison had written down so there was no excuses.

Sophie swallowed thickly, accepting the mint from Chao with a grin, "His disappointment is the worst,"

The others all were hasty in agreement, as Luna glanced at the Headmaster seeing him in a new light. She liked that, that he was protective, would do anything for them but at the same time give them appropriate punishments for any wrongdoing. Dumbledore had never cared, according to all the rumours she'd heard anyway, McGonagall was much stricter but evidently not on scale with Addison. "Is your school smaller?" she asked, curiously, turning back to them, ignoring the thumping of the music.

"Structurally or student amount?" Dylan asked, seen as Harry's mouth was full.

"Both I guess?" Luna said, she knew a lot about the school, they spoke of it often, today the girls had sang it's praises. It sounded so good, especially the stance on bullying, and the fact they could go home every night if they wished.

"Um, I'd say it was smaller than Hogwarts, but only by level, width I'd say is a little bigger if you don't include the Quidditch pitch and the lake." Josh imputed.

"Student wise, how many students are in your year?" Harry asked absently mentally calculating how many students was in the school.

"Forty perhaps?" Luna mused, trying to think back to her own sorting. "Maybe a couple more but no more than fifty,"

"And that's timed seventy…"

"But do you include apprenticeships and Mastery students? Technically they're not at school, it's more of a college or university student." Chao mused, all of them taking part in the discussion.

"You can complete your Mastery there?" Luna asked, taken aback, she hadn't known that.

"Yeah, a lot of people do it, it's actually cheaper that way, and there's housing in the school for them," Harry said, "You don't save a whole lot, obviously, but it's enough to make the strain easier." He'd been doing his homework, considering they were all taking their N.E.W.T's it was expected really to begin look at higher education work.

"It's also to help you make sure you're doing something you want to do, you can take other classes too if you aren't sure," Alexis admitted, "A broad course, one year long, about a dozen different classes," a lot of people elected to take that course until they made a decision.

"So, in terms of the population…I'd say we are almost double," Harry nodded thoughtfully, "Maybe not quite so much."

Luna was still reeling over the fact the school offered apprenticeships and Masteries! "I don't think Hogwarts offers that for anyone, and we have quite a few amazing teachers here who would benefit from such a thing." Flitwick and McGonagall primarily, but nearly all of them had Masteries in their chosen field.

"Silly if you ask me!" Harry said, pretending as if he didn't already know, the contracts they sign didn't permit them to take on apprentices, at least when Dumbledore was headmaster. It's something his dad had become aware of a year or so after becoming a professor under extreme coercion apparently.

"I completely agree, they should offer it!" Chao said, slightly indignant over how things work here.

"What is it you want to do after you finish at Hogwarts, Luna?" Alexis asked, pushing her plate of food away, full to the brim.

"I'd like to be a Zoologist, I'd love to study animals in their natural habitat," Luna stated with one hundred percent confidence.

"Me too!" Deacon exclaimed, "I'm already set to apprentice under St. Lucia's primary sanctuary, which helps injured animals and reintroduce them into the wild if it's possible. I need to pass all my classes first so…fingers crossed!" really worried that he wouldn't get the grade required to do what he wanted to so badly.

"What animals? Magical or Mundane? Or is it a mixture of both?" Luna asked, barely pausing to draw breath, her cheeks flushing red in exhilaration.

"Magical animals, I have a few books about the sanctuary if you'd like to read them? there's lots of pictures of what they do in it too." Deacon explained.

"You brought them with you?" Jason asked laughing at him, shaking his head, "Deek!"

"What?" Deacon said, flushing red, "We knew to bring reading materials, it's a new book," It helped with the funding to keep sanctuary doing its job. They saw what their money would be going to do, help animals, expand sanctuary and gives them all a peek inside of what animals are there, why and various other information so they could make an informed decision. People liked to know what their money was going towards, he'd set up a donation three times, one a year, since he was twelve-years-old since he set his sights on it.

"I'd love to see it!" Luna said in a rush barely refraining from squealing in sheer delight. "Tonight?"

"You got permission then?" Harry asked, realizing they'd actually succeeded earlier.

"Yup! We asked the Headmaster and then Flitwick before they spoke to McGonagall," Sophie informed them smugly, they'd gotten their way, but it wasn't as if it had been an outrageous request after all. If anything, Flitwick had been delighted, presumably because she had friends? He hadn't delayed for a moment before gleefully agreeing, such a hyper teacher he was! She liked him. He'd actually been by to teach them once, and he was a very happy wizard.

"Awesome!" Harry said, grinning, but they were all distracted by a commotion at the other side of the room.

"What's going on over there?" Josh asked, "Is someone hurt?" they were all surrounding a table, obviously something was going down. "I'll be right back," he added before anyone could say anything, he was off.

"Wait, someone is hurt, that's our Medi-witch, Madam Pomfrey!" Luna said, pointing out the woman who was definitely not in any professional attire.

"With alcohol I'm surprised there isn't something more serious happening," Alexis said, knees up on the chair trying to see what was happening but failing. There were just too many people surrounding whoever was in the middle.

A cry of pain followed by a complaint clued in Chao and Luna to who it was.

"That's Cho Chang," Luna said, blinking in surprise.

"What?" Chao asked Harry blinking a picture of innocence, the smirk she'd had on her face for a mere second gone.

Harry's lips just twitched, giving her a nod of approval before turning back to the spectacle. Cho was clearly the primary instigator who bullied Luna, how could he be nothing but happy to see her miserable? She deserved it for trying to ruin Luna's night! She'd gotten away with it for far too long, Luna wasn't one for retribution. She was much to kind and gentle, and Harry was so very fond of her.

Luna was oblivious to it all, as she was trying to see what had happened.

Alexis sniggered having seen the entire half a minute silent conversation between them.

"Well?" Alexis asked impatiently, the very second, she saw Josh returning.

"Broken ankle, apparently the girl made it worse by walking on it, her ankle is swollen grotesquely," Josh said in a rush, as he sat down. "She's complaining about missing the ball, I don't get it! she must be in severe pain!" girls honestly, he didn't understand.

"Hey," Susan said, grinning at Alexis, they'd known each other for years through being pen pals, but hadn't had much time except at the weekends to interact with one another. "I hope you're enjoying tonight!"

"It's been great fun!" Alexis insisted, "I haven't even brought my book out!"

Dylan, Harry and Josh laughed, "That's a good sign!" they chortled in agreement, Alexis got bored very easily, and often carried a book with her everywhere.

"I do miss Quidditch though," Alexis sighed, with the majority of their team here, they weren't playing this year, well, the team was, but it was a back-up team that wasn't quite up to scratch not like they were. "I wonder how our team is doing…" something to ask when they called back home, she guessed.

"Oh, I don't want to know," Sophie groaned, that part was torture.

"Jay says they're doing alright," Dylan said, shrugging his shoulders, "Which means they're still in the running,"

"Jason is still there and Letisha is really good, I taught her," Harry pointed out, "Would you like to dance, Luna?" not wanting her to feel left out. She definitely had no interest in quidditch, even if she was politely listening in. Everyone else had begun dancing again or eating now that the commotion was over with and Cho was presumably in the Hospital wing to recover. She definitely wouldn't be back tonight; Chao had well and truly ensured that.

"We should all go!" Sophie exclaimed, "We have maybe…an hour left before it's over?"

"It's on until midnight?" Luna questioned, pretty sure that's what she'd heard, so that made it two and a half hours.

"We've to leave at eleven," Harry explained, "The headmaster doesn't want us staying till the end,"

"Why not?" there was no condemnation in Luna's voice.

"I assume it's to do with our N.E.W.T's," Alexis guessed. "You can stay if you want?" but she wasn't sure what that meant for Luna having a sleepover though.

Harry just smiled, his dad had told Talin that there would be alcohol brought in and they would be drinking. Hence the earlier curfew so that they didn't have to deal with any of it. With so many students…Talin didn't want to deal with it. he'd rather get his students in the cabin and safe from any potential fights or drunken silliness. Considering what he'd tasted earlier…evidently his dad had been right.

Luna shook her head, "No I'll come with," she informed them, not wishing to go back to her dorm and face her roommates. Tonight, had been the best night of her life so far, and she didn't want it to end. "I'd like to dance!" she added, and wasn't that weird? She wasn't one for social interactions…she wasn't sure why but she just felt more alive than ever just being with them. They also didn't seem to mind her weird dance routines, which she had come up with when she was young with her dad. While he taught her all the actual dance moves needed so that she didn't embarrass herself.

And with that the group from Grande Riviere and Luna, left the tables and joined everyone that was on the dance floor. Mixing formal dancing with silly moves, laughing uproariously at each other never once thinking on the next tasks for the tournament or their N.E.W.T's just living in the moment.

"I almost don't want to tell them it's time to go," Talin admitted, pausing in their conversation to look out at his students. It was lovely to see his students having fun, but he could hear the noise level beginning to rise in the Great Hall.

Severus chuckled dryly, he'd had more than he had expected, Dumbledore hadn't invited to the Yule ball and had not come. Perhaps that allowed him to relax a little and not worry so much. He would be grateful when this was over, between worrying about his son due to this tournament, Dumbledore potentially finding out, he was a mess but as always, he didn't show it. He'd rather be found out than Harry, it did not help that he had Remus and Sirius calling on the mirror every night to see how Harry was. Harry didn't want to talk to them every night, he just wanted to have fun and talk to his friends, and he also knew Sirius was much too childish to handle in big dozes for Harry. So once a week was enough for him, and without Harry answering the calls, they were annoying him. They were worried, he acknowledged that, for Harry's safety and he understood it, but he would inform them if anything happened, he'd told them that a dozen times, but that didn't placate them at all. This was the farthest away Harry had been since they got back into his life. "They do look a little exhausted, I'm sure they'll be grateful for the seat and hot chocolate after the walk back." It would be freezing; it wasn't only dark out there but obviously cold with the winter. Something they weren't used to; St. Lucia did not get the kind of weather Scotland did.

"Time to round them up," Talin said, standing up, he turned to Minerva, "Thank you for being a wonderful host, it's been a lovely evening, but it's time for us to depart."

"Indeed, thank you for having us," Severus said, eyes twinkling in amusement as Minerva stood looking a little bewildered before she settled on a small smile, which was barely discernible.

"It's been my pleasure, I'm glad you enjoyed your evening, would you like a hand in rounding up your students?" even with a sonorous charm they might not be heard over the music. She was however, quite prepared to have them quiet down for a few moments it would take to inform the students from Grande Riviere that it was time for them to head home for the evening.

"Not at all, they all seem to have stuck together," Talin said in both amusement and happiness. It would make getting them out of the Great Hall a much easier task. They were clustered together in groups, two groups he'd say.

With a short bow Severus and Talin said goodbye to the other delegations before they headed from the platform towards their students and one Luna Lovegood who would be returning to the cabins with them tonight.

=====0

As i told everyone in my facebook group there will probably only be ten chapters and the eleventh will be a new one (One chapter was small enough I put it into a previous chapter :)

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 8

"Shouldn't you be asleep?" came the amused voice one of their potion's professors, Professor Jason Wren, someone Harry was very fond off, and knew very well, Jason and his father collaborated on potions together, written word or actual potions themselves. Jason had been around his house almost as much as Talin, and his dad was good friends with him.

Harry wasn't surprised to see his professor surrounded by about a half a dozen steaming cauldrons. "Yes," he admitted sheepishly, "I um…need a favour?"

"A favour?" Wren's voice was deadpanned as he stared at Harry, wondering what on earth he could be up to.

"You know those entrance exams for people trying to get into our school if they came late?" Harry asked, a pensive look on his face.

"I do indeed," Wren replied, quirking an eyebrow in curiosity, it seems as though the boy might have found someone he liked indeed if he wished to have them transfer schools. "Which year?" now that was a question.

"She's thirteen, she's in her third year at Hogwarts," Harry told him, rubbing the back of his neck, he didn't even know if Luna would want to come. He was getting ahead of himself, but he wanted her to have the opportunity.

Wren stared, she, young love, hopefully the young Regis wouldn't be upset if things didn't go his way. "You understand it's extremely difficult for someone thirteen to come in and pass a different school? Especially somewhere like Hogwarts?" which wasn't exactly known for its standards at least to Grande Riviere.

"I know, but she's really smart," Harry said, before confessing, "She's bullied really badly, they tore her dress for the ball to pieces and the perpetrators got to attend the dance and I don't think they even got in trouble."

Wren's mouth curled up in disgust at what Harry was implying, if such a thing had happened here, the culprits wouldn't have just been given detention but they wouldn't have been allowed to attend any extracurricular activities for months. Of course, Harry just might not have the full picture, they might have been punished in a different way, but letting them attend after their actions? It was intolerable. "I see, very well, I shall Floo over with the necessary documents, but you go straight to bed afterwards is that understood? I'll be informing your dad as well." just so that Septimus knew what was happening.

Harry nodded eagerly, "I understand, I'll go straight to bed, I promise," relief flowing through him that he was going to be able to help Luna if she wished to be helped after all. Not that he'd had much doubt, they always helped when they could.

"Good, I'll be by in a moment," with that Wren's face disappeared from view, and the mirror became blank once more. Harry found himself staring at the mirror on the fireplace in the living area of the cabin, waiting. Everyone else was asleep, and he'd just had Luna out for a pee, and she was now curled up on the sofa waiting for him to be done and go back to bed. He just wanted to get this done when Luna wasn't around, he didn't want to get her hopes up for nothing if it didn't turn out the way he was hoping.

It took all of four minutes before the Floo flared to life, and Jason Wren stepped through, a wry smirk on his face and a bundle of paperwork in his hand. "Here you go, now off to bed with you, go on," he urged the teen, he'd been hearing all about the tournament and everything that was happening. Talin and Septimus kept the teachers all up to date, and they all had the mirror at one point, in order to ensure they were always accessible if they were needed.

"Thanks professor," Harry said, accepting the paperwork giving him a big beaming smile.

"You're welcome, good luck kid," Wren said, plucking the pot of Floo powder from its resting place at the side of the fire. Ready to return to the school, he stepped in once he replaced the ceramic pot – which was bigger on the inside – and held a lot more Floo powder than one would think. Not that they'd been using it, the mirrors were extremely handy for long distance calls. The clicking of footsteps and claws alerted him to the fact Harry was doing as bid, returning to his room for the night.

Wren then flung the powder at his feet and called out the school, and disappeared in a swoosh of flames, enduring the long and ardours trip back to Grande Riviere. He had potions to see to after all, and luckily, they had been at a stage where they were fine on their own for five minutes. He'd be able to get himself situated once more before anything was required doing.

Harry opened his bedroom door, and waited until Luna was in before closing it behind him. Padding to his bed, he removed his robe and slid into the covers which were as always after sleeping in them warm. Luna jumped onto the bed, circling around until she was comfortable herself, and before they knew it, they were both asleep. Ready for tomorrow and whatever may come.

Despite having classes that morning, they all found themselves sleeping in and generally confused as to why they hadn't been woken up.

"You are permitted a break now and again," Talin had told them, "You will begin again tomorrow, however, enjoy the day off and have fun." Too much work wasn't good for them, neither was stress, and with them worry about Harry and the tournament as well as their exams…it wouldn't be easy so he was going easy on them.

"Now sit down and eat breakfast," Severus told them, thankfully they hadn't eaten too much in the way of unhealthy food last night. It had catered to all tastes, something for which he was sure Beauxbaton were grateful for, the greasy foods Hogwarts served was too risk for their delicate stomachs.

"Yes Sir!" they called out, hardly in sync but giving their respect nonetheless.

The teens shuffled into their seats, and begun to choose their breakfast of choice, porridge, oatmeal, fruit salad, toast, a variety of eggs and such. Luna chose herself a boiled egg and soldiers, she hadn't had such a meal since she was a child and it was quite lovely. And had lovely helping of fruit afterwards.

"You weren't too warm last night were you Luna?" Chao asked, after swallowing a bite to eat.

"No, not at all," Luna shook her head, she'd slept on a conjured sofa bed, with only a sheet on that had a warming charm imbued on it. There had been another throw but she hadn't needed it. The cabin had been warming than even her dorm room was. The cabin was small though compared to Hogwarts so it was understandable. "It was perfect." Even if it had been too hot, she wouldn't have cared, she definitely wasn't looking forward to going back to the dorms and dealing with her dorm mates or fellow Ravenclaws, not after knowing what friendship was. Now that was going to be difficult, but she'd get through it. She'd rather know what it was like than not at all.

"We're used to it being warmer," Sophie admitted, so she wouldn't have been surprised if it were the case. Munching on an apple, the usual kitchen sounds sort of lulling her, as the remnants of sleep faded from her.

"It was difficult to begin with," Severus informed them, "When my son and I moved to St. Lucia we were both miserable for a bit." Chuckling as he remembered those difficult days, but he'd endure them all over again for what he had.

It startled all the students, it was easy to forget Harry hadn't been born at St. Lucia since they'd known him all their lives, right from the first day of kindergarten so to speak.

"Wait, Harry wasn't born in St. Lucia?" his best friend squawked in shock.

Severus chuckled, "Indeed not, but he was but a baby when we moved."

Talin smiled, vividly reminded of that first meeting and the powers Harry had displayed. It had been quite the shock to see it, but not overly so, he was grateful that Severus had Harry attending Grande Reverie and hadn't waited until Harry was eleven to send him to Hogwarts. All that potential could have been lost. He doubted it though, since Severus was a very hand on parent, and liked to educate Harry when he could.

"Wow," was all they could say.

Harry sniggered as he gave Luna her food down at his feet, the next task was going to be upon him soon. He could only hope that he managed to pass it, with a little luck he would accomplish the task and make his dad and Talin proud of him. He'd been the one to fight for this after all, so it was all on him to prove his school deserved to be recognised for it.

The rest of their breakfast was eaten in silence as they ate enough to fuel them for the day. Each of them taking their own time to wake up properly, after such an exciting night. All of them wondering what to do with their suddenly free day without work, homework or anything of the sort.

"Dad are we doing a quiz?" Harry asked, knowing his dad better than the rest, and wouldn't be surprised if a quiz was somewhere on his dad's plans for the day.

"Later this evening, yes," Severus said smirking at the teens who groaned. "After dinner and it's only one page." He informed them as if taking pity on them, they needed to keep their minds sharp, and it helped remember your spells in the way homework didn't, he found.

"I suppose I must return to Hogwarts?" Luna spoke up, her tone soft and quiet, but heard nonetheless. You could see just how much Luna would rather remain here for the day, well for the most part.

"Not quite yet, I informed Flitwick you'd more than likely stay for breakfast, lunch and dinner before I accompany you back to the castle this evening." Talin explained, his desire to help the girl get as much freedom from her bullies as possible evident. Plus, he had informed Flitwick of what happened, and he was hoping the wizard would do something about it. He'd been incensed last night when he found out, more so when it became clear that Harry had informed one of the teachers, who hadn't done anything about it. They would be in a mood and he worried they'd take it out on her. Unfortunately, he could not let them get away with it, even if only to help keep the peace for Luna.

"Oh," Luna murmured, blinking in surprise, before a huge smile beamed across her face. "Thank you, Headmaster Addison!" very pleased that she could stay.

"You're welcome," Talin said giving her a gentle smile, he didn't understand why students felt the need to constantly bully people. What the hell did they gain by tormenting those who refused to fight back? Absolutely nothing, it was disgraceful.

"You can borrow some clothes from me if you like, Luna!" as always, the girls were going out of their way to help her, although they didn't consider it help, they were just being friendly like they always were. "I have a few things that aren't fitting me all that well anymore," another growth spurt, it wasn't fun at all.

"Thank you," Luna replied, "I'd like that," she was currently in a nighty and robe that she'd borrowed from Chao, who was wearing her favourite two-piece nightwear with snitches on them.

"No problem, come on, let's go get dressed now!" she suggested, their plates were empty, they had no reason to stick around. They might as well go have fun together while they could. Luna would have to go back to classes just like them, but the weekend…well, there was nothing stopping them then.

"Do you think Cho is still in the hospital wing?" Sophie asked, with a bit of amusement in her voice. She wasn't at all concerned about the girl; she'd upset Luna so she got what she deserved in her book.

"I don't think so, you're never in the hospital wing long with a broken ankle," Luna said, "Although she did damage it further by walking on it…so maybe?"

"You've broken it before?" Alexis asked, "I've broken my arm playing quidditch, it was painful."

"For me it was two fingers," Sophie called from the back of the group as they made their way to the bedroom.

"How did you break fingers playing quidditch?" Luna asked, blinking in astonishment.

"Snitch in fist meets ball, boom," Sophie demonstrated, "Couldn't use my hand for days, but yeah, only two fingers actually broke." Albeit in multiple places, but that was beside the point.

"It was swollen grotesquely," Alexis grimaced remembering the sight as they'd all converged on her after she cried out in agony. Swelling and going purple fast, like sausages.

"Shut up!" Sophie protested, in embarrassment, "It was really my own fault though I saw it coming." But she'd refused to let up.

"She's a reserve seeker, our normal seeker is Jason," Chao explained as they all piled into the bedroom. "Was it that time he was on holiday or sick?" already digging through the spare clothes to find something for Luna.

"Sick I think," Alexis chimed in getting her own clothes, and getting dressed for the day. "But as always we still won."

"He was definitely sick, because Harry was out too." Harry was their other reserve seeker who usually played as a chaser. "Leta played that game," Letisha was a chaser taught by Harry while playing reserve.

"Oh, yeah, I remember!" Chao said, grinning wryly, that hadn't been fun, but luckily, they had all the players they needed. Placing a bundle in Sophie's hands, they were her clothes after all, and she should choose if she was alright with giving them to Luna whether they fitted or not. Their entire room looked like a tornado hit it after last night. "We better get everything cleaned up,"

"Here, these don't fit anymore," Sophie handed over clothes for today to the blonde. "You can keep them if you like." She really should have just put them in the donation box, but it was a good thing she hadn't.

"Thank you," Luna said, still takeback by their constant kindness.

"You're welcome," Sophie said, "And we can do it after we get dressed, it will only take a few minutes." They were able to use magic after all, and with it, they'd be done within a few minutes.

The girls didn't take more than a few minutes to dress, "Luna can you play chess?" they spoke as they moved.

"Yes," Luna answered, but she'd only ever played with her dad, she had no friends in which she could play chess with. Not even a single friend, which is all that would be required for a game.

The others groaned dramatically, "Not chess, it takes forever! How about a card game?"

"Or Gobstones?"

"Or go for a fly?"

"You're not allowed to fly at Hogwarts, the only flying that's permitted is the Quidditch teams." Luna offered up reluctantly, not wishing to upset them, but also not wishing for them to be in trouble for flying when it wasn't allowed.

"Wait what?" Sophie protested, "Nobody gets to just fly?"

"No, except our first year flying lessons of course, but that's it," Luna told them, grinning at the look of shock on Sophie's face.

"Wait, you only learn for one year?" Alexis asked, brow furrowed.

"Yeah, one hour a week," Luna revealed, shrugging her shoulders, she didn't care much for flying on a broom or Quidditch. So, it hadn't bothered her the slightest, she'd done the bare necessity for that particular class.

"That sucks like…"

A knock on the door cut off whatever Sophie might have had to say on that front.

"Coming!" with that they opened the door, the boys couldn't come in if the door was closed, teachers yes, fellow students that were boys, nope. Alexis opened the door, "Hey, Harry," she pipped in, before moving back to the dressing table, separating out their make-up and returning it to the owner's trunk, as Chao had all the clothes straightened out and back on their hangers inside the cupboard.

"What's up?" Sophie asked, peering at Harry curiously, as their beds righted themselves. Staring at the parchment Harry had in his hands, the quizzes already?

"Would you attend our school if you could?" Harry stared directly at Luna, if it wasn't clear he was talking to her, the question would have made that more than obvious.

The girls quietened as they waited patiently to hear what was going on.

"What?" Luna's voice was hoarse as she spoke, stunned as she stared at Harry, barely able to comprehend what he'd just said.

"Would you?" Harry repeated, knowing very well Luna had heard him just fine.

"I…well, yes," Luna admitted, of course, she would prefer going elsewhere, it just hadn't ever been an option for her. Or at least she hadn't thought it was an option, she didn't want to attend Beauxbaton or Durmstrang. "But what would be the point? You'll all be graduating at the end of the year." Which, hello, talk about shocking, they were fourteen years old and already graduating school and going on to bigger and better things.

"Most of us are staying on for an apprenticeship of some sort," Harry explained, "We will see each other all the time. Just not in classes, but before you get your hopes up…you'll need to be able to pass these." Holding up the paperwork filled with questions. "It's an entrance exam, it will place you were you're best suited should you pass."

Luna numbly took the papers, peering down at them, there had to be thirty pages at least.

"I'm not sure if my father could afford to send me to St. Lucia," she confessed.

"Actually, the prices aren't all that different, plus, sponsorships are available, my dad does it frequently, as do other parents." Harry explained, his dad had been sponsoring Jay, until his mother had been able to afford to send him on her own. "It won't be a hardship to transfer schools, but it has to be something you want." Not something done on a whim, even if she'd only be there for two years before she graduated.

"What do you say, Luna? Up for the challenge?" Alexis asked, well, Luna definitely wouldn't be playing chess any time soon. She could see by the look on her face that she was going to do this, but whether she'd get enough points in order to pass the entrance exam…well, that remained to be seen.

"Yes," excitement begun to thrum through Luna, could she really go to another school? See these people who had come to mean so much to her in the past week? The prospect of getting away from her dorm mates and the likes of Cho Chang who have continued to bully her for three years…was a thrilling feeling indeed.

"Here's a book you can use to lean on if you want to use the bed, it will be more comfortable," Sophie said, handing one of the biggest tombs she had. "You can use the desk and chair or the bed, either way it's up to you, we won't disturb you."

Luna chose the bed.

"Good luck," Harry said, "I'll leave you to it!" and with that Harry left Luna and the girls, letting them focus.

-----------0

There we go i would have liked to have added another chapter but the next ones the task so unsuitable to be added :)

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 9

Today was the day of the second task, today was the day his son would be facing of with a damn Peruvian Vipertooth dragon. Severus had not slept well, or at all, he did not think. If he thought his anxieties had been high during the last task…it was nothing on his stress levels now. Why had he allowed his son to talk him into this? Why had he come here at all? He should have kept Harry in St. Lucia where he was safe and happy.

"Up already?"

Severus froze, heart leaping at the unexpected sound, he had not done such a thing in years. "Talin, I wouldn't suggest giving me any further frights, I'm not sure my magic or my heart could take it." and if his magic reacted…it wouldn't be a little slip up, it would be a full out defensive spell.

"My apologies," Talin commented, "I, too, find myself rather anxious," he confessed as he took a seat next to Severus.

"Indeed," Severus agreed, not at all surprised, "I do believe my son would be here with us if I had not given him a sleeping aid," a dreamless sleep draught, he needed a good rest, he was facing a damn dragon, he needed full concentration.

Talin merely smiled a little, "It was the best decision all around," Talin agreed with the decision, "The last thing we need is to see Harry facing a dragon sleep deprived." He wouldn't be surprised if the others had done the same thing for their champions.

"I could strangle the idiot," Severus sniped, referring, of course, to Durmstrangs Headteacher, who had thought it smart to demand Dragons as his task in the tournament. Karkaroff would pay, one way or another, he had many ways to torment someone that wouldn't lead to him being directly blamed.

"I do not blame you," Talin breathed out shaking his head, pouring a coffee for himself, leaning back. It was six o'clock in the morning, in a few hours Harry would be going out to face a dragon. "Should we back out?" Talin's greatest fear was Harry being hurt in this blasted tournament. "It's not worth the risk." Not anymore.

"Number one, Harry wouldn't allow it, number two, he cannot unless he's injured due to the stipulations of the contract…" Severus trailed off, "As much as I would prefer it this way, the moment Harry put his name in the goblet it was sealed." If he'd known what one of the damn tasks would be…he would have prevented it. He's idiotically thought that with it being the first time back with a younger student in the mix they wouldn't risk it.

Talin sighed, "Yes, you're quite right," stating the obvious, slowly sipping on his coffee, wishing it was something stronger. He refrained; however, he needed a clear head today, he would also speak to the guards who were watching after the Dragons to ensure they truly knew what they were doing and make sure they were prepared if anything happened. it wasn't just dragons they were dealing with either, it was mother dragons with their eggs. When he'd found out that little titbit, he had gone utterly pale then reprimanded the lot of them for their actions.

He'd left them stewing in their own guilt, and returned immediately to the cabin to inform Severus.

"A Peruvian Vipertooth," Severus groaned quietly, clutching his head in his hands, his young son was going to be facing a damn dragon in the morning. The urge to pack up and just leave was strong, Harry would live well enough without his magic…but he couldn't do that to his son, it had the potential to kill him but so did the dragon.

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Not even his spying days had been this stressful, and he loathed the feeling back once more.

"I have a feeling Harry will surprise us," Talin said, trying to give him some comfort, Harry was like a son to him, and he shouldn't have favourites but he was most certainly one. He cared for all his students of course, but he was closer to Harry. "He always finds ways to surprise everyone," he was such a smart, intelligent, devious child, but what can one expect when they were raised by Severus? There could not have been any other option.

Severus inhaled sharply, a dry chuckle leaving his lips, but it was not an amused chuckle at all. "He does that," completely agreeing, he would be keeping a keen eye on the proceedings and if any sign of his imminent danger…he would interfere regardless of the consequences.

Both wizards remained silent as natural light began to spill into the cabin, as daylight did its inevitable and emerged, chasing the bite of darkness away. It was just regretful that neither were particular pleased or happy to see the dawn as one normally would. They wished for just a while long for it to remain dark… to give them more time to prepare for what was coming next.

Unfortunately, there was no delaying the inevitable.

"I suppose I best get breakfast started to," Talin said, everyone would be hungry, with the possible exception of himself, Severus and Harry. Just as he stood, a ping alerted them to the mail being passed through the Floo Network.

"I'll get it," Severus murmured, standing up, his bones beginning to ache after the length of time he'd sat in the same position tense and alert. He prayed to a god he didn't even believe in that his son survived this task. Perhaps there was a reason parents weren't normally at this sort of thing with their children, not that they were meant to be children when one entered into these things.

The pile was quite high, despite the mirror conversations, parents were still writing to their children. Which pleased Severus immensely, to know that they were truly loved and cared for. He'd seen too many cases of abuse, and became ultimately familiar of the results, and potential results.

His own past notwithstanding.

Wandering back into the kitchen, flipping through the mail, placing his own at his spot on the table, Talin's on his and the student's ones in the middle for them to collect themselves. They would be up as soon as they smelt breakfast.

"It looks like Luna's results have come in," Severus added, "Why have they not gone straight to her?"

"They have, this is a copy, I suspect," Talin explained easily, "Then a decision will need to be made whether she could cope with the immense workload she'd find herself in. As far as I am aware, she hadn't studied even basic Non-magical history which is mandatory along with quite a few other classes."

Severus couldn't help but snort quietly, "Quite a few other classes?" he echoed, "How about a few dozen?" albeit she didn't need to take them all, of course, but she did have to take so many classes. "As smart as she is, she's definitely not up to graduating with the rest of the students at the end of the year." There was just no way.

"No," Talin agreed pensively, as he absently turned the bacon and other breakfast foods with a flick of his wand. "You're quite right, she'd need a lot longer than that to acclimatise. I do wish to help her, but I cannot do that if she won't be able to cope with the workload." She was desperate to join them, anything to get away from Hogwarts. She hadn't said anything of course, but he could see it in the way she clung desperately to the hope of a fresh start elsewhere.

"In the long run it could cause a lot more damage," Severus agreed, the mental breakdown of such an immense heavy workload she wasn't used to, could be crippling and wasn't to be sniffed at.

"Yes, it could," Talin agreed, fondness enveloping him, his friendship with 'Septimus' had gotten him through a lot of tough times, and continued to do so now. He was glad that Severus had come here despite his reluctance. He didn't want to be too close to Dumbledore after all. "I'm glad you're here," he told Severus sincerely, he would have been a mess if he wasn't, somehow there was something grounding about having someone knowing you so well, something he hadn't had since his wife passed away.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else," Severus stated, and just like that the students began to trickle in, the smell of breakfast and excitement about the next task having them up a little earlier and without the usual 'five more minutes' they liked to mutter while still half asleep.

"Morning Headmaster, Mr. Regis," came the excited but subdued due to sleepiness voices of the students, as they began to slide into their seats, three noticeably absent.

Harry and two of his best friends, before Severus could get up to check on his son's wellbeing, he heard laughter drifting from the room. Severus relaxed, well, it seemed as though he was doing well, he was pleased, quite frankly he honestly wouldn't know what to say to ease him if he was terrified for, he was beyond terrified himself.

It did not help matters that Harry hadn't discussed potential ways to get through the task. Nowhere he had heard him anyway, he'd feel a little better about this if he knew Harry's strategy.

"Morning Dad, Headmaster!" Harry chirped cheerful enough, as he and his best friends slid into their seats, with Luna as always, a shadow beside Harry. Harry's familiar was never far from his side, they'd never spent more than a day apart.

"Good morning," Severus replied, giving his son a small reassuring smile.

"So, do you have a plan?" Deacon asked, before anyone else could speak, merely asking what was on everyone's mind, including Severus'.

Talin cleared his throat, "Arms off the table," he stated, flicking his wand and the food was quickly plated and set in front of the students. "And let Harry eat his breakfast first," he scolded them lightly.

"But…you have a plan, right?" Sophie asked, not deterred by her headmaster's light reprimand.

"I do," Harry agreed, giving a cheeky grin, hiding his apprehension, he had no idea how it would all go down, but he was determined to see it through. His school deserved international recognition, unlike Hogwarts his school offered much more and didn't tolerate a lot that Hogwarts seemed to.

"Oh! Come on! You have to tell us!" they heartily complained as they all dug into their breakfast.

Harry didn't join them in eating greasy food, instead he helped himself to toast. His stomach was much too full of worms – figuratively of course – to endure a greasy meal. The constant swooping of his stomach when he actually thought on what lay ahead…did not help matters either. He was absolutely terrified, but he could see his dad was too, so was trying desperately to put on a brave front.

He reckoned his dad wasn't buying it judging by the look on his face.

"You'll see soon enough," Harry commented, it sounded so stupid and childish really…but he couldn't think of anything else that would help him accomplish his mission of getting to the egg. The others probably had better ideas, but Harry didn't mind, he was going with what he thought would be the best way. If he avoided turning into Dragon food or worse…burnt to a crisp then brilliant.

"Hey, did Luna say anything about coming down?" Alexis questioned, after swallowing a mouthful of food. "Or is she meeting us at the pitch?" she hadn't thought to ask, Luna had been spending most of her time with them. Glancing around, everyone shrugged, mouths too full to talk, clearly, they didn't know either.

"I think she's probably going to meet everyone there," Harry commented, "She'll be waiting for her owl." Probably with impatience and worry too. If she didn't pass, she probably would avoid them, he reckoned.

"We'll watch out for her," Sophie reassured him, "Don't worry," they weren't about to let those girls continue tormenting her, why she let it happen they did not know.

"Great!" Harry said, because if he found them bullying Luna one more time…he was going to make sure they regretted it for the rest of their lives. He detested bullying, probably a by-product of his father's own distaste for any form of abuse or bullying.

Severus did not like the prospect of losing his son to a girl so soon.

Talin chuckled quietly, giving Severus a knowing look, well aware of his thoughts. He'd gone through it three times himself.

He was glared at – albeit half-heartedly – in return.

"It's nearly time, go and get dressed," well aware of how long it took them and taking it into account. Luckily, none of the girls were dressing up, no, they were putting on warm clothes and hats, scarfs and gloves as the weather rapidly declined further still. The snow still clung everywhere, still caught in the throes of winter.

The only three that did not stand to leave were Harry, Dylan and Josh. They were quite plainly and clearly already dressed for the day. Perhaps the reason they had been a little later than everyone else.

"You be careful, do you hear me?" Severus stated firmly, staring directly at his son. "Be cautious, smart, fast and deliberate in every action you take."

Josh and Dylan shifted, the tone of voice, the warning behind it, the way he spoke. It always rattled them. They were so glad that their own fathers didn't do that, but for Harry…it was water off a duck's back.

"I promise," Harry said sincerely, nodding his head, "I won't take any risks,"

"Good," Severus replied, it didn't ease his anxieties, he would only relax once this blasted tournament was over with. "I'm going to end up grey before this is over," he muttered out loud to himself.

Harry, Josh and Dylan looked away; lips pursed as they tried desperately to refrain from laughing. "We…will just…you…know…go," scrambling outside grinning like lunatics the entire time.

"Well, I'm glad to see he's enjoying himself." Severus said dryly, shaking his head when the door closed behind him.

Talin coughed, "He wasn't the only one amused," he had found the prospect entirely too entertaining as well. "It's good to see him getting some enjoyment before the reality slaps him in the face." and it would, without a doubt.

In less than an hour maybe two, depending on which order, Harry would be face to face with a dragon.

"I did it! I did it! I did it!" Luna called out to Josh, Dylan and Harry as she ran in their direction, waving a letter back and forth, her entire face flush with happiness and exertion having been running all the way from the Great Hall. "I did it! I did it! I did it! I passed!" she puffed out, stopping just shy of their personal space, almost hopping on the spot, the massive grin on her face speaking volumes.

"Whoa!" Josh said, taking the letter from her, staring at the results, "Ninety-five percentile," he said, showing it to his friends, "That's…really good," and it was, especially for someone so behind compared to them.

It just proved she was being wasted at Hogwarts.

Grande Riviere magical school was definitely where she should be expanding her potential.

-0

"Harry's first!" Dylan hissed to Josh, gesturing towards the dragon in the middle of what was normally the Quidditch pitch. It was the same dragon, as the miniature he had picked up at the other task. Right now, it was home to a nesting furious dragon. His heart was pounding erratically, "Merlin! I hope he has a really good plan." Fear and excitement consuming him in equal measures. Fear that something could go dangerously wrong, and excitement and belief in his best friend to see what he was going to come up with for today's trial.

"This is going to be Epic," Josh declared, giving Dylan a wicked grin, "Like seriously awesome!" jumping on the spot, "Cheer up girls! Come on! You know Harry's going to come out the victor!" there was a reason he always came up with the game plans.

"Shush you," Alexis shoved Josh, "Let us worry!" she admonished him as the tannoy spell blared to life, and begun talking, it was to no surprise from any one of Harry's friends that he was called first. She clutched the front of the safety barrier, the wood biting into her hands, as she watched.

"Luna, don't worry so much, Harry's really smart," Sophie reassured the extremely pale girl. "He will have already thought of what he needed within half an hour of the last task. He's always been exceptional at planning…"

"Chess too!" Josh exclaimed loudly, as the roar of the crowd swept through them, it was time for Harry's task.

All thought of talking was then paused, as they all cheered their friend on. Only Talin and Severus could see that it was a little subdued, as excited as they were, they were also worried despite their best efforts.

"Septimus…I do require use of my leg once this is over," Talin explained to Severus, who gave him a perplexed look. Glancing down, Severus followed his gaze, before his cheeks went pale red before, he yanked his hand back.

"My apologies," he managed to utter through sheer embarrassment. He had been gripping Talin's leg so tightly, that no doubt he probably had left bruises, and it had been an entirely unconscious thing too.

Talin thumped Severus on the back, silently reassuring him that he didn't mind at all. He understood the desire to do so, for he was in hardly any better shape. The fact Harry didn't feel the need to share his plan…suggested that he was very confident in it. He immediately turned back to the spectacle, eyes ringing with the tooting horns, wands blasting, and cheering, which seemed to work the dragon up even further much to his silent consternation.

Then Harry stepped out, his stance poised and confident, none of the fear he surely must be feeling showing through.

"You can do this son," Severus murmured quietly, gaze intently on the scene in front of him. His right hand, gripping his wand, should the worst happen…he knew one person wouldn't be able to take the dragon down…but it made him feel significantly better to have something at hand.

Harry's heart was pounding wildly, as he stared at the defensive dragon in front of him. His left hand slid into his pocket, gripping the small figure he'd received of the dragon at the last task. He could do this; he could make his school proud and leave a legacy that would only grow each passing task.

Gripping the miniature dragon, he brought it out, placing it at his feet, well aware of the hundreds of eyes watching his every move. The sound of the silence made his heartbeat feel significantly louder, as every quietened down, watching what was happening.

"Engorgio!" Harry muttered under his breath, as he hastily stepped into the growing figurines back. Non-verbally taking command of the figure as it grew to an epic portion. The figure dragon was now the same size of the female dragon, and they roared loudly, the echo of it barely heard through the ringing of Harry's ears.

"Accio golden egg," Harry enchanted, but wasn't at all surprised when nothing happened. He had assumed it wouldn't be that easy, but sometimes the most obvious was overlooked.

Gripping the back of the dragon's horns, he situated himself, and begun to guide the Dragon he had control off, closer towards the egg. Which caused the female dragon to roar once more, Harry grunted as fire spewed out her mouth, flattening himself more firmly against the dragon to prevent himself being fried to a crisp, he wasn't sure how good his spell would protect him against a furious female dragon.

"AWESOME! GO HARRY!" Josh hollered, standing up watching him with excitement.

"You've got this!" Dylan added, both voices heard despite the general hubbub that Harry's reactions had caused. "Would you look at that! The judges are stunned!"

"Merlin…I'm going to kill him if he survives this," Severus choked out, watching his son sat astride a dragon.

"I may help you," Talin said inhaling sharply, as the dragons collided, fighting viciously and with ferociousness only a predator can accomplish. "How is he staying astride? He wouldn't be…he wouldn't put a sticking charm on himself, would he?" he could say many things but Harry wasn't stupid, and he couldn't bring himself to suggest as such.

"I have absolutely no idea," Severus rasped out, "Most of his spells are non-verbal," or actually Wandless, he was very capable at both, he was a formidable opponent naturally, against humans…but dragons?

"Wait…he's looking rather pale," Dylan lurched to his feet, "What's going on…?" his eyes roaming over Harry, glancing up at the mirrors which gave a better look, and he could see Harry was indeed looking rather wan.

"Oh no," Talin murmured, joining Harry's two best friends, turning back to Severus, "He's controlling the dragon, he's going to push himself too far! He has to stop soon otherwise he will fall unconscious." The bigger the object you try to control…the more energy it sapped up.

"Are you trying to tell me he's using the Imperius curse?" Karkaroff cut in, able to hear them.

Severus threw him a look of derision, "You know as well as I, that those spells cannot be accomplished non-verbally or Merlin forbid, Wandlessly." He told him with bite, "And you call yourself a Headmaster." Unable to help the sneer crossing his features, furious that he would dare to accuse his son of such a vile act. Those spells were not to be played around with, and he had learned that in school years ago. He turned back around, not giving the pathetic waste of flesh a moment longer of his time.

"Drop the damn spell," Talin muttered under his breath, "Drop the spell," watching Harry very closely.

"He knows his own limitations," Severus said, more to reassure himself than Talin. "He will stop when he feels it." at least he had better, otherwise he was going to confine the damn boy to the cabin for the rest of his time here at Hogwarts. Then he'd never let him out of his sight for the rest of his damn life. He wasn't sure how much more of this he could take.

"Merlin's balls!" Sophie choked, watching Harry lose his grip, but somehow manage to keep himself on the dragons back, the fire from the dragon's mouth licking around him, but he was untouched. "Thank goodness!" he had to have a spell around him…stopping the fire from touching him…the heat had to be unbearable though.

Harry panted, wiping the sweat from his hands, so that his grip could be secured once more. The flames might not be touching him…but the heat most definitely was. He was sweating buckets; he didn't know how much longer he'd be able to ride atop the dragon…and he couldn't get near the damn basket. He didn't want to get too close and risk destroying the eggs.

As terrifying as this was…it was just a mother protecting her young. He wanted to protect them too, not an easy feat. He refused to be the reason she lost her eggs, they were a protected species too, he knew that much. How they were getting away with this, using her and her eggs…he didn't know.

Harry cursed, scrambling to find purchase, his hands too sweaty, causing his grip to slacken as he tried to keep himself aboard. Ignoring the roaring, his heart lurching as he failed again and again…until his grip just…fell away, and the dragon chose that moment to arch back.

"NO!" came the simultaneous calls of Harry's friends, father and Headmaster, as they watched in horror as Harry's grip slipped and he begun to fall, Severus shook his head, refusing to let his son hit the damn ground without helping him. Wand out, uncaring that he would be disqualified he refused to let his son be bloody killed.

"Wait, wait, wait," Talin said, pressing Severus' wand arm down, "He's slowing his own descend." 'come on, come on, come on' he murmured, edging further over, watching, praying that he was able to stop his descend quick enough to prevent an injury.

Everyone was holding their breaths as they watched, mesmerised by what they were seeing. It edged into horrified fascination as Harry begun to fall from the back of the dragon.

One lone girl from the Gryffindor section in particular, who was secluded from her fellow Gryffindors, huffed, shaking her head, it had been stupid to do it in the first place. She'd known something like that would happen from the second he climbed aboard. He was stupid. To think he'd seemed so smart, educated and someone she thought she could see being friends with. She was grateful she hadn't approached him yet.

Harry hit the ground with a muted thud, the breath utterly knocked out of him. Pain blooming down his back and his left arm, his mouth open as a winded sound of 'Ahhhh' left him, unable to control it the slightest. He couldn't think, couldn't do anything other than feel.

"HARRY!" Dylan roared, fear consuming him as the dragon looked ready to spew more fire from its mouth as it inhaled, smoke threateningly billowing out of his nose before it did as Dylan feared, while his best friend lay prostrate on the floor. "SHIELD! USE A SHIELD!" Josh hollered, but he wasn't the only one, everyone was panicking and shouting. His best friends could only hope that their voices were heard above the crowd.

Harry staggered to his feet, using his right arm to ease himself up off the ground. His left arm searing with agony each move it unwittingly made. Broken then, definitely, which made it entirely useless to him in this coming fight. He'd thought to grab the egg while the dragons were distracted…but it had not worked out that way at all. He shrank the miniature dragon back to its normal size carelessly.

The enraged dragon spewed profanities at him, with an underlay of hissing, of which no doubt, was all the crowd could hear. Hissing. She was furious that her eggs were endangered, so very confused as to why she'd been moved…and why the people she'd begun to trust, the humans she'd began to trust treated her this way.

As one dozen of dragon handlers stepped closer, wands drawn ready to end this. Before they could, Harry was on the move.

Harry raised his hand in the nick of time, ignoring the cried of fear coming from the crowd as fire bellowed out of the dragon, but his shield did an adequate job of protecting him, the sphere prevented any of the fire touching him. The fire did roar around the entirety of the shield, almost as if it was looking for weakness'…cheers and applauding as the fire died down…until something happened that nobody expected.

Harry Regis was hissing, he was speaking Parseltongue. He was a Parselmouth.

"He's definitely won now!" Sophie shrieked, jumping up and down, Alexis fist pumping the air. "Come on Harry!"

Josh and Dylan slumped against the rail, watching the scene in front of them. "I forgot they'd understand…" no doubt Harry did too…unless he'd planned for this or made it a backup.

"Dear Merlin," Severus murmured, slumping a little, grimacing in distaste at the shocked and horrified silence that followed Harry's showcasing that particular talent.

"I…always thought you exaggerated, Septimus," Talin said, staring at the stricken crowd of Hogwarts students. Reminding to use Severus' name, especially with Dumbledore so close. You would have thought that someone so grotesquely evil had just appeared before them. Those of Durmstrang and Beauxbaton were still cheering for the teen.

"You should know that I never do," Severus replied, "Now my son is about to be ostracized by the school for a simple gift." Unable to help himself, he glanced subtly towards the teaches section, and found Dumbledore pale as a sheet and staring at Harry with a look Severus DID NOT like at all.

Dumbledore would never find out that his son was in fact Harry Potter. Couldn't find out, he had done his job well, the golem had worked to perfection. Everyone thought Harry Potter was dead and buried. He couldn't come to the correct conclusion, not just from this.

"They're acting as though the gift itself is evil," Talin said, shocked beyond belief at what he was seeing. He knew children were easily influenced, and often time could be cruel…but this? This was awful.

"Easy, easy, easy, I don't wish to harm your eggs," Harry hissed at the dragon repeating what he'd said a few times already, not daring to release his shield just in case she got defensive again. Hand still out, shaking violently. He was exhausted beyond endurance and just wanted to lay down and sleep. "The gold one in the middle isn't your egg, they put it there amongst them…"

The dragon roared again. Filthy humans touching her eggs and nest, she wanted her mate…the mate she'd been dragged away from. Caged up and separated, she'd kill them all for what they'd done.

"I know, they shouldn't have done it, but you're going back home soon. You'll see your mate…and your eggs will be safe. I just need to get the gold one out of your nest, let me show you?" Harry hissed, noticing the mostly silence, but uncaring about it. "I'm going to come forward, you can smell it, it's not one of your eggs."

With that Harry slowly but carefully edged forward, "Wingardium Leviosa!" and up went the egg, so it was merely prevented from being summon-able. Interesting, he wished he'd known that…thankfully the others were still in their tent, and hopefully not watching this…otherwise he will have given them the perfect way to do their task without due alarm or fuss.

Harry continued to Wandlessly levitate the egg until it was within the dragons eyesight. It sniffed the egg, or what she was quickly realizing wasn't her egg and roared once more, setting it aflame, but it did nothing, merely scorched it.

"Wizards put it inside your nest, it's not yours, let me take it from your sight," Harry soothed the agitated beast. "I will tell them how angry you are for what they did. Hopefully your caretakers will not do it again." they wouldn't of course, since it was all just a part of the task.

Harry staggered back as the dragon leaned down, until they were face to face. Harry blanched a little but held his ground, hand still raised, but this time, he pressed his hand against her face in awe. He'd seen dragons, quite a few times, from a distance in the reserves, his father had taken him. He'd never gotten quite so close to them. Their scales were just as hard as he imagined, just like a snake actually.

"You're beautiful," Harry hissed reverentially, stroking down her face, and rubbing her nose. He could feel the dragon's handers envy from where he stood, it's probably something they'd long since desired to do. "You'll be home soon, do not fear for your eggs, they won't let anything happen to them." and he was going to make sure of it.

Harry had always had a special affinity for animals, especially wolf's but his familiar was one so that was very self-explanatory.

Giving the dragon one last pat, he stepped back, and begun to levitate the golden egg back towards himself. The dragon snorted but didn't try to set the egg aflame again. He did grab a hold, grimacing at the weight of it, he curled it around his side, his legs were beginning to shake at the strain of keeping himself upright.

Turning around, his sharp gaze meeting the eyes of the dragon handlers he could see. Swiftly making his way towards the tents and the closest dragon handler, who had red hair, "She's pissed off you put this," gesturing towards the egg in his arms, "In her nest, do not let anything happen to them…or I will be displeased. They're an endangered species, you should never have used her." He reprimanded the red headed wizard.

Charlie was taken aback by the words, "It wasn't easy getting five mother dragons here," in fact, they thought they wouldn't until she'd given birth. They all knew the dragons were an endangered species. The wizards had been adamant though, five mothers and their eggs, nobody cared about anything else. plus, the money they were getting for this…would ensure the reserve was replenished for ten years to come…and let them to modifications and expand. Something they'd desperately needed for some time now.

"Doesn't make it right, you're supposed to protect them," Harry declared sagely, "Above all else." which was why they became dragon handlers, the most danger they faced was actually other wizards trying to come into the reserves to take the eggs or kill the dragons for their parts, they were after all…worth a great deal of money. Worth the damage they left in their wake apparently.

Charlie watched the kid alarmed, "Come on, kid, let's get you into the tent," moving to help him, he looked ready to keel over any given second.

Harry wasn't stubborn enough to say no, as his dizziness began to overwhelm him. His legs were beginning to shake more fervently, and his arm was hurting something awful. He was grateful for the helping hand, as he shuffled into the tent.

"Honestly! Dragons! Of all the ludicrous things!" Poppy spluttered as she took the egg from him, and helped Charlie situate Harry on the bed.

"It is indeed," Severus stated, staring at Poppy, with a grim look, "Septimus Regis, I am his father, please don't let me delay you." Gesturing for her to return to her patient so that he may know what was wrong with his son. Stepping forward, but keeping out of the way of any scans she may do.

"Thank you Mr. Weasley," Severus stated firmly, glancing the boy's way.

"How did you…" Charlie's eyes were wide in surprise.

"I may not have been directly involved in the tournament's handling of the tasks, but the Headmaster is a good friend, he described everyone well," Severus easily explained it away, "I do believe you're the only red headed wizard dragon handler here." that was true, but he did have to think on his feet very quickly to answer the suspicious wizard. Fortunately for all concerned, he was very much able to think quickly. Some things didn't fade with time, and his duty as a spy had made for him to always be a quick thinker.

"Oh," Charlie murmured, nodding in understanding, "Excuse me," giving them privacy they no doubt sought. No doubt Septimus was worried for his son…he was quite composed compared to how his parents would be he'd say that for him.

"How are you feeling?" Severus asked his son, staring down at him, wondering just how difficult the next few months would be…how much bulling he'd endure from the Hogwarts student body for a gift that was wonderous and lovely, just like all magical gifts are.

"Tired…sore," Harry murmured, watching his dad through half-lidded eyes. "It was beautiful though…" he got to pet a dragon up close and personal.

Severus chuckled, as if it hadn't just put ten years on him, "Yes, you may believe so, however, I may just end up grey by the time you're done."

Poppy made a noise as she tried to smother her own amusement. "Well, Mr. Regis, it looks as if you've been exceedingly lucky." Poppy said, as she read the results of her scan. Noticing that Septimus Regis immediately squeezed his sons' hand in comfort. "The fall will no doubt cause a lot of bruising but has broken your arm. I'll give your father some bruise salve to apply to your back later tonight. For now, drink this up, it will begin repairing the damage done to your arm." Handing over the bone mending potion, she was literally about to open her mouth to explain when Harry muttered what it was, with a nod from his father before drinking it without so much as a grimace of distaste.

He recognized his own potions, Poppy had begun ordering them in bulk, twice a year with Minerva's approval. Poppy had no idea it was him of course, only Filius and Minerva knew his true identity at Hogwarts – with Talin and Harry of course since they were here – she just knew he was one of the best.

Poppy flicked her wand, and bound Harry's arm to his chest, keeping it immobile. "Rest up, while you can and try not to move that arm about too much."

"I don't think I can move it," Harry said, giving the Medi-witch a weak but cheeky grin despite the pain he was currently experiencing. The binding was quite tight, but not too tight to constrict.

Poppy smiled back, she liked patients that didn't complain every few seconds. "Good, let it heal up, come back and see me tomorrow to ensure it has healed appropriately." She informed him, giving Septimus a look that spoke of approval.

Of course, Severus knew her well, and realized what she was implying. He forced himself to blink and stare at her but she was already on the move. Vacating the tent, already muttering once more about dragons and silly tournaments and how many people were going to be hurt.

"You rest up," Severus murmured, conjuring a seat, sitting down next to his son. "I'll be right here." he knew his son didn't need him the same way as he had done as a child, but he wasn't going anywhere. He did not know how people would react…or what they might do. He had visions of them attacking Harry while he was incapacitated just because of his abilities. No, he was going nowhere at least until his friends were at his side.

"Love you dad," Harry murmured, his eyes sliding closed as he succumbed to exhaustion and feel asleep. He barely heard the reply and the soft caress on his head.

The next time Harry opened his eyes, it was to see Josh and Dylan sitting beside his bed. "weirdo's watching me sleep," he murmured, causing his best friends to laugh, looking mighty relieved. They trusted Mr. Regis to know of course, but they were really glad to see him awake again.

"Oh, man! You were amazing!"

"Awesome!" Dylan declared, "Although…there has been a lot of talk," his brow furrowing as he thought on the shit he'd heard said. "People here are idiots." He declared solemnly.

"I…know, dad warned me," Harry admitted, easing himself into sitting position… "How long have I…"

"Not long actually, they've just finished, we've been watching it on the mirrors," Josh explained, pointing towards the mirror at the corner of the room, that was silenced just as the tent was, so no sound could annoy the wounded.

"Guess I was the only one that got hurt?" Harry said, disappointed by that, which meant he'd be way behind.

"Actually no, Cedric Diggory got burnt, all the way from his face down his chest and a bit of his thigh," Dylan explained with a grimace. It had looked absolutely agonizing. "He was taken back to Hogwarts," he wasn't going to be able to stand up for the judges votes anyway.

"The other two?" Harry asked curiously, finally managing to sit up properly, sighing in relief. "Where did Dad go anyway?"

"Talking to the judges, Talin asked that I fetch your dad," Josh explained, "Your dad asked that we stay with you. He seems really worried that someone might hurt you." Baffled by that notion.

Harry nodded, "My…ability is seen as evil here," he explained to his best friends, "He's just worried that they might try something while I'm hurt."

"Evil?" Josh asked incredulously, "Why the hell would they think a gift is evil? That's like saying magic itself is evil! Why are people so stupid?"

"Do you need another potion?" Dylan asked, seeing the pain his friend was in just trying to sit up. They were all unaware as of yet, just how big a bruise he had covering his back.

"I never had a pain relief draught; you know they don't work well with bone mending draughts."

"It's broken? I thought maybe it was just sprained, I remember when I sprained my arm it was bound in that manner." Dylan said, face dropping, broken bones hurt like blazes, no wonder Mr. Regis had told them to let Harry sleep. Sleeping through it was the only reprieve one had.

"Look they're panning in on the judges, it's time!" Josh blurted out, standing up, "Are you going to be alright? That fall wasn't half…bad." He finished lamely.

"I've fallen from worse heights." Harry said wryly, he was a quidditch player.

"Yeah, but there was a look out that slowed and stopped your descend," Josh snorted, they always had look outs, they were forbidden from playing without one. Even at the age they were, security and safety were Talin's number one priority.

"You didn't tell me how they did…and how they did it," Harry grunted as he was eased off the bed with the aid of his best friends, both of them taking great pains to ensure a smooth dismount as possible.

"Oh, yeah, Cedric Diggory did the whole distraction thing too, but he conjured up a dog using a rock. It lost interest in the dog though and burnt him." Dylan explained. "He got the egg though."

"Fleur used her Vela magic to put it to sleep…but it woke up and snorted fire onto her, caught her skirt," Josh mused, "She got the egg too."

They fell silent, as Harry slowly made his way out of the tent, Dylan holding the flap open.

"Okay…and Viktor Krum?" Harry asked, throwing them a look, having a funny feeling he wouldn't like what he'd hear next.

Inhaling sharply, Josh spoke, "He decided to use the Conjunctivitis spell, aiming at her eyes. He got the egg…but not before half the eggs were destroyed…" wincing at the look of horror on Harry's face.

"Merlin!" Harry uttered aghast. "Half?" his voice raising an octave.

"The dragon handers were crying," Dylan said sombrely, and some of the students at Hogwarts had just laughed it off.

Harry was still reeling over what had happened when the judges begun judging their performances. He received an eight from them all, losing two points due to his injury. Even Karkaroff gave him an eight which had surprised him even in his muted state. Cedric and Fleur received the same, but Viktor received only '6' from the other judges and a '9' from Karkaroff, for the damage he'd caused.

Harry's thoughts were still with the unfortunate dragon mother, who had lost half her eggs that day…and all for entertainment. She wouldn't understand, and his heart hurt for her.

He was disgusted.

His stomach rolled when he saw the stain still marring the Quidditch pitch.

"I'm heading to the cabin," his distaste obvious to those around him. "I find myself…reluctant to partake in the festivities."

"Come on then," Josh said, he wasn't going to let Harry head off alone, there would be no reason to celebrate without Harry after all.

"I'll go tell the others," Dylan called, "I'll catch up!" already running in the direction of their friends and Luna of course. All of them would be ready to rally around their friend, supporting them.

"Remember to bring Harry's egg!" Josh hollered loudly.

"I will," Dylan shouted back, having heard his friend making a beeline straight for the others.

When Dylan approached Sophie and Alexis, they were comforting a tearful Luna, evidently, she felt just as strongly as Harry about what had occurred. Deacon however…was inconsolable.

Viktor Krum had walked back to his ship the second his own scores were read out, looking quite angry at himself. Brushing off the bushy haired Gryffindor that attempted to console him. Perhaps a fan he just didn't want to be bothered with at the moment?

-----0

All caught up next chapter will be brand new and probably tomorrow ;)

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 10

26th January

Harry woke up, extremely fuzzy, yawning tiredly, the remnants of the Dreamless sleep draught still in his system. He didn't stay tired for long, sensing the presence of people in his room that were most definitely not his dad or just Luna. Opening one eye, he found his best friends sitting waiting on him wakening up. They looked seriously pissed off, which made him frown, trying to figure out why they would be. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked them, voice thick with sleep.

"We walked out of the Great Hall, the students suck here," Josh spat out, fury thrumming through every single bone in his body. He'd been vibrating out of his skin since last night, just to talk to Harry about it.

"Oh?" Harry murmured, as he sat up, he'd slept for nearly two days, recovering. Not just physically but magically as well. "What's been happening?" although he could guess what exactly had been happening.

"You should hear the things they're saying about you…" Dylan told Harry, his tone disgusted and bitter. "Seriously! They'd think you'd just spouted fangs and horns and been exposed as the devil." His tone become rather bewildered by the end of it.

"Just because you can speak Parselmouth!" Josh shook his head, "Headmaster Addison had to escort your dad out, I've never seen him so angry before." Or angry at all, actually, "He's really scary when he's mad!"

"It's because of their most recent Dark Lord Voldemort, he was like me, he was a Parselmouth." Harry explained, "Their perception of the gift has been twisted in that single wizard. Plus, I think they fear what they don't understand. A lot of people don't like snakes." Glancing at his own, who was napping lazily in the tank, his snake hadn't once been out since they came here, he felt bad for that.

"So what?" Josh scoffed belligerently, waving his hand, "That gives them the right to say that sort of stuff about you? They don't even bloody know you! They've got no right!"

"Even the newspaper has had something to say about it," Dylan commented angrily, "Your dad is already hired a lawyer to sue to the Daily Prophet for slander and liable."

Harry's brows rose, "What did the newspaper actually say?" if his father had been mad enough to actually get a lawyer to sue them…he could only imagine.

Josh sighed, grabbing the newspaper from his bag and handing it over. Shaking his head, slumping back on the chair. How dare they? Merlin, he just wanted to punch those idiots for daring to besmirch his best friends name in such a manner.

"It's not just the newspaper, he's suing someone called Lavender Brown and the Patil twins, Padma and Parvati." Dylan replied, "They were the only ones stupid enough to actually allow their names to be put into the newspapers as direct quotes."

Harry remained silent as he read through the entire article. Barely anything of the tournament's second task was in there. The others didn't deserve it, to have their moments to shine completely buried in something so pathetic as the belief he was 'evil' because he could talk to snakes.

"He's a Parselmouth. Everyone knows that's the mark of a dark and evil wizard. Have you ever heard of a decent wizard that could talk to snakes? There's a reason they called Salazar Slytherin snake-tongue." Insisted Lavender Brown, "He shouldn't be allowed at Hogwarts. Who knows what he's capable of?"

"All Parseltongue's should be locked up in Azkaban, it's only a matter of time before they turn." Insisted Padma Patil. "I'll be glad when they leave, I can't believe he's been sitting next to us this entire time."

"Parseltongue's are inherently evil, they just can't help it. Dumbledore said that it isn't their fault really, they're just predisposed to evil deeds no matter how they are raised." Parvati insisted.

Harry pursed his lips, eyes going dark as he stared at the written words. He wanted to be furious, rage at the unfairness of it. Yet he couldn't, all he felt was resignation, he'd been warned of course, by his dad so many times. He had naturally believed his father. Why wouldn't he? His dad always told him the truth whether he liked to hear it or not.

"Dad warned me that it was like this here," Harry sighed, seeing the expectant look on his best friends faces. "Their prejudice knows no bounds, it's not entirely unexpected that they've had so much trouble when they're so narrow-minded."

"That doesn't make what they're saying okay!" Josh sniped, furious on his friend's behalf even if he didn't seem to be.

"No, it doesn't, but what's the likelihood of them changing their minds?" Harry said wryly, "Britain is so set in its way that I honestly think they'll destroy themselves within a couple of decades."

"They do have an inordinate amount of 'Dark Lord's' I suppose," conceded Dylan, "And let's not forget all the goblin, vampire, werewolf and wizarding wars they've had over the years."

"Headmaster Addison says we can stay here for dinner from now on," Josh said, "I don't want to sit with the prejudice assholes!" shouting the word at the window as if expecting everyone to hear up at the school.

Harry's eyes gleamed, "Oh, no, we're going," Harry said grimly, he was not about to let them see him hide. He had nothing to be ashamed of, and nothing they said or did was going to get to him. "Do you know if they've received word that they're being sued yet?"

"No, there was no indication last night anyway," Dylan replied, "They were just dead set on 'proving their point' asking a bunch of questions they had no right asking. Nobody answered anything, but it got too much for us so we just collectively got the hell out of there. Just at the same time Headmaster Addison started guiding your dad out the hall…I had no idea he was so powerful…"

Josh nodded in agreement; he was indeed very powerful. Quite frankly he was surprised nothing had happened to the students before Headmaster Addison got him out of there. He was just so furious, and none of them had been fairing any better. "Are you sure you want to do this?" referring of course, to going to Hogwarts for their dinner tonight.

"Yes," Harry stated firmly, "Is there any work I missed?"

"I put it all in your trunk, three quizzes and four essays'," Josh waved absently to Harry's trunk.

Harry nodded; he wasn't surprised by the immensely heavy workload he had. It was their NEWT year after all. "Accio work! Accio supply box!" with that the work Josh put into his trunk sailed on out, and with it, came Harry's box which was filled with an assortment of stuff. Paint, brushes, rubbers, pencils, charcoal, pens, coloured pencils, ink, quills everything he needed for painting, drawing or doing his homework.

Josh laughed when he heard Harry's stomach rumbling, "Come on, let's go have some lunch!"

"We are back to school after lunch, I need to try and get some of these done before I fall behind." Harry insisted, and it was easily done. Their workload had doubled from the OWLS, as they'd been warned.

"Don't you want to try and figure out the clue to the egg?" Dylan queried, gleaming gold catching his attention from Harry's open trunk.

"It's speaking Mermish," Harry shrugged, "It just needs to be put into water, that's if it translates…but considering they can't expect us to speak it my guess is, it will. The next trial isn't until mid-March. I have plenty of time to figure it out."

"It's not like you're allowed to take anything more than your wand to each one anyway." Josh shrugged, "Alright, I'll go and get us some lunch," seeing his best friend wasn't about to give in.

"I'll come with you," Dylan said, jumping up, glad his best friend was awake, but both were feeling wrongfooted by his lack of rage or anger. Could it be because his dad was dealing with it? Or because he had been expecting it? It wasn't denial, Harry didn't do denial.

"Bring me lots of potatoes if there's any!" Harry called out, "And dessert!"

"Sure!" Josh hollered back, as they exited Harry and Mr. Regis' room and made their way to the kitchen/dining room.

"Has he woken up?" was the first thing out of 'Septimus' mouth. He wasn't surprised he'd slept so long. The potion does ensure that the recipient was well rested before the potion loosened it's hold. At least twelve hours it worked, and the longest it had held on was twenty-nine hours.

"Yes, Sir!" Dylan nodded, "He wants to do his school work…we're going to take some food for him….?" Trailing off and ending it in a question.

"You may, give me a few moments with him," Severus replied, already standing up, smiling at all the reassurances the others were asking him to give to Harry. He nodded once before making his way to his bedroom.

"I hope you didn't forget…hey, Dad!" Harry said, smiling, even if it was a little weak and nearly a grimace.

"How are you feeling?" Severus asked, already checking Harry over to ensure he was physically fit as a fiddle, he was. His magic was also recharged.

"I'm feeling much better," he insisted, wrapping his arms around his dad as he hugged him. Sighing softly, a more genuine smile spreading across his face.

Severus sat on the bed, staring at his son, eyes soft as he tried to gauge how he was really feeling. "Do you need or want to talk about it?" he couldn't force Harry; he would come to him when he was ready. He knew dealing with a child was different than dealing with a teenager. Growing up, Harry would desire to deal with it himself, thinking it 'stupid' to need his parents…before as an adult they are glad to have someone to talk to about everything again. It was text book really, according to the book.

"Is there anything to talk about?" Harry sighed, "I knew this would happen…you did warn me. I had hoped not to use it but I'm not ashamed of my gifts!" his tone sharp and strong as he finished his sentence.

"And you shouldn't be," Severus retorted just as firmly, "The opinion of strangers shouldn't and don't matter. Not when everyone you care about accepts the gifts for what they are. The prejudice in Britain is stifling. Although, I must say I am surprised at the Patil's, I honestly did not expect them to react the way they did. In their culture…the ability is revered."

"You read it, 'Dumbledore said'," Harry said wryly, they were just parroting what they'd heard, believing it as gospel just because of who it came from.

"Indeed," Severus murmured, brushing Harry's hair back absently, "Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything regarding him, since it's heresy."

"Do they know they're being sued yet?" Harry questioned, leaning tiredly into his father's touch.

"The information will go through their parents, they're still underage here. They will no doubt be getting letters from home very soon." Severus said, his coldness hidden. He would not allow his son to be affected by anything, not even his anger towards others. "As for the newspaper, they will have received the news yes, I wouldn't be surprised if they offered a retraction and apology…not that it will do any good." He was going all the way. He was going to get as much money out of them as possible, make them pay in the only way he could. Taking money would hurt them in the way they'd tried to hurt his son. It was the only way they could teach them a lesson.

Harry simply nodded his understanding.

"You can remain in bed for one more day," Severus told him, "But you're back to school tomorrow."

Harry shook his head, "I'm going today," sitting in bed with nothing to do would drive him insane. These essays were rather small, so he could get them done within two hours, he'd do it tonight after dinner. "I also want to go to the Great Hall for dinner…"

Severus drew back, staring intently at his determined son, "Are you sure?" it was different hearing what they'd done than being actually exposed to it.

"Yes, I won't let them think they've won." Harry said firmly, lips pursed in a thin line. "Because they will think they've won if I just hide away." At least until the next task.

Severus felt a plethora of pride for his son, "That's true, they would think that. However, what they think doesn't matter. If you are up for this then we can do it, but if you're only doing it to prove a point it would be detrimental to you."

"Um…sort of both?" Harry confessed, "I just…" he struggled to articulate what he wanted, what he meant.

"You don't want anything to change," Severus easily understood what his son was struggling to say.

Harry nodded, "Yeah, they can't all be narrow minded…" he trailed off thoughtfully.

"No, but going against the grain takes courage and conviction…" Severus admitted thoughtfully, "And they're at an age where they don't wish to risk that." He certainly hadn't much to his own detriment. They failed to realize that most friendships don't last beyond Hogwarts, that they would meet more like-minded people when they began a more formal education or began working. That denying how you really felt, in order to fit in…did more damage than good.

"Then they're not worth it," Harry declared stubbornly.

"Very true," Severus agreed, "Very well, I'll inform Talin."

"Thanks dad," Harry said giving him a thankful smile.

"I'll let the boys back in, shall I?" Severus teased, hearing them waiting patiently outside, talking about which classes they had next. Josh and Dylan had been almost as enraged as him with what went down. The boys are usually very laid back, to see them this incandescent was surprising but welcoming.

Harry threw a grin at his Dad's retreating back, feeling much better.

It didn't take long at all for Josh and Dylan to come trotting back in, "Here, this is yours," Josh said, handing over Harry's tray, which was perched on top of his own using magic, to levitate it.

"This is for you, Luna!" Dylan claimed, easily putting Luna's dinner on the bed beside her. He moved away and sat back down on his seat, content to eat his own lunch.

"So, what else has been happening?" Harry asked, as he began eating, no mashed potatoes but plenty of fries.

"Not much, Fleur and Krum were asking after you, they came to the cabin." Dylan told him since Josh's mouth was full.

"Wait, why did he come to the cabin?" Harry asked perplexed, as he ate his fries, his heart sank, "How…how has Luna reacted to the news?" he hadn't seen her or hell, even spoken to her since. Then again, he hadn't had that chance, he'd spent his time recovering and sleeping.

"She's been by five times, a couple before class then the other times she stayed and hung out with the girls until curfew." Josh reassured Harry that Luna wasn't being lumped in amongst the idiots at Hogwarts. "If she sticks to the routine she'll be by after dinner tonight."

"As for Krum and Fleur…I think they're representing their schools and I reckon they want to tell us they don't stand with Hogwarts." Dylan shrugged, "But your Dad said you weren't up for visitors yet." Obviously, because he'd been sleeping.

"Well, they aren't from here so it's hardly surprising," Harry relaxed further, Dylan and Josh were probably right. It's not like Krum and Fleur would risk coming here to spew prejudice bullshit at him. Not with his Dad and Headmaster Talin nearby, there was no way.

"What day is it again?" Harry asked after a few minutes as they ate their lunches.

"Wednesday," Josh replied, "We have Charms, Transfiguration, magical history and then Alchemy with the Headmaster."

"Tuesday was a Quidditch game due…who won?" Harry belated realised as he started in on his breakfast.

"Not us," Josh shrugged, "We lost by ten points, Caz caught the snitch just before Letisha threw the ball into the hoop." Otherwise it would have been a draw.

Harry groaned, "Damn!" they'd won every year. Then again, they wouldn't be getting the medals and trophies anyways, the guys playing would be. "Well, if they beat Phoenix then they might actually be back in for the win." Scooping up the food with relish, he was absolutely starving.

"Phoenix is the best Quidditch team after us," Josh grudgingly agreed, "I mean the way Maggie plays…"

"Yeah, they'd need to be really lucky if we wanted to win," Dylan conceded, "What can we expect of an entire reserve team playing?" they were the reserve team for a reason. They were good, just not as good as the other players.

"Dad always says winning isn't what counts, it's taking part and having fun." Harry sighed, "We're way too hyped up on winning cus it's our last year." The competition was getting the better of them. No, it really wasn't Quidditch, it was the tournament too.

"That's because we've never lost," Josh said with a triumphant smirk.

"We did when we were younger before the official school games." Harry pointed out, "Man, I'm still hungry and tired," he grumbled, "Maybe I should have taken Dad up on the offer."

"What offer?" Dylan questioned with a frown, "No way! Your Dad actually suggested you stay in bed?" gaping, it wasn't like Mr. Regis at all. He valued education against all else. To allow Harry to stay off school, he really had to be sick. Never in all the years had Harry successfully managed to fool his father and succeed in getting a day off.

"Yeah," Harry said with a short laugh, "He did," with that he slid out of bed, slowly to avoid making a mess of his work and because he ached. Getting out of his pyjamas and into his more comfortable clothes. On his dresser were cards, presents, presumably from well-wishers. A glance at the envelope told him they'd already been opened. Harry couldn't say he was the slightest bit surprised. His dad was always cautious about his safety and would be doubly so now. There were also vials of potions, and Harry gratefully cracked open the two of them and swallowed them down gratefully.

With the return of his strength and lack of tiredness…came conviction.

It was time the British magical world had its eyes opened.

Harry's eyes narrowed and lips pursed firmly, oh yes, he was going to teach them a lesson they'd never forget.

"Narrow-minded prejudice assholes," Harry huffed as all of them left Harry's room to go to lessons unable to put it off any longer.

Josh and Dylan grinned at each other; they'd been waiting for that since Harry woke up!

---------0

To say the afternoon had been a long and tedious one would be putting it lightly. It just wasn't the same learning through a mirror with the rest of their class. The teacher couldn't really correct all their stances, find fault in the way they were moving their wands. So, they were left floundering a little bit. At least History and Alchemy weren't difficult, since history was all written word and Alchemy was by Talin. They were still working on the same piece they'd began at the beginning of the year. This project went towards 70% of their grade, so if you fail this you fail Alchemy NEWTS. Luckily in this, you weren't actually expected to do anything original, just copy the results of already published work.

To create your own products in Alchemy, you had to begin your Mastery, and have actually been doing it for a year before you're allowed a small project to begin with. Once upon a time he'd been entirely fascinated with Alchemy, enough that he'd contemplated getting a Mastery in it. Then he realized how long it would have him to complete an Alchemy and come out a Master in the subject. Seven years, seven whole years, part-time mind, like he had planned on with his Potions Mastery and working part-time at the Vet. Get actual work experience while he did his Mastery. It would mean more doors open to him, after completing his Potions Mastery and completed his Mastery in Veterinarian.

"How are we ever going to decide which to choose for Transfiguration? They all have their own individual merits and drawbacks!" Harry sighed, frowning in silent contemplation a possible answer.

"At least the Alchemy list was only three different choices," Alexis commiserated, "There had to be at least a dozen different possibilities."

"Fifteen, yes, I counted," Sophie called out, as they all spilled into the kitchen/dinning room. "Number two is definitely by far the hardest I reckon; I always did have trouble with that spell."

"It's number ten for me, I dislike transfiguring any animal however briefly," Deacon grimaced, "I'm avoiding those ones."

"Oh my god! Don't tell me you're going to protest again?" Chao groaned, dramatically sitting down.

"What? They're sentient beings! They shouldn't be transfigured for our own education!" Deacon complained.

"He's got a point, just because it's easier doesn't make it right," Jason shrugged, "How's your alchemy project coming, Soph?"

"I managed to salvage it, barely!" Sophie sighed, "It was such a novice mistake!" groaning in despair. "It put it back weeks." She was usually so good at Alchemy too.

"Luna will be here in about five minutes," Chao whispered to the girls, grinning in excitement.

"I thought she had to do studying for exams?" Alexis questioned, perplexed. "I don't get how she can continue her other classes and do those."

"Nah, she has the rest of the school year to do those," Deacon waved off their concern, "Although, if she fails then Headmaster Addison says it would be best for her to either be held back a year or not attend our school at all."

"Its core classes only, though right?" to expect her to be able to do all the classes was way too much! Hogwarts didn't even have half the classes they did.

"Yeah," Deacon nodded, confirming Harry's suspicion.

"That's good, although she'll have a lot of catching up to do when she officially joins," Harry said, but she was very smart, she'd catch up in no time at all.

"Don't worry we'll help her," Alexis insisted.

"I'm going to ask if she'd like to visit for the summer holidays! Get a head start on it…and maybe get used to the area and weather? Maybe her father would like to see some of the animals too?" Sophie suggested, her father surely wouldn't allow her to come all summer across the country without him? Luna loved her father and mentioned him often, especially his fondness for animals. She'd gained her love of animals from him, and her mother whom she loved dearly.

"It's a very gracious offer, I'm sure Mr. Lovegood would love to visit his daughters' new school." Talin said with a smile, "I had been about to suggest that he visit us sometime during the summer holidays. I'll hold off until you get an answer that way there will be no rearranging needed. He had naturally been in contact with Mr. Lovegood, and despite his eccentricities, sounded like a good man, a loving father. He also had his signatures (both written and magical signature) on the forms to formalise it.

"Yes, Sir!" Sophie chirped.

"I trust that you've asked your mother before inviting a friend to stay?" Talin asked, belatedly.

"I did," Sophie nodded, her parents were Quidditch players, constantly away, but she always had someone to come home to. The teams had wanted them enough to compromise so that one of her parents were always home, either that or a babysitter although, she didn't much need one anymore. Nine times out of ten these days, she'd just go to a friend for a sleepover. Her parents though, was taking a sabbatical this summer, since it was her last one before she went off to university or focused entirely on her Mastery. Knowing it was the last time to really be a family together while she was young. "They said they'd love to." Not all summer though, that had been one of their stipulations, a few weeks was fine, but they wanted to spend time with her, not everyone.

"Good," Talin declared, his hearing picking up Septimus conversing with Masters Wren and Crane, his Potions Masters. He'd been very lucky to get them, and had only accomplished that by promising them full control of anything they create on the premises and the use of the potion's cupboards. They were worth it, and very patient with the students. His attention refocused as the door was chapped. "Now I believe that will be Luna."

"I'll get it!" Harry declared, quickly sliding off his seat, missing his Headmaster's amused look. Quickly opening the door and letting Luna in before his familiar could make her way out the door.

"Hey! Are you feeling better?" Luna asked, her blue eyes roaming over Harry with worry.

"I'm fine, honest," Harry told her, smiling beatifically. "We're having dinner at Hogwarts though."

Luna paused, staring at Harry intently, "Are you sure you want to do that?" she asked, her tone quiet. "They're…not being very nice."

Harry shrugged, "I don't care," he declared, "I'm not going to let them ruin this for me."

"This might help," Luna told him, handing over a piece of parchment.

Harry accepted it curiously, opening it to find a list of names. A grin soon spread across his face, "Great minds think alike! I'm already familiar with them!" he said wryly, "Especially Master Goren."

Luna's eyes widened in genuine surprise, "You know Master Goren?" everyone knew of him, of course, but to actually know him?

Harry nodded, "He was doing a convention in St. Lucia a few years ago, dad and I went to see him, and we got talking."

"What's he like?" Luna couldn't help but ask, bright and feverishly.

"He's amazing," Harry said, admiration deep, "While at the Convention he was trying to raise awareness about small clinics and donations. He says small clinics were worth more than hospitals, you didn't get the care you should in hospitals." They were all about seeing as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Clinics tended to care for the same people over and over. Got to know them, and actually tried to get to the root of whatever the problem was instead of giving out pain relief draughts.

"You have to tell me more!" Luna positively gushed, "He's written so many books about snakes and other creatures too! Dragons, and other reptiles! I've always wanted to meet him and get him to sign one of my books."

"Here," Severus interrupted, handing him his coat, "We're ready to go," turning and nudging them gently out the door. He'd ask his son if he wanted to back out, but he knew him all too well. He was going to stick to his guns.

"Thanks, dad," Harry murmured, putting his coat on, and before long, the group were off towards Hogwarts. Although, there was a tenseness to them that just shouldn't be there at all.

"Is this a good idea?" Talin queried, stepping towards Severus, speaking quietly so none of his students could hear. Alejandro was leading the way, talking to his brother Jaden. Alejandro, was eighteen-years-old, he should have been focusing on his Mastery, not following them here, but Talin was relieved all the same. He was long distance learning.

"Expecting a lynching?" Severus asked wryly, "They don't have the guts to try anything in front of teachers or to do harm. They may be able to walk the walk but they can't talk the talk."

"Words hurt worse than physical blows," Talin murmured, he couldn't help but worry what this would do long term to Harry's mental health. Yes, even the strongest of dispositions could be broken down over time. Especially a teenager's disposition, they were still so young.

"That they do, but Harry knows his ability is a gift not a curse, a few months will not undo the care I've ensured to instil in him." Severus easily refuted that statement. He'd known he might face prejudice elsewhere. It had taken years for him to relax and not expect it in St. Lucia.

"Yes, several meeting with Master Goren probably helped with that," Talin said, he'd actually went once with them. Oh, it had been an amazing night, the debates they'd gotten into. He was powerful, intelligent, the only thing they couldn't talk about was parcelmagic, well, they had, but not for long. Harry and Goren had spoken for hours though, in parseltongue.

"And a few others," Severus admitted, what could he say? He was an extremely determined and intelligent wizard. He knew what would be best for Harry, and meeting other well liked, popular Parselmouth's would do the trick. He'd…suspected one day that Harry may return to the British Isles. If not to see where his parents grew up…then to live there. He had so many properties part of the Potter estate. Yes, he had the Potter estate, but the goblins for the most part dealt with it all.

They were at the great hall doors, all too soon, not that Harry seemed to notice. Too deep in conversation with Luna, and quite frankly seemed oblivious to his surroundings. That was proven untrue though, as his eyes narrowed in on the open doors and his shoulders shot up, as he straightened, shoring himself for what was likely to be a very tense dinner.

Conversations and heated whispers began immediately, with Minerva standing and letting off a few loud blasts with her wand. "Enough, these are our guests, we will treat them with the compassion and considerate due. Is that understood?" refusing to allow them to keep up their attitudes.

Dumbledore glanced at Minerva, shrewdly, wondering at her protective reactions. Sure, she didn't tolerate bullying, but it wouldn't be the first time she'd put her head in the sand. Perhaps she was doing this because of the guests within Hogwarts? Probably not, she'd came down rather harshly on the girls whom had bullied Luna Lovegood.

------0

Will dinner be explosive to say the least or will it be a while before Harry snaps? Would you like to see Dumbledore's thoughts? Has he gone to thinking Harry's actually Harry Potter? Or just distrusts him now because of his ability? Will Dumbledore attempt something against Harry? Will this be why Voldemort ultimately targets Harry or will he honestly not care about anything other than getting back? Who will be the unfortunate soul to get kidnapped/even killed? as for the next task...I have a fair idea on what to do and it will be a huge chapter for sure! Will there be two headmaster's out to get him? Will this be a huge conspiracy between the Headmasters and ICW? Will they be exposed by Severus and Talin? R&R please!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 11

Josh and Dylan both were steadily going redder and redder in the face as the malicious gossip around them continued. They weren't the only ones, the other GRS were reacting the same way. It was bad enough gossiping about someone behind their back – they were guilty of it themselves – but saying the things they were saying right here and now? In front of Harry? It was wrong on so many levels.

"Did your dad force a calming draught down your throat?" Josh finally asked in exasperation, staring at his best friend in sincere question.

"Seriously, likes, did he?" Dylan then asked, they knew how much it usually took for Harry to lose his temper. It took a lot, but this? This was surely way too much for Harry to handle…wasn't it?

Harry laughed softly, shaking his head, "No, no but I must have been insane to want to come…nothing is going to change their opinions." A singular bitterness at the situation finally coming through.

"It's pathetic is what it is." Chao imputed from across Harry, the Ravenclaw's were the worst. "Let's just head back to the cabin, you don't have anything to prove."

"Yes, please do that," one of the Hogwarts students muttered loud enough for them to hear.

"Give it a rest and focus on your own pathetic life," Sophie hissed, glaring at the seventh year, or what she was sure was meant to be one. "Grow the bloody hell up and actually research about what you're deriding before you do!"

"Consider yourself lucky that you're only a kid!" scowled the seventeen-year-old, mulishly eating his dinner.

"Oh, please, you're just too scared to do anything where there's a teacher, you're afraid," Sophie sniped back, scoffing at the guy.

"Soph, don't its not worth it," Harry sighed, putting his fork down, suddenly feeling nauseous. What was he thinking coming here? It was a toxic environment. Standing up, everyone went silent, watching him with suspicious narrowed eyes, as if he was about to suddenly kill everyone where they stood. "Every single one of you are pathetic." He said to the silent room, even the teachers went quiet.

"Do you know that there are over one hundred and twelve snake speakers out there in the world?" he informed them coolly, "Thirty-five of them are natural healers, do you even know what that means? Or is your head so firmly lodged up your asses that you can't tell when you stop sprouting shit?"

"Harrison," Talin cautioned him, mostly about his words, not the fact he was speaking up about their misconceptions. Harry was always polite, and if he was angry, his words became icy just like Severus' as a matter of fact. It took a lot to make him actually break and scream and shout, he'd never seen it and he rather hoped never to see it. Severus had well and truly raised a wonderful boy.

"Natural healers are people capable of healing with magic alone, they don't need spells or runes to accomplish the process. They're incapable of performing the Dark Arts…their cores too pure for it." Harry continued on, dipping his head in apology to his Headmaster. "Master Goren who I'm sure you half-wits must have at least heard of…is a renowned Parselmouth, healer and spell creator."

"If the meaning has escaped you utter dunderheads, it means we're born with a mostly pure and powerful magical core. Yes, some do decide to do down a dark route and lose their natural healer talents, if they have them at all. To label someone just because of one wizard…well, I should consider you all evil, after all Voldemort came out of this school, and considering the rampant bullying and disgusting behaviour I've observed it's little wonder."

Severus pursed his lips; his son was much too much like himself.

"How dare you?"

"You've no right!"

"You're wrong!"

"Mr. Regis, please allow me to deal with this," Headmistress McGonagall said kindly, staring at her students with severe disappointment. They were letting her down, letting Hogwarts down and more importantly in her book…they were letting themselves down.

"Or shall we name a few more than you'll most likely have heard of? Master Ageas, Master Harris! Master Thornton Charlie Thomas, Claire Lune, Kerry Helena, Sabrina Brackett, Fleur Savannah, Graham Wentworth, Cho Cheng, Iadine Bastarache, Pravleen Phillips, Candrasaputra Liang, Ruby Liang his twin! Mairanay Patil!Recognize those names? You should! If you pay absolutely any attention to your surroundings. They're all renowned in their chosen fields, they've saved the lives of hundreds of people if not more. They no more have an evil bone in their body as I do, you insipid fatuus'!" resorting to calling them idiots in Latin in his frustration.

Judging by the looks on their faces they were at least familiar with these wizards and witches. It was impossible to miss, they were mentioned all the time in their books, authors of their books, the newspapers, their magazines. They were some of the most well-known wizards in the world. Not just their country but worldwide. Mairanay Patil was a model, one of the most beautiful witches in the world, a distant cousin to the Patil twins as a matter of fact.

She wasn't going to be impressed with them at all, when she reads the newspapers. Especially considering that the family lives so well due to her generosity.

"You need a recent and real reality check, bringing people down, just to make yourselves feel better…how the ICW can consider this school one of the best I really don't know. You're all nothing but simpletons and bullies! You get maybe five people each generation with exceptional minds that go on to do brilliant and wonderful things…yet every single other school of note produces far more." Harry said, "You need to take a long hard look at yourself. Did it make you feel good judging someone for a simple ability? Did it suddenly make you lighter because you were calling me evil and dark? I'm not even angry at you…I pity you. How much your prejudice is taking from you in the shape of genuine friendships…love, happiness, it's such a bitter place to live surrounding yourself with so much negativity." So very grateful to his father for instilling him with confidence and pride in his gifts.

"I couldn't have said it better myself, son, now let us get out of here and eat dinner somewhere much more palatable." Severus informed the still silent room.

Luna and a few of the others who were not quite so prejudice began to clap heartedly. It was perhaps only thirty people out of the sea of students that attended Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry smiled at them nonetheless, giving a nod of silent thanks for their support.

"I don't suppose you have room for another group?" Krum questioned, standing up, although, none of the Slytherin's had anything bad to say about Parselmouth's they did have a lot to say about someone not from the Slytherin line having the ability. That was until Krum informed them how Ilvermorny Magical School had actually begun. That had quietened them down, the realisation that he could well be a very distant relation to Salazar Slytherin was quite a shock to their system. Especially given the belief that the Dark Lord was supposed to be the last of his line.

The Slytherin's puffed up indignantly, at the slight, what the hell was that all about? It wasn't as if they had been all that vocal, in fact they hadn't said anything during the meal, Krum had already sorted them out. So why leave?

"Two groups," Fleur insisted, standing also, speaking her school and the students who had put up with the rampant prejudice. Fleur had been aghast at how quickly the school turned on someone. A fourteen-year-old boy at that. Nobody deserved what they were saying about him, his gift was a wonderous one. She had a gift also, from her grandmother, part Vela, it wasn't any more dangerous or evil than Harry's ability to talk to snakes.

The quiet murmuring of the students got steadily higher, truly not understanding why each and every single one of their guests wanted to leave. Hogwarts was the greatest school, high up in the ICW, best of the best. It had been tested and proven after all. Why were they all defending the boy? Sure, they maybe shouldn't have been so outspoken but it wasn't enough to make them wish to leave?

Minerva sighed, well, so much for international cooperation, not only had her students insulted their guests from GRMS but also the other schools with their intolerance to anything different. Durmstrang and Beauxbaton it seemed, didn't even want to spend time within Hogwarts walls because of them.

"Can they?" Chao asked, eagerly, she was becoming fast friends with a few of the Beauxbaton girls. Not best friends like with Luna, but it was so fascinating to get into debates with them. Their age was becoming significantly less important the longer they were around. The girls and boys were coming to realize that those from GRMS were extremely smart and definitely were going to pass their N.E.W.T's with flying colours.

"I do believe I bought the outside gazebo with us, and I'm sure more than enough food has been made to cater to us all." Talin replied, giving Minerva an apologetic look, feeling awful, but he wouldn't deny them what they wanted. They were old enough to make their own decisions and that was that.

Cheers immediately echoed around the Great Hall, and the GRMS students left – Harry holding Luna's hand and bringing her along – along with those from Beauxbaton and Durmstrang, leaving long faced Hogwarts students behind. Stunned beyond belief at what had just happened. They couldn't believe they had all just gone, choosing a Parselmouth over them.

The tournament was doing what it was meant to for most part, but unfortunately…Hogwarts was being left in the mud.

"I am disappointed with every single one of you," Minerva spoke, "This tournament was brought here so you could make friends, understand international cooperation…learn new things and oversee a tournament that hasn't been going for a very long time." Her lips pursed, "I shall not go on about why, because quite frankly Mr. Regis put it very articulately. Just because someone has a gift, it does not make them evil, he is a fourteen-year-old boy, who aspires to become a magical vet, to help animals, his favourite past time is to play quidditch and spent time taking care of the animals in his school." Trying to make them see that he was just a normal fourteen-year-old child.

With that Minerva shook her head, she honestly would have taken points from every student, but that would have left all the jars in the minus. Giving them detention wouldn't work either, there wasn't enough teachers in the school for that. Then an idea struck her, "I want five-foot homework to be completed on three different Parselmouth's and their chosen career to be completed by the end of the week."

The students did not complain, seeing the look on their Headmistress' face.

"Aren't you being a little too heavy handed, Minerva?" Albus chided, "You cannot fault them for their opinions."

"Shall I focus on the history of Parseltongue in my next lesson?" James Frazier the professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts questioned. "It certainly would be an eye-opening experience." Frowning as he recalled the past few days, it was difficult not to say something. Children however, were rather cruel, and didn't change their opinions easily or at all sometimes. He had attended Ilvermorny with someone who was a Parselmouth. They'd been in their sixth year, him first, their family was actually the reason he was able to go, they donated a lot money to the school s students could afford scholarships. He utterly ignored Albus as if he'd never spoken. Personally, he disliked the fact that the wizard was allowed anywhere near children.

"That is a very good idea, do you know enough to make it an entire lesson?" Minerva questioned, "I'm afraid to say that I don't." not questioning his judgement just acknowledging her own was extremely lacking. The next DADA class was tomorrow morning.

"I do," James admitted, his personal tastes were very eclectic to say the least, "I had no idea that prejudice was so wide spread at Hogwarts." He confessed; he'd never seen anything like it in the years he'd been teaching. If he'd had a clue, they were all thinking such things, he would have most definitely begun teaching them what he could, enabled them to think for themselves, not just what they'd been told. Debates were good for allowing students to express themselves, let others understand what they were thinking, and debate the pros and cons. Yes, thinking about it, he realized, he really wanted to do it.

Minerva's eyes gleamed sadly, "Unfortunately…I did, and it is my own fault for not doing something about it. I went for the norm, burying my head in the sand and forgetting about it." her wit dry and serious, not above revealing her own faults.

"You had a lot to do, it's hardly surprising you were overwhelmed," James retorted, his own Scottish accent peaking through. Glancing at Albus Dumbledore, and making no bones about his contention with the wizard. Blaming him, but nonetheless, very grateful he was no longer in charge of the students.

Quite frankly, James wished the wizard would hurry up and die already. He greatly disliked having him around all the time, sticking his nose in where it wasn't wanted. Trying to tell him how to schedule his classes, what he should teach, what he should refrain from teaching them, that the 'Dark Arts' rotted innocent children's magical cores. Oh, yes, who could blame him for disliking Dumbledore after what he'd had to endure during his first year as a Professor. "I'll refrain from giving them additional homework," James teased, causing Minerva to smother her amusement and Filius as well.

"I shall not," Filius stated abruptly, in fact he was going to give them all homework to complete in the coming days. He was furious, not only with what was going on in his own house with Cho Chang and her friends. What they had done to Luna Lovegood was diabolical, he'd spoken to her and gotten the truth of it. He did not blame her the slightest for wishing to leave Hogwarts, in fact he wished her well, it wouldn't be easy for someone to get into GRMS. She was a smart girl though, hopefully she'd succeed. Now this, the rampant prejudice was intolerable to him. If they knew what he was he knew he'd be on the list of their mocking ways.

Not that it would bother him, naturally, he was a grown wizard – stature aside – he could take care of himself. He was powerful, smart, dedicated to his passions, and could defend himself. Unfortunately, one couldn't do anything like that to students, so hopefully he'd never be confronted with a possibility.

"Filius!" Albus chided, "We're all entitled to make our own mind up."

"Only if they can make an informed decision," Filius stated sharply, "That boy did not deserve what has been said about him the last few days. Not after what he'd just faced, a bloody dragon on his own!" shaking his head, honestly, it was almost as if Karkaroff wanted someone to die and the whole thing disbanded again. It may well have killed his favourite student for Merlin's sake, risky business all around. Thankfully though, the last two should be at least moderately safe. Since Talin and Karkaroff tasks were done, it meant only Minerva and Maxime was left.

"I'd say he handled himself just fine," Magee snorted, the transfiguration professor joining the conversation, as short as it would be. "Not many fourteen-year-olds would have been so composed, I know I wouldn't have been." He would have been kicking out, screaming and yelling at them for being idiots. "I would have been stomping around and cursing everyone left right and centre."

James and Filius snorted, grudgingly nodded, that yeah, they would have reacted the same at that age.

"Those from GRMS matured a little more quickly," Minerva sighed, "I wonder if any of the students will return,"

"Course they will," the Headmistress of Beauxbaton insisted, "I shall make sure of it," her French accent very broad.

"No, don't force them…perhaps it might get my students to see just how wrong they were," Minerva confessed, grudgingly, since she wanted things to settle down. The students were only coming for dinner these days as it was, having breakfast and lunch in their own accommodations. She rather hoped they didn't stop fully coming to dinner and maybe just struck out in protest against Harry's treatment for a day or two.

She could only hope.

"Very well," the gentle giant agreed, smiling at the half-giant mooning at her from down the table.

"It cannot be denied that those with the ability to talk to snakes on the British isle have been quite dark," Albus tried to change the subject back to something he felt very strongly about. "In fact, they were in and out of Azkaban their entire lives."

"They are a few of the hundreds, Mr. Regis is quite right, they shouldn't be judged on a couple of wizards. Not any more than we deserved to be blamed for the work of Voldemort or Grindelwald." Magee stated, he had been listening to their earlier conversation.

Their conversation pattered off when dessert came, Albus finally quietened down, once again annoyed at his suggestions were being discarded so easily and swiftly. Getting the children to accept snake speakers, they're all evil every single one of them. They were just able to better hide it, just like Tom Riddle had the entire world fooled.

-0

Talin did indeed erect the gazebo and it became more of a picnic than dinner. Instead of tables and chairs, they just sat down on the throws and pillows. Fleur looked the most graceful naturally, and Krum looked very uncomfortable despite the small smile on his face. Between bites to eat they were all talking, the strain of taking N.E.W.T's, what subject they found to be the most difficult, enjoying the tournament, not one mention of Hogwarts or it's students were made.

Not directly at any rate.

The students from Durmstrang and Beauxbaton reassured him that they weren't 'prejudice oafs' and thought how he dealt with the dragon was very cool.

"At least you didn't destroy the dragon's eggs," Krum sighed glumly, "I didn't really expect them to put them in there without spells on them."

Harry inhaled, "Magic doesn't work quite well on dragons but their eggs are a whole different ball game. If magic is placed directly on them, they're worthless. Sanctuaries rely heavily on the sale of dragon's eggs and…scales when they shed. Or the carcass when they pass on."

"Those eggs will fetch them enough to keep all the dragons going for…half a year I'd say? The potions that require them are always high in demand because of the lack of supply. So, the handlers are able to sell them at a really, really big price." Deacon commented, joining in, "A lot of magical creatures' eggs are worth a lot of money actually but none more so than the Runespoor and Dragon eggs."

"With less of them, they'll be more desperate so I'd say a year," Harry commented, "The handlers are fucking assholes, making us do that."

"Why are you blaming the Dragon Handlers?" Ciprian asked, staring at the teen curiously.

"You think your headmaster came up with it?" Harry asked wryly, "There's only so many things you can do with a dragon in a dressed up Quidditch pitch. No, it will have been the dragon handler's suggestion. I could tell by how guilty they looked."

"Rian pass over the chicken!" Cosmin requested, of Ciprian, "Definitely wasn't the Headmaster's suggestion," he agreed.

"Only the Dragon handlers would have thought of it, no doubt in order to raise awareness but I'd say it backfired." Harry agreed.

"Definitely." Deacon stated.

"They're going to have a lot of trouble in the coming years protecting them." Luna agreed.

"How's that?" Krum frowned.

"A Fourteen-year-old managed to get the egg, a seventeen-year-old managed to get the eggs…and get back out intact…" Luna said wryly.

"Yeah, that's why there are sanctuaries, because of the Dragon Hunters, they'll warm the places in droves with the ideas we've given them." Harry nodded.

"Oh, yeah, they'll regret that alright," Josh shook his head.

"Poor things," Fleur murmured, "These sanctuaries…do they get a lot in the way of donations?"

"Within certain communities, yes, a lot," Deacon chimed in, "Especially those within the Herbology, Potion and spell creation worlds and of course the Ministries give them money too. It takes a lot of money to keep the dragons healthy, alive and happy." They had handlers to pay, dragons to keep healthy, vets to pay, a lot of meat to buy.

"You know a lot about that," Rian mused, 'for a fourteen-year-old went unsaid.

"Yeah, I want to go into zoology when I'm older, I've always been interested, there's a few sanctuaries near where I stay, I visit often. I've even officially got a job with them, interning when I return back home." Deacon said, "Nothing as big as Dragons, mostly just animals native to St. Lucia, although they've often gone on about how pathetic the British Minister is…the amount greatly diminished once Minister Fudge took office."

For the next hour as they all ate, the groups all spoke of sanctuaries near their homes. What they normally did during the summer holidays. Their own Ministers, and their school, which Harry and the others took a great interest in. Especially in the classes offered to them, and not surprising none of them had much in the way of Mundane classes. Although everyone agreed that they'd much prefer to have the classes in school and not having to work additionally during the summer holidays. Which was where they learned math, English and everything else they'd need for day to day living.

"Although, most of it was already taught by the time we went to school," Viktor conceded.

"Yeah, but how many friends did you have during your early years?" Chao pointed out, "I've been friends with everyone here since I was like five-years-old. We all learned everything together."

"I've only ever had a few close friends, my parents invited people over who had children my age, and of course my siblings." Viktor told them, "Had sleepovers when my parents were working, it would have been nicer to have a bigger group of friends growing up…but I'm grateful for the small group now."

"Because you can trust them?" Luna said smiling.

"Yeah," Viktor agreed, trust them not to reveal every little thing to the newspapers just because he liked to play quidditch.

"There's always a downside to fame," Harry agreed, thinking on that empty grave, people still laying down flowers grieving for a baby they hadn't even known. "Fake people wanting to know you, ride on your coattails, but not really giving a shit about you." he was so very grateful to his father for all he'd done for him, giving him a normal upbringing, the best friends he could ask for…and the best education possible.

"Yes, look what we've got ourselves into," Fleur said dryly, laughing a little.

"Ah, but we didn't do it for the fame…at least I didn't," Harry said, "I wanted my school to be internationally recognized…and the ICW sort of goaded us into it."

Josh snorted.

"Okay, goaded me into it," Harry said dryly, grinning widely.

"Do you know what your next task is yet?" Sophie asked, "Harry hasn't opened his riddle yet!"

"It's hardly a riddle," Viktor confessed, "You'll know what it is when you've heard it." not giving it away but as he said, they'd know.

"Huh, now you definitely have to let us hear it!" Sophie nudged Harry in excitement.

"Come on Harry!"

The teens began to cheer Harry on, to get him to open the clue so they could hear it too.

Harry rolled his eyes, "Alright, alright," he sighed dramatically, "Are any of you afraid of wolves? Allergic?"

Everyone shook their head, no they weren't.

Harry nodded, "Excuse me," he said politely, before he headed off.

Not two seconds later, Luna bound out, tail going crazy, as she tried to be petted by everyone at the same time. Going to her favourites first, Josh, Dylan, Luna, Deacon – who always had jerky in his pocket for her he'd had permission of course – and then she had a good sniff of absolutely everyone else, being petted and cooed over. There were a few apprehensive, naturally, being so close to a wolf, but that faded when Luna didn't so much as show her teeth to anyone.

"She's extremely well behaved. Rian admitted, in awe.

"She's not entirely domesticated," Harry commented, returning with his golden egg. "She lives with me, but also spends a lot of time with her siblings, the rest of the Moon cub pack in my back garden. She's my familiar, I bonded with her."

"She's magnificent, it's not often a wolf would initiate a familiar bond," Rian said, petting her, and anyone who believed they initiated a bond to a familiar were stupid. "Too stubborn."

"She was sick," Harry confessed, "She wouldn't have survived in the wild,"

"Makes sense," Viktor nodded, "Smart thing."

"Well, they are intelligent." Harry said smugly, "She's saved my life too."

Josh and Dylan became sombre as they remember what happened. It was one of the most frightening days of their lives, everyone had been affected despite the fact it hadn't happened to them. Truthfully Luna hadn't actually saved their lives, it was Harry's magic, but it didn't matter, there was no point to arguing semantics. Harry's dad had a tough time keeping their names, pictures and location out of the newspapers actually. He'd come down hard on the local news station to ensure it. Josh's mum had a friend at the paper that had warned them.

"Let's get it opened then!" Harry said immediately, not wishing to dwell on that particular day. He definitely didn't want it souring their mood, which since leaving Hogwarts had definitely increased dramatically. It's just a shame that Hogwarts students were so prejudice that they weren't getting to experience this.

This was what Minerva had wanted after all.

Harry opened the egg, and Minerva's voice emerged from within.

Fleur and Viktor listened despite having already figured out their clue – not that it was difficult – and knew what it was. Although, truthfully, both had found her accent a little difficult to decipher.

For this third task, your magic will be put to the test.

Endurance and perseverance will be your friend.

Counter-spells and shields will be your best bet.

The arena will in itself trip you up, with traps galore.

Your chosen partner must remain untouched by magic,

For your success to be assured.

"Okay, so duelling?" Josh mused, "What did it mean by chosen partner?"

"I've to choose someone to come with me, I've to be their shield," Harry said realization dawning, "I've to protect them from all the traps and presumably Cedric, Viktor and Fleur when we're duelling."

"That's what we took from it too," Fleur nodded.

"I wonder what sort of traps they'll have," Chao asked eagerly.

"Does that mean if even one of them get trapped in a single trap that's it? Game over?" Luna wondered. "And are your school friends even counted as a 'partner'? or are you to ask someone else…someone from another school?"

"I didn't think of that one," Fleur admitted, "I've already asked my best friend to do it,"

The aforementioned friend nodded, it was true, he had been asked.

"They can't expect us to ask from the other schools…" Viktor scowled.

"No, they don't expect it," Talin said, joining the conversation, floating out trays of warm goodies, cookies and hot chocolate in goblets.

"Then what?" Fleur queried perplexed.

"It's to be someone close to you, someone you'd miss, someone you love dearly, someone not currently participating in the tournament...or it's schools." Talin explained, as he sat down for a moment. "Minerva did wish it to be easy, but unfortunately, they thought it much too easy, and decided to make it just that little bit harder." Not blaming anyone in particular.

"Someone or something?" Harry asked, grinning sneakily.

"Someone," Talin said wryly, handing over the goblets explaining what's in them should any of the children have allergies.

Harry pouted for a few seconds before shrugging his shoulders, he wouldn't want to let Luna be put in danger anyway. Although she was really fast and they could have theoretically done this arena in no time at all. Still, he'd need to pick someone fast, with really good reflexes. "I don't know anyone else who isn't involved in the tournament in some way…or someone that isn't with the school." His brow furrowing, wondering what it would mean if he couldn't find anyone to meet the criteria?

"That is very unfair, who are they expecting us to bring?" Fleur asked outraged, "We agreed to do this tournament not anyone else!" after what they'd done to the dragon eggs, were they really going to put someone else in possible danger?

"It's something you'll need to discuss with your Headmistress," Talin said softly, giving her a small commiserating smile. "And your Headmaster." None of his distaste for Karkaroff showing in his voice.

"But I really don't know anyone else…" Harry pointed out, and he was discussing this with his Headmaster. "What do you want me to do? Pluck my next-door neighbours' kid off the ground, tell her I'm taking him for the task and I'll be back soon? Bye!"

Muffled laughter met his words.

"There's no need for sarcasm, or abducting Rimantas," Talin said in bemusement, primarily called Remy, despite his father's general grumblings. After so long single, she'd taken up with a man whom she adored, and had a son, Rimantas, apparently it was a family name. Deividas was from Lithuanian, his father Lithuanian and his mother British.

"I'm not sure about that," Harry said thoughtfully, he wasn't sure what else he could do. Not that he'd really go and abrupt his two-year-old friends' little brother.

"He's kidding," Sophie reassured the others, "It's his friend's kid brother, he's like one-years-old…"

"Two," Adan commented, "You came to the party remember?" a few of his friends had been invited as had his brothers.

It did get Fleur and Viktor thinking of their own families…for they too were in a similar predicament.

Who to use that isn't involved in the school or tournament?

------------0

I wanted Harry to be the better man so he wasn't TOO vicious! :D I hope that conveyed through the chapter and I'm sorry if you were looking for a smackdown LOL...unless he gets attacked and he defends himself? Would you guys like to see something like that? looking forward to the next task? Will there be something the ICW are up to? Will the three schools work together or four of them? To find out? who will be picked in the end for Harry and the others? R&R please!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 12

"Have you come to a decision on whom you will partner with?" Minerva asked them, the judges surrounding her, as they waited on a reply from the champions. They had already spoken in great length with their headmaster or headmistresses in order to understand the rules in greater detail. The egg only informed the champions of their task, not the rules.

"I don't know why you're calling them partners, they don't get to help us," Cedric complained quietly, "More like a sacrificial lamb,"

Harry, Viktor and Fleur laughed a little, tense and cautious themselves. wholeheartedly agreeing with his statement though. It was true, why call them partners when they could not participate?

"Mr. Diggory," Minerva gave him an unimpressed glance.

"My brother, Lazar Krum has agreed to come," Viktor informed them, he was fast on his feet and agile. There was no doubt he would be able to keep himself from being hit with a great many spells. He wasn't sure how the whole thing would go down. Just that they would be having to protect their chosen from spells as well as traps laid out.

"Just for the day or will he be sticking around?" Harry asked, he'd heard a great deal of information about Lazar, he was impressive to say the least. Older than Viktor but not by much, and already had a Mastery under his belt and was already on his way towards completing his second one.

"He will return home the day after, the Portkey has already been programmed." Viktor said, grinning at Harry. He had missed his brother, his family, even though he spoke to them every night.

"You aren't picking Hermione Granger?" came the unwelcome voice of Albus Dumbledore.

"No," Viktor stated, giving Dumbledore a confused by vexed look. Why on earth was this wizard here? He had nothing to do with the tournament, wasn't a judge and most certainly knew nothing about him.

"My little sister," Fleur informed them, seeing as Viktor had no plans to speak again. She could see he was becoming a little agitated by the presumptions and the look on the old man's face. She was small and fast, hopefully it would ensure she wasn't such a big and easy target. Knowing fundamentally that nobody was going to be in true danger eased her fears. "Gabrielle Delacour."

"Apolline will be displeased if anything happens," the Beauxbaton Headmistress declared, "She demands all precautions be taken to prevent any harm coming to the participants, she says to inform you that you won't like the consequences." Informing them of what she had been told to say by the protective mother.

Everyone shifted looking a little beady eyed, all of them aware of just how powerful Apolline was and what she was capable of. She was very high up in the French Ministry and she could bring a great deal of harm to their door.

Fleur smothered her amusement; everyone was terrified of her mother. Her reputation was well known, she never understood it. Her mother was shorter than her, loving and beautiful. Never shown any hint of temper a day in her life.

"Mr. Diggory?" Minerva questioned, "Have you decided?" he had better, they were drawing closer to the day.

Cedric licked his lips, "My cousin, Aramis Diggory," they saw each other every summer, but they were by no means extremely close. When he'd heard of his predicament, he'd immediately offered.

"Your cousins Aramis Diggory?" Fleur gaped in shock, "The Runes Master?" one of the youngest at that.

Cedric nodded, "I visit France every summer to see my Uncle and cousins, Aramis always did have a fascination with Runes." He was an only child, it had been…it was always his favourite holidays, the summer. Getting to visit children his own age, although Aramis was a few years older than him.

"I can't wait to talk to him! Oh, the others are going to be so exited!" Harry declared, grinning at Cedric, "Well, except Sophie unless she asks a million questions about Runes," he added with sheepish amusement.

"He won't mind, he spends twelve hours of his day probably more discussing Runes." Cedric grinned, "It's probably why I'm as good as I am at it." it wasn't his favourite class, Defence was, but naturally, he was very good at Runes.

"And you, Mr. Regis?" Minerva asked, wondering at whom the young man was going to ask.

"My father, Septimus Regis," Harry said proudly, almost puffing up as he said his name. He was well known, maybe not utterly famous here, but in St. Lucius everyone in the community knew whom he was. Even here he was known, they used his books, thanks to Minerva.

"That is against the rules," Karkaroff insisted.

"Quite correct, nobody associated with the school can be used," Dumbledore backed him up.

"My father is not a teacher at GRMS," Harry explained as if speaking to a toddler, which irritated Dumbledore, judging by the gleam in his blue eyes. Karkaroff too naturally. "Has never been a teacher at GRMS he's a Potions Master and renowned Author."

"He's here looking after the students; thus, he's associated with the school," Dumbledore chided him, distrusting the boy immensely. His feelings for a certain other snake speaker merging with this boy.

"I think you'll find that they don't need looking after," Alejandro explained calmly, staring at them. "I too volunteered, I signed nothing to indicate association with the school. You'll find I cannot sign anything; I'm currently gaining my Mastery. Septimus Regis is a close personal friend, and elected to come so that my father at least had some adult company. During what he knew would be a rather difficult year."

"Then if they signed nothing, they technically aren't associated with the school and thus can participate." Minerva nodded as if the matter was settled.

"He's his father!" Krum protested.

"That he is," Talin agreed wholeheartedly. "And he is not a professor at my school."

"And Viktor has a brother arriving, Fleur a sister, Cedric a cousin," Maxime stated in her no-nonsense voice. "If this young man isn't to use his father…then they cannot use their siblings or cousins." She added crisply.

"What? You can't! I literally have nobody else I can use!" Cedric protested, everyone he knew was at Hogwarts, literally everyone. He wasn't going to use his bloody neighbours – who were miles away from the estate – and he barely knew them. "All my friends and acquaintances are here, at Hogwarts and as you've pointed out they can't be used." Way make this situation way more stressful than need be.

"It's sarcasm," Harry whispered, "She's making her point," speaking low enough that only Viktor and Fleur could hear him.

"I hope she makes it then!" Cedric grumbled.

Karkaroff, Dumbledore, Maxime, Talin and Minerva all argued until a voice put a stop to it.

"He can use his father, there is no rule stating otherwise," Crouch's whispered command was heard throughout the room. His eyes staring bleakly at them, thinking on his own family. "Now can we move along?"

"Yes, yes, very well, very well," Karkaroff grumbled, "We're all set." Grimacing a little at the look on his student's face. It's a look he was becoming increasingly familiar with as of late. Viktor wasn't happy with him and had taken to avoiding him when he could. Which irritated him something rotten, what on earth had gotten into him?

"Champions, you may go," Minerva stated firmly, giving a nod to the students. Silently thanking them for their appearance and answers. She barely saw Fleur and Viktor of the rest of the students from both schools. They had taken to having their meals with the GRMS.

"It's nearly lunch, do you have any other classes?" Fleur questioned them as she exited the room first, as Harry opened the door for her.

"No," Viktor shook his head.

"It's only History of magic," Cedric said, still not used to it being a half decent class, although that's exactly what it was now.

"I'm afraid my classes are only beginning, and I do need to attend, I'll be taking my NEWTS when I return home after the tournament is done." Harry said apologetically, "Meet up with you guys at dinner?"

"Sure, we'll come with," Fleur said, "Just to the doors of the entrance hall," so they could see him return to the cabin. They weren't taking any chances of the students attacking Harry if he was alone. Although, they all had a feeling that Harry could probably hold his own against anyone.

"I'll be fine-" Harry almost jumped when some spoke behind him.

"How did it go?" Luna questioned, giggling at his reaction.

Harry shrugged, "Just as well as we expected it," he told her wryly, "Dumbledore and Karkaroff argued…although Crouch settled it…" pretty much par of the course as of late.

"Have you found anything in your Headmasters correspondence?" Luna whispered, despite the halls being empty of anyone, ghosts, people or portraits.

Viktor grunted, "No," nothing unexpected anyway.

"Nobody in their right mind would keep incriminating evidence," Fleur scoffed, shaking her head, they weren't idiots.

"No but someone overly confident might…" Harry said thoughtfully, eyes gleaming. He knew just who to call, Talin's daughter, Jaden and Alejandro's sister, Tali. If they could convince her to break into the ICW wizard's office there might be correspondence there.

"Don't get anyone into trouble…you might be wrong," Cedric cautioned, as always, the voice of reason.

"You're probably right," Harry admitted, "It's probably just over the top competitiveness…" the high of getting their schools turning out to be the winner of this competition.

"Yeah, everyone is more eager to win than us," Cedric choked out an incredulous laugh. "It's insane!" his own father was his biggest supporter and best friend really. He was a tad bit too maniacal to see his son win, but it was all good.

Harry smiled, "A little bit," he agreed. "Are you finished classes for the day?" he turned to Luna in query.

"I have one more class, Potions, then I'm done, which is forty-five minutes before the class starts." Luna explained after glancing at her watch. "I'll walk with you?" knowing Harry had classes after.

"Sure, you still coming?" Harry asked, craning his neck to see the others.

They all agreed and began chatting about what had just done down. Displaying their amusement at some of the comments and the way it had been rehearsed. Adding their confusion as to why Dumbledore had been there. Why he would even think to ask about Granger.

"Well, you did go to the Yule Ball with her I suppose," Harry sighed, "In his day, it was probably seen as the beginning of a courtship." He smothered a snigger.

Viktor grunted and bared his teeth in amusement, "What does he know? He's never been married or engaged."

"Who told you that?" Fleur asked, surprised.

"My parents, they were very invested in the war, and the people involved," Viktor said darkly, recalling the mess Grindelwald had left everyone to mop up. Or rather, recalling the stories he'd been told by his grandparents who were no longer with him bless their souls. "My parents still talk about it a lot." Drives his friends mad, they didn't want to hear about it, except Lilyana she was always fascinated when his parents spoke of the war.

"Why gather information about Dumbledore though? I mean in all seriousness? All he did want duel Grindelwald and best him? That was the extent of his efforts in the war." Harry asked, brow furrowed, almost tripping due to the divot of stones.

"I never asked my parents why," Viktor shrugged, "But anything you want to know…they'll know. My parents are in politics now, they use any information they can get. Along with all the information they already had." It was just their way of life, you don't just give up or not use information against people in positions of power.

Harry grinned rather deviously; eyes gleaming as he stared at Viktor. "I wouldn't mind knowing…depends on the price though." And there most definitely was always a price.

"Want me to find out?" Viktor asked, ignoring the conversation Cedric and Luna were having with Fleur.

"Yeah, go ahead," Harry said, it was very unlikely he'd have what it took to get all the juicy gossip from the Krum's, but he was more curious about what It was worth than gossip on Dumbledore himself. If he did manage to get it, he'd definitely give it directly to his father.

Before long they were all at the door of the cabin, "Well, I guess this is it for me, you going to be okay going back to Hogwarts?" his concern for Luna prevalent. Especially considering that she had sided with GRMS and made it clear where her allegiance lies. Who knows whether they knew she was actually going to be attending GRMS next year and not Hogwarts.

"She won't be alone," Cedric told him, "We're going to escort Fleur and Viktor back, get some exercise I certainly could use it." he felt like he'd been cooped up too long, despite not having to take his exams…Harry had sort of guilted him into doing it – without even bloody trying to guilt him! – so he'd been spending a lot of time when he wasn't with his new friends at the library or practicing for what's to come in the next task.

"Just be careful…" Harry said his fingers brushing against Luna's his concern for her obvious.

Luna flushed bright red at the attention, attention she most definitely wasn't used to at all. Let alone from such an attractive Fourteen-year-old who was a whole year older than her.

Then the door suddenly opened and Luna bound out, after rubbing herself along Harry on the way. Almost causing him to fall on his backside, but thankfully the cabin was in a fortuitous position for him.

"Good afternoon," Severus said smoothly, watching his son with knowing eyes, not that Harry noticed. His boy was still staring at Luna, if he didn't know any better, he would say he was completely enamoured. Oh, who was he kidding? Harry definitely was. Clearing his throat, and Harry jumped.

"Hi dad!" Harry said, a little squeak to his voice that wasn't normally present.

"Hi, Mr. Regis," Luna said politely, the redness fading from her face.

"Did you get it sorted?" Severus asked calmly, Talin still had not returned, not that he was surprised. No doubt they were making last minute decisions about the task and making sure all was running smoothy. From spectator safety to ultimately the safety of the champions.

"Yeah, they tried to argue against you getting to take part," Harry said looking up at his dad. "Ale was awesome!"

"Was he, indeed?" Severus asked in amusement.

"They insisted you couldn't because you were 'associated' with the school," Cedric sighed, shaking his head ruefully. "It was all sorted though, thankfully! I mean I didn't know who else to ask!" not that he'd technically asked his cousin he'd volunteered.

"You should consider yourself lucky, Karkaroff and Maxime wished to choose for you lot," Talin explained, making an appearance. "Hermione Grangers name was in for you." he informed Viktor.

"Bloody hell," Viktor muttered, shaking his head, honestly, it's like they didn't know him at all. Just because he attended the ball with the only girl not fawning over him…didn't mean he was in love with her like the newspapers were speculating. He'd had to reassure his parents that he most definitely wasn't.

"You're going to be late for your class," Severus cautioned his son, seeing the time for himself.

"Crap!" Harry said wide eyed.

"Language," Severus said mildly, "Go on, in you go, you'll see Luna later on today," after he had done his schooling, which was more important. He would not let Harry's grades suffer not for the want of a girl, or any troubles he was feeling.

"Bye guys!" Harry said, giving Luna one last subtle lingering look before he was gone, racing towards the 'classroom' that was set up for them to attend classes.

"Harrison Regis?" his name was spoken as he skidded into the room.

"Here!" he called, all but sliding into his seat, while the others muffled their laughter.

"Okay, we're all here, let's get on with todays lesson…" came their professors voice through the mirror, able to see them as the mirror was set up so that they could see the entire classroom.

-0

"I heard there were protests to my 'participation'?" Severus stated, as Talin made coffee for them. Once he had Luna back inside, and the door was closed.

"Indeed, not that it lasted overly long," Talin informed him, "I had nothing much to say…it's entirely draining dealing with them." And considering the meetings he'd had to endure in the past…it was saying a lot.

"It can be," Severus sighed, accepting the cup slid across from him. "I am going to assume Dumbledore somehow got himself involved?" his tone bone dry.

Talin stated, "Yes," in irritation, that old fool seemed to always find himself in the middle of things. "I am rather irate that nobody said anything about his presence there."

"That is Dumbledore for you," Severus said wryly, he hadn't been in the old fool's presence for years. Thankfully he was no longer his concern, just getting Harry to complete the tournament and get him home was all that mattered. "Regardless of his besmirched reputation…he's very well liked."

"I'd never allow that," Talin stated firmly, "Not after what he did, he shouldn't be near children."

"I completely agree," Severus nodded, sipping on his brew, "You won't hear me arguing," it was his son whom he had endangered after all.

Talin sighed, both of them sitting in comfortable silence. There was no need to always talk, that was how close they were. The peace was only shattered ten minutes later with the arrival of an owl.

"That's my order," Severus said, relief sweeping his features, as he stood and made for the window where the owl was perched patiently waiting.

Talin observed him, musing over the relief wondering at it.

"I had worried that it wouldn't come in time despite reassurances," Severus claimed the box and let it adjust to its proper size.

"I see," Talin murmured, finishing off his coffee cup. "I'm glad it came," for his peace of mind. Whatever it was, was evidently important to him.

"I may not be able to help my son directly but I can ensure his safety," Severus continued on, opening the box, and finding the measurements were exactly as he requested.

"Dragonhide armour?" Talin queried, touching it to confirm, that will have cost a pretty penny.

"Indeed, most of the spells will deflect off it, it will give him an easier time of it." Severus commented, closing the box once confirmed it was exactly as ordered. There wouldn't be enough time to send it back for adjustments if it had been wrong.

"He certainly will," Talin commented, feeling a little relieved. "Now I best get those updates done while I have some time."

"Indeed, I really should get my book started to," Severus sighed, he'd been putting it off. Anxious as he was, he'd been too worried to really focus or concentrate on his newest book. He'd yet to go beyond his deadline, and he'd really rather not. Although, his publicist would understand, everyone knew what was happening. Everything about the tournament was being written down in the papers where the champions were from.

With that duty called, as they both squared their shoulders and got down to it.

-0

"Hey, Dad! I'm off to see…" Harry came into the bedroom calling out to his father.

"Just a moment, son," Severus said, before Harry could continue, writing forgotten as he turned to face his son.

"Is everything alright?" Harry asked, staring at his father curiously. It wasn't an unusual sight seeing his father writing. Although, him interrupting definitely was.

"I'm fine, there's a gift for you on your bed," Severus told him. "I'd like you to wear it during the task."

"During the task?" Harry murmured, glancing at his bed, finding a big square box as indicated. Walking over, he opened the lid, and gasped at the contents, touching it lightly well aware of what it was. "Dragonhide." He had a pair of boots and a wand holster made of it. The real deal was expensive, replicas were less so.

"It is, and as you know, Dragonhide is very durable." Severus commented, "I want you to try it on and make sure you can move adequately without difficulty."

"Oh," Harry said, blinking in surprise, "Thanks, Dad!" he said, hugging his dad tightly, beaming in delight. A weight he hadn't been fully aware of easing somewhat.

"You're welcome, now give it a try, it should fit over your clothes," Severus nudged him, as he focused back on his writing, finishing his sentence. Before tapping it with his wand so that the ink dried utterly. He didn't want it to smudge, although it could be easily corrected…he didn't want to have to do it. There, now he'd been very productive today…he felt as though he'd accomplished something.

"I'm done…what do you think?"

Severus swiftly turned and found that his son was getting on the last few pieces attached. Eyeing every piece critically, giving a museful nod, it fitted near perfection. "It's perfect," he conceded, smug that he'd gotten it right.

"Too much though, I'm going to be going through a growth spurt again which might mean it won't fit," Harry pouted a little, "But I do love it, thanks dad!"

"May fit under your clothes for a bit, but yes, you're quite right, it will not fit after your done with your growth spurt." Severus said, a proud gleam in his eyes as he stared at his son. Never for a moment did he ever think he'd be a good father back then. His own upbringing was abysmal and father just…lacking in every single possible way. Now look at him, he'd raised a wonderful boy. He was still not sure where he'd gone right, but he'd done it, and he was proud of himself.

"True! Can I show everyone?" Harry asked, already wanting to head out to see everyone's reaction.

Severus chuckled, "Entirely up to you," he murmured, watching his son take off, yes, he'd done well, he'd admit. Hopefully, well enough, that his son would emerge from this tournament unscathed an unsettled frown appearing on his face as he contemplated the tournament.

-0

"What are you wearing?" came the immediate questions the second Harry appeared.

"Dragonhide armour! Dad bought it for me…for the next task!" Harry said, twirling around to show them. "It has everything I'll need!" he knew it would have been bought from a very reputable source. No Dragons would have been harmed to make the armour.

"Brilliant!" Dylan declared, "It will help a whole lot during the next task…"

"They didn't say something like this was forbidden?" Chao asked, frowning in concern.

"Nope, they said nothing about wearing anything," Harry said smugly, "Which means they can't forbid it."

"Unless, they hear around it and then do it," Sophie stated pursing her lips, "You have to keep it quiet…maybe even wear it under your gear when you go out…"

"Unless, they try to disqualify him for hiding it," Josh pondered, "They're being downright vicious seriously!" he was becoming increasingly ill-tempered towards the tournament officials, and how so utterly prejudice they were.

"They wouldn't dare…would they?" Sophie scoffed, "Course they would…" especially if Harry's thoughts were correct.

"Maybe you should inform them…or not wear it," Chao said in frustration, "I think…I think I'm going to read through the rules and regulations."

"Don't, they change them each task, it's the way it's always been. You'd be reading through a massive doorstep for nothing." Harry shook his head, "I'll keep quiet, wear it on top of my clothes, and if they tell me no then I'll take it off and only then." His excitement not diminished the slightest.

"I wonder how much it can expand…" Josh wondered, he was taller and a bit broader than Harry, so he wouldn't fit into it. "I wonder how it would hold up against the balls in quidditch."

"Kindly don't ask to find out unless you want to volunteer!" Harry chortled, shaking his head, he was definitely not going to. Dragonhide was brilliant at defecting spells…but Bludgers? He didn't think so.

Sophie laughed out loud, "Oh my god! Can you imagine," rubbing her chest in sympathetic pain of being hit in the chest with a Bludger. She'd never been hit herself, nobody had, a leg or arm as it passed maybe but that was it. "Oh, are they coming for dinner again?" the House-elves they'd brought with them were busier than ever and loving it, as they made additional meals for those attending from Durmstrang and Beauxbaton. A whole range of food, so that they experienced the other countries meals and favoured foods.

"Yeah, but the weather…we're definitely going to need the gazebo," Harry said, they could all hear the rain pattering against the cabin. "Or actually in here…" it would be very cosy and impossible to move, but it was brilliant, fascinating conversations, heated debates, everyone had someone they all spoke to.

"Hopefully…even with spells it's such a dreary day to sit out there!" Sophie confessed. The benches were soaking wet, with magic they can be bone dry again…but they couldn't change the weather.

"Yeah, you're right, the grass is sinking under your feet too," Chao admitted, "I put your boots on to let Luna out for a pee…it was like someone had cast a sinking charm on the ground."

"In only a few hours?" Harry wrinkled his brow in confusion.

"Yeah but remember it's been raining continuously for days before we go the rain this afternoon. It's good for the earth…not so good for us." Talin informed them, "Now leave the kitchen for a few moments while I set it up so that you can all eat in here." Shooing them out.

"Well, Sophie, that answers that question," Chao said, laughing as she laced her arms with her best friend.

"Certainly does," Sophie said dryly, sniggering in amusement. "Come on, I need to write down what our homework is…before I forget." Making a beeline for her journal. Which had her timetable, homework, due dates of her homework, appointments and everything she might need in her day to day life.

"It's not like you need to do it," Chao grumbled, "I mean the teachers aren't getting it until we get home."

"Ha, that's what you think!" Sophie snorted wryly, "I saw Talin handing off a whole lot of paperwork to Professor Wren last night. I wouldn't be surprised if it's all the homework we'd done so far!"

Chao's eyes widened dramatically, "You're joking!" she choked, gaping at her best friend horrified.

"No, not at all," Sophie shook her head, "He really was here, it was way late, around four o'clock in the morning here. I completely forgot until now." Hence why she wanted to have everything written down. Chao had been asleep…so, she hadn't been able to tell her.

"Oh, man!" Chao groaned, as she entered their room, complaining, "We've got like seven new projects to complete…I wonder how often they're collecting them." Eyes shadowing with worry that she had less time than anticipated to complete everything.

"Eight," Sophie corrected, "And who knows? Best just to have them completed."

"I can't fall behind, my parents will be very displeased, I might even be told to come home!" Chao confessed, "I best get started!" she'd just been having so much fun that she'd let herself get side-tracked on what was really important.

"Well, let's start with Charms then, it's the smallest, then later our History of magic," Sophie suggested, "We have three weeks they said to get them all completed." Reassuring her best friend.

Ten minutes later, "Hey, everyone will be here soon…aren't you coming?" Alexis asked, wandering in, surprised to see them both bent over work, scribbling on their notebooks with a fast pace.

"Yeah, we'll be there," Sophie giving Alexis a smile, "We're just catching up on our homework."

"Yeah, I was up half the night completing mine," Alexis admitted, sitting down on her bed, pulling out the book she was reading and silently joining them.

-0

"Hey, Tali!" Jaden said, beaming at his twenty-two-year-old sister in the mirror.

"Hey, how's dad?" Tali asked, all the while doing her hair up intricately.

"I can't get over how painful that looks," Harry commented, in awe watching the way she put her hair up.

Tali just rolled her eyes with a fond smile, as she worked on her cornrows. It was something she and her mother had done together. Her poor father had been so lost in the beginning, but had been so determined he'd gone and done practicing. For someone with no hair, he was quite an expert now.

"We need your help," Jaden whispered quietly.

Tali frowned, "What's going on?" she demanded to know, worry shining in her eyes.

"We need you to break into the ICW, Bathurst's office," Harry commented, "We think he might be sabotaging GRMS's chance at winning the tournament."

"You did not just ask me that," Tali said, shocked that her brother would even think to ask that. Anyone attempting something like that would end up in a whole world of trouble.

"You'll have an invisibility cloak, plus those runes you worked on…and charms you'll be utterly undetectable!" Jaden blurted out, shifting uncomfortably at the look on his sisters' face. She didn't have a Runes Mastery just a Transfiguration and Charms Mastery.

Tali deftly continued to do her hair, which was just passed her backside. "You're nuts, both of you, it wouldn't be worth it!" but her mind was wandering to how much her father wanted this. If they were sabotaging it… "What proof do you have that there is anything untoward happening?"

"No proof, only our suspicions," Harry admitted, as he watched her tie up the end of her hair and begin on the next one. "We shouldn't have asked…it's not fair on you…I'm sorry." He apologised.

"How sure are you that there is sabotaging going on?"

"Um…eighty percent?" Jaden murmured anxiously, wondering now what he was getting his sister into. He glanced at Harry and each were as anxious as the other.

"They have fire drills on the first Friday of the month…" Tali informed them, "The all vacate the building during those times…it would be the perfect time to get in." with no way to Apparate…they have to know how to safely get out of the building. "That will give me time to come up with a plan…but if I don't find anything, you'll drop this…understood?" her tone becoming stern, she did not want her brothers getting into something they wouldn't be able to get out of.

"Yes," Harry and Jaden both exclaimed.

"Now where will I get this invisibility cloak?" she asked, dark eyes gleaming mischievously. "And can I borrow it?" she asked innocently as she pleased.

Harry grinned, "Yeah you can." He promised her, before he informed her exactly how to get her hands on an invisibility cloak.

----0

A/N so will the sabotaging be coming from Voldemort himself or will it be from the ICW as they work towards ensuring GRMS don't get international recognition? Can you see them doing it? Working with Dumbledore perhaps? Do you want to see more of the student's reactions to Harrys standing up for himself? The Patil twins apologising and grovelling? Or are you more impatient to see the next task of the tournament? Only chapter twelve and I'm already nearly on the third task with one more to go! Something different or the same old maze? :D heh! and I'm guessing you'd love to see Luna/Harry with the aim to be the stories end pairing? R&R please

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 13

Harry paced anxiously back and forth in the magical tent that was situated at the edge of the quidditch pitch. All of them had their own section, and were called when it was time. The silencing spells ensured they had no idea who had gone when, and how the task had been handled. It wouldn't be until after that they'd find out how the others did and be introduced to the rest of the friends and families.

"Harry, stop, close your eyes and breathe." Severus stated firmly, finally looking up from the book he was immersed in. "Pacing isn't going to make the time go faster, nor is it going to make you feel better. Meditate, mentally prepare yourself for the task, pacing is the work of those completely unable to do anything regarding their fears and worries. You can, there are many options available to you."

Harry listened to his father, he always listened to him. His father had never been one for placating, he always told him the truth regardless of what the consequences were. He loved his father for that. "I'm sorry, I just want it over with." Harry admitted, and part of him was worried that the sabotaging would get worse before the end of the tournament. So far it had just been giving him less points…what if it escalated from that? If anything happened to his father…he would bring the world and kill those who had been involved.

"Yes, I can understand that, but it won't make the day go any swifter." Severus commented, "Come and read, this is a fascinating passage," and with that Harry moved towards his father, sidling up to him, he began to read from the book.

Harry sniggered, losing himself in reading the book alongside his father. Severus looked down, smirking at his accomplishment. If Harry went into the arena tense then he'd most definitely screw up in one way or another. He should know, worrying before the event just screwed up your concentration, focus and determination. Going in relaxed but a little tense? You'd be just fine.

The book isn't one he normally read, but he'd had a feeling something like this would happen. So brought a book that was definitely written for amusement's sake. It helped both of them relax.

They lost themselves to the merriment of the book, so much so they barely reacted until someone spoke loudly in the tent. "Five minutes until you're up!" giving nothing away as to what was going to go down or what had already happened or if his friends were okay. Yes, they were his friends more than they were his competitors. All they could do was their best after all…what happened after that? It needn't stop them remaining friends after this was done.

"Thank you," Severus replied politely, inclining his head, despite the abrupt way he'd chosen to spoke to them. He had long ago learned on how to best deal with people like that. Plus, the guy could just be having a bad day. He should know, he'd personally had a lot of them back in the day.

Severus set the book aside and went to the toilet, knowing they wouldn't get much of another chance until they were done. "I'll be back in a moment," Severus murmured to his son as he left.

Harry stood in the middle of the room, continuing his meditation exercises. Feeling much more positive about the task than he had earlier. It couldn't have been more than thirty minutes surely? Who knows…there wasn't a clock in here for him to tell how long had truly passed and he didn't have his watch on. He had nothing but his dragon hide armour which he was just about to put on and of course, his wand.

He just about jumped out of his skin when another new voice broke through the calm, he had centred himself in.

"Ah, Mr. Regis! Glad I caught you, you're aware of the rules? Yes?" Bagman asked, as he made an appearance in the tent. A tent by rights as a spectator he really shouldn't be in at all. Glancing around to make sure nobody was around.

"Are you allowed in here?" Harry asked, staring in surprise at the wizard, wondering why he was there. Had he visited the others? Was it all part of learning more about the task? "Sir?" never hurt to be polite, he'd learned that from his father. Then again, he was sure he'd seen him around during the other tasks so he didn't get too worried.

"Not really," he said joyfully, winking at Harry with merriment. "All you need to do is go out there, protect the person you're supposed to protect for as long as…"

"You mean my father?" Harry interrupted Bagman, now truly perplexed.

"Yes, yes, that's right, your father, protect him for longer than fifteen minutes and you'll win." The wizard said with fevered eagerness. Moving forward he began to shake Harry's hand, "Good to meet you, and good luck!"

Bagman squeaked and jumped back when Severus made himself known. Wrestling himself from Harry's hand, he nodded a few times to Septimus Regis as he backed out of the tent.

"What was that all about?" Severus enquired of his son.

"He was wishing me good luck in the task," Harry said, shrugging his shoulders just as lost as his father was.

"Go on, toilet then get dressed, you have only three or four minutes before you're due out there." Severus urged Harry, he unlike Harry had his wristwatch on.

Harry immediately jerked forward, making a beeline for the toilet, grabbing his bag that held his dragonhide armour while he was at it. Might as well do two birds one stone.

"One more minute," came his father's voice as he hastily dressed after doing the toilet.

"Just a sec!" Harry called, hastily adjusting his elbow pads with a flick of his wand, until they stayed perfectly in sync with the rest of his armour. Oh, he loved it, he really did, he was going to be so gutted when it wouldn't fit…then again, he might not hit another growth spurt. His dad said he would though, since his Dad James, mum and him were all rather tall, and he had DNA from all three of them. Dad had been taller than Dad James by the time they were fully grown actually.

Severus watched Harry return; the armour truly was like a second layer of skin. There was no awkward gait, tripping or unease due to being constricted. He was going to be able to manoeuvre around without a problem or difficulty. "I'm going to leave my cloak off and put a mild warming charm on."

Severus nodded, unsurprised, cloaks, even closed ones, would definitely just get in the way. Plus, he wasn't wearing it, so that too was a clear indicator he'd decided to forego it.

"You ready?" wondering if they were supposed to just make their way outside…or if someone would return to inform them it was time? That part hadn't really been explained at all, and he'd asked for that information.

"I'm ready," Harry said, green eyes gleaming with apprehension and nervous fear.

"Regardless of how you do, you will have done GRMS proud." Severus informed him, "Win or lose, you're doing brilliantly, you're in the top tier, lets see if we can get to the top hmm?"

Harry grinned widely, "Yeah!" he said loudly, as always, feeling like he could do anything with his biggest cheerleader always encouraging him. Although, Severus would loathe to be called a cheerleader, but what else could you call him when he was always cheering Harry on to do well?

"Then let's go," Severus declared, thumping him lightly on the shoulder, he had his own wand in his holster. Was he fuck walking into something he didn't know without some sort of protection for himself and his son if anything did go wrong. He knew how easily that could happen, so yes, he'd keep his only means of protection. He wouldn't use it unless he had absolutely no choice.

Harry stepped out first, and the immediate roar of the crowd met his ears. The mirrors were strategically placed all over, with two massive 'mirrors' at each end of the pitch so that everyone could see what was going on in the mirror if they couldn't see below.

"SHIT! PROTEGO MAXIMA!" Harry ducked both of them down, avoiding the three fireballs that had just been blasted at them. "Every three seconds!" he hollered as they moved, it took a few seconds for Severus to understand. As every three seconds, the contraption moved, it was a long circular wooden platform with green looking gunk that was boiling, certainly looked like it would be painful if you fell inside.

"Incoming," Severus told him curtly, eyes gleaming warily, disliking just standing there like a sacrificial lamb, as three individual spells came at them from every direction. It was literally painful not to whip out his wand…he hadn't realized just how mentally difficult it would be to not do something.

Harry only had a few seconds to figure out what they were, to do the counter curse or find a different way to remove them from the equation. First one he conjured up a set of birds, the second he shielded from the third…he returned to sender with nostrils flaring hoping the git that sent it would be hit with that spell see how he liked it! all the while every three seconds they moved their legs to stop themselves falling off into the green gunk.

"Did you see…" Harry said, grasping his father again, "Move right after the next turn all the way off the platform!" both of them moving with the circular contraption before Harry and Severus bolted across, almost coming undone having overestimated the time it would take to get over. Thankfully neither ended up falling, which they were presuming was a fail.

"I saw," Severus said darkly, "I will deal with it as soon as we are done here. If any other attempts are made, we stop." Dark eyes gleaming with ferocious protectiveness. It was one thing to cast something…but an attempt to render his son sterile? Or him, for that matter. He would not risk Harry's future…and while children hadn't really been discussed, he was sure his son would make the most wonderful father…when he was in his thirties naturally not a second before.

Harry crouched down, his dad with him, casting counter-spells and deflectors as he fought off invisible foes, who were casting quite strong magic actually. He regretted the heating charm, it was way too hot at the moment, he was sweating. Admittedly it was all the fireball charms…someone seemed to be partial to them.

"Which way?" Harry asked, wiping away the sweat building up on his face. The incessant sweat was stinging his eyes, and he was finding it a little difficult to make things out, between the steam, fireballs and general unpleasantness of this obstacle course he was facing. "Everyone will want to go for what looks easiest…"

"They may well have done…" Severus agreed, eyeing the entirety of the Quidditch pitch, and the finish line. It was eery, the second they'd entered this place the cheering had been silenced, for that he was grateful, otherwise he wouldn't have heard Harry at all. It would also prevent any cheating. For anyone to direct them in the direction that would see them winning and very, very quickly. It was as though the pitch had been turned into a dungeon of sorts, but the only way you knew you were outside was if you looked up.

The sky was visible, but the area was so clogged up with steam and potions and fireball smoke, and the smelt of burnt wood that they didn't get a single bit of fresh air. The air was repugnant and stifling, and he was beginning to sweat in places he wasn't sure it had been possible before this day. The sweat was also beginning to irritate his skin, making him itchy.

And there was nowhere he would itch that spot in a crowd like this.

No, he'd rather it drives him insane.

At least, Severus thought, 'I think so…' he thought as the irritation and itch began to compound.

"This way!" Harry decided, and they bolted over the grass to the 'bridge' almost immediately afterwards shards of ice began to propel themselves in droves around both of them. Harry quickly covered both of them, and fired out spell after spell that half melted the ice before it could get near and the other to blast them into snow. "Come on let's go!" Harry said, teeth chittering now, at this rate he was going to end up sick after the task. He didn't know which way was what! All he knew was the finish line was in that direction.

Severus huffed, this had to be the most ludicrous thing he'd ever done in his life. Why they hadn't been just asked to do it on their own, instead of trailing someone who was clearly not to participate in it he didn't know. The Rune course had been the most logical one thus far, but everyone would probably agree that the dragon was the most exciting.

This was just odd, but a complete Minerva McGonagall thing to do. Although, she'd probably would have preferred it going a different way than family helping. Unfortunately, the rules seemed to have been twisted on her.

"Harry look out!" Severus ordered as they were both waddling across the bridge, making themselves smaller targets. His son was ahead of him, naturally, and was quickly taking care of the obstacles coming their way, one of the icicles flew by, and ripped his clothing, but didn't technically catch his skin.

Harry was quick at getting away from the two loads of spells, but the third deftly slammed into the dragonhide. Harry arched back against the pain of the projectiles slamming into his shoulder and breast plate. The ice may have shattered…but the pain was indescribable. He was too stunned, in too much pain to make a sound. If that had been what it was like with armour on…he didn't dare think on what it would have felt like without it.

"Easy, stay still, breathe through it," Severus murmured, peeling away the armour to see the damage to both the armour and Harry. He winced, the red and deep booming bloody bruise was already spreading across Harry's shoulder. "Well, at least it's your left shoulder," he said in sympathy, delicately putting the armour back, it would protect the wound from being touched too much.

"I don't think I can move," Harry said tearfully, it hurt too much. He just wanted to curl up and die. He felt as though his bones were being eaten alive.

It made Severus hurt seeing his son in so much pain, "Then you and I will leave, you gave it your best. There is no shame in bowing out, you're hurt." He was so very proud of his son, of what he'd tried to accomplish. There was no shame in that.

It would add to the legacy Harry would one day leave behind.

It was his Growing Legacy.

"I…it…hurts to even move a little," Harry whimpered, as he flicked his wand in three directions, taking care of the threats that were still coming despite the fact he was basically out of the game.

Severus frowned, he should have checked, but he'd only noticed the bruise. "Let me see," wishing they were in the tent so he could look properly, it wasn't exactly an ideal lighting here. "Ah, yes, you've dislocated your shoulder." Touching delicately, only to have his son protest vehemently.

"Do you want to surrender?" Severus asked, then with one swift movement, he had the shoulder aligned in its correct spot. Wincing at the grip Harry squeezed in retaliation, it would be best to be surprised when doing these sorts of adjustments. Tensing up just made it significantly more painful.

Harry panting outrageously, "No, no, I'm not, no," Harry said grimly, tense now, scrambling to his feet, "Let's get going."

Surprise flashed over Severus' features as he was dragged over to the end of the bridge. "Well, alright," he murmured, "Try to keep your arm tucked into your body and not move it." if he moved it around too much, he risked dangerous and permanent damage.

-0

"Oh, no, he's dislocated his shoulder!" Dylan murmured, watching Harry and Mr. Regis intently as they made their way around the course. Harry had chosen the way that could potentially shave off ten minutes of his course distance at least. He would have shouted it at him if he thought for a second Harry would hear.

"Ouch!" Josh winced, rubbing his own shoulder, remembering the pain of his own dislocation, he'd screwed up during Quidditch manoeuvres. "Do you reckon they'll stop?"

"No, they're moving!" Luna hollered, "GO HARRY!" cheering him on, despite the fact he wasn't her schools' champion. Not that she cared overly much, she'd be transferring over there soon enough everything was all set. She just had to finish up this year before transferring.

She was so excited.

It helped that everyone was leaving her alone, Cho and the others had all received detentions and public reprimands and forced to issue public apologies.

She wasn't a vindictive person, but she'd gotten immense satisfaction out of it. Harry told her that she should feel vindicated, three years of constant harassment was too much. Honestly, if she hadn't, she'd be a saint and not human like the rest of them if forgiveness could be gotten for the cruelty, they'd perpetrated on her for the simple reason of being different.

"He's not going to be able to go up that reverse escalator!" Dylan shook his head, "Not with his shoulder that way." And he had to be first, otherwise Mr. Regis would be hit and then he'd lose anyway.

"You're right, it will be damn near impossible," Josh admitted, watching his best friend blast away anything that came his way, keeping his shoulder sort of hunched.

"But Harry is really smart, he'll think of something," Dylan said, avidly watching them go. "They really have a preference for fire, don't they?" he asked exasperated. As yet more fire spread out.

Talin gazed intently, dark eyes glittering, hands clenched as he avidly watched. "Indeed," his lips pursed as he watched his best friend and a boy he loved fondly as a son endure yet another trial.

-0

"Son, you have to stop!" Severus whispered, "We cannot do this, you cannot do this…the strain will be too much!" running up an escalator that was going down wards. It would force too much pressure on his injuries. He however, didn't say it loud enough for anyone to know what he was saying. He didn't want Harry to feel smothered or embarrassed by his 'dad'.

"I…I have to!" Harry shook his head, staring in trepidation. "I can't let Talin down!"

"You haven't done," Severus informed him seriously, only to have his son conjure rope and lope it together before wrapping it around their waists. Arching a brow, he wasn't injured so why the rope? "He's proud of how far you've come."

"In five seconds," Harry said, staring straight ahead, determination written across his face.

Severus pursed his lips, stretching out, fine, he would do what he must, hopefully he'll be able to catch Harry before he hurt himself too much.

"Ready…Set…GO!" with that Harry bolted into the escalator, the more he strained to get up…the worse the pain and the more he tripped up and found himself right back at the bottom.

"Ahh!" Harry cried out, falling to his knees, "How did anyone manage to pass this task?" if they'd received injuries like he had.

"We don't know they have," Severus said softly, "Shall we?" ready to shoot a white flag out of his wand.

"No," Harry panted raggedly.

"You silly, stubborn…"

"Just like my dad then, huh?" Harry said through pants.

Severus couldn't help but smile, "Exactly like me, too prideful too stubborn to my detriment." He warned him, shaking his head. Yes, he'd raised a stubborn lad, and you know what? Despite this, he didn't care, he was proud of how Harry had turned out.

Especially considering he may not have gotten that chance if not for the goblin's ritual.

Then Harry surprised him, more so because he'd had only one lesson. Just before the whole ICW and the tournament nonsense.

He levitated off the ground, and flew, without the aid of his broom. Shielding both of them from the spells coming their way, and focused entirely on the finish line.

Severus wished, oh, how he wished he could hear the spectators, their reactions. A fourteen-year-old flying without a broomstick. Not just on his own either…no, he had to take a passenger.

His landing was a bit off, as he stumbled a bit, but he had done it. It was a soft cushion landing, since you were supposed to use the pole as a means to get down below.

"Is that it?" Harry asked, rolling over and picking himself up off the ground. "Doesn't feel the entire length of the Quidditch pitch!" he confessed.

"Most of it's set up with the props." Severus said wryly, "Come on, you've only got a few more feet to walk. You won't finish until it's done." And it had been made more than clear to him he wasn't allowed to help.

Harry twisted around until he could get to knees, then from his knees he stood up. Wand out at the ready, they began walking, rope around the waist still. The second they passed over the finish line, the spells disappeared and Harry once again could hear everyone cheering and hollering.

He gained a 10 from Talin.

He gained a 10 from Minerva.

He gained a 10 from Bagman.

A 9 from Maxime.

A 1 from Karkaroff due to his 'injury' and the fact 'Septimus Regis's clothes were torn' that he had cheated by flying.

A 6 from Crouch, who insisted that he knocked points off for the injury, which Harry thought was utter bullshit, they were supposed to protect their companion…there was nothing in the rules that suggested they weren't allowed to get injured.

46 in total out of 60.

"You come with me," Severus told his son, eyes blazing he made his way to the judges, blasting and banishing anything that got in his way. He was fed up with this prejudice and quite frankly…he wanted to know exactly who had tried to spell his son (or him for that matter) to be rendered infertile.

He wasn't going to leave until he had an answer, he did however, make sure he wasn't going too quickly, but Harry couldn't lag behind due to them still being bound.

"Dad? I'm fine! It's nothing new, they did it before," Harry pointed out, keeping up with his dad with difficulty. "Karkaroff is just spiteful and mean, there's no point to wasting your time or getting worked up."

"That's not the only reason I'm going," Severus said coldly.

"Oh, dear," Minerva murmured, watching Septimus approach with trepidation. "I don't think I've ever seen him quite so mad."

"I have…once…it did not end well," Talin admitted, "Frankly I don't blame him for being furious…I know I am." Throwing Karkaroff a disgusted look, one point! One single bloody point! The fact nobody in the Ministry had said anything…was disheartening.

"The next task…it's up to them whether they win now," Minerva said, "Oh, no, Headmaster Karkaroff, please don't leave yet, I do believe Septimus Regis want's a word." Spelling the wizard so he couldn't leave.

The GRMS students all grinned and laughed, almost jumping on their toes, this was going to prove to be amusing to watch and hear. It was just too bad all the other schools were too far away.

"Shall we take pity and let them hear?" Josh asked, "Man I wish I had popcorn! Mr. Regis is going to go to town on his ass!"

Dylan laughed, "Got your mirror? Maybe you should let Jay here." He was missing out on all the fun after all.

"Somebody's in trouble!" Luna said in a sing-song voice, watching them approach.

Deacon, Dylan and Josh all burst out laughing it was tempered somewhat by Harry's injury, they wanted to make sure he was alright.

--------0

Something just doesn't feel right about this chapter and I cannot put my finger on what it is...can you? hmm maybe it's just my imagination :) but there we go! They've finally gone too far...was it Dumbledore taking part in the task that hit Harry and attempted the spell? Or will it be someone else and perhaps have just mispronounced the spell they actually wanted to send? is Dumbledore going to find himself in a world of hurt like in Azkaban or will he be dead within the next few months? or both? :P R&R please

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 14

Harry pursed his lips as his father continued to make his way towards the judges. Keeping him beside him the entire time. He felt shaky, sore and his magical core was seriously depleted. Who could honestly be surprised? He knew how to Apparate – as did all his classmates – he knew how to fly on a broom. However, he'd only ever had one lesson just before they came here, on how to fly without a broom.

It hadn't been skill; it had been sheer desperation that led his magic to doing his bidding. Everyone assumed it was 'accidental magic' when your wish magic reacted to your extreme emotions. They were wrong, it was a natural part of life, sometimes the Wizarding Britain was so backwards it was scary.

He kept quiet because he did not want his father distracted for a second. He knew if he gave a single sign of being in pain…his father would change tracks immediately. Take him to the Hospital wing and he would miss everything.

This wasn't something he wanted to miss, he thought with savage glee. Part of him was horrified that the spell had been cast at all. He'd never really dated anyone, there was someone he was interested in, he'd gone through puberty. Sure, he wasn't exactly planning on having a family yet. It was more of an abstract thing, but he did want to have children. More than one. He'd like any child he had to have a close sibling. If that spell had worked…Merlin help him, he wouldn't have been able to have a family.

As it turns out, Severus wasn't as oblivious to his ailments as he believed.

"Woah!" Josh yelped as he was deftly turned around by Mr. Regis, never hurt though, not even for a second. He could feel something on his back it was rather light. Craning his head, he glanced at what it was, an expanded potions kit.

"Just a moment, I need to get these potions," Severus murmured, his tone a little apologetic at using his sons' best friend as a piece of furniture.

"It's okay," Josh said, he could see Dylan grasping a hold of their best friend, as he took a woozy turn. He straightened up the second the kit was removed from his back, Mr. Regis then thrust three potions into his hands. Gesturing towards Harry, his eyes then unpleasantly narrowing in on the group of judges. Karkaroff was still attempting to leave, but Minerva's magic was quite well at work and preventing anyone from leaving.

Minerva had never seen Severus so pissed off before, and she'd seen him in a lot of moods. Albeit not as of late, but regardless, something had happened to wind him up this way. She knew she wasn't going to like what she hears either.

Oh, she had no idea.

It didn't take long for Severus to approach, a seething furious look on is face, "Who was responsible for the spells in that arena?" he barked out, making no attempt to smother his fury.

"What?" Minerva asked, stepping back, his magic was…hot, too hot and too cold at the same time. She felt the hairs on her body stand up in attention, everyone had stepped back, wariness exuding from them.

Septimus Regis was powerful…extremely so.

Not one you want to piss off, they realized all too late.

Mr. Septimus Regis after all was soft spoken, quiet, faded into the background, watchful for sure, a known author and Potioneer.

"Septimus…what is going on?" Talin was the only one in the group with the guts to approach the wizard.

It was difficult to say who was more pathetic, Karkaroff or Bagman who were attempting to hide behind Madam Maxime's rather large form for protection.

"Who. Was. Responsible. For. The. Spells?" he gritted out, his dark eyes flashing furiously, as his magic continued to lash out at everyone.

Talin paused, he realized that Severus wasn't going to let up. If he didn't get adequate answers…he might do something that may well give away his real identity. Severus might be going under a different name but his magical signature was still the same…and if there was anyone here familiar enough with it…yes, he needed to get this sorted immediately.

"There were three people below, the rest were spells from golems," Minerva spoke, a soothing lilt to her voice. "The Ice and fire were from the golems, all else was cast by the wizards we set up belong."

"Four," Filius corrected Minerva, as he approached the scene cautiously.

"Indeed," Severus sneered, "And whom exactly was chosen?" his temper not calming any, if anything he was more enraged. Minerva wouldn't have just sent anyone down there, no, it was going to be someone she at least moderately trusted.

"Septimus?" Talin asked, "Please, remain calm." As he winced, stepping back, Merlin, he suddenly recalled Harry's ability as a child…and that he'd been adopted by Severus. He suddenly had an understanding as to where Harry's magical abilities came from.

Severus' remained standing there, magic lashing out against the adults. If anyone had paid any attention, they would have realized that the children were all safe. Which, was when it dawned on them, naturally, that Mr. Regis did not have any trouble controlling his magic, even while pissed. "Names!" Severus stated calmly, a stark contrast to the warning being unleashed by his magic.

"Professor Flitwick, Professor Magee, Professor Frazier," Minerva informed him, "I trust them all explicitly. Now that I've answered your questions, how about you answer some of mine?"

"Flitwick said four," Severus managed through gritted teeth.

"Yes, Dumbledore himself was down there," Flitwick informed them all.

"What?" Minerva gaped, annoyance crossing her features, before dread took its place, what had Dumbledore done now?

Septimus moved so swiftly, he had Dumbledore's wand removed, and the wizard himself leaning back against the barrier that was there to prevent any accidents. His wand thrust into his throat, and Severus was graced with the pleasure of seeing Dumbledore fearing for his life for the first time in all the years he'd known the old fool. Not even Voldemort had elicited that sort of emotion from him. It made him feel strong, powerful, and just…amazing. "You dared…" seething so much that he could barely get a word out through gritted teeth.

"Easy, Septimus, whatever he's done…I'm sure the Ministry of magic can deal with it," Talin cautioned the wizard.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just end your life right here?" Severus sneered derisively at Dumbledore. His anger was even more than in the past, when he realized what they had condemned Harry to…condemned him to death. Harry would have died if not for Gringotts doing the ritual. Now here he was interfering with his life yet again…and he wasn't even Harry Potter anymore.

Josh, Dylan and the others were all watching the scene, not with glee as they first proclaimed themselves to feel. No, they were tense, alert, worried, cautious, what on earth had actually happened?

"I don't know what you're talking about…" Dumbledore choked out, barely able to talk through the wand digging into his throat.

"Dad…you're a hundred times better than he'll ever be," Harry said softly, "He's a child killer, he might not have done the deed himself but he was just as guilty. If the wizarding world wants to forget that…then that's on them. At least when we press charges…he'll never get to hurt anyone else again…"

Everyone heard this, the spells Josh had erected allowed it. They were listening to everything that was being said, and watching the scene as it happened. The tournament forgotten as the watched the debacle that was currently happening.

Albus flinched as if Harrison Regis had literally taken a poker to his face. He disliked being reminded of his failures. He was trying very desperately to win back their good graces, and he'd slowly but surely began to be seen in a better light.

"Flitwick, Frazier, take Dumbledore to the dungeons in the tower, remain there guarding him until Aurors retrieve him. You move for nobody except the Aurors is that understood?" Minerva bluntly told them, "Septimus, perhaps you and I should summon the Aurors?" wondering what on earth she should tell them.

"Sir…" Frazier said, grasping a hold of Dumbledore's arm, ready to take him away. Should Septimus actually move, so they could march the old fool off. "Your son is right, he's not worth it…never has been. Do not let him ruin your life…he's destroyed enough people as it is…"

Septimus glanced briefly at Frazier in confusion.

"I was engaged to Marlene McKinnon," Frazier admitted bitterly, then half way through their courtship she began to change. Became convinced joining the Order was the right thing to do. That what she was doing was going to be for the greater good. He'd warned her how it would go, but she'd been so stubborn, so ready to do the right thing, despite knowing she was being 'manipulated' and she'd paid for that, her family had paid for her decision, her parents and brother had died for her decision. He knew she'd probably been broken and grateful for the death that came, after what she'd seen become of her family. If she'd survived…she would have most probably ended up in St. Mungo's.

"Aye, that explains it," Minerva muttered to herself, Frazier had never covered his dislike for Dumbledore. Made it clear he didn't think he should be around children at all. She'd assumed that he just disliked Dumbledore – as uncommon as it was – not that something personal was between them. McKinnon, beautiful lass, powerful, but she didn't have the mental fortitude to take part in a war, she was too loving, too kind, too good natured.

"We've got it," Frazier nodded curtly, he wasn't about to screw up the chance to get Dumbledore out of the school entirely. Out of the lives of impressionable young children, who soaked up everything he said despite his reputation. His appearance had something to do with it, a grandfatherly/Santa clause figure.

"I'll be taking that," Filius took Dumbledore's wand, setting it inside of his cloak pocket and whispering a sealing spell. Even if Merlin forbid, Dumbledore got the best of a duelling champion and the DADA teacher. He gave Severus a nod, but curious lingering look.

"Keep that with you at all times, it's the only proof I have that he cast a Sterilization spell at my son." Severus bit out angrily, "I've never seen such idiocy in my life and I've taught complete dunderheads in the past, I don't know how you thought you'd get away with it either!" he sharply retorted.

Everyone simultaneously gasped, even Karkaroff eyes widened in disbelief. He was many things, including a Death Eater…but bloody hell, to sterilize a child? It was…that was an automatic life sentence in Azkaban…admittedly that was usually when one was successful…what happened to those who cast it and were unsuccessful?

Dumbledore stiffened, his gaze sweeping up and down 'Septimus' face and body. He finally had confirmation after all, this was Severus Snape disguised. To make matters worse…he must have adopted Voldemort's child as his own. Raised it as his own. He had heard Harrison Regis' words while he went and laid into his students – and they were his – Hogwarts because they were rightfully disgusted by his ability…he'd had too many mannerisms, the way he spoke, the way he walked…it was all too reminiscent of a wizard that had left a few years back.

It had left him reeling. Had he been a fool to think that Severus could ever change? Should be allowed a second chance? In his world? instead he'd led him to believe he was repentant, all the while raising Voldemort's son in secret…and when it came time for him to attend school? He moved somewhere abroad changed their names, so he'd get into school, and settled down it appeared that it was GRMS they chose.

All this when he should have been raising Potter. Not that the wizard knew that at the time, it had been kept from him. Well, it was a relief he hadn't been, otherwise he would have been killed much sooner. Although, it would have let him off the hook.

He wonders if the brat even knew…or actually assumed Severus was his father.

Before he could even come up with a sly subtle remark that wouldn't be understood by anyone around him…he was jerked forward, Severus didn't let up his pressing on his wand into his throat even once. Which caused him to wheeze, choke and splutter and flinch in pain. Inevitably though, between Frazier and Flitwick, they had Dumbledore frogmarched, arms pinned behind him, as they led him in the direction of Hogwarts.

He heard Minerva whispering for the Aurors to be called, but Severus had already set his sights on his next target.

"As for you…" Severus twirled around, eyes still blazing. "You may think you're impressing your students, trying to make your school a success. Let me impress upon you just how utterly wrong you are. Everything including the results of each task are being recorded for prosperity's sake. All they will see is a petty pathetic Headmaster putting his student ahead by any means necessary. Making your champion seem weak in need of rescuing when in fact, he could win this without your cheating weaselling ways."

Karkaroff flinched as cheers rose up from the crowds, evidently everyone agreeing with Septimus Regis and his deductions.

"Viktor Krum is a hardworking, dedicated student - who thankfully in no way imitates his Headmaster! – who doesn't deserve the mar you're putting on his name. On the Krum name you insipid bare wanded little fool." Septimus gritted out, basically calling him a squib with the 'bare wanded' comment. "Yet nobody is going to be discussing just how much work he's put into the tasks because you designed to give everyone low scores…although I really cannot fathom the reason why you've chosen to have my son the subject of your ire." Severus paused, breathing heavily, regaining his breath, while waiting on the applause to die down.

Karkaroff, tried to back away yet again, but found himself still unable to go. His face flushed a florid red. Swallowing thickly, shaking his head, oh, he prayed this wouldn't be put in the news. If it was…Merlin, help him, for the Krum's would see to it that he didn't have a job tomorrow if they thought he was besmirching their name.

"He's right, as I've said, you should be ashamed of yourself," Minerva stated firmly, everyone had words with this wizard. Everyone tried to get him to be reasonable, and for naught. Never one to hold back, when she felt the occasion called for it.

"He has plenty of experience in being ashamed, don't you Igor?" Severus said, watching the wizard stiffen and burst with silent fear and indignation, Severus could see it draining the wizard of what little colour he had left. "It's not enough you've stained your own family name…that everywhere you go you stain everything around you. Everything you touch. If my son wins, it will be in spite of every single attempt you've made to sabotage him."

"YEAH!" Josh and Dylan hollered out in agreement.

"Does it make you feel powerful? Smart? Gleeful when you're sabotaging a fourteen-year-old boy? A boy that only wants to win to give his school international recognition? He doesn't care for 'eternal fame or glory' or the money that comes with the win." He continued on relentlessly. "I've seen you task after task consistently give my son lower scores and do you realize that he's said absolutely nothing against you? No complaints, no arguments…how does it feel to know that someone so young is far more mature than you'll ever be?"

Karkaroff swallowed none of his spells were working, which was making people laugh at his pathetic attempts. He could see the leers, hear the laughing and mocking. He didn't want to stand here and listen to this! Didn't have to! He'd rebuilt his life bit by bit! He would not have it completely destroyed once more.

He was suddenly grateful he hadn't been successful in having it held at Durmstrang. For if this had happened…he would never have been able to show his face again. Then again, he may just be unlucky enough for the entire thing to be recorded in the press. Someone would dig into his past; he just knew it.

"That is the Aurors," Minerva informed Severus, "Is Harry in any condition to go? Or shall we have them meet and talk in the Great Hall?"

Severus blinked, before he automatically sought out his son, who was leaning against Josh. "Do you wish to press charges?" Minerva asked Harry.

Harry glanced at his Dad, worry lurking in his eyes, what if their life was torn apart because of this? What if someone figured out who he was? What if the Ministry deduced who they were? He didn't want anything happening to his Dad.

"We are," Severus declared, he would not allow Dumbledore to destroy their lives. Too many passes had been given to the old fool. No more, no, he was going to pay for nearly destroying Harry's future. He'd need to speak to Harry soon, make sure he knew not to be so worried.

"It would mean having to come back here," Harry pointed out with a grimace. Making it clear to everyone here it was the last thing he ever wanted.

"I know, but for the duration of the trial only," Severus stated firmly, "Come, let us catch up with Minerva if you feel up to it."

Harry nodded, yes, he was up for it.

"I'll get the children back to the cabin," Talin stated firmly, "If you need me let me know and I'll have Ale watch over the students." He was becoming a bit more familiar with the school. Certainly, the outside far more than the inside, since the direction to the Great Hall and back was probably all he knew.

"Yeah, we'll see you later!" Josh said, "You really going to be alright?"

Harry nodded, "I will be, promise!"

"Then let's go," Severus murmured, easing Harry out of the stands, as they hastily made their way towards Minerva, unable to see her now.

-0

"Septimus! Harrison! There you are!" Minerva called out, as she made her way hastily towards them. "I had begun to think you'd been swallowed up by the return of the Quidditch pitch!" she added jokingly, the task items had already been dismantled, as the Quidditch pitch had been returned to its normal state, the burn marks and holes made with the ice had disappeared. Everything was as it had been this morning before the alterations had been made.

"No, Harrison just felt a little woozy," Severus informed them, being formal due to the presence of the Aurors. After all, Minerva and he weren't supposed to know each other. "I've given him another magical replenishing draught; it seems it was a bit too overpowered for him in terms of carrying both of us."

"Sir, I'm Auror Proudfoot, I've been told you wish to press charges?..." trailing off waiting for Septimus to give him more information.

"Indeed, during the task there was a spell that was most definitely not part, aimed at both myself and my son. It could have been aimed at either of us, truly, I was furious and immediately after the task sought out to find out whom had cast those spells." Severus informed him.

"Back up a little, Sir, can I have your names?" the Aurors asked, trying to determine who they were. Giving a jerky nod to his partners to go and retrieve Dumbledore. Whom he had been informed was currently in the Hogwarts tower cell.

"I apologise, my name is Septimus Regis, and this is my son, Harrison Regis," Severus informed him, not playing the flustered father. Oh, no, he was still furious, but keeping it contained now that something was being done about it. "I want Dumbledore charged the maximum penalty for trying to hit myself and my son with a sterilization hex."

The Auror made a shocked sound, it left his mouth most unwillingly.

"Myself, it doesn't really matter, I don't see myself having any other children…but to risk my son's happiness? His future? I am furious that something like this was allowed to happen. Why was this man allowed back among society? Amongst children?!"

Proudfoot was nodded, almost in a placatory gesture, knowing how to calm victims and suspects alike. "I understand, Sir, what proof do you have? Did you or your son see him…?"

"No, neither of us did, but Dumbledore was seen where he wasn't meant to be," Severus informed him pompously. "Professor Flitwick has his wand, which will house all the proof you'll be liable to need."

"He doesn't like me because I can talk to snakes," Harry informed him, peering up at the Auror, with guileless green eyes.

Proudfoot swallowed, gaping a little and nodding, this small delicate little boy was competing with seventeen-year-0lds? Merlin, it was pure luck he hadn't been crushed already. He suddenly found himself very protective of the child, a child he didn't know. Then again feeling protective was nothing new, he was an Auror, he'd joined the force to protect people. "I see," scribbling that information down, prejudice. It was 80% of the call out reasons he got, honestly, it was terrible.

Minerva pursed her lips as she watched yet another person be wrapped around Harry's finger. She was pretty sure that he didn't even realize what he was doing. "I think perhaps you should inform the rest of the family before they find out and react before thinking." Minerva warned them to let Sirius and Remus know before they found out and came here and screwed everything up.

"If I have any more questions…where can I find you?" Proudfoot asked, able to wrench his eyes away from the younger. He did look like his father, but he definitely didn't get his eyes, they were like deep dark enraged tunnels.

"Next to Professor Hagrid's cabin," Severus pointed towards it in the distance, it was next to the cabin, or as close to it as any building structure it could get to.

Proudfoot nodded, "Go ahead, thank you for your time, we'll be in touch,"

Severus nodded curtly, before gesturing for his exhausted son, who was leaning against him to begin moving.

Proudfoot and Minerva began to walk towards the school, "My goodness, what a year this is turning out to be, eh!" he said shaking his head, "Just when we got the Aurors pulled from him he has to get himself into more trouble."

"Yes, I couldn't agree more," Minerva sighed, "I think it's best he's told he'd not to return."

Making their way up the gravelly road, "Can it be done?" he asked, glancing at her, he was obviously there for a reason…and that reason must be preventing Minerva from saying he isn't to return.

"He has no other home, he put Hogwarts as his bail address," Minerva said curtly, as she moved up the steps into the entrance of Hogwarts, making quick work of the corridors. "He had some pull, and succeeded with the determination that he never interacts with any of the children. Which he didn't do, from what I observed, while he was under those conditions." Her utterance grudging.

"Do you think he's guilty?" Proudfoot questioned, as he almost ran to keep up with the witch's swift strides.

Minerva sighed, "Well, lets put it this way, he's the one I trust least out of the four possible culprits."

"I see," Proudfoot murmured, mentally cursing his small stature, it was a good job he kept himself fit. Otherwise he truly would have had trouble keeping up with Minerva. "What on earth?" they could hear bedlam ahead, shouting and panicking.

Both of them picked up the pace, to find the Aurors leaning over both Filius Flitwick and Jamie Frazier, who were both unconscious.

"What has happened?" Proudfoot questioned as he skidded to a halt, wide eyed over what he was seeing. "He's gone! Dumbledore's gone…"

"He's coming around!" Auror stein proclaimed, "Sir? Sir? Are you alright? Can you tell us what happened?"

"Jamie? Who did this?" Minerva asked, concerned about both of them, more so Flitwick who had not been able to be roused so far yet.

"Flitwick…said 'It can't be…you're gone'," Jamie murmured, groaning softly, unable to focus on anything. Everything hurt like blazes, especially his head. "Didn't see or hear anyone…"

"Gone?" Proudfoot echoed. "It makes no sense," who could he have been talking about?

"Stay still, sir," Stein stated, getting the DADA professor on the stretcher.

"I want Regis arrested, I want him questioned for the disappearance and abduction of Albus Dumbledore," Auror Dawlish declared. "He's got a personal grievance with the victim."

"You forget that he was with me," Minerva snapped, staring Dawlish down, aware of how fond he was of Dumbledore and became concerned.

"The entire time?" Dawlish asked doubtfully, scorn deep in his voice.

"Except for perhaps twenty minutes," Minerva admitted sourly, knowing it was going to be used against him. The only thing that could potentially save Severus is if Filius woke up and pointed them at the real culprit. "What if he got away on his own? He could have overpowered them."

"We will consider all aspects," Auror Proudfoot declared, giving Dawlish a look that suggested he reign himself in. He was the Auror in charge today, he was senior to Dawlish after all. "Stein, Dawlish, bring Mr. Regis in for questioning and questioning only, am I understood? He is not under arrest."

"Yes, Sir," Dawlish replied, giving his understanding.

Minerva's professors were quickly escorted down to Poppy, who was more educated on how to deal with things of that calibre than Aurors who were only taught basic first aid. Hopefully Poppy would be able to help quickly.

Of course, Auror Dawlish went back on his word, and Septimus Regis was arrested in front of his son and the rest of the GRMS students.

Talin and Severus shared a look, "Keep an eye on my son," was all he said, in other words, this might be something of a plan Dumbledore cooked up, keep an eye on him, then Dumbledore may well appear.

They had no idea what truly happened. Had Dumbledore got away? Or had someone swiped Dumbledore out from under them? Either way it did not look good for him at all.

------------0

Dun dun dun dun...so has Dumbledore broken away on his own...or has someone else slipped away with Dumbledore before the Aurors could arrest him? Has Dawlish been a naughty Auror and going to lose his job for helping Dumbledore? or will it just become a mystery they can't solve? Will Septimus' identity be compromised? will Harrison's? will Harry finish the tournament under his true name before he returns to St. Lucia? R&R please and there will be an extremely important poll question regarding this story on my Facebook on whether it will have another sequel or not some time in the coming weeks!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 15

"Ah, Mr. Regis!" Proudfoot blustered into the room; his entire countenance screamed annoyance to the extreme. "I apologise, I asked that you be questioned, not arrested…unfortunately, my superior is in agreement with Auror Dawlish." His irritation profoundly exasperating.

"It won't be the case for long," Septimus stated sharply, "Has he been found yet?" dead or alive, he didn't care, he just wanted to know that Dumbledore was nowhere near his son.

Merlin, hopefully Talin would be cautious and make sure his son was safe. That was all he was worried about right now, keeping his son's identity contained and safe. He wasn't sure what Dumbledore could be playing at and frankly? He didn't want to know if he was entirely honest. He just wanted to have this tournament over with and back home in St. Lucia as soon as possible.

"I'm afraid not, we cannot find any trace of him, from the moment he was placed in the cell." Proudfoot explained, "Now where were you at 8:15 am this morning?"

Septimus wanted to sigh in irritation, instead he remained blank faced, "With my son, whom I hadn't been parted with, even for a moment since the task began and I was arrested."

"And if we questioned your son, he'd swear that under oath?" Dawlish questioned, bursting into the room.

"He'd have no reason not to, considering it's the truth," Severus said dryly, "Are we done here?" he wanted to get back to the cabin, back to Harry, to Talin and the others. Just imagining what Dumbledore could possibly be up to made him bloody terrified beyond reason.

He saw a side to Dumbledore most people didn't. When he had come begging for aid, not for himself, no, someone else. Lily, and yes, he hadn't cared for her son and husband then, much to his shame, he'd just been an idiot of a boy, he hadn't grown up until he became a father and responsible for more than just his own life.

Dumbledore was dangerous, a lot of people just didn't realize that piece of information. Then again, why on earth would Dumbledore go after his son? No, there was one thing trying to 'sterilise' him in order to prevent more snake speakers…unless…this was just the beginning of the obsession? And Dumbledore did obsess over students in a very, very disturbing way.

This was not helping him calm down at all, if anything it was sending his anxieties sky rocketing. He needed to get out of here, he had to protect his son.

"Are there any witnesses?" Dawlish questioned, leaning his hands on the table, in an attempt to intimidate Septimus Regis.

Naturally, it didn't work, Septimus just smirked a little, amused by his attempt. "Other than a whole stadium of people? We were out of sight from everyone while I gave my son a few potions for perhaps ten minutes. Then Minerva and yourself caught up." Gesturing towards Proudfoot.

"It takes only five minutes to get to the tower cell, we tried," Dawlish argued, "Where is Dumbledore?"

Septimus' eyes glinted malevolently, "Five minutes if you know the place," he refuted, "I would have had to know where the cell was to begin with, the only place I've been in at Hogwarts is the Great Hall and the entrance hall."

"You've been here all year; we'd have to take your word for it, now wouldn't we?" Dawlish grumbled, rather annoyed by the sense the wizard was making and the fact he didn't seem apprehensive.

What he failed to realize was that Severus would endure Azkaban to keep his son's identity a secret. So, that he could continue to live an unencumbered life. He refused to allow the magical world to get its prejudice filthy claws into Harry and turn him into a bitter man like it had done him.

It would be worse, Severus knew, the back and forth between love and hate…it would destroy him regardless of how strong he'd raised Harry to be.

"That may be true, but everyone has been avoiding the students of Hogwarts. Everyone has been eating down at the cabin all year." Severus informed him blankly, giving him a look that suggested he was questioning his intelligence. "We've been in Hogwarts all of a dozen times." Which was an exaggeration he knew, but he was hardly going to sit and count the sparce amount of times they'd actually gone and sat down there now was he? Not when he had more to worry about.

"And as I've said before, I had nothing to do with whatever happened to Dumbledore. Considering how much your questioning me, I'm going to deduce you don't have enough evidence to hold me…I'd very much like to return and reassure my son whom you arrested me in front of." His voice icy as he admitted this. Luckily Harry hadn't become hysterical, oh, he'd been worried, pale and scared but he'd remained somewhat calm, Talin helped naturally.

"They're testing your wand as we speak," Dawlish pointed out calmly, watching Septimus' reaction.

"Lovely, I hadn't cast any spells since the night before, should be simply and easy to have me released." Severus said dryly, honestly, Dawlish was a pathetic Auror, trying to look intimidating and everything…he just looked like a child playing dress up in his father's Auror robes.

"We'll find the second wand…" Dawlish begun but a sharp succession of knocks at the door had them pausing.

Proudfoot opened the door, blinking at the sight of Lord Selwyn, a very, very prominent lawyer. "Lord Selwyn," he nodded.

"I do hope you've not been questioning my client without legal representation offered to him?" Lord Selwyn declared, oozing smug satisfaction, he was good at what he did and he knew it. He'd been offered an obscene amount of money to represent Septimus Regis. "I'd like to talk to my client…alone."

"Of course," Proudfoot agreed, grasping a hold of Dawlish stopping him from saying anything more. He was a good Auror, a little too cocky and stuck in his belief's but any good Auror was hard to come by these days.

Proudfoot closed the door behind him, enclosing the lawyer with his client. This allowed them to speak quietly to one another.

"Is everyone alright?" Severus asked the lawyer, his immediate concern being his son.

"Yes, everyone is fine, your son's naturally a little worried about you but has a good head on his shoulders. The Headmaster wishes to convey that he'll make sure your son is cared for until you're release." The lawyer insisted, smoothly sitting down beside his client. "Now, it might look damning, but the evidence they have is speculation that's bordering on harassment."

"Of course, it is," Severus said wryly, "Nobody could have possibly got to Dumbledore, either got him out or dealt with him, and got him away in ten minutes that I'm unaccounted for. I've been too much in the public eye for it to stand up."

"Have you ever met Dawlish, Mr. Regis?" the lawyer questioned.

"Before today? No," Severus shrugged, "He does seem to think very highly of Albus Dumbledore. The fact I'm accusing him of something…it making him rather defensive."

"Really? Interesting," Selwyn said with a vindictive gleam in his eye. He was being paid an obscene amount of money, might as well let him get his money worth. "I'll add it to my own grievances."

"Has there been any sign of Dumbledore or of his magic?" Severus asked perplexed, it wasn't like he could just disappear of the face of the planet now was it? "Was the Cell checked for any sign that a Phoenix had aided him?" realization dawning it might have been Fawkes.

"I'm sure the cell was thoroughly inspected," Selwyn stated, "But I'll put it down to make sure." Anything he could use against the Aurors for a wrongful arrest the better. Didn't they realize who they were dealing with? idiots, the lot of them, idiots.

"I want out of here as quickly as possible," Severus told the lawyer, tense. It was as if the Aurors weren't even attempting to do their job. Just trying to string him up as a guilty party without proof.

"Oh, you will be…" the lawyer declared, "Shall we get this cleared up?"

Severus nodded curtly, the quicker the better in his opinion.

Before too long the Aurors were back in the room, and Selwyn was quick to get to work. "What proof do you have of my client's culpability?" getting down to business immediately. His client wished to go home; he would help him with that.

"He's the only one who has a problem with Dumbledore," Dawlish said gruffly. "He claims Dumbledore tried to sterilize his son…anyone would be mad enough to act."

"Which I did…" Severus stated wryly.

"Be careful what you say…" the lawyer cautioned him against saying anything.

"I did immediately request that he be held until the Aurors got here. I was going to have him arrested, sentenced to Azkaban where he should be." Severus finished with a small sneer. "I do not settle disputes with violence, I have always been told I have a silver tongue."

"Unless, you have a scrap of evidence I'm going to request my clients immediate release." Lord Selwyn declared, "And I rather hope I don't have to sue the Ministry yet again, for breaking their own laws." Which happened all too frequently actually.

He rather detested it, but it helped his clients get money out of it, then he'd continue on.

"We have evidence!"

"So far all I've seen or heard is speculation…" Selwyn argued, staring at the information on the paperwork disgusted. "There isn't a scrap of evidence against him. You cannot arrest someone on mere speculation!"

"I informed Captain Shacklebolt of this, but he agreed there was enough evidence to question him." Proudfoot admitted, he didn't like the thought of them thinking he was as bad as those two. Plus, if the lawyer had his way, he knew the two Aurors would be suspected at least…sacked at most.

Selwyn's eyes narrowed, nodding his head, already scribbling names down. Oh, he would be dealing with all of this before it was done, how dare they bring in someone on this transparent flimsiness.

"I want my client released immediately," Selwyn declared, "I want to talk to your Captain, then I'm going to speak to Madam Bones."

"Not happening," Dawlish declared, mulishly, "They'll agree there's enough evidence to charge him."

Selwyn snorted derisively, making it clear he thought they were talking out of their arses. He didn't state as such, it would have been uncouth. Still, he was going to be having words with Bones over this, it was just nidicolous.

The reason Septimus Regis was being charged was because apparently accusing someone of a crime is the only reason needed these days.

"I want to talk to your Captain and Madam Bones immediately," Selwyn declared, standing up, he wasn't standing for this, they were definitely releasing his client as soon as he could possibly secure his release.

"Very well," Dawlish agreed, thinking he'd get his way, his captain already agreed with him, Bones would too. "I'll escort the prisoner down to his cell."

"I'll do it," Proudfoot declared, he wasn't having Dawlish getting charged with assault, there were too many marks on his name as it was for the way he treated prisoners. He unlike Dawlish had already investigated Septimus Regis, who by the way had never been in trouble a day in his life.

He honestly didn't think the wizard was guilty, something else was going on. He just couldn't figure out what it was, it was all rather perplexing, a puzzle waiting to be solved. If it ever was.

"I'll have you out soon." The lawyer reassured Septimus as he was escorted from the room.

----0

"When will Dad be home?" Harry asked Talin, a mask of worry and frustration on his face. "It's been hours…shouldn't they have proof now that he hasn't done anything?"

"Come eat, Harry, pacing isn't going to help matters any," Talin said reassuring the youngster. "Your father is innocent; he will be home soon."

"But it's been hours…" Harry protested, "The lawyer said he'd have him home due to insufficient evidence…" which there wasn't any. They hadn't even questioned him; he could tell them that his father was innocent for Merlin's sake.

"I know, but it takes time," Talin reassured him, he was pissed himself that Severus had been arrested on such flimsy evidence…if it could be called that. "Go eat, your dad will be annoyed if he finds out you haven't eaten."

Harry sighed, "Alright," knowing Talin was right, Remus and Sirius had been in touch and had pretty much said the same thing. That Severus will be released soon. When he'd pointed out what happened to Sirius…they'd gone right quiet.

Talin sighed in relief when the teen went to sit and eat, the rest of the students had already eaten and gone to their classes. He hadn't forced Harry to attend. He was clearly in no mind to focus on his classes.

He knew that feeling, he was currently experiencing it.

It was an anxious time.

"It's all my fault," Harry said morosely, unable to stomach eating anything.

Talin was about to sternly reprimand Harry for thinking that, when the door was knocked. Sighing softly, assuming it was Minerva who had been by earlier. Maybe it was good news? Perhaps Filius was awake?

Yanking open the door, he straightened firmly, "Yes?" he asked cautiously, staring at the Aurors with clear disapproval. He wasn't going to make any secret of his anger at them for such a farce of an arrest.

"Good evening Headmaster Addison, I'm Auror Proudfoot, this is Auror Stein. We're here to talk to Harrison Regis," Proudfoot explained, "You'll be standing in as his guardian?"

"Yes, I'm hardly going to allow you to question him alone." Talin said sharply, "Otherwise I'd be liable to see him being arrested on worse faux charges…nearly missing your quota for the month?"

"We just need to ask him questions about this morning," Proudfoot explained, ignoring the dig, while two Aurors were currently going to the tower where Dumbledore had gone missing. Madam Bones was raging over what had happened. Dawlish had been suspended pending an investigation into his conduct. It had happened barely five minutes after the Regis Lawyer and Bones started talking.

He wasn't really surprised by it, Dawlish was impulsive, liked to think he knew better. His defensiveness of Dumbledore was well known in the department, if anyone dared mention him, they didn't hear about the end of it all day. They'd learned very quickly not to say anything in his earshot, it wasn't worth the blasting headache.

"You better come in then," Talin replied, "Can I get you gentlemen anything while you wait?"

"Wait?" Auror Stein asked.

"I've finally gotten Harry to eat, I'd rather he finish his meal before we talk," Talin explained, "You aren't allergic to wolf fur perchance?"

"Um…wolf fur?" Stein asked, looking around warily, as if he expected to be pounded upon.

"Harrison's familiar," was all Talin said in explanation. "Please excuse me,"

"Are you going to eat that?" Talin asked the young boy, the Aurors could hear.

"I can't," he said softly, "I want dad back home."

Sighing softly, "The Aurors are here, they want to talk to you, if you aren't going to eat…I suppose we should get this conversation over with?"

"They're finally here?" Harry said, relieved, "They'll have to let him go, then won't they?" once they hear his side, his dad hadn't left him even for a moment.

"They will eventually," Talin murmured, "You can come in now."

The Aurors did indeed step into the kitchen, to find that the boy hadn't eaten anything off his plate. He had a wolf at his feet, munching on food from a bowl, it was beautiful they must admit, such a stunning creature but one best observed at a distance.

"Hello, Mr. Regis, I apologise for interrupting your dinner," Proudfoot explained softly, sitting down, sympathetic, treating him as he would most underage children.

"I wasn't going to eat it anyway," Harry said sombrely, "My dad didn't do it."

"That's why we're here, to talk about it," Stein explained, "Do you understand how wrong it would be to lie to the Aurors?"

Harry gave him a flat look, one that his father had been giving the Aurors since he was arrested. So, they were becoming increasingly familiar with it. "I am not five-years-old, of course I know it's wrong to lie."

"Good, now you and your father were away from the crowd for over ten minutes from what we can gather of your movements. Does that sound about right?" Proudfoot put to Harry, watching the teen closely.

"Something like that, I'd used too much magic in the task, the potion my dad had given to my friend to give to me when he confronted Dumbledore and Karkaroff wasn't enough. I was getting dizzy and disorientated again." Harry explained, "We'd been trying to catch up with Headmistress McGonagall, but ended up way behind. Dad gave me another dose, just trying to figure out if he should take me to the Hospital wing. He knows basic first aid, but he's not a healer."

"I see, go on," Proudfoot nodded, he could see that the boy was being truthful. He'd been at this for a long time now.

"Um, so we stopped, he gave me a magical replenisher draught and an energy booster." Harry explained, "We waited on it working, and dad eventually agreed I would be fine, when I said it was working. He said if I felt dizzy again, we'd be going to the Matron, the healer from Hogwarts."

Talin listened to Harry giving his statement, he felt no need to interfere.

"He never left your side at all?" Proudfoot asked.

Harry shook his head, "No, we'd just started walking again when Headmistress McGonagall and you caught up to us." he said in earnest.

"And you'd swear an oath to that effect?" Stein asked, "I have to ask, it's not that I doubt his word." He added to Talin who was about to vehemently begin arguing with them.

"Yes," Harry said adamantly.

"Alright, thank you for your time, if we have any more questions, we'll come back," Auror Proudfoot told them.

"When will my dad be allowed out?" Harry asked, staring at both of them, silently demanding an answer and the truth.

"As soon as we clear this case up," Stein was the one to answer, not giving him any promises but making sure that the teen received some sort of assurance. It was clear he wasn't taking it well, especially if a teenage boy couldn't bring himself to eat.

"Your dad is fine, we'll get all this sorted," Proudfoot declared, refraining from patting the kid on the shoulder. He was glad the Headmaster seemed a close family friend though.

Just then both Stein and Proudfoot winced as a siren sounded in their minds. An emergency, it meant they had to return or go to the Ministry of magic ASAP. "Excuse me, there's an emergency…"

With that both Aurors quickly jumped up, and made a beeline for the door, and out of it before Talin could stand.

By the time the Headmaster peered out of the window the Aurors were half way to the gate as if Cerberus himself was on their heels.

"Well, that was…odd," Talin murmured, and concerning, what could be happening that constituted an emergency? He himself couldn't wait until Severus returned.

"Do you think it has something to do with Dad?" Harry asked joining him, stomach churning.

"I do not know," Talin replied, placing a comforting arm around his shoulders. "I doubt it, you'd think emergencies have something to do with new cases."

"Dumbledore?" Harry asked, his own voice doubtful.

"He has definitely become rather troublesome, the quicker he's caught the better." Talin pursed his lips, assuming that he had help in getting away, with someone thought gone perhaps? "Filius may well be able to enlighten us."

"If he ever wakes," Harry said, swallowing thickly, "Do they know what spell it was?"

"No, Madam Poppy has consulted someone from St. Mungo's for aid," Talin sighed, "Minerva is keeping me updated." Despite not coming down, she was much too busy at the moment and constantly asking for updates on Septimus.

"I wish I hadn't come here," Harry said sadly, staring out at the grounds of Hogwarts.

Talin said nothing, a small grimace spreading across his face, "It's not all bad, you've met some wonderful people. Including Luna, and of course Viktor and Fleur and all their friends." Who had all came around and asked after him, all worried about him and the situation they were facing. He'd reassured them that he was doing okay, and thanked them for their concern but Harry wished to be alone.

"Yeah," Harry murmured, leaning against Talin, who was more than just a Headmaster, but more like another family member. More so than Sirius and Remus even.

-------0

Aurors Stein and Proudfoot returned to the Ministry of magic. Making their way straight to the Auror department, eager to find out what on earth was going on.

"What's going on?" Proudfoot asked their Captain, Shacklebolt.

"I don't know," he admitted, just as in the dark as the rest of them, his voice low and rumbling.

"What do you think it's all about?"

"Dumbledore?

"Think he's been found?"

"I doubt it, we wouldn't have been called for that…surely? Unless he's barricaded himself somewhere…" but that wouldn't require nearly the entire Auror force…at least they didn't think so.

"Well, he's powerful, it might be what's happened," chimed in another.

"Merlin, I hope not!"

"I agree," Proudfoot grumbled, this was going to take them away from their cases.

"Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Can I get your attention please?" Madam Bones called out as she entered the Aurors squad room, her face pinched, clearly stressed.

Everyone automatically went quiet.

"I need…" before Amelia could continue someone called out to her.

"Madam Bones?"

"Yes?" she asked, impatiently, glancing at the clerk.

"Professor Filius Flitwick has woken up…they took his statement…you're not going to believe who he thought he saw…" she informed her, eyes alight with delight at the gossip.

Amelia Bones frowned, and approached the girl, "Who?"

"Filius said it was Bartemius Crouch Junior, ma'am," she revealed, "He was adamant, and has actually said to have sworn an oath and still able to use magic." Then again, he was only swearing he thought it was, and that wouldn't allow him to lose his magic over it.

"Impossible, he's dead," she declared immediately, but doubt began to drown her. "Does anyone else know?" she asked sternly.

"Um…I maybe have told two other Aurors…" she said blanching at the look she was getting.

"Aurors Shacklebolt, Auror Tonks, bring Bartemius Crouch Senior in for questioning, take him down to the interrogation room immediately." Amelia declared, gesturing for them to move now.

"Yes, ma'am," they murmured, before leaving, clearly confused at what was going on but knowing better than to argue with their superior officer. Especially Shacklebolt who was on thin waters due to his earlier actions, but he'd been told by his Aurors they really thought he was guilty. He listened to his men when they had feelings as well as evidence since for the most part, they were right.

"Who took Professor Flitwick's statement?"

"We did, ma'am," two Aurors declared as they entered the room, "He's adamant that he saw Bartemius Crouch Junior…he was a little older than the last time he saw him. He's given us his memory of the incident…it would seem Septimus Regis was accused prematurely. Flitwick was rather furious when he found out we'd arrested him." And it wasn't nice being reprimanded as an adult by your old Head of house.

"Has it been put in as evidence yet?" Madam Bones asked, making a mental note to view the memory as soon as possible.

"It's in your office, ma'am," the Auror declared.

Amelia nodded, "We need to go to the Graveyard in Little Hangleton, there's been talk of someone matching Dumbledore's description found dead the Muggle police force are already out there…the situation needs contained. I will be heading the investigation, so Muggle attires are a must…" she warned them.

"Auror Brown, Patil, Smith, Proudfoot and Stein will all be coming with me," Madam Bones declared, "Auror Craig release Septimus Regis and give him our apologies."

"Yes, Ma'am," Auror Craig agreed immediately, as the Aurors chosen to go with Amelia bones flicked their wands and they were dressed in suits. Their badges would reflect their positions in the Muggle counterparts.

"Then let's go," Madam Bones declared, and with that the five Aurors followed Amelia Bones, once in the Atrium, they were given the exact coordinates before they all Apparated out of the building.

"Ma'am! Ma'am you can't…"

"Chief constable Amelia Bones," Amelia showed the badge, "Who is in charge here?" her tone booking no argument.

"Um…Sergeant Wright, ma'am, he's over there," the young officer pointed towards the suited man clearly in charge.

"Stay there," she ordered her men, before stepping towards the crime scene. Showing her badge to the Sergeant who nodded in respect, "He one of yours?"

"Let me see," Amelia nodded to the pathologist to uncover the blooded sheets.

"It's not pretty, prepare yourself," he told her.

The white cover was removed, and she was met with the face of Albus Dumbledore. Her eyes took in her surroundings, a cauldron off to the side, she had to take over this crime scene immediately.

"He's been dead for four hours, somewhere between 11am and 12pm," the pathologist continued to explain what they'd found so far, despite Bones taking in the crime scene.

"Thank you very much gentlemen, we'll take it from here," Madam Bones declared.

There was no fighting, if anything they seemed relieved that a murder was being taken off their hands. He had too many rights now…without adding more, "I think two cases might be related…old man Frank was found dead in the abandoned Riddle property, or his bones were…" he had been in the war and his DNA had been in the database. "The bones were regurgitated…the science says, by a snake…couldn't determine cause of death." which was all rather mysterious.

"A snake?" she asked, incredulously, yes there were snakes that could…but this far over here? It beggared belief it truly did. Had someone been smuggling dangerous snakes over to Britain again? "I'll be by for the case file, just to be on the safe side…it is too coincidental that two deaths were so close together in proximity…"

"Yes ma'am," the sergeant agreed, hollering for the team to stop.

"Thank you," Madam Bones nodded, grateful that she wasn't going to have to resort to magic, because oftentimes she did.

Madam Bones was quick to give out orders, the potion, the cauldron, Dumbledore's body, magical detection, wands, footprints, finger prints and everything they could get from the scene.

----------0

A/N –

For the guest review - Of course this is full of 'cheap and unnecessary PLOT TRICKS!' Otherwise the story would be boring and predicable! 😊 Although I'm actually really predictable LOL since at least one person has figured out where I'm going with the story already! This keeps you interested, invested! Keeps your mind going back to it wondering what's going to happen next! :D At least I don't make you wait months when I put cliff-hangers into my stories you wait maybe a week at most, I hope that offers you some sort of comfort with having to put up with cliff-hangers which I know can be rather annoying for some but if you really don't like them then perhaps you should wait until the stories are finished xx take care and stay safe

There we go! The next chapter for you all to enjoy! I hope most of you are all still enjoying it I just wanted to do something different than the predictable tournament that you're all used to. I honestly think if anyone wants to see the tournament, they can just read the book again!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 16

Bartemius Crouch Junior vibrated in excitement, as he strode through the gates of Hogwarts. Cloaked but not overly decked out, he didn't want to rouse suspicion after all. Although, he did keep himself hidden from view of most people. He had been tasked with one thing, and one thing only since his Lord had found him through Peter Pettigrew – the woman who had unwittingly helped was inconsequential really – to get Albus Dumbledore out from under Hogwarts wards. He would not fail in his task.

Everyone was entirely focused on the task at hand, and a momentary curiosity, had him venturing forward towards the crowd. Watching the task from the large mirrors in mid-air. He blinked at the sight, either he was getting really old…of the seventeen-year-olds were shrinking. He thought, watching in fascination as he flew with wide eyes. He only knew of two people who could fly without the aid of a broom.

His Lord, and the traitor Snape, everyone who had claimed bewitchment instead of doing to Azkaban were traitors to him. Soon though, soon, they would be called towards their Lord and suitably punished for their transgressions. His eyes lit up with demented glee as he thought about the sights he'd soon see. Oh, they would be punished severely, abandoning their Lord after swearing eternal loyalty. They hadn't even attempted to find their Lord.

He had told the wizarding world that the Dark Lord would be back. That he wouldn't be easily defeated by a baby. He'd been proven correct, and not only that but the Dark Lord himself had rescued him from his father.

It was going to be a glorious revolution.

Crouch's eyes narrowed in on Dumbledore, who was unmistakable, even in a crowd this large. It looked like half of the British magical world was here to see the task. It made him wary, he couldn't be caught. Not only would it let his Master down…but he would never go back to Azkaban. The short time he'd been there had been hell, even worse than being under the Imperius curse by his father for years. At least he'd gotten three meals a day, and some company even if only in the form of his House-elf Winky.

He wondered if his father had killed it after realizing he was gone, and before he'd been put under the Imperius curse himself. See how he liked it, soon he would have his revenge on his father, his Master had promised him after all. That once Dumbledore was taken care of…that he could do as he pleased.

Oh, he had so many ideas, it was just too bad he couldn't enact them all. He would however, make sure his father suffered before he finally killed him. Suffered like nobody had ever suffered, more so than the traitors themselves.

Wincing at the loud cheering, he glanced up at the mirror finding he'd been lost in thought far too long. His Master disliked when he did that, he could get lost in his thoughts for hours at a time. Now would be the time to get Dumbledore, he realized, everyone was busy celebrating…but then he'd barely taken a step when everything quietened down.

He glanced perturbed, what was going on? Sneaking a glance at the monitor, he noticed the champion and a tall black-haired man making their way through the crowd with a pissed off look on their faces. Shit, this wasn't part of the plan…what if he didn't get a chance to grab him?

He listened and watched on the monitor as Dumbledore was torn into, it looked like the old fool had been up to something and got caught. It would have been amusing if it wasn't interfering with his plans. He dared not return to the Dark Lord without the old fool…he would be furious…perhaps enough to kill. Not just perhaps, he had been warned what would happen if he didn't succeed.

Desperation began to exude from him as Dumbledore was escorted away by Flitwick and a man he'd never seen before. Shit, shit, shit, shit, this wasn't going well at all, he was meant to disappear from the crowd.

Cursing vehemently, Barty, swiftly began to move, keeping up with the trio. With a little luck dumbledore will be left alone so he could just disappear with him. Keeping to the shadows as much as possible, so not to catch any attention.

He was panting outrageously by the time Dumbledore was deposited into a cell in the tower. Merlin, it was a surprise that they couldn't hear him, this might well be his only chance. The Aurors could be coming any second…he had no idea what Dumbledore had done to be escorted here in a citizen's arrest. To contain him until the Aurors could be called.

Barty walked out of the shadow's wand raised, and Flitwick recognized him immediately. "It can't be…you're gone…" shocked to see his former student standing before him. He had grieved for the choices the youngster had made in his youthful folly. Then before long, news reached them all of his demise in Azkaban so young.

The other wizard who had been watching Dumbledore, began to turn, at the sound of alarm in Flitwick's voice and Barty shot a blasting curse out of his wand. His aim wasn't quite what he would have liked it, but the wizard went down hard.

By then Flitwick had his wand out, and Barty hesitated for merest of seconds. Flitwick was one of the people he actually respected. He'd always been kind to him…but he couldn't fail, he had to bring Dumbledore to his Master.

"Stupefy!" it seemed Filius wasn't inclined to hurt him either…the duelling champion using such a basic spell.

"Bombarda!"

"Protego!" "Sopio!" "Perturbo!" the duelling champion fired off three spells in near simultaneous precision.

"Crucio!" Barty snapped out, and the half-goblin had to lurch out of line of fire, and ended up falling over his unconscious friend. "Crucio!" Flitwick rolled over, avoiding the spell, and snapping one of his own creations back, "Attono!" summoning thunder from his wand, hitting the wizard with regret.

Snarling in rage, "AVADA KEDARVA! CRUCIO! CRUCIO! STUPEFY!" he hadn't been one of the best at DADA for no reason, and if the duelling champion wanted to fight fair, then that was on him. He didn't have the pleasure of fighting fair. He was however, just a little, glad when he avoided the killing curse. Filius wasn't on the light side, wasn't one to boast about Dumbledore and Barty genuinely liked him.

He did get hit with the second Cruciatus curse, before the stunning spell hit him.

"Well, well," Barty said with a wicked grin, licking his lips, "Look who I have here? Stuck and defenceless." It became even more wide when he saw apprehension flashing in those blue eyes, as his predicament did indeed sink in quickly. "Don't worry I won't be the one to kill you." he declared.

And with that Dumbledore's world dimmed as consciousness fled him as the spell struck him right in the chest. Worry unlike anything he'd ever felt, consuming him. Never in all his years had he expected something like this to happen. To be taken from Hogwarts of all places…let alone with someone he'd believed to be dead.

How on earth had Bartemius Crouch Junior survived? How had he gotten out of Azkaban prison? How on earth had he gotten here to Hogwarts without anyone noticing?

-0

The next thing Albus Dumbledore knew was that he was upright, and magically bound to a tombstone. The moment he noticed the name of the headstone, his heart sank, blue eyes began to assess his surroundings. The large bubbling cauldron, eyes widening…when he caught sight of the fat squat wizard. One he was familiar with, Peter Pettigrew, an ex-order member.

Inhaling sharply, trying to deduce what the potion was, not that he had to wonder long. As Pettigrew picked up something wrapped in a bundle as Barty grinned and almost pranced around the place, so very happy that he'd succeeded in the task his Master had put to him.

The bundle was placed into the cauldron – that could very easily house two fully grown wizards maybe three at a pinch. The cauldron immediately began to bubble, and spark outrageously, oh, no, Albus thought beginning to sweat.

A Regeneration potion, he realized, the potion was an old piece of Dark Magic. It restores a wizard whose body has been maimed and disfigured to their true and whole bodily form.

It would seem, after twelve years, Lord Voldemort would return.

Barty finally went quiet, barely breathing as Pettigrew began to speak.

"Bone of your father unknowingly given; you will renew your son!"

The earth began to shudder under him, and before long, bone dust particles flew through the air and arched gracefully before falling into the bubbling cauldron that turned deep poisonous blue. The potion was working as intended, he wished with all his might for his wand, but he knew that wouldn't help him. It was currently at Hogwarts; he'd intended to die as the wands last true Master. Yet, that wouldn't be the case at all…and if Voldemort had his way…well, he wouldn't see another day. He had to get free, and as soon as possible.

He hadn't been all that good at wandless magic as he made it out to be. Lighting the candles had been easy – despite impressing the children – with the aid of the school. Then there was naturally, the fact he had his wand hidden in his sleeve.

Barty's eyes light up, watching Pettigrew, wand still aimed at Dumbledore's bound form. He didn't want the old man to get any ideas or worse…get away and prevent his Master's return. He was visibly vibrating with excitement and malicious glee.

"Flesh of the Servant, willing sacrificed, you will revive your Master!" Pettigrew stalled for a few seconds, before he viciously used the knife to slice through his wrist. The knife made it as easy as slicing through butter and the pain didn't register until with almighty plop, Peter Pettigrew's hand was immersed in the cauldron beside the bundle that was Lord Voldemort. The cauldron immediately went, bright, bright red.

Another stage complete, and completed correctly, the potion thus far was perfect, much to Dumbledore's consternation. Focusing inwardly, he urged his magic on, to undo the bindings tying him to the tombstone. He would not die here.

Whimpering in agony, Pettigrew gripped his bleeding stump, before wrapping bandages around it. Which automatically became saturated completely the red fluid. Despite his obvious agony, he continued on, more accustomed to pain than any wizard here realized, as they were impressed, however reluctantly on Dumbledore's part at Pettigrew's pain tolerance.

Only then did Dumbledore recall the last item requested for the potion to work. Blood of the enemy…by then, Pettigrew had sliced into Dumbledore's face, almost slicing his cheek off. Then very carefully, he held the knife on its side until he reached the cauldron, and let the blood drop down with a final dramatic plop. "Blood of the Enemy forcefully taken…you'll resurrect your foe!

Then blinding white exploded behind all their eyelids, steam bellowing angrily out of it. Then slowly, ever so slowly, a shadow began to emerge from the steaming cauldron. No, not just a shadow, a figure.

A figure that was promptly dressed in a black robe, hands and feet flexing.

Lord Voldemort had once again risen.

"You stand on the bones of my late father…Albus Dumbledore…see how useful he has proven himself in death…" his voice had a hissing qualify to it, no matter, he thought staring at his hands…thirteen long years without a body.

"Tom," Albus said, as if he wasn't tied to a tombstone, and was instead engaging in a pleasant conversation with an old friend.

Those ruby eyes darkened, as his wand was placed in his hand by a trembling Pettigrew who spoke, "Master…you promised…you did promise…" giving a doleful look at his arm that was now minus a hand.

"You have done well," Voldemort agreed imperiously, "Both of you, and don't say that Lord Voldemort does not reward his most faithful…even if they return out of fear of old friends." He said magnanimously, "Give me your arm Wormtail."

"Thank you master…thank you…" Peter held aloft his injured arm only to be cruelly laughed at, the wizard flinched. Nothing good came out of their Master's laughing, and there were only three people here…he didn't like his odds.

"Your other arm, Wormtail," Voldemort demanded, bright ruby eyes watching his servant, who had not only bled for him but lost a limb feeling nothing but superior.

Anxiety shot up Dumbledore's spine as he watched Tom press his wand against Pettigrew's mark. It went from barely discernible…to bright black in seconds.

"It is back," he said softly. "They will all have noticed it…and now, we shall see…now we shall know…"

He pressed his long, white forefinger to the brad on Wormtail's arm. Wormtail howled in fresh pain.

Dumbledore knew now that he was screwed, he couldn't fight Tom's inner circle and the wizard himself alone and wandless.

"How many will be brave enough to return when they feel it?" he whispered his gleaming red eyes fixed on the stars "And how many will be foolish enough to stay away?"

He could only pray that Severus took pity and remembered the promises he made. Without him the wizarding world was surely doomed. Harry Potter had died, his part in the prophecy fulfilled, the magical society needed him. He could not give up. Severus had to help him…he just had to.

He would understand the steps he was taking to wipe out the Gaunt/Riddle line. It had to happen; the boy would grow up to be just like his father. He could have arranged an accident or gotten someone to kill him, instead he'd only cast a sterilisation hex to prevent any more insanity being born and unleashed onto the world.

He had to come. There was no other option.

"Master…Master" said every Death Eater as they fell to their knees at Voldemort's feet. Kissing the hem of his robes, bowing to their Master in reverence.

Nobody so much as looked at Dumbledore.

"Welcome Death Eaters," said Voldemort "Thirteen years…thirteen years since last we met. Yet you answer my call as thought it was yesterday…we are still united under the Dark Mark, then, or are we?"

Everyone froze, well aware of their Masters' precarious moods.

"I smell guilt" he said sniffing the air "There is a stench of guilt upon the air."

"I see you all, whole and healthy, with your powers intact - such prompt appearances! - and I ask myself…why did this band of wizards never come to the aid of their master, to whom they swore eternal loyalty?"

Nobody dared move, nobody dared speak, barely breathing as they stared at the floor listening to their Master speak, unable to believe he had returned to them after thirteen years absence.

"And I answer myself" whispered Voldemort "They must have believed me broken, they thought I was gone. They slipped back among my enemies, and they pleaded innocence, and ignorance, and bewitchment…and then I ask myself, but how could they have believed I would not rise again? They, who knew the steps I took, long ago, to guard myself against mortal death? They, who had seen proofs of the immensity of my power, in the times when I was mightier than any wizard living?"

"And I answer myself, perhaps they believed a still-greater power existed, one that could vanquish even Lord Voldemort…perhaps they now pay allegiances to another…perhaps that champion of commoners, of Mudbloods and Muggles, Albus Dumbledore?" spitting the name out at the wizard bound to the tombstone.

Everyone there began shaking their heads and denying the possibility vehemently. No, they would never, never align themselves with the likes of Dumbledore.

"It is a disappointment to me…I confess myself disappointed" muttered Voldemort.

"Master," someone suddenly shrieked falling out of the circle and right in front of Voldemort's feet. "Master forgive me! Forgive us all!"

Voldemort laughed before, "Crucio" snarled Voldemort, a few minutes later he stopped it "Get up Avery, I do not forgive, I do not forget! Thirteen years of repayment then I shall think of forgiving you."

Then the Dark Lord began to go around his followers, letting them know that he had kept track of them and found out information.

"Macnair…destroying dangerous beasts for the Ministry of Magic now? You shall have better victims than that soon, Macnair Lord Voldemort will provide…" hissed the snake voice.

"Thank you Master, thank you" murmured Macnair.

"And here" he said "We have Crabbe and you, Goyle? You shall do better this time, will you not?"

"Yes Master…" said Crabbe dutifully.

"We will, master…" grunted Goyle.

"And here we have six missing Death Eaters…four dead in my service. One, too cowardly to return…he will pay" hissed Voldemort thinking of Karkaroff. "One who I believe has left me forever…spying for this commoner Dumbledore…Snape will be killed. And one, who remains my most faithful servant, and who has already re- entered my service, Barty,"

Barty positively glowed over the words, as if he had just been given the most honorific achievement possible. He leaned forward slightly, just waiting for his Lord to punish those who had failed to go to his aid when he needed it most.

Voldemort glanced at Dumbledore, red eyes glittering malevolently, Dumbledore wouldn't survive this naturally. He didn't want it to be known that he was back. "I hear you've been continuing my work, Albus?" he hissed in amusement, "You just never learn from your mistakes, do you? how many children have you sent back to abusive families? All the while playing the hero? I admit if the boy had survived I would have had to kill him…but he would have been the last one to be foisted upon Muggles…when I take over…and I will take over…I will remake the magical world into an image to be proud…not the weak pathetic image you've created over the past thirteen years! Our traditions will once more take prominence and wizards will rise above!"

The Death eaters roared in approval, wholly agreeing with the Dark Lord and the future they envisioned.

Anything was better than what Dumbledore could offer them.

"You killed your last best chance of defeating me Dumbledore…and I shall reward you for that." Voldemort said, stalking around Dumbledore, eyeing the eyesore he had on and what he would die in. "Your death will be less violent than I wish it. You will die more quickly; this is the mercy I will show you…it's a pity you didn't show mercy on those who begged you for aid. While you willingly left them to be abused…killed…slaughtered…"

"Tom…" Dumbledore began worry squirming in his gut, why the hell was Severus not here? Was the reason Voldemort was threatening death because he took his son?

"Crucio!" Voldemort spat out immediately, "What have I told you about using that name?" fury consuming him.

Dumbledore writhed against the headstone, his head smashing against the back of it, and the bindings tightened further. Restricting him to near impossible lengths, leaving him unable to breathe, as the twitching caused the bindings to continue restricting his movements.

Voldemort watched Dumbledore, almost face to face as he watched him suffer. He'd never managed to get this close to the old fool. Too many people willing to defend him, this was…a rarity, him without a wand, defenceless…tonight he'd breathe his last.

Then, then he could begin his plans, but first he had to gather all possible troops before he amasses an attack in simultaneous places without anyone the wiser.

"I'm going to enjoy this, Albus Dumbledore," Voldemort hissed out, "And I believe my Death Eaters are a tad bit rusty…shall we see?"

Dumbledore shuddered, still recovering and reeling from the Cruciatus curse. "There are other ways, T…there are other ways." He said weakly, not up to saying his name quite so soon, not if he hoped to talk his way out of his.

It was clear that Severus was not coming…and he wouldn't find help here.

"No, I don't think there is," Voldemort said, stepping away, red eyes gleaming merrily, "Now shall we see if you remember your training?"

The Death Eaters gleefully all agreed, salivating over the prospect of actually getting to hurt the Great Albus Dumbledore. Getting to repay the wizard who had been a thorn in their sides for so very long…and they knew without Dumbledore around their plans were as good as accomplished.

"Nothing that will kill him, his death belongs to me!" Voldemort said dramatically, flaring his robes around him. "Now, now children, no need to push and shove, one at a time," he said laughing darkly, watching them all scramble as if for scraps.

"fragor!"

Dumbledore screamed as every single bone in his body literally shook and cracked.

"Very good Macnair!" Voldemort praised his follow who promptly bowed and kissed the Dark Lord's feet in thanks for his mercy and praise.

"torqueo!" Crabbe cast, and Dumbledore's arms and legs immediately twisted, the shattering of bones was loud and made even the most hardened Death Eater cringe at the loudness, which was almost drowned out by the absolute agonising sounds leaving Dumbledore's mouth. As pain beyond pain drowned the elder wizard.

"Very nice," the Dark Lord nodded his approval, gleefully eyeing Dumbledore, oh, this was what dreams were made of. The sounds, the sight, it's what he had wanted to see for decades now, and he would allow Dumbledore's body to be found so that the world would know he had suffered horrendously.

"urgeo!" Goyle came next, the spell pushing on the torture he'd just experienced, pushed on his bones, grinding them further as he leaned against the bonds holding him, unable to keep himself upright, as his body was twisted and broken beyond repair.

"Very well done," Voldemort praised Goyle.

One by one the rest of the Death Eaters came forward and gleefully caused their own harm to Dumbledore. Each of them leery of causing too much damage and Dumbledore dying under their wands.

"Exintero! Effido! Exinanio! Corda!"

Each time Voldemort praised his Death Eaters, watching Dumbledore's body twist and contort in unnatural angles. The wizard was no longer screaming in pain, in fact, he was barely making any sounds at all, as his chest feebly moved up and down.

He did not have long left on this earth, and Lord Voldemort had promised a merciful end.

"You have been a worthy adversary, but as always everyone falls before Lord Voldemort's might powers." Lord Voldemort declared, "Avada Kedavra!" and with that, Albus Dumbledore's body breathed it's last.

The so called 'Great Adventure' he spouted, well, it was a journey he was now taking.

After that things wrapped up quickly, Dumbledore was removed from his bindings. And flung further afield away from the tombstone. The magic was scrubbed, and Voldemort commanded Pettigrew to clean up, before everyone else Apparated away leaving the wizard to it. Nobody wanted to be caught at the scene of the crime after all.

Pettigrew squeaked, clutching his stump, which had still not been fixed as his Master promised, jumping a foot in the air when he heard a sound. Not thinking of the consequences, he apparated away to safety, completely forgetting to scrub the crime scene.

Which would have dire consequences all on its own for Peter Pettigrew.

It was barely three minutes later that four teens stumbled upon the curious sight, and the body of an old man.

Naturally it didn't take long at all for the Muggle police to be put on the scene.

-----0

"Amelia, it was him then?" Cornelius said, his face turning grim, at the look on Amelia's face.

"It was," Amelia confessed, "He was found surrounded by a resurrection ritual set up, a very old and dark potion. The Unspeakables say that the ritual was a success, someone out there who had lost their body…has returned."

Cornelius choked and paled drastically, shaking his head, denial setting in almost immediately. "Don't tell me you think…"

"Peter Pettigrew's blood was found at the scene…fresh," Amelia explained tiredly, bags under her eyes, she hadn't gone home last night at all. Waiting on the results…praying that it was some sort of prank but it wasn't meant to be. "Shall we send someone to Azkaban to find out if there is any difference in the Dark Mark?"

Cornelius inhaled shakily, pleading with Bones to tell him it was a joke. Yet her face remained set in her normal stern line, admittedly not as strong as she'd normally have it. This news had clearly shaken her just as much as him. "It can't be…it just…it can't be…" he said, desperately.

"Cornelius…we cannot bury our heads in the sand, if he's returned…" Bones ignored the raspy choked sound coming out of the Ministers mouth and continued on. "We need to make plans; we need to counter Voldemort's plots if we have any chance of avoiding what happened last time and the price it cost us all…" the deaths had been numerous in their already small community. "We came too close to losing everything…" if not for the miracle thirteen-years ago they would have lost, everything would have been reigning under a tyrannical Dark Lord.

Cornelius flinched at the name, "Don't say his name," he rasped out, terror bleeding into him in droves.

Amelia pursed her lips, a faraway look on her face, "Yes, I believe you might be right…soon we shall have to revert back to using You-Know-Who." She agreed entirely, well aware of what happens should anyone be brave or stupid enough to say his name. especially if the Geis reactivates now that he was once more whole.

"Wh-what do I do?" Cornelius asked, looking wounded and so very lost, what on earth did he do? How did he go about saving the magical world from a maniac?

Cornelius put his hands in his face, as if attempting to blot out the world…without Dumbledore…there was no hope for them. How could they truly hope to defeat the Darkest wizard their world had ever known – including Grindelwald – Merlin help them, for they were screwed.

"Gather the Wizengamot, the council of magic and set up a task force, encourage more Aurors, put the salary for an Auror up, double it, we need numbers if we ever hope to defeat him. He'll do the same thing as he did last time, prevent him from getting the Dementors, the other creatures…strengthen the wards around Hogwarts and the Ministry…don't sit with your head buried in the sand. Don't just do enough to appease the public. Act now."

Cornelius looked up, what did he have to lose really? If he didn't do this…then he would die. There was just no other alternative, and it's not like he was going to pack up and leave the British Shores. However, he would be sending his brother and nephew away, to whom he was very close.

Straightening his spine, he stared at Amelia, both of them terrified of what the future held, but knew they had to do what was right. There was nobody going to come riding in to the rescue, nobody powerful enough to deal with him.

"Set up a meeting for both the Wizengamot and COM as soon as it's possible," Cornelius stated, standing up, looking stronger than he felt. He wouldn't be doing this alone, and hopefully the Wizengamot and Council Of Magic would come up with some really good ideas.

Because right now his brain was on the fritz.

He had just learned that Lord Voldemort was back and that Albus Dumbledore was dead…taking with him some semblance of hope they still harboured now for these dark times ahead.

They were unaware of the fact a young boy they'd held as a symbol of hope, whom they thought had died so very long ago…who could have been their hope…would soon be leaving Britain at the end of the tournament.

Whether he would return though…well, that remained to be seen? Now didn't it?

Could they deal with Voldemort themselves? Or will they need a hero to come to the rescue?

-------0

Okay, I'm thinking of making this story split into a Trio of stories, Fixing Past Mistakes, Growing Legacy and a last one it will make this one and the other one smallish stories but it would also save me from trying to trudge through a 'teenage romance' and well...years of Harry's life without boring everyone out of their skulls so there's two choices here...keep growing Legacy and show their 'romance' or start a new story after this ones done and have it a few years in the future back in St. Lucia with them all graduated etc... I suppose I could add some beginning romance to Luna/Harry IF you'd like to see the beginning before I end the story if you'd sort of like to have your cake and eat it too...I'm putting a proper vote for this on my Facebook group page when I can figure out not to make a novel of the explanation LOL if you want to join just put DebsTheSlytherinSnapeFanStories into the search bar and you should find the group! see you there if you'd like to join :) Read and Review please!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 17

Auror Craig sighed as he headed straight for the cells, once again, because he was the youngest, he was missing out on everything that was happening. Moving swiftly down the stairs, he didn’t understand some of the Aurors, they were always too quick to judge, too quick to arrest someone without logically thinking it through.

He’d read everything, and it’s like he’d expected Septimus Regis to get through Hogwarts remove Dumbledore and sequester him somewhere and get back all in ten minutes he was out of view. Out of view, yes, but most certainly with his son. Nobody would just leave their son when he was ill like that, to take off after Dumbledore who had been arrested. Anyone who wanted revenge wouldn’t have broadcasted ill intent.

Ah, well, he was paying for his hasty actions, maybe next time he wouldn’t be so quick to rush judgement on someone. He was annoying, he certainly didn’t mind his absence, although it would burden them all with a bigger workload. As if they didn’t have enough on their hands as it was.

Opening the cell door, Septimus Regis stood regally immediately, he suited his last name immensely. “Mr. Regis, we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused you. Auror Dawlish has been suspended pending an investigation into his actions.”

Septimus raised a brow clearly unimpressed by their version of an apology.

“Madam Bones wishes to convey her own apology, and wished to oversee this but she’s been called out…” Auror Craig confessed, opening the door further allowing the wizard to step out.

Severus narrowed his eyes in contemplation, “Oh?” he murmured, trying to get the wizard to talk.

“Yes, we believe Dumbledore has been found, but we don’t have confirmation yet,” Auror Craig explained as he closed the cell door, and made his way along the corridor with the wizard.

“Found? Dead?” Severus gaped, “I wished to see him pay for harming my son…but…” playing at being shocked to the core. He was a little concerned though, just who on earth could get the drop on Dumbledore? He was admittedly a very powerful wizard, and it was concerning that he had been found dead.

“Yes, Sir, I know,” Auror Craig explained in sympathy, his Hufflepuff tendencies coming to the forefront.

The further up the Ministry from the cells they got, the more Severus became alarmed. The entire Ministry were up in arms, three Aurors rushed through the Aurors squad room, reading the sign on the door.

“What’s going on?” Auror Craig asked, thankfully, because Severus wasn’t sure he would have been able to hold his tongue.

“It was Dumbledore,” the Auror declared, “It’s not looking good at all, there was a regenerative potion remnant’s, a cauldron and Peter Pettigrew blood found fresh at the scene.”

Severus paled, regenerative potion? Swallowing thickly, that was…one seriously dark potion and he could only think of one person who would use it. This was not good at all, he felt sick.

“Regenerative potion?” the young Auror asked confused, “I’ve never heard of it before…” the Hufflepuff admitted.

“You wouldn’t have, it’s a really old and dark potion, it returns someone to their original state.” The Auror explained for his colleague. “Whoever it was…Pettigrew helped them return.”

“Like who?” the Hufflepuff asked, frowning, who would need such a potion?

“I have to go…” the Auror explained, bag in hand, it had everything they’d need to bring back the potion without contaminating it. “You need to put out wanted leaflets for Bartemius Crouch Junior…the public need warned they’re out, armed and dangerous…”

Severus remained stiff, listening to everything he was hearing his mind reeling all the while.

“I will,” Auror Craig declared, “Come on, let me escort you out…” remembering he had someone to see out of the Ministry.

“No, you’ve got important work to do, I recall the way to the Atrium, I’ll Floo to our cabin from there.” Severus informed the Auror.

“I can’t just leave you here…” the Auror protested, “I’ll take you to the Atrium,” he decided, he wasn’t going to lose his job by allowing a civilian to do as they pleased, especially in an area they definitely weren’t allowed to be unescorted in.

“I’d appreciate that,” Severus said sincerely, “I honestly wasn’t sure I’d get there…I was rather in a state of shock coming in.” lying through his teeth, he was a wizard now who had never been in trouble with the law he had to continue to act as such. Especially if he was called into question again while here.

“Of course, it must have been a shock!” The Auror declared, “Honestly, Auror Dawlish has been at this for years, he’s much too quick to judge anyone. Although, it’s not normally those from abroad…but rather those families with dark cores.”

“Prejudice, and he’s allowed to continue?” Severus asked in distaste, not really surprised to hear this. He had been singled out as ‘a great wizard’ by Dumbledore while in school. A Gryffindor, no surprise there. Just as he singled out James, Lily, Pettigrew, Sirius and Remus as well as a good few other people who ended up joining his Order.

“Well, he’s been suspended so it might not be continuing…” Auror Craig shrugged, “Here we are, Sir, the Atrium, there’s plenty of Floo powder at the side so you can get to your destination safely. Once again, we’re so sorry for the inconvenience.”

Severus nodded curtly, before stalking towards the long circle of Floo’s available for both Ministry workers and the public. Grasping a hold of a handful of Floo Powder, he ducked under and threw in the powder and called out his destination.

The first thing he heard was a call of “DAD!” before he had a barnacle wrapped around his midsection squeezing tightly.

“What are you both going here?” Severus asked, noticing Sirius and Remus in their cabin.

“Don’t worry, they’ve not been seen,” Talin reassured Severus, understanding why he’d be worried about their presence here.

“That’s a relief, but nowhere near the crux of my worries,” Severus revealed, eyes filled with concern.

Talin frowned, glancing at Sirius and Remus briefly, that did not sound good at all.

“I want us to go home,” Harry said, peering up at his dad with fearful green eyes, he hadn’t meant for all this to happen. He’d just wanted to participate in the tournament. Now his dad had been arrested, “Are they pressing charges?” asking what Talin had been about to ask.

“Surely not?” Talin said, sounding extremely insulted. “It’s clearly obvious you had nothing to do with it.” scowling, if the Ministry tried to continue this farce, he would bring down the full weight of the ICW upon them. Yes, they might be in a pissing contest but they would not allow such a travesty of justice to occur. It wasn’t like he’d met them all, only the ones available that day.

“I know,” Severus murmured, brushing his hand through his son’s hair. “I would prefer to return home as well.” He confessed; the tournament couldn’t end fast enough.

“Here, some coffee,” Talin said, gesturing with the cup before putting it down on the table, still standing since the Floo activated, Harry was naturally still wrapped around his father. The fear the child had experienced wasn’t something he was used to; he naturally had a stable upbringing and wasn’t used to the fear of losing his father.

“What the hell happened?” Sirius asked, impatiently.

“Give him a moment with his son,” Talin chided Sirius, they both needed just a moment to themselves. He wanted to know as well, but he wasn’t demanding answers from his friend.

Remus placed his hand on Sirius’ shoulder, who nodded grudgingly, and sat down. He knew by looking at Snape’s face that he wasn’t going to like what he heard next. He almost just wanted it to be over so he would know what was happening.

“I received apologies and was let go, it’s clear I’m not going to be charged.” Severus informed them, rubbing at his sons back absently. Giving him the comfort, he so clearly sought, as he always did.

It was a testament to how far Sirius Black had come, that he didn’t even so much as turn his nose up at the sight.

“That’s great then, isn’t it?” Remus asked, amber eyes following Severus’ movements until he sat down, Harry dragged his chair until he was right next to his father and remained as close as he could. “Why do you look so worried?” he asked him.

“Because of what I’ve heard,” Severus admitted grimly, picking up his cup of coffee and drinking some. Merlin, that was good, the cell had been cold and rather uncomfortable. A plate filled with sandwiches was placed in the middle of the table. “Try and eat, you too, Harry, you’ve barely eaten.”

Severus nudged him to do as he was told, but he seemed happy enough to eat.

“What did you overhear?” Talin asked sitting down himself now, pouring himself a cup of his own. To have Severus fearing so much? Yes, something definitely out of the ordinary has happened.

“Albus Dumbledore is dead,” Severus informed them, only Sirius and Remus bleated in shock staring in stunned disbelief.

“You’re joking right?” Sirius Blurted out.

“How sure are you?” Remus asked, could they have been talking about someone else and wires were crossed somewhere? Then again, knowing Severus, he wouldn’t say anything without first being 100% he was like that even during the Order meetings.

Severus gave Remus a deadpan look, that the question so clearly deserved.

“How?” Sirius asked, rubbing his hand over his face, shocked to the core. Sure, he didn’t trust the old man…but he certainly didn’t wish anyone dead, not even Snape. Not even when he had suggested he go to the whomping Willow, he’d just wanted to scare him really, he hadn’t thought it through.

“That was not discussed, and worse, there was talk of the regenerative potion…” Severus said bleakly.

“Regenerative potion?” Talin asked in mild fascination, “I’ve never seen it brewed, I’ve always considered it rather barbaric if I’m honest. Especially the ‘servant’ part of the ritual, but it was done in the days where wizards and witches had human and House-elf slaves, and they were considered their ‘Masters’.”

“Please tell me it’s not who I think it is…” Sirius choked out, grey eyes flashing angrily, just thinking of that…that bastard being back. He had killed Lily and James…had killed so many of his friends.

“I can’t say,” Severus revealed honestly. “But I can hazard a good guess.”

“You’ve got the Dark Mark!” Sirius cried out, “Surely, you’ll know!”

“You’ll find that I do not,” Severus revealed, baring his arms in defiance. “It did not return once I aged.” Which had been a massive bonus, it enabled him to go out without covering himself entirely. Which most definitely wouldn’t have been fun at all, especially in the heat that was St. Lucia.

Sirius felt a pang of jealousy as he recalled Severus being given a second chance, to raise Harry. Not only in that, but reliving his life altogether. No mark, no consequences of that, yet here he was, as old as ever. The marks left by Azkaban were apparent on every inch of his body.

“This cannot be happening,” Sirius groaned, “It. Cannot. Be. Happening.” Pacing and pacing the small kitchen muttering it under his breath, fear consuming him. He knew the prophecy; he knew what it meant for his godson.

“Shall we attempt to find a way to break the contract and return home?” Talin asked, he did not want his students amidst a war.

“We can’t return to St. Lucia,” Sirius croaked out, much to Talin and Remus’ surprise.

Severus’ eyes however darkened as he deduced Black’s statement correctly and gritted his teeth.

“Have care what you say next, Black, for if you wish to continue being a part of Harry’s life…then you will not say what I believe you might be about to.” Severus hissed out angrily.

“But we have a duty, an obligation,” Sirius pointed out.

“Someone want to fill me in?” Remus demanded in a soft tone, he did not like being in the dark.

“Ah, I forgot you wouldn’t have been told, with the lot of them believing you to be the spy,” Severus said spitefully, unable to help himself. Before inhaling sharply, no, he wasn’t that man anymore. He was better than that, he didn’t want his son to see this side of him. Merlin, he’d been here only months and it seemed to be undoing everything years upon years at St. Lucia had accomplished. “I apologise, that was out of line, I am…worried.” Whether they believed him or not he didn’t care, his son would know he’d tried to correct his mistake immediately. Thankfully, Harry didn’t have such hatred twisted inside of him, thus he didn’t get that ugly anger rearing its head.

“It’s fine, but what wasn’t I told?” Remus was used to Severus’ bitterness, and the way his cutting words were spewed when he was scared and angry. It was a combination of both right at this moment.

“Harry…why don’t you go spend some time with your friends?” Sirius urged the teen.

Harry stared at Sirius with that same deadpan stare as his father, finding Sirius’ attempt at making him seem like a child pathetic.

“My son already knows everything,” Severus retorted.

Sirius gawked in disbelief, there was no way…no way surely, that Snape had told a young boy that sort of thing.

“And what is everything?” Remus asked with deceptive mildness.

Talin remained quiet but thoughtful, as the trio spoke. Harry was eating calmly, much more at ease now that his father had been returned to him. Oh, there was no mistaking he was listening, actively. Yet he seemed to have no desire – like himself – to join in, there was more than enough voice in the madness at the moment.

“The reason James and Lily were on the run was because of a Prophecy,” Severus informed him coolly, Remus nodded, he was aware of that much at least. “That prophecy states that the only one who could defeat Voldemort…was Harry.” There was no point to mentioning Longbottom boy, he had not been born at the end of July. No, his birthday was 30th, the day before…hardly the ‘seventh month dies’ now is it?

Remus swallowed thickly, “Merlin…Merlin,” he croaked, shaken to the core.

“As far as I am concerned, the prophecy has been fulfilled, and Harry will be returning to St. Lucia as soon as we can.” Severus informed them seriously, “He won’t be having anything to do with this upcoming war. I’ll do what Lily and James had wanted, and keep our son safe.”

“What did it say?” Remus asked.

“That I won’t say, I refuse to put Harry in any further jeopardy,” Severus stated, “You two will be coming with us…or I’ll obliviate you of any memories you have of Harry.” His tone grim. “I will not have you unwittingly revealing information that would lead Lord Voldemort straight to our door.”

“You can’t do that!” Sirius protested, “We can’t do that!”

“Why not? Haven’t you already done your part? Why not leave it up to the professionals? Which might happen now they don’t have a damn patsy to use. Haven’t you heard? Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore are dead.” Severus retorted calmly.

“I can’t…” Sirius shook his head, he couldn’t just leave them to it, it was far too ingrained in his mind. “I can’t do what you ask of me, to just walk away…”

“And what has the British public don’t for you that you’d fight so ardently for them?” Severus sneered, “Other than turn their back on you, forget you existed and call you a mass murderer and a betrayer?”

Sirius’ stomach twisted; he knew Snape was right…but still…he couldn’t leave them to face this battle alone. He knew Remus would feel the same way as him. They had to do what they could to help. He felt sick at the ultimatum that Snape had just offered up. He had no doubt Snape would do it too.

“You have until the end of the tournament to decide,” Severus informed them, as if he wasn’t planning on turning their worlds upside down. He knew it was very unlikely that Talin should find a way to get Harry out of the tournament this late.

“What about what Harry wants?” Sirius exploded.

Severus slowly stood up, “He’s a fourteen-year-old boy, who will be gaining his Mastery and attending university should he wish. He will not be fighting in a war, or sacrificing himself do we understand each other?” he stated calmly, eyes flashing in fury.

“Harry?” Sirius asked, as Remus inhaled sharply.

“Sirius, he’s fourteen,” Remus couldn’t help but say, how on earth could Sirius actually expect Harry to want to participate in a war? He was a kid; he was just a kid.

Severus’ eyes gleamed in disgust, lip curled, staring Black down.

“My dad’s right, I want to go home,” Harry said, startled and confused as he stared at Sirius. He wasn’t used to adults trying to encourage him to take part in something dangerous like a war. They’d vehemently protested his participation in the tournament for crying out loud. It sounded an awful lot like Sirius really wanted him to fight.

He couldn’t help but think he was so very glad Sirius hadn’t raised him. It horrified him to think what sort of person he’d be. By the sounds of it…he didn’t think he’d have lived passed his fourteenth birthday. His father, professors and Headmaster had always cautioned just going into situations one doesn’t know what they’ll find.

By the looks of it, Sirius preferred that.

“Then home is exactly where we will go,” Talin stated, joining the conversation for the first time. “I’ll look over the rules again and see if we can successfully find a clause that will allow you to leave right away. If not, the moment the last task is done, we shall leave.” Giving Sirius a side look, utterly bewildered by his comments, its as though he truly expected Harry to fight in a war. War was for grown wizards and witches, not children not even out of school. No, it must just be the shock talking surely?

“But you could help!” Sirius pointed out in confusion, “You’re a powerful wizard, light, don’t you want to do the right thing?”

“The right thing is to get my students to safety, to remain alive for my children. I am not the one responsible for the Dark Lord Voldemort. The British Magical’s stagnant ways are responsible. They’ve observed two wars over the same things, yet there has been no change, no compromise. You continue to persecute magic instead of the person, I am sorry to say that these so called ‘Dark Lord’s’ have points, it’s why they’ve been able to recruit so many for their causes. Why so many good men have been seen as evil.” Talin explained calmly. “Please, do not begin to go on a diatribe about how I don’t know what I’m talking about or how I must be ‘evil’ as well, if anything should I have lived here, I would be entirely neutral.”

“I think we better go, before Sirius says something entirely unforgivable…” Remus said, grasping a hold of Sirius’ bicep.

Sirius pursed his lips, before grudgingly nodding, things were getting heated. He didn’t want to say something he’d regret…and he knew how hot headed he got. His therapist told him to count to ten before speaking and for the most part he was able to do just that.

“Yes, you most definitely should,” Severus replied, just as the door was knocked.

“That will be Minerva, she did say she’d be by,” Talin explained, already moving to stand.

“I’ll get it,” Remus said, making a stay gesture, nodding his head, he prodded at Sirius, who thankfully didn’t resist.

“Hello, Minerva, go on in, they’re expecting you,” he told her with a tense smile.

“Thank you, Remus, Sirius,” Minerva said, giving a nod as she passed them, both exited the cabin and closed the door. “Well, I have a feeling that whatever just happened…nobody is happy about.” Seeing their grim faces.

“You’d be quite right.” Severus sighed, giving his son another squeeze before kissing his head, “Go ahead, son, spend some time with your friend. I’m fine, everything is going to be just fine.” Giving his son his word.

“Okay,” Harry agreed, he guessed he wouldn’t be seeing Luna for a little while, which sucked, but he made a mental note to go up to Hogwarts tomorrow and see her. Nabbing another sandwich, he grabbed an orange juice from the cupboard before leaving.

“What’s going on?” Minerva asked suspiciously.

“Sit down, Minerva,” Severus murmured, as pissed as she was at Dumbledore, he knew she still cared about him to some extent. Enough to feel sorry for him and let him remain at Hogwarts regardless of whether she knew it was a manipulation or not.

Minerva sat down, smiling in thanks as Talin poured her a cuppa.

“How is Filius doing?” Talin enquired, causing Severus to sit up, confusion momentarily passing his features. “He was injured when Dumbledore was taken.”

“Taken by Bartemius Crouch Junior,” Minerva added, aghast, he was supposed to be dead.

“Then that basically confirms it,” Severus sighed, “Dumbledore is dead, Minerva, you’ll be informed sometime soon.”

Minerva stared blankly at Severus, “How?” although…she had a very good idea. She’d been thinking the worst ever since they heard that Bartemius Crouch Junior had been involved. He was a Death Eater after all.

“I can only guess, but there’s worse news, I’m afraid,” Severus sighed, “I’m not sure if I’m 100% correct, but I do believe Dumbledore was used to bring back the Dark Lord, not using his body,” he added seeing her blanch, “Rather using his blood, blood of the enemy to return. There was a regenerative potion used…and it returns someone to their original state…”

Minerva paled drastically, turning almost translucent at the words, swallowing thickly. “And the bad news keeps on coming,” her Scottish accent thick at that very moment. It seemed their world was destined for darkness once again. She unlike Dumbledore, did not believe in prophecies or any nonsense associated with Divination.

“Listen, Minerva, Voldemort will not come after the school until he’s assured of his victory. The school is precious to him, just as it is to all those who come to Hogwarts seeking sanctuary. If he takes over the Ministry, you get everyone out of Hogwarts that will come, and you get them to safety.” Severus said gravely. “You’re lives are infinitely more precious than trying to take a stand. If the Ministry cannot beat him back…then you and some Professors do not stand a chance.”

Minerva nodded grimly, “Aye, you’re quite right,” it had been the same during the last war, and nobody knew Voldemort like Severus did. He had spied on the wizard for nearly two years. “Do you have anything stronger than this?” gesturing towards her cooling coffee.

“Accio Firewhisky,” Talin murmured, listening to the conversation as he passed a glass to each of them.

“Hopefully the Ministry will learn from past mistakes, however unlikely it is,” Severus sighed, “And take preventative measures. But as Talin so quite accurately put, the Ministry has not made concessions or changed laws to try and make people less susceptible to joining his cause. The chances of it happening now are very limited.”

“Here’s to the Ministry fixing past mistakes,” Minerva said, clinking their glasses together.

----0

There we go! The next chapter up so will the Ministry actually take steps without Dumbledore and Potter around? Do you want to see it as well as some Luna/Harry time before the fourth and last tournament task? Will Sirius and Remus remain behind to help and lose Harry entirely? Hmm not sure of the last task…harder maze? Just who will come out the victor…Harry seems a bit too predictable to win I guess I’ll put the names on a piece of paper and then pick one out :D Hopefully Harry wasn’t too out of character for not wanting to help when it comes to this series, he was raised by a Slytherin after all! Will the Order be revived? Will Minerva ask for aid or will she just ask a few members to remain near the school to protect the children? R&R please

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 18

“Good morning, how did you sleep?” Talin asked, as Severus entered the kitchen, he knew who it was. He barely made any sound, and the others? Well, they all trampled in like uncoordinated Doe’s. Severus may well be walking on his bare feet for all the noise his shoes made.

“Clearly a great deal more than you,” Severus replied, concern in his voice. “Talin, did you sleep at all?” hoping that he would say yes, otherwise he would feel nothing but an immense sense of guilt for leaving him to it. After all the drinking, and depressing talk last night he had been beyond exhausted, he could barely remember going to bed.

“I got up an hour ago, the amount of alcohol that was imbibed, I doubt anyone could have read those books without the pages swimming.” Talin said wryly, giving a rueful shake of the head.

“Just the pages?” Severus murmured, going to the fridge and plucking out a bottle of water. He drank the entire thing, thirstily, but his mouth still felt like something had crawled in to die. “What a bloody day,” one of the worst he’d experienced in a long time, it had almost been shocking to be back to this sort of shit he’d put up with back in the day.

Talin laughed a little, before groaning, “Don’t make me laugh,” he said sombrely, “I can’t find anything…and the task is in two days.” Tomorrow the last task would be held, and Harry was entirely contracted to participate. If he tried to get out of it without the proper procedure, well, he shuddered just thinking about losing magic.

“That’s if its not pushed back,” Severus sighed, grabbing another two bottles and passing one on to Talin. “The students…revered the ground Dumbledore walked on. Some of that old reverence remained, regardless of what they learned of him. They will grieve for him, or rather the person they grew up believing him to be.”

“If they do that…then the students will be late for their exams, and regardless of the proclamation my students will be sitting their exams.” Talin straightened, mouth tightening imperceptibly. “I did not sign up to put them in danger of failing their N.E.W.T’s.”

“If it comes to that then you take the rest of the student’s home, I’ll stay with Harry and return when we can. He’ll just have to sit his exams independently.” Severus replied pensively, unlike a lot of the people in Harry’s class, he could afford any price that came with independent exams. They were looming precariously closer, if they didn’t leave in four days, they wouldn’t be there in time for the students to sit their exams.

Two days until the task, the celebrations, the return home to decompress, then attend the school for their exams.

“I’m not going to find anything, am I?” Talin sighed, leaning back, frustrated beyond belief.

“No, but I very much doubt anything will happen, Talin,” Severus reassured the worried wizard. He was worried as well, but not to the same extent. “That ritual takes a lot of out of a wizard, it didn’t help that he used magic to kill Dumbledore. He will spend the next year recovering entirely. He won’t be ready to go to war for a while, by then we’ll be long gone.”

Talin nodded, “I do believe I recall reading about that,” Merlin, the British magical world would have a bloody heart attack if they knew what his students got to read. He believed in educating them so they didn’t make mistakes. Seeing the state of Britain, he couldn’t help but be glad he had such beliefs.

Ignorance of the law was no excuse…just like ignorance of magic was no excuse.

He prepared all his students well.

This dark and light magic being liked to evil and good was disgusting.

“Everyone will be fine,” Severus stated more firmly.

“Nevertheless, I shall be glad when we touch down on home soil.” Talin agreed, relaxing somewhat. He didn’t think for a second Severus or Harry considered this home, they belonged in St. Lucia.

And St. Lucia is where they’d stay.

“You and I both,” Severus agreed entirely, “I just pray that Black and Lupin make the correct decision. For if I have to hunt them down…and then explain to my son I…” at a loss for words.

“You believe they will choose remaining here,” Talin said, staring at Severus pensively, he knew them better, of course. “You knew them better than I, do you honestly think they will choose the UK? They’ve been ever so patient in gaining Harry’s trust…especially Remus whom Harry may like but I do believe he’s rather hurt and confused over his absence. At least Sirius had a reason, whereas Remus did not.” Harry had things he disliked about both men, but unburdened as he was, he found it easy to get passed the past.

Sirius was a little too childish for Harry’s tastes, but he liked him and found him funny. Yesterday though, “The look on Harry’s face when Sirius begun to go on about…” he murmured, “He was so confused.”

“Quite rightly so,” Severus scowled, he’d raised Harry to be independent but to know when to rely on the adults around him in difficult situations. That there was no shame in going to the closest adult if a situation he wasn’t comfortable came up. He’d grown up around strong wizards and witches, with professors who went all out to protect their students and an overprotective Headmaster. So, it was no wonder Harry had been confused by Sirius’ comments. He understood what was implied behind it, naturally, his son was smart after all. He just couldn’t contemplate why an adult would be trying to convince him to do join a war.

“Is he going to be alright?” Talin asked, that sort of thing might play on Harry’s mind, especially if something happened to Sirius and Remus in their decision to remain behind. If they die then Harry may well blame himself.

“He will be,” Severus declared, he was not going to allow Harry to be consumed by doubts and self-recriminations. He had enough for both of them put together, the last thing he ever wanted to see was his son changing.

“I’ll keep trying to find something,” Talin declared, staring determinedly at the book. He’d feel better when he could get his students home.

“Don’t bother,” Harry said, padding into the room, Luna as always nipping at his heels. “I’m going to do the last challenge, it’s in two days, then we’ll go home, right?”

“Yes, yes, we’ll go home after the last task if you don’t want to stay for the celebration we’ll understand.” Severus replied, proud of his son. Evidently, he was feeling much more confident and secure. No doubt his father being arrested had scared him, but the reassurance must have gone a long way. That was a good thing, Severus never wanted his son to feel as if he were to blame for anything.

Harry smiled and nodded, “Could I spend he day with Luna? I…maybe in Hogsmeade? I’d like to take her to that café, madam something…”

“Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop,” Severus told him, the urge to deny him was so very strong. Yet he could not let Voldemort control his and his son’s life. Voldemort didn’t know who they were. He thought Harry Potter was dead, he would have no interest in him or his son. “Are you taking her on a date?” he questioned his son, undeniably curious.

Harry flushed bright red, biting his lip for a second before realizing what he was doing. He’d always been able to talk to his father about anything…but this was a little different wasn’t it? It couldn’t be worse than the sex talk though, now that was a memory, he wished he could forget despite the fact his father had been precise, factual and giving him lessons on how to say the contraception spells properly.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s a natural part of growing up,” Severus said simply, not giving son too much attention. “Your Headmaster and I have gone on numerous dates with people we could come to care for and love.”

It always fascinated Talin the calm way Severus raised Harry; it was similar to the way his wife had raised their daughter when it came to that scene. Dating, boys, sex, it was definitely not something he had wanted to think about.

Without a big fuss being raised, Harry relaxed, “I’d like it to be,” he confessed, sitting down next to his dad. “But we both have very important exams…and then there’s our Masteries…” he knew how exhausting and busy those were.

Severus nodded slowly, “That’s understandable, but there’s nothing to say you can’t get to know one another slowly.” The chances of that happening were slim. First love was intense, long lasting and can leave an imprint on you. They could say they wanted to, but yes, unlikely. They’d be overwhelmed by their new feelings, if it was reciprocated. Or maybe they’d be a rare unicorn and actually manage to keep their relationship slow.

“So, can I?” Harry asked hopefully.

“You may,” Severus said, “However, know that I will be there, I won’t intrude, I’ll observe from a distance and I won’t disturb you.”

“Dad!” Harry flushed in mortification.

“It’s just while we are here,” Severus promised, placing his hand in his sons which were growing more by the day. He remembered when he could cradle both hands in one of his. “I doubt anything will happen, but for my own peace of mind…I need to do this.” Being entirely honest.

“You won’t listen in?” Harry asked for confirmation.

“No, nor will I be in the café, I’ll just remain in the area and keep an eye out.” Severus promised, squeezing his hand before withdrawing. He doubted it will be busy, the news will have already broken, and those that didn’t have connections would learn when the newspapers come.

Which would be any time soon.

“Alright,” Harry nodded, he could live with that.

“Good, now go wake your friends, breakfast will be started to,” Severus prompted his son, urging him off the chair as he stood. Time to start breakfast, with a flick of his wand, sausage and bacon floated out of the freezer and their packages and into the grill. Severus himself grabbed a bowl, and began to prepare the ingredients for Scrambled Eggs.

“I’ll let Luna out first!” Harry said, remembering why he’d originally came out to begin with. Luna jumped to her feet, twirling around happily, understanding what Harry said.

A ping alerted Talin to the mail appearing in the fireplace. “I’ll get it,” he murmured, closing he book with a snap. It seemed as if Harry was determined to do the last task and complete the competition.

Smoothly standing, Talin headed straight for the sitting room. The sound of the students awakening and the general hubbub began. He flipped through the mail, looking for anything marked important or urgent and found two pieces of mail marked thusly, from the school. Presumably important updates from his acting headmasters while he was gone from the school grounds.

He also noticed a package for Harry, which was suspiciously very similar to his daughters handwriting. He smiled and shook his head, wondering what his boys and Harry had been asking his daughter to send to them from home. A lot of the other letters were from the parents of the students despite having the mirrors to call them. A few packages too, he realized, perhaps they were missing familiar foods and sweets?

Levitating the mail, it was too much for him to sift through. So, the mail still at the fireplace floated up and followed Talin through, who placed everything for the students on the side of the kitchen counter for them to collect.

“They do realize their children will be home soon?” Severus asked, eyeing the large bundles with amusement.

“Yes,” Talin said with a tickled smile.

“Are you going to explain what’s happening here?” Severus asked, as he plated up the food for everyone, magic levitating it over to one of the place mats. Giving Talin an inscrutable look.  

“I have to,” Talin nodded, “Plus, it will only take at least twenty-four hours before the news reached St. Lucia in any fashion…that’s if one of the students haven’t already revealed it.” while talking to their parents last night, he didn’t fool himself for a second in thinking the students hadn’t overheard something, even with the precautions they take.

Severus nodded; he wouldn’t be surprised if most of the students actually are asked to be returned by their parents. St. Lucia was British, they got the news, they knew how bad Voldemort had been during the last war. Not that it had bothered them the slightest, they were all the way around the other side of the world after all.

“I doubt they know, otherwise you would have already been inundated with Floo calls or Mirror calls.” Severus mused, flicking his wand over the floor, making sure it stayed warm for all the students who had yet to make an appearance, not even the boys. He reckoned that meant they were sitting gossiping about what happened.

“Perhaps,” Talin conceded.

“Dating…Merlin, help me, I’m in no way prepared for this,” Severus murmured, able to play it cool in front of his son, but he was at a loss. He tried to make it better by thinking it wasn’t as if he was getting married, it could be a whole lot worse.

Talin laughed, “No father is,” he replied, one minute he had an adorable little girl and before his eyes she’d become a beautiful young woman with a boy nipping at her heels. He’d wanted to bat them all away, to protect his daughter, but he couldn’t.

“How do you deal with it?” Severus asked Talin.

“Pretend it isn’t happening, it’s different with girls,” Talin confessed, “It wasn’t quite so difficult when Ale began bringing girls home.”

Severus hummed quietly, but the students began to pour in and that was the end of that particular conversation. As everyone nosily dug into their food, asking questions and with loud exclamations ‘Glad you’re okay Mr. Regis’ and despite how often he asked for them to call him Septimus, Mr. Regis prevailed.

He never envisioned himself as a popular parent, but despite the fact he was intimidating, they all seemed to like him.

“Do you think we could play a Quidditch match today?” Sophie asked, glancing at the Headmaster, wiping her mouth to get rid of the food and her orange juice moustache.

“Did any of you bring your broomsticks?” Severus questioned glancing at all of them.

“Um…no,” Sophie said puzzled, “Why?”

“Because Hogwarts…believe it or not, still use Shooting Star brooms,” Severus said dryly, not only were they ancient but difficult to fly on.

Alexis choked on her milk, grabbing her cloth and coughing into it, “You’re joking? Shooting Stars? They’re practically relics! They belong in museums!” she cried out entirely aghast, “That’s where I saw a Shooting Star!” she’d had a good time there, seeing how magic had changed broomsticks over the years, they used to be large and chunky, like motorbike chunky, didn’t go far up or fast, they’d gotten better over time.

Severus chuckled, “Yes, Minerva McGonagall has made great strides in turning Hogwarts around. I am surprised she did not immediately get new broomsticks, even if it wasn’t prudent. She sounds like quite the quidditch fan. Fortunately, she’s more concerned about the student’s classes, teachers and naturally, she’ll get around to the Quidditch equipment when they have the funds.”

“Why don’t they grow items in a separate greenhouse specifically for sale items? It’s a way to gather funds, or add a vegetable patch and sell fruit and vegetable surplus? I’ve noticed a lot of food goes to waste.” Dylan said.

Severus nodded, “Both very good ideas” he praised the boy for his ingenuity. “I shall definitely pass on your suggestions to Minerva.” A little extra help wouldn’t hurt, plus it would continue to enable the community to aid Hogwarts as well as buy food a little cheaper than they normally would. It was a win-win scenario.

“Go on then, let me clean all this up, as for the quidditch, I’ll make sure you have the afternoon free to play before your exams.” Talin promised his students, even if they had to use the outer field. “For you lot only.” He added pointedly.

“YES!” Sophie cheered her earlier disappointment disappearing. Everyone left the kitchen, doing as their Headmaster bid.

“That’s the newspaper,” Talin murmured, as the plates, cups, cutlery began to stack next to sink and slowly began to wash with the aid of magic. “I wonder if there are answers to be found…” or if they would hide it.

“I give it fifty-fifty,” Severus confessed, on whether they would cover it up or attempt to lie their way through what was found.

Talin nodded, taking Severus’ word for it as he retrieved the aforementioned item and spread it across now the clean and dry table. Spelling the dents that had been made by folding it up, so they could see everything clearly, and none of the writing wrinkled

“Well, it appears they’ve gone with the truth.” Severus murmured, gaze roaming over the headlines and the small lot of writing down the side of the paper. Plastered all over the paper was Fudge’s face, during what was presumably a press conference that he’d set up yesterday evening. He was in his lime green robes with that infernal bowler that clutched in his hands. These were by far his favourite; he didn’t know anything about Fudge but he knew that much. He was often pictured wearing them, they weren’t too horrendous but there were better colours surely.

You-Know-Who kills Albus Dumbledore and Is Reborn!

The Dark Lord Voldemort commonly referred to as ‘You-Know-Who’ is once again walking amongst us. How you may ask? Apparently, our dear readers, You-Know-Who, yesterday evening, performed an ancient potion ritual that allowed him to be restored to his former body. We have been informed the scandalous and gruesome details that Albus Dumbledore’s death. His blood was used to resurrect the formally bodiless body of You-Know-Who.

Continue reading on page 2 for the grizzly details of the murder of Albus Dumbledore.

Severus sighed, “Thank Merlin I’m not mentioned,” he said before adding, “Or my son.” The last thing they needed was any attention drawn to them, he thought as Talin opened the newspaper spreading it out so both of them could easily read it together.

“Indeed,” Talin agreed using Severus’ favourite word.

They blanched at the photograph which was of Albus Dumbledore laid out on the stretcher. “Dear Merlin!” Talin gasped, his hand covering the graphic picture. “Is this normal?” did they usually allow pictures like this to be put in the newspaper?

Picture was by Bozo, Skeeter’s photographer. (WARNING – Graphic and distressing images contained within) now that was useless placing, at the top of the picture, when you were going to be drawn to it…unless it was meant to be on the front page as a warning.

“I’ve never seen anything this graphic, that’s clearly the Ministry, how they got in to take the pictures…is beyond me.” Severus confessed, it was distressing to see, but not to the extent he was sick. These sights had been a regular occurrence once upon a time. He had been a Death Eater after all. Repentant, yes, a spy, again, yes, but it didn’t make everything different. He’d seen a lot worse, there were hardly any visible marks on Dumbledore…but when you looked more closely you could see the damage done. His body wasn’t normal. It was clear signs something had been done to his bones, he was much flatter one might say, than he should be. With bits of bones sticking out of his face and body. “At least it has a censor spell that will stop anyone under the age of seventeen seeing it.

The Body of Albus Dumbledore was found with clear signs of torture and mutilation. The darkest of arts used to torture the once powerful wizard turned to ruin. His bones reduced to brittle pieces. How long he suffered at the hands of the newly resurrected wizard, the Ministry won’t know until an autopsy has been performed. But, dear readers, we can safely say it was no easy painless death.

“If I didn’t know any better…one would think she’s enjoying writing this,” Talin said disturbed by the glee he could practically hear behind those words.

“She is,” Severus said dryly, “She writes like that all the time, her articles are…vile is a term I’d use for them. What she doesn’t know in facts she likes to make up for in lies. She’s written a lot of things about Dumbledore mostly involving Harry Potter.” Not daring to say his son openly. He could not allow anyone to put the pieces together.

The need for secrecy was now more important than ever.

What can be confirmed was the official cause of death is the killing curse. A mercy given the damage done to his body. Even if he should have performed a miraculous escape, Albus Dumbledore would not have lived to see another day. His lungs perforated and his heart and internal organs shredded by his own bones by the curses cast upon him in what could only have been a brutal attack. Dumbledore was found without his wand, and a search has begun of the immediate area to try to find it.

“That is overkill if you ask me,” Talin murmured, eyes widened at the list of spells that Dumbledore had been put under, Skeeter had most definitely been thorough for the article.

“It wasn’t just Voldemort,” Severus murmured quietly, disturbed. “His inner circle will have returned to him. I believe the only spell he cast was likely the killing curse.” Unaware of how correct he actually was. He knew how the Dark Lord worked, had worked for him gladly then spied on him with vengeance in mind.

Talin glanced at Severus with a soft look on his face, squeezing his shoulder. He wasn’t that wizard anymore, he’d been young, uneducated in the way of the world – in his opinion – and foolish, and without a doubt very angry at the world for his circumstances. More importantly manipulated with the thought of camaraderie and friendship. With people who agreed with his world view. He’d had nobody he could turn to, except Lily who had tried to deter him but unable to break the thrall. No, the threat to her life had broken the thrall Severus was under. He knew everything, Severus hadn’t left anything out or try to downplay his part. “How many wizards does he have in his service?”

“His inner circle consisted of a high fifty in the beginning of the war.” Severus explained shrewdly, “Death and capture has reduced that significantly, I would say there may have been ten wizards able to answer the call. This isn’t including his allies or the dark creatures he had in his services before his downfall. Or those under the Imperius curse, and there were a great many, it’s how some managed to get out of punishment pretending bewitchment.” Both innocent and guilty parties had gone free.

“Well, hopefully the Minister will be smart enough to prevent that happening on a large scale again.” Talin mused, closing the newspaper pensively. They’d all but revealed the potion the Dark Lord had used. “Would you…perhaps reveal his identity to the magical world on a whole? Prevent others from following him? After we’ve left naturally?”

“Why would they believe it?” Severus asked blankly.

“You don’t realize that his pseudo title spells out his real name?” Talin asked in surprise, flicking out his wand, he wrote Tom Marvolo Riddle out in mid air before flicking his wand again and it spelt out, I am Lord Voldemort. “Quite ingenious isn’t it?” he respected smarts; it was just sad he’d gone down a dark path to which it doesn’t seem he’d return from.

Severus slowly nodded his head, “Very well, I’ll send all the details I can think of to her. If she does print it, she had better remain hidden for the rest of her natural life. He would come after her with a single-minded vengeance.”

“She can make her own decisions,” Talin declared, or write under a different name, but continue to get the news out.

“Yes, but ultimately it will be me giving her that information that could lead to her death, as odious and vile as she can be.” Severus shrugged, “I’ll do it.”

“It may convince others not to follow him,” Talin mused, “The prejudice here is rather prevalent. The half-blood’s and Muggle borns are seen as lesser which is ironic given that the pureblood society is smaller by comparison especially now.” So many houses gone due to their belief in blood superiority.

“Many of the inner circle are aware of his status,” Severus told him, “Many had parents or grandparents who attended school with the Dark Lord. His status as the so called last of the Slytherin line allows exceptions to be made.”

“So-called?” Talin queried.

“Harry Potter, he was related to Voldemort somewhat distantly, cousins descended from the Peverell line which tied directly to the Slytherin line. Voldemort from the elder brother…Harry Potter from the youngest.” Severus informed him.

Talin blinked, “Is he aware?”

“Oh, yes, we compiled a family tree last year, it was one of his projects.” Severus whispered. “Needless to say, we were rather stunned. Slytherin, Peverell, Potter, Prince he’s got quite a lineage.” And he was a Prince by blood, a Snape by blood, a Regis by blood their name change was official, although they could change it if they desired. They wouldn’t, unless some time in the future Harry decides to go by his birth name, Harry Potter. There wouldn’t always be danger.

“Yes, quite often if they have the time the Potions Masters do like to allow the students to perform a family tree…there mustn’t have had time but the idea must have been awoken.” Hence why Harry had asked presumably.

“Four more days,” Severus sighed, sitting down again.

“I still don’t understand the motivation for Dumbledore trying to cast those spells on Harry.” Talin pointed out, as he got them some coffee sitting down as he handed one over. Rolling up the newspaper he put it in his pocket, at least they wouldn’t see the graphic picture, nobody underage could, it would literally censor itself.

“I can’t either,” Severus confessed, running his hand over his hair and face tiredly. “It’s been on my mind constantly.” It was destined to remain unanswered regretfully, for Dumbledore was dead…and he had no way of getting answers from a dead man.

“It’s such a peculiar thing,” Talin murmured, sipping his coffee, truly annoyed that they would never get answers. Casting a silencing charm around them, he asked, “There’s no way he may have found out who he is?”

“Highly unlikely, he would have confronted us immediately and tried to blackmail us.” Severus shook his head; no Dumbledore couldn’t have realized Harry was Harry Potter. “Or worse taken him and hidden him away or revealed who he was to the world. Especially considering his life had taken a nosedive on Harry’s death and they still blamed him.”

“Is there any chance he has been doing this to students for years?” Talin asked, “Could it be why the birth rate declined so badly?” everyone just assuming it was due to infertility issues. Not thinking to look into the history of spells cast upon their person?

Severus inhaled sharply, “I honestly don’t know anymore,” he didn’t like the thought of it, but considering how many pureblood families have disappeared, it was a disconcertingly good question. “I’ve always through he was the lesser or two evils, but everything made me question that…this though, this is unforgivable.” Trying to destroy his son’s future, it wasn’t just unforgivable it was unfathomable.

The maddening question of why would forever haunt him.

“It didn’t connect, and he won’t be able to harm anyone else ever again.” Talin declared, the only good thing he could say about this entire situation.

“Yes, indeed, I wish I could say that good outweighs the bad…we are just fortunate we know, which means they can prepare.” Severus replied, you wouldn’t think the Dark Lord would want them to prepare for his return. Yet he’d sloppily left evidence lying? Enough evidence to declare he was back? Did he wish to scare the world or had something actually gone wrong?

“How is Harry coping?” Talin asked, “He seems rather centred,” both at the spells cast on him, his fathers arrest and of course, the Dark Lord Voldemort’s return.

“We spoke for a bit last night,” Severus recalled through hazy memories. He’d been drunk, yes, but not utterly wasted.

--------0 FLASHBACK 0-----

Severus stealthily – or so he thought – made his way into the bedroom he was sharing with his son. Trying to keep as silent as possible so that he didn’t wake him. He wasn’t sure of the time or how long they had stayed out there talking. All he knew was he was physically and mentally exhausted.

“Dad?” Harry murmured, just before Severus could slid into his bed.

Severus wanted to groan, “Have you slept yet?” he asked his son, hoping he had and that he’d just woken him up.

“No,” Harry admitted, the silence of the room enabled them to speak quietly without needing to raise their voices. For which Severus was grateful, he was just on the edge of having a fully blown headache. “Why would Sirius want me to fight? Would he really choose staying over me?” vulnerability bleeding into his voice.

“You have to understand that Albus Dumbledore’s manipulations are…very long lasting and can bleed into how you think, how you feel for years to come.” Severus said soothingly moving over to his sons’ bed and sitting down at the bottom of it. “If its not emotional blackmail, he makes them feel as if they’re making such a difference that you are the difference between the light side winning or losing. I believe that Sirius and Remus think that the Order will be revived once more. With or without Dumbledore, perhaps with Minerva taking the helm? This is not the case at all.”

Harry swallowed thickly, “So they will stay and forget me?” subdued and so very hurt.

Severus sighed, “I don’t know, son, I really don’t know what they’ll do.” Four days wasn’t long to figure it out but he prayed that the bloody idiots didn’t force his hand.

“Vigilantism is illegal, they could end up in prison if they’re caught, they’re no better than Death Eaters…even if they’re the good guys.” Harry pointed out, he didn’t want to see Sirius and Remus imprisoned.

“Yes, and they took a tough stance in the last war regarding vigilantism,” Severus agreed wholeheartedly. Everyone had known Dumbledore was leading the Order of the Phoenix, it was an open secret. Dumbledore had been untouchable and without evidence they couldn’t touch him. They hadn’t been able to prove anyone had been doing anything or involved in the Order. “I presume they will do so again, should it be revived.”

“Do you think they will?” Harry asked, maybe if they didn’t recreate the Order Remus and Sirius would come back home with them.

“I think there will be an attempt, a useless one where they sit around a room talking about the differences, they want to implement but unable to do so. No spy to help them, no leader to lead them…they’ll be as useless as a pork sandwich at a Jewish picnic.” Severus murmured.

Harry sniggered at the words, before sobering, “I don’t want them to forget me,” he knew why his dad was doing it, he just didn’t want it to happen.

“I know,” Severus replied, running his hand through his son’s hair in comfort, “They won’t forget you; I’ll just make it impossible for the memories to be found or for them to talk about you. I will not risk your life for their comfort, for them to play hero.” Allowing his disgust to show. He was furious with the idiots.

“He knows about the Prophecy,” Harry said idly.

“He does, it doesn’t surprise me,” Severus said, “He was very close to your parents, naturally, and was named godfather.” Thank Merlin, Sirius didn’t have custody, he shuddered to think what would have become Harry’s fate after tonight. “I doubt he knew the words.” Which mattered little now.

“Now give me a hug, it’s time to sleep, we can discuss this again if you need to in the morning.” Severus said, wrapping his arms around his son. “Sirius speaks without thinking, I don’t want you listening to closely to what he has to say. If he ever says anything to you, promise me you’ll tell me.” So very worried that Sirius would continue his attempts.

“I promise!” Harry said sincerely. Politely not mentioning the smell of firewhisky coming off his dad, not that he smelt it all that often. His dad didn’t drink much, but after the day they had he honestly didn’t blame him. It must have been really scary being arrested for murder when you didn’t d anything. He knew he had been scared too.

“Good, get some sleep, it’s late,” tucking his son in causing Harry to laugh, yes, it had been years since he tucked his son in. It made for a very nostalgic feeling indeed.

“Night, dad, love you,” Harry murmured, rolling over in his bed as his dad departed for his own.

“Love you too, son,” Severus said quietly, his second chance…his greatest achievement…and maybe one day when he passed on, he might have a growing legacy, he thought of Luna and Harry with wistfulness. His son had a growing legacy of his own, and he might just have the ‘Tri-wizard champion/winner’ to add to the ever-growing list.

And at fourteen too.

-----0 END FLASHBACK 0-------

“I think it did him some good,” Severus posited, considering he had a renewed determination to see the tournament through. Harry had the smarts to win this, he dedication to see it through. The scrutiny he’d receive did not bother him the slightest, there was no way to tie them together.

“That’s great,” Talin said, “You better get dressed, it seems they’re ready for their ‘date’,” he added, observing Harry and Luna at the doorway.

Naturally of course, their date was interrupted.

Hogsmeade was shut down, all the shops forced to close.

Miles upon miles away, Lord Voldemort tortured Peter Pettigrew with seething fury. His plans foiled because Wormtail got spooked by Muggles. Leaving all the evidence lying there for the Ministry to find out. Dumbledore was supposed to remain ‘missing’ no found dead, nobody was supposed to know of his return. All his plans he’d created this year gone in a single moment.

Nobody other than Barty was there, and Pettigrew received the full force of Voldemort’s rage. In the end, all the pleading, snivelling and begging in the world didn’t save the traitorous bastard.

He died an agonising death, and no mercy was given to him despite the fact he had helped the Dark Lord return.

“Dump him in Hogsmeade,” Voldemort hissed of Barty, red eyes bright red in his seething fury. “Let the world know what happens to those who screw up! Let Karkaroff know what awaits him!” he would not tolerate it anymore. Severus was dead, the mark defunct. A non-operational mark meant they were dead.

Nobody was supposed to know he had returned!! Damn Pettigrew to the depths of hell! He couldn’t help but screw up every single time.

Of course, he didn’t consider blaming himself ultimately for giving the task to such a ‘screw up’ so to speak.

The world now new he was back! Let them cower before him! Let them fear him! It would not deter him. He would make a magical world in which they could be proud of, once again purebloods would reign supreme. Them knowing wouldn’t stop his plans.

They would be too terrified without Dumbledore at the helm to pull the strings.

They, who were too terrified to go against him.

A/N – I’m posting this bit here I didn’t see the point to beginning the ‘task’ in this chapter so it’s the usual length 😊 the task will be entirely in the next chapter and it will probably be a little longer, I’ve already deleted 3K of it but it should be longer I decided I wanted to add to it, it was bit too much like the original for my liking sooo any suggestions of creatures that could be used in the maze? (which is only one part of the tournament) I have so many ideas that I’ve written so many ways it can go but it just falls short lol this one keeps giving me difficulties unlike its prequel Fixing Past Mistakes which wrote so easily LOL and just so you know that there will be  three parts to this story, FPM and GL and of course as of yet untitled sequel for the end probably ending up around 20 chapters only otherwise the stories would be way to big and drag on with even me struggling to update it :D anyway R&R please!

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 19

The two days passed with surprising speed, and despite his thoughts, Severus was proven wrong. There was no grieving, no students at a loss with Albus Dumbledore's death. His name was still being used for more prophet sales, and nobody was trying to defend the words written. Which surprisingly enough, for Skeeter, were the truth as the world saw it. The grave reminder of Dumbledore's failure when it came to Harry Potter had hardened them all to his death. He had been Harry Potters' magical guardian, he had left him on the Dursley's doorstep, and never once checked upon him despite his claims to have done so. It was his fault they had lost their young hero. His fault that Harry hadn't spent the past four years at Hogwarts with the rest of them.

Not even Albus Dumbledore's brother was coming to his defence, but he was also not giving interviews despite the reporters attempts to get him to talk. His hatred for his brother was showing through, and it was making everyone curious as to why.

The republication of what happened to Harry though, led to many visiting the graves of the Potter family. There was never a time where there wasn't a whole load of flowers on the grave, but the amount here? Almost rivalled the site when Harry had been first buried. Even Minerva had gone, despite the fact she knew, she'd been close to the Potters and it would be expected.

Plus, in a way, Harry Potter was dead, Harrison Regis had emerged from the ashes. Filius and Minerva were the only ones that really knew what 'Harry' had endured at the Dursley's in the original timeline. Sirius and Remus had been told about his life, but not the grizzly details.

Speaking of Sirius and Remus, Severus still hadn't heard from them. He prayed they hadn't gotten themselves captured, for if they had, the Dark Lord would know everything. Including the fact that Harry was alive and well, and would begin his attempts to kill him just because of a dratted prophecy that Harry didn't want anything to do with.

The fact he didn't know made him want to bundle his son up and flee to St. Lucia. To protect him from his own godfather's stupidity. The tropics were sounding more and more ideal the longer he was left not knowing. It wasn't his only worry, but it was definitely taking the top spot.

His only consolation of late was that the last task should be an easy one. At least there were no dragons around. He had gotten a great deal of amusement yesterday when Padma and Parvati had come to the door requesting Harry's presence. Using his official name, evidently the girls were there on an official capacity.

They had apologised profusely for their derision of his abilities. Proclaiming that they were just going along with their friends. Which was a clear lie, there was little doubt the Patil twins' parents had demanded they apologise in hopes of saving face and money. The twins probably hadn't known that the majority of their comfortable lifestyle had come from a somewhat distant relation, who just so happened to be able to speak to snakes as well. Technically the aforementioned relation was the Head of the Patil house, despite the fact the Patil's lived in various different countries, America, Britain and India.

His son had, despite knowing it was a lie, they were rather bad liars, graciously allowed the twins to apologise before thanking them politely for coming. He hadn't outright forgiven them or spoken of forgiveness. He wasn't vindictive, but Harry wasn't a pushover, wouldn't accept a half-hearted forced apology – that they didn't want to give – and let bygones be bygones.

Which made Severus wonder if it was enough, or if the Patil family would lose the money. Quite frankly, that attitude is learned. Whether it was their friends or parents one doesn't know. either way the twins had left the family in a bit of a pickle to be honest.

Shaking off his lingering throughs, he glanced at the time, before making his way to his and his sons' bedroom. Knocking on the door he waited a few seconds before entering. "It's time," Severus explained, not surprised to see Harry surrounded by his best friends.

"Hey, Mr. Regis!" Jay said, a wide grin on his face as he greeted him, his face in the mirror waving.

"Jay," Severus greeted in turn, "I trust you and your mother are well?"

"Yes, Sir! Mum got a promotion! We celebrated yesterday," in way of explaining the bottles lying all over the place.

"Give her my congratulations," Severus said sincerely, when she first came to St. Lucia, she'd barely been able to afford her sons tuition. She had come on leaps and bounds since then, and donated to the school every month without fail. So that people in similar positions can be helped just as she was in her time of need.

"I will!" he nodded eagerly, before turning back to his friends, "Keep the mirror on, I want to see everything that happens." He said to Dylan.

"Good luck, Harry, I know you've got this!" Jay said, craning his neck when his name was called. "I have to go for now…I'll be back in time for the task!"

"The whole school is going to be watching," Josh said, "The teachers say they won't be able to focus, so they are allowing everyone who wants to watch it in the school hall."

Severus chuckled, "Of course," he murmured wryly.

"Is there any point to wearing my Dragon-hide?"

"It certainly won't hurt," Severus answered wryly, "It's entirely up to you." unless something entirely catastrophic happened, his son was going to be safe. It wasn't like the dragon task, which could have ended with serious repercussions and injuries. "Excuse me," Severus added, hearing the door going.

"Just head…" Severus swung the door open and paused when he saw Viktor standing there with a look of worry on his face. "Viktor, is everything alright?" he'd wrongly assumed it was Luna, evidently not.

"Our headmaster is missing," Viktor revealed, "We can't find him, he didn't return last night…I think something must have happened to him."

"Ah," Severus murmured, rubbing his eyes, "Nothing has happened to him, yet."

Viktor frowned, utterly confused by Septimus' statement.

Severus stepped outside, "Are you aware of your Headmasters'…past?"

"Past?" Viktor questioned perplexed.

"He's a former Death Eater, and the Dark Lord Voldemort has returned." Severus informed him, "It's said that he betrayed the others, named them in a bid to go free, to escape an Azkaban sentence. Which he succeeded in doing, despite the fact he did not tell them anything they didn't already know. That betrayal…will come with severe consequences. He will be on the run, and if he is found…the penalty will be death…in much the same manner that Peter Pettigrew just suffered."

Viktor blanched, "I see."

"To be entirely honest, I'm surprised he wasn't targeted before this," Severus added, "At least this way, none of the students, your classmates, or you will be endangered." They weren't above causing harm to others to reach their goals. There was little doubt that the Dark Lord was probably even more insane now.

"What about the tournament? The Headmaster is a judge? Does it mean it's cancelled?" Viktor asked pensively.

"No, someone else will step in and fill his shoes, not that it matters, regardless, nobody will be giving out points. The one who grasps a hold of the Tri-Wizard champion cup will be declared the winner, regardless of points." Severus explained.

"How will we get home?" Viktor asked, it was only the Headmaster with them.

"I am sure an international portkey will be created to get you home," Severus revealed, "Once Headmistress McGonagall is informed of his…rather abrupt departure, she will do all she can to make it easier on you." which was true, they wouldn't allow seventeen – eighteen in Viktor's case – return home the way they came. Not without adult supervision, it wasn't ideal, they might be legally adults, but they were still childish and on a school trip, adult supervision was a must.

"That's good," Viktor said relieved.

"Would you like it if I spoke to her?" Severus asked, refraining from glancing at the time. While time was in short supply before the tournament, he didn't want to give the young man the belief that his presence was unwanted.

"Would you?" Viktor asked, a little too relieved, he didn't know them well, out of all people here, other than his classmates, Septimus, Harrison and the others were the only ones he felt comfortable around. There was a red headed boy he hoped to avoid, his stares were uncomfortable, and despite the fact he'd signed the boys quidditch book…he kept popping up whenever he was anywhere near the school and trying to make out that they were the best of friends.

"Of course, how are the others handling it?" Severus asked kindly, jerking his head, "Come inside," they might be competing together, but a real friendship had sprung between the four of them, and he believed that this friendship would stand the test of time.

"They're actually waiting on me returning," Viktor admitted sheepishly, "I drew the short straw." Then deviated to come here instead of going to Hogwarts.

Severus chuckled, deeply amused, "Minerva isn't that intimidating," he said wryly, stern yes, but known to be very, very fair indeed. "You know the Patronus charm?"

Viktor blinked, "Yes, Sir," he murmured surprised, in Durmstrang you learn it early, so that your 'dark arts' spell casting didn't affect your ability later in life. He had begun learning when he was sixteen and in his fifth year.

And so, Severus educated him on sending out Patronus Messages. Giving Viktor a few testers before he let him do the real thing. The look on his face when he had heard his own voice come out had been rather comical.

"I had no idea that was a thing," Viktor admitted, impressed.

Severus nodded, "It was created during the last war I believe, Minerva and Filius showed me how to do it. Just in case anything of concern cropped up so that I didn't need to traipse all the way back and forth from the school." He lied through his teeth, he doubted very much Minerva or Filius would be asked.

"I see," Viktor nodded, he saw the ingenuity of it, and understood it would be rather handy to have such spells at your arsenal. At least his classmates knew it was going to be sorted now without him having to go back and forth. He was nervous enough about the task.

"The boys will be through in a few moments, inform Harry that I shall be back soon," Severus declared, grabbing his cloak.

"Thank you, Septimus," Viktor said in gratitude, yes, he was famous, yes, he flew, but it didn't mean he liked the same. Didn't mean that he liked being watched every moment of the day, or speaking to strangers. Especially against such matters like these.

"There is plenty of food and drink available, take whatever you like," Severus said, giving a nod, before he exited the cabin. They might be seventeen, but he couldn't leave them to try and get home on their own, Merlin only knows who was controlling the boat but he'd bet it wasn't the students. Merlin only knows where they would have ended up! No if anything, they would need someone to direct the boat directly home, or a Portkey for them, with it shrunk down to a manageable size. Which would need a considerable power source of a dozen wizards and witches to accomplish given its already magical nature.

---------------------------0

"Minerva, I'm glad I caught you," Severus said, as he approached the Witch who looked a little more tense than normal. Not surprising given that the last task would be started in a while.

"Septimus, I'm surprised you're here…is everything well with your students?" Minerva asked, genuinely surprised to see him.

"All is well with mine," Severus said, nodding, "Unfortunately, Karkaroff has done a runner…he's left his students." His eyes glittering with seething fury, then again, he was a coward so nothing should surprise him.

Minerva closed her eyes, "Merlin, damn it," she cursed in annoyance and anger. "I'll speak to the Minister and see about getting them an international portkey." It would require consent from both Ministers, so it wasn't just as simple as the Minister creating a portkey.

"Is he already here?" Severus questioned.

"Not quite yet, no," Minerva began to move, Severus moving with her, she made a beeline for the closest Floo network. "Let's just hope the Bulgarian Minister isn't too busy, I have little doubt they'll agree, especially with Viktor Krum being one of the stranded, it's just getting everything set up that will be the bother."

"Indeed," Severus agreed entirely. "It will be a great weight off his mind also," something he didn't need while performing the next task. Distractions could be deadly, or costly at any rate.

"I'll bet," Minerva added curtly, "At least he decided to do this at the last task and not before." Which meant there wasn't any true need to have another judge at this task.

"Yes, I dare say we'll end up finding his body at some point," Severus murmured quietly, his tone grim. "I was rather…taken aback that he would kill Pettigrew, he must have done something unforgivable for the Dark Lord to decide to dispatch of him." Pettigrew had helped the Dark Lord twice, once giving him the Potters and returning him to his body. It should have given the Dark Lord some feeling of clemency towards the wizard, but evidently not.

Pursing her lips, she had to concede it was probably true, she felt gratitude that it wasn't someone more innocent that suffered. Using the Floo, she stuck her head inside and had a very quick conversation with Cornelius Fudge after getting through to him and not his assistants.

With the promise of immediately getting in touch with the Bulgarian Minister and coming to Hogwarts with a Portkey ASAP, Minerva thanked him before withdrawing her head from the green flames. "It is done. A Portkey will be here as soon as Fudge can get a hold of him."

"Good," Severus declared.

"How is your son?" Minerva asked, making conversation.

"He's coped well with all the tasks; I rather think he's enjoying them once he gets started and the nerves wear off." Severus said dryly, "Never mind that he's going to give me grey hairs if he continues."

"Silencio!" Minerva murmured turning around to face Severus, "Sirius and Remus visited me yesterday."

Severus gave her a look, "Let me guess, they were looking to you to reconvene the Order of the Phoenix?" he drawled resignedly, but he was happy to hear that they were alive and well. Well, not happy, happy, but content to know they were alive and the Dark Lord didn't have all the information he needed to make his and Harry's life uncomfortable.

Minerva wasn't the slightest bit surprised at how quickly he cottoned on. "They were," she agreed, pursed lips. "They made a tempting argument I must admit."

"Yes, I'm sure it's the exact words they heard out of Dumbledore's mouth once upon a time. I've told them if they stay, they lose all memory of Harry. I will not have them captured and information being shared." Minerva and Filius couldn't reveal anything under torture, Veritaserum or even having their minds read, he had made sure of that in the beginning. Unfortunately, he hadn't done the same to either Remus or Sirius, mostly due to the fact they had decided to stay at St. Lucia.

Minerva's face became blank, lips disappearing, very unhappy with what she had just heard. It would seem as if Sirius and Remus do not have their priorities straight. "As for their conviction, you'd be right." She hadn't joined the Order of the Phoenix during the first war, in fact she could recall being very angry over students just fresh out of Hogwarts joining. "I informed them they should join the Auror force if they wanted to help, they could use all the good men they can get." Especially considering Auror numbers were down more than ever before. She knew that because there had been a mention of it in the newspaper just a few months back.

Severus chuckled, "How did they take that?" amusement playing across his features.

"They were in a stunned stupor for at least five minutes," Minerva informed him, it was nice to see Severus looking more like he normally was, amused and happy. This past year, for the most part, he was more like he had been before Harry came into his life. Not in attitude, just the stress of life getting the better of him.

Severus huffed out a laugh, "Neither would pass the medical, let alone the physical." Remus would be outed as a Werewolf, not something he'd risk. Sirius wasn't mentally competent to become an Auror, neither was he entirely physically fit either. Both components were extremely important in order to become an Auror.

"With enough determination, anyone can do anything they put their mind to." Minerva disagreed, she told her students that, and she truly believed it.

Severus inclined his head, not able to disagree with her entirely. He had seen people surprise him over the years.

"They left very dissatisfied, I'm not sure what they intend to do next," Minerva frowned, "Hopefully they decide to go with you." as much as she'd like to have more fighters in this upcoming war…she didn't want it at the expense of Harry's happiness. She could only imagine how he'd feel if he was abandoned by Sirius and Remus.

Severus shook his head, "I've no doubt they'll go to everyone they can to see if the Order can be revived. If they get even a single hope that it might be then I fear they will remain behind."

"We'll see," Minerva informed him, glancing at the time, she hoped Fudge would hurry the hell up.

"Indeed," Severus murmured.

"Still, it's hard to believe that Harry is going to be taking his N.E.W.T's in a few days' time." Minerva confessed, "I've known he would be but well, now it's actually here…" he'd have his results in about a month…and would soon be doing an apprenticeship and Mastery perhaps.

"I know what you mean," Severus murmured dryly, it sometimes caught up to him too. That his fourteen-year-old son was graduating from school, and would be looking for an apprenticeship and Mastery.

"You've done well, Severus, you raised a wonderful son," Minerva said proudly.

"Anything would have been preferable to the alternative," Severus told her, subduing the conversation entirely. He'd never been able to accept praise easily or at all, he'd done the best he could and he was proud of Harry himself.

Minerva's face spasmed as if in pain, the funeral had not been forgotten. It had been so poignantly beautiful and heart-breaking. A child, a little boy who would never get to live his life, explore his magic and become the young man his parents could be proud of. She had shed tears, grieving for the boy. That pain had been very real, and very raw.

It had been a very real reality for a time.

The Floo flaring had their thoughts returning to the current time.

"Minerva, and Mr. Regis correct?" Fudge said, looking at Severus.

"It is, Minister Fudge," Severus inclined his head, giving a small smile in thanks for remembering him.

"The Aurors are going to shrink down the ship, and two are going to accompany the students to Bulgaria, the destination is set to Viktor Krum's home, from there the students will be making use of the Floo Network to return to their homes. Mr. Krum is getting in touch with the rest of his sons' friends and classmates' families to inform them of the change in plans." Cornelius explained, "We were rather fortunate that we were able to successfully get in touch."

"And Karkaroff?" Severus questioned, arching a brow in curiosity.

Fudge pursed his lips, "He's technically a Bulgarian citizen, he has made that country his home. They will be dealing with him as they see fit, if we are to find him, there's little doubt we'll be asked to return him home." He informed them before whispering, "If we find him…alive."

"Yes, its hardly surprising he's chosen to run. That sort of betrayal will not be forgotten or forgiven." Minerva said sternly.

"Especially when an attempt is made to get them removed from Azkaban, if they get free, they will want their own revenge." Severus commented, "One can only hope Azkaban is secure enough to prevent an all-out attack. If he doesn't get the rest of his supporters, he might not be so difficult to defeat." Planting some suggestions in Fudge's mind, let him think he came up with the idea himself, he didn't care as long as something was done.

Planting seeds that hopefully would bloom was a Slytherin's prerogative after all.

Minerva's lips twitched at Severus' words, "Do you know where Viktor is, Septimus?" subtly removing the silencing charm non-verbally.

"He's at the cabin, he came to me with his concerns over his absent Headmaster," Severus explained, "He has become good friends with my son, and I have naturally interacted with him more often than any other professor at Hogwarts. I promised to see that it was taken care of, I do not want him distracted during the last task."

Fudge gave Septimus a searching but impressed look, "Despite the fact he's up against your son?"

"No task or winning is more important than the wellbeing of the next generation. Viktor might be an adult in terms of age, but he's still a student at school. It's only normal for him to request help when one feels unsure." Severus said politely, "I rather detest cheating, and not helping a student that's so worried that he'd be distracted…would be, in my eyes, cheating."

"I understand," Fudge said, impressed with the wizard's words. Normally parents would desire to see their child win no matter what. Yet here was a parent who was prepared to do what was right, even if it meant his son didn't win.

"Plus, this does have something to do with the happenings right now, which is much bigger than the tournament." Severus informed him.

"Come, let's go reassure Viktor that all will be well," Minerva declared, moving towards the Great Hall.

"Yes," Fudge declared, a dark look gracing his features, he'd barely had any sleep over Wizengamot meetings and trying to order tightening of security everywhere. Hogwarts couldn't be done until the students from Durmstrang, Beauxbaton and GRMS left. The Ministry wards had been strengthened, by the likes they hadn't seen since the last war. There was of course, worries and fears over the Azkaban inmates, the Dementors and the guards.

After his meetings were done, he was left feeling utterly helpless, terrified of what was to come. He needed to get a full night's sleep, and with his inability to sleep, Dreamless Sleep Draught seemed would be his only answer.

"It's all quite a mess," Fudge sighed, shaking his head, "But we will persevere and carry on." He added determinedly.

Severus glanced at Fudge, hiding his amusement, "It's a difficult position you are in, Minister, but please be assured, you don't need to put on a front for me." He told him sincerely, he knew how terrifying Voldemort was…and didn't envy them and their tasks they'd need to perform to even have a single hope against him.

Fudge seemed to crumble at bit, at that, as they turned out the doors of the main entrance of Hogwarts. His shoulders hunching just a little, not enough that most people would notice. However, Severus was always observing his surroundings, especially now, and did indeed notice.

"Everyone is looking to me to make this right," Fudge declared, but he was a peace Minister, had been for the past decade. He wasn't well equipped to deal with a war on the horizon. He thought about stepping down, but he didn't want to end his career on a bad note. It would make him look like a coward and that wasn't something he was. "The problem is, I don't think I know how." How the hell did he fight off Voldemort? The Darkest wizard they'd ever come across since Grindelwald himself.

"You've already begun, informing everyone is step one. Send out pamphlets with warding information to everyone. Include the Fidelius Charm so that is an option as well. So, that they can better protect their loved ones and their properties. Try to get people to do it for free, or reduced prices so that everyone can afford the same protections. Increase the wards around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, increase Auror patrols, give them a kill on sight order, but make sure they can aim well, it wouldn't do for innocents to die with trigger happy Aurors." Severus said simply, "Speak to the Wizegamot about prioritising Veritaserum use for anyone that's brought into the Ministry as a Death Eater so that you can irrefutably prove or disprove that they are or aren't terrorists. It will ease the fear and accusations that was rumoured to have happened during the last war."

"Keep the newspaper updated on everything you're doing so that the public can take confidence that the Ministry is doing all it can to stave off an eventual attack." Minerva added, continuing to walk hastily towards the cabin. The Quidditch Pitch was already gone, and everything was prepped for the final task. "Hike the salary of the trainee Aurors, encourage more to take positions at the Ministry. Although, whatever you do, don't rush the programme otherwise it would just be a massacre. They need to be taught how to handle Death Eaters who are more likely to kill or injure with extreme prejudice. They need to know how to handle themselves."

"Better yet, begin repelling laws that will encourage creatures to the other side," Severus offered up, "If Giants, Trolls, Dementors, Vampires and any manner of creatures join…regardless of steps taken you'll find yourself easily overcome. Its why He has succeeded in the past, but nobody seemed to learn from past mistakes, we have a history for a reason, learn from it."

Before Fudge could open his mouth at the not-so-subtle reprimand, they were at the cabin, and the door was opening. Fudge blanched at the wolf that bound out, relaxing somewhat when it didn't pay him the slightest bit of attention.

"Luna! Don't go far!" Harry called out after his familiar, who he knew understood everything that came out of everyone's mouth. "Oh, good you're back, maybe now Viktor will stop fussing!"

"I'm not fussing!" came the grumbling complaint of Viktor Krum.

"Yes, you are!" Harry sang, "Did you get it fixed?" looking at his dad expectantly, like he knew his father would sort it all easily.

"Indeed," Severus said wryly, shaking his head, "Son, this is Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, go on, get Luna back in, you need to get ready for the task." Gesturing for him to get out of the way of the door.

Once the trio were inside, they found Viktor sitting with a packet of crisps and a drink, no doubt forced upon him by Harry.

By the time they were finished explaining it to him, he looked significantly improved.

Just in time for the task too.

---------------------------------0

A/N – and Still no task! Honestly, it's always one way or another, difficult to write or muses worm their way in without my notice and don't leave me alone! I don't want to rush it to the extent that it feels rushed, that is a definite no-no I've done my share of rushed stories! Plus, once this one done, a new one will start up with a time-jump which I cannot wait to do! :D ironic isn't it? But it isn't the first time I've had to impatiently write it out until it gets to the scene, I so badly want to write :P It's usually how my stories actually start, I get one scene in my head and then the entire story unravels from there! I know I said there would only be one or two chapters last chapter but I reckon I do mean it this time the tournament then the leaving after whose won :D which by the way I haven't decided yet…its such a cop out if more than one wins so I doubt I'll do that :D R&R please and Will Sirius and Remus return to St. Lucia with Harry or will they lose Harrys trust forever for nothing when no Order is resurrected? Or will they run the Order themselves?

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 20

There were quite a few 'official' members that were missing from their observing of the last task of the tournament. To showcase that 'international cooperation' they boasted to take so seriously. Unfortunately, they were showcasing it, just not in the manner of a tournament. No, it was a more worrisome reason, as the Bulgarian and British Ministers met, and made plans to make the return home smoother. He had come with guards, which had been decided, would escort the Durmstrang students to the Krum residence. Which was large enough to accommodate everyone, which was primarily why they were using it.

"Headmistress McGonagall where is the Minister for Magic? Why isn't he here supporting our champion?" the sensationalist journalist, Rita Skeeter asked, eyes alight with the desire to spread misinformation. Her voice naught but a purr as she watched the witch like a hawk. Just waiting for any reaction, she could glean.

"We've ran into a snafu; I do believe that the Minister will make an appearance before the end of the tournament." Minerva informed her, staring impassively at the bleached blonde. Disappointing her by the lack of reaction, but this was a witch who very rarely showed any sign of emotion, and she should have remembered that from their time at Hogwarts.

"What sort of problem?" Rita asked eyes alight with glee, glancing briefly at the gates of Hogwarts, as if weighing the thought of rushing out to try and get answers instead of covering the tournament. Her photographer could stay, and she could get the best of both worlds…but she didn't want to miss anything happening here.

"Minerva, I do believe the tournament is now about to begin," Septimus said, not using the usual tone he would to get the students doing as they were told. Skeeter was quite sharp and he would rather not antagonise her, the less she thought of him the better. Mostly just to stop any thoughts of digging into his son and him. While he trusted the goblins made identities, he was leery all the same.

"Oh, yes, so it is," Minerva said, shifting sightly giving her full attention to the tournament, or giving the appearance of doing so. She did give Rita a good watching unobtrusively, not trusting her the slightest.

"Where is Karkaroff? Is he unwell?" Madame Maxime leaned down and asked McGonagall in her loud inquisitive tone. Applauding when her student – Fleur – emerged to stand beside the black lake. Her accent very heavy, but she spoke English well enough that nobody could claim not to understand the giantess.

Rita pretended to be interested in the tournament, but the stillness of her indicated she was listening and waiting.

"He is, the Bulgarian Minister is taking his place," Minerva explained, smothering her amusement seeing Rita being so downcast, under the belief that there was nothing to learn here. Which, in her opinion, was for the best, that witch was needed taken down a peg or two. She was a menace to society. Her articles might entertain some, but not her. She wasn't the only one either, there were dozens of reporters all waiting for a big scoop. For most of them, they were content with the spectacle in front of them.

"I don't see him," Madame Maxime said, gazing around trying to see if they would pop out of somewhere.

"They're unavoidably delayed, but will be here soon," Minerva explained, stiff and annoyed. Not at Maxime in particular, but at how many times she'd been asked already and the last of the tournament hadn't even begun yet. Although the cheering of the students had everyone suitably distracted. As their task was explained to them, the four students flicked their wands, and their clothes merged into swimwear of the swimmers' preferences. On top of that swimwear – for Fleur – was a pair of shorts, and Viktor and Cedric had on vests as well, although the vest did nothing to hide Viktor's…body, which had probably been the result of training for years.

"What on earth is that idiot wearing?" came the strong Irish accent from the student's section, one particular student was leaning over the stands to see better.

"Looks like the stuff surfers wear!" a Muggle-born student proclaimed with a haughty tone.

"Surfer?" clearly a pureblood asked, the unsure way he said it,

"It's called a wet suit," Hermione declared sounding even more haughty, if possible, "And that is not a wetsuit." She imperiously pointed towards it with a derisive tone.

"I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it, if I were you, Granger," Draco Malfoy spat at the Muggle-born witch, distaste dripping of the words as if he couldn't convey enough with his screwed-up face. "It's Dragon-hide!" that amount meant a costly price, it was expensive for a Dragon-hide wand holster, never mind a body suit, and Draco was actually rather envious, not something he was used to being.

"Wait, all of it?" and the gossip commenced, comments on the price, how rich he must be, and there were a few wondering if he was single. How hot he was, and how they should try to get to know him despite his dark ability. Not only that they'd get to leave this dreary life behind and live somewhere exotic, what more could you ask out of life? A life of living in the sun, sand and beach.

It took everything Severus had not to snap at them, disgusted by their blatant objectification of his son. He clenched his jaw so painfully that the pain made him gasp. Seething in fury over their display, and they knew that Harry was his son. They did not possess an ounce of subtly. He could not claim it was idiotic Gryffindors either, since they were surprisingly a diverse group, presumably sitting when they'd gotten there. He was grateful that none of his snakes – as short as his tenure at Hogwarts was, he considered them his snakes – weren't participating in this disgusting display. They had more decorum than that, and they had fortunes of their own to receive upon their majority.

Not to forget the rest of the estate when their parents passed.

"They do realize I am neither deaf or invisible, correct?" Septimus asked, his tone slightly louder, causing many of the students on below stands to squeak in surprise. His lips twitched, withholding his amusement, at least Harry spent his time with people far more worthy of his time than these students.

Minerva had the same reaction, lips twitching into a facsimile of a smile. "And you probably just took five years off their life expectancy," Minerva informed him, still the same old Severus. Well, no, it really wasn't, she mentally amended, he was different, such a good, good difference.

"Good," Septimus replied, rueful, sitting forward as the four champions began taking off running around the Quidditch pitch. Which had been made twice it's ordinary size, this task was to test endurance, and it most certainly would do that. There 'lane' was glowing directing them on where they were meant to go.

"You can do it Diggory!"

"Hufflepuff win!"

"GO! KRUM! GO! GO! KRUM! GO!"

"Go Fleur!"

"Go Cedric!"

"RUN DELACOUR RUN!"

"Hogwarts victory!"

"Go Harry!"

"Pace yourself!"

"Oh no!" the girls said genuinely heartbroken when their hero – Viktor Krum – began to lag behind a little, he was much bigger than the others. Cedric Diggory was naturally, only marginally better off, while Harry and Fleur were in front by fifteen feet.

"Don't worry there's plenty of time for him to take over!" they cheered, jumping up and down, luckily the stands were not only secured but magically so. Which meant there was going to be no accidents like there could have been should they not have been magically charmed.

Within ten minutes their attention began to wane, as they found the sight in front of them boring. All the champions were doing was running (an admittedly 10K run) which was difficult for those with training, never mind those that had no training. They all sat, chatting amongst themselves, looking up occasionally to see how they were doing. Random bursts of encouragement from various schools was called out while they ran.

Septimus however, was watching his sons' progress avidly, sure, Harry often ran with Luna, along the beach, in the woods, and in the back of their home for hours, but not quite so strenuously. Harry was very competitive, and he wanted to win this to help Talin, to make his school internationally recognized. It was a lot to put on anyone's shoulders, and Septimus was ever cautious, if for a second, he thought Harry was pushing himself too far he'd withdraw him and the school from the competition. After all, technically Harry had now competed in all tasks and thus could not be punished for not competing.

"There is the Bulgarian Minister, Talin and Minister Fudge coming now," Filius squeaked out, "Why was Talin with them? Has something that happened with the students?" referring of course, to GRMS.

"Everyone is fine," Septimus declared, showing that he was listening to their conversation while his attention was focused mostly elsewhere.

"I'll explain later," Minerva stated, no doubt Filius was unaware of Sirius and Remus' actions too, Filius hadn't been in the Order the last time. Had no desire to be either, since he had turned it down when Dumbledore asked. Having a duelling champion in the Order would have been a great boon for the old fool. Filius however, remained neutral despite Dumbledore's urgings on the matter. When it became clear Filius wouldn't do it, their relationship had become rather frosty for a bit. Dumbledore had never taken well to being told no, not used to people denying him whatever he wanted.

Filius nodded cheerful enough, standing in the stands instead of sitting with the rest, cheering the champions on.

"How's it going?" Talin asked as he joined them, calm as you could be, clearly nothing untoward had happened. "Luna is safely ensconced in the cabin, she got out twice." He told Severus, lips pursed as he glanced down at his boots and trousers, which were caked with mud and wet.

Septimus smothered his own amusement, it wasn't often Luna needed to be contained (for her own safety) to the property, and she did not like it when she was. Luna only answered to Harry immediately, sometimes listening to him (mostly he had to bribe) she was a wild wolf, despite the fact she was 'housebroken' so to speak, and Harry's familiar.

"Vhat in the hell is that?!" the Bulgarian Minister demanded to know.

"Make that three times," Severus stood, as the GRMS students all began laughing and pointing towards where Luna was running full stop towards the champions. Groaning softly, Severus pressed his hand against his face, "Did you check the bedrooms?"

Talin stood as well, gaping, "I did not." he confessed, Luna was practically a white blur, "She wouldn't…hurt anyone would she?" Luna had a massive prey drive, she was a wolf, a wild wolf at the end of the day. They were running, that couldn't entice a chase with greater efficiency. "Never mind, I know the answer." He'd seen Luna surrounded by running school children, Harry's friends and had never done anything remotely threatening.

There was no way she'd just automatically act out today of all days, stubborn little escape artists that she was.

"She is no danger to anyone," Cornelius stated with confidence, before whispering "I hope." Mouthing it towards them.

"She most certainly isn't." Septimus agreed, Luna's speed and Stamina was something to see, she was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

The students were getting a kick out of the extra champion, as she deftly caught up with them. She didn't attempt to jump on them or get between them, she just ran on the outside of their 'lanes' going ahead of them smug in the knowledge she was the fastest and the queen reigns supreme. Fleur, Cedric, Viktor and Harry were all giggling in sheer delight at the smug look on the wolf's face.

The laughter didn't hep as they began to get winded, their sides hurting not just from the laughing but rapid running.

"How long has it been now?" Cedric managed to get out between panting, to think they had two more tasks to go.

"They weren't kidding when they said they'd be testing our stamina," Viktor stated, not as out of breath as the others, this was easy, he did it every day for training. Well, not quite to this extent, not even his personal trainer had pushed him this hard. This was the sort of shit duelling champions were forced to do.

"I can't keep this up," Cedric panted through grimaces, "I used to think running up and down the pitch was bad during Quidditch training practice." Used to, now he knew better, it was child's play.

"It's been twenty-five minutes," Harry told him, glancing at his watch before wiping the sweat off his head. "Try running like this in 29 to 31 degrees weather." Which was what St. Lucia averaged every day.

"I prefer colder weather," Viktor said, "This is hot to me." He'd gotten used to the area his school lived in's horrible climate. He preferred not sweating his ass off, but unfortunately, his vest was already drenched, yes, he could spell it clean but that would take precious moments away from the tournament.

"Go get dad!" Harry urged his wolf, using the bond to ensure Luna did as he asked of her.

"Let's go boys!" Fleur called out, beginning to pace herself faster.

Cedric, Viktor and Harry all glanced at each other, before simultaneously nodding and began to run faster, even more so when they heard Fleur cry out. Harry attempted to stop, only to have Viktor and Cedric smack into his back, and all three fell into the golden mist, "Anti-gravity mist!" Harry heard one of them call out, but Harry was still trying to orientate himself. He was upside down and it was very, very disconcerting.

Brandishing his wand, Harry called out the counter charm for the 'Limbo Mist' cursing and panicking before he fell with a painful thud against the grass. Winded but undeterred, he should have expected something like that to happen. Running was just a boring thing to do, but if they were to be running and taking hits like this…they were going to be at this all day.

Climbing back to his feet, wincing at the pain in his side he took off. He began to notice that their roads had all veered off, and Harry no longer knew how Viktor, Cedric or Fleur were doing as his own 'lane' had deviated away from the others. He ran around the corner only to find a cupboard out in the middle of the lane banging precariously close to being smashed to smithereens.

Then it was smashed, the door flying off its hinges, Harry blinked, eyes going wide, staggering back, shock and fear spreading across his face. Faced with his worst fear of his father dying, it paralysed him mercilessly. The sound of people in the distance brought Harry back to himself, this wasn't his father, this was…a boggart. His worst fear, but a fear on its own. His dad was alive and well and watching with the crowd, noticing a mirror in the distance, and watching them. Watching him.

"Riddikulus!" Harry shot of fast as lightening now that he had regained his confidence, then he took off as the Boggart hid itself in the cupboard.

Harry kept an eye out as he moved, keeping an even pace, knowing worse was still to come, and clearly, they weren't above surprising them. Since they hadn't been warned even slightly about these things they'd faced just now. He allowed himself a few moments to wonder how the others were doing, before he forced himself to focus on his own tasks.

In mid run, the earth began to rumble beneath his feet, Harry seriously contemplated summoning his broomstick to and just flying. Unfortunately, the had been told they were to use only what they were given, and their wand to cast any spell necessarily. Crying out as he fell, he scrambled to his feet only to curse as the very earth seemed to reach out and grab him. "What the fuck?!" he cursed, "Bombarda!" he cried out, using his magic as he scrambled up not looking back and just running as best, he could with the earth so desperate to swallow him whole.

Then the rumbling became pounding footsteps that still shook the earth, Harry reluctantly looked back. A Golem, now that was new, and he was lucky he knew just how to deal with them. They were stone, clay, magically operated, and only by those who were quite powerful. There was only one way to stop them, removing the head from the body. "Praecidit caput!"

But his aim was off, and it hit the Golem's arm and enraged it, and it swung for him, Harry ducked – barely succeeding – in stopping himself being flattened. An almighty roar rose from the Golem's mouth as it tried to hit him a second time, and again Harry twisted out of the way to avoid it. Falling once more, panting and shaking with adrenaline, he raised his wand again and cast, "praecidit caput!" his aim this time, was true. "Wingardium Leviosa!" he added in a panic as the head was alarmingly falling ever closer right on top of him.

He carelessly flicked his wand in the other direction, barely moving or reacting when the Golem went down with an almighty crash. Spread eagle on the grass, he stared at the sky, it was a beautiful day all things considered. He just wanted to stay there, he hurt so much, he was probably bruised quite badly. The thought of moving was horrendous, but he knew this task was far from over.

Rolling over, his muscles fatigued to the point he literally did not want to move. However, Harry forced himself up, forced himself to begin moving, just a light jog. The task had three parts to it, how much longer did he have to run? Surely it was over?

Harry repeatedly thought that until he reached the next point.

Until eighty minutes later from the starting point, Harry found himself at the banks of the Black Lake. Panting in exhaustion, his entire body shaking as he reached over to the table and picked up the bottle, and greedily drank deeply from its contents. Water, with an energy replenisher inside of it he realised. He disliked that, given potions without his consent, his dad didn't like it either, but allowed it for now. Since he did feel better after drinking it. He didn't feel like he was flagging quite so strongly anymore.

Inhaling sharply, he applied a bubble head charm, and dove into the Black Lake, praying he wouldn't have too many obstacles to deal with underwater. He was exhausted, he just wanted the task to end, then a grin spread across his face, wand once again in hand, he cast a second spell, and the air expelling from his wand, was forceful enough to begin to shove Harry in the opposite direction, exactly where he needed to be.

Unfortunately, one of the obstacles veered him off course, a miniature twister, which burst his bubblehead charm. Holding his breath, he recast the spell, and was flung through the water, and out of it, inhaling much needed air, he couldn't see anything but water, he was quite far out in the lake. He had no idea where he was meant to go now, how far and many times had he span around? Shrugging, he reapplied his bubblehead charm, and set off again, dare he use the spell again? What if the same thing happened again? 'Ruptis aere' Harry non-verbally cast the spell again, and off he shot, bobbing through the water, like a dolphin.

Unfortunately, Harry was observed by the others, who were quick to copy his example, although different variations of the spells.

Eventually the Black Lake ran out of water for Harry to read on, and he shot out and onto the stone banks. Right next to where he lay, wheezing, was a broomstick. His one ironically enough, since it had his number on it. He huffed and lay his head on the uncomfortable rock, having zero desire to move, not even an inch. He did wonder what sort of obstacles he'd actually bypassed though, because he swore, he saw one seriously pissed off Merman screeching.

Time was seriously muted, especially when all sound was absent, even birds and such, the only sound was the gentle lull of the water. Only the rise and fall of Harry's chest gave away his living status. He was so, so, so tired, when this was over, he was going straight to bed, he didn't care about studying or anything, or even the results.

Sleep, it was what he needed, and it sounded, oh, so good.

Turning on his side, he huffed, well, at least he'd be sitting down, he thought, as he shuffled onto his broomstick and rose gently in the air.

He could do this.

He needed to do this.

He couldn't do it, he was exhausted, magically, mentally and physically.

So much so that he actually fell asleep mid-air.

"Harry, wake up," Viktor said, giving the teen a shake, he was in no better condition than the other wizard. "Come on, one last hurdle and we're done." squeezing his shoulder.

Fleur and Cedric were standing leaning against their brooms, not looking ready to take off either. In fact, Cedric was keeping Fleur up, she looked ready to crumble at the slightest gust of wind, blooded and injured, but oh so strong, determined to carry on.

"Ugh, don't wanna," Harry murmured in complaint, shivering in cold, not even contemplating using magic to cast a warming charm.

"I know," Fleur said, grimacing as she flicked her soaking wet and debris filled hair behind her back. She felt disgusting, and desperately wanted a shower.

"Anyone know what we were meant to do down there?" Harry asked, assuming there was some sort of obstacles, sitting up straighter as Fleur and Cedric hopped on their own broomsticks ready to complete the last hurdle.

"Nope," Cedric said, rubbing his back in agony, he too was blooded and torn. "Come on, let's get this over with…I hear a bed in the infirmary calling me."

Harry laughed, "Sounds good," he confessed.

"Four school victory?" Cedric said, ever the Hufflepuff.

Fleur, Viktor and Harry all glanced at each other, the were all competitive at heart, but they smiled at the thought.

"It would be impossible for all four of us to finish at the same time, near enough the same time but not that one exact moment…so there's always going to be one winner. None of the judges will be content otherwise." Harry told them, still breathless, "Plus, I'm doing this for a reason…I'm trying to get my school internationally recognized." He inclined his head at Cedric for the thought, and he took off, the three others did as well, right at the back of him.

it set off the challenge in all of them, as the rush to win the competition surged.

A/N – I think I've started this chapter like a dozen times, and deleted them just as much somewhere between 12-15K has been deleted, I'm not kidding I don't know why but the chapters felt like they were falling short and I still do…I still think they could have been more magical but what can I do? And Thanks Tiff for the idea about the Golem! I wanted it to be the best task yet, but I feel like I used too much from the actual final task…well, I wonder what obstacles I can use with them in the air! That doesn't include fire and ice since that's been used…ideas welcomed :D What do you think so far? Was it worth the wait? I hope so! R&R please

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 21

The wind started up mere moments after Harry took off. So much so that Harry's teeth were chittering as his entire body shook with the sudden coldness. This task had not been well thought out at all. Sure, they were all very fit, and took their sports very seriously, and were healthy. If Cedric hadn't been a Quidditch player, he wouldn't have lasted long running at all. That was professional range running times. Professionals, hell, he didn't think those responsible for the tournaments could run and do this course, this task in the time they're asking them to compete it. His father had done well keeping fit in his advancing age, especially since a lot of his time was spent brewing, but even he'd have trouble with it.

If he were capable, he would have snorted at the image of Madame Maxim trying to do any of the challenges. She'd not only empty the lake, rode upon the dragon too. Brought back to his predicament, his good mood plummeted along with him, as he automatically lowered the broomstick towards ground level. It was an instinctive reaction to Harry, who had been playing Quidditch since he was a youngster, five or six years old. He had the medals to prove it too!

Harry cursed and ducked laying himself practically flat on his broom. As he felt Bludgers zooming past him. What madness was this? They were seriously sending out Bludgers when they could barely see a damn thing in this windy weather conditions? He could barely control his broomstick; he wasn't sure the others could except for definite Krum. Since he was a professional Quidditch player.

Merlin, he wanted to be back on the sandy beaches of St. Lucia, the only home he'd ever known. This weather and task were just awful, they wouldn't let them ride brooms in this condition back home. Never mind expect them to perform some sort of task. Shivering so hard his teeth were still rattling, he manoeuvred down further still, feeling some gratitude when he felt his feet brushing against land.

He didn't even have goggles on, to protect his face, he really could kill whoever came up with this. His arms, legs and neck were bare, but even the covered skin wasn't really protected. He was frozen to the very bone of him, as he flew around on his broom, trying to figure out where he was meant to be going. Hell, for all he knew he could be going around in circles. He couldn't see anything that shouted that was where he was to go.

"They don't know where they are! This is dangerous!" Dylan declared waving in the direction he could see his best friend flat out on his broomstick, lets twisted tightly keeping a good grip.

"What the bloody fucking hell was that! Was that a bloody bludger? In this weather?! You've got twister spells out there! They've been in the water! They're freezing!" Josh vehemently swore seething furious with the task.

"This is a joke!" Danielle spoke, her French making the words sound broken, "Headmistress, this is unacceptable!"

"Indeed," Severus agreed fully, eyes narrowing in on his son. "They will need pepper-up draughts after this." hopefully prevent them from catching a cold. They'd been running far longer than he thought necessary. It was too much full stop, and he was concerned for all of them. "Minerva, were you aware of how long they'd be running?"

"The students do that many during laps with their Quidditch training…" Minerva pointed out, wincing a little, even she was realizing she'd made a humongous error of judgement. "I failed to take into account the extent of their exhaustion."

"Or the fact not all of them play Quidditch!" came the indignation of a Beauxbaton student. "It's too strenuous for Fleur! She is too delicate!"

The Delacour family snorted in amusement, their heiress was most definitely not delicate regardless of her lithe frame. Which was just the Veela in her, her temper was all Veela too. They made a mental note of whom made the statement, to ensure they were corrected on their belief especially the family.

"Are we talking about the same Fleur?" one of Harry's best friends proclaimed with a dubious look. "The Fleur Delacour?" who could fight like the best of them? there was a reason she'd put her name in to participate.

"Who have you been watching, mate?" Josh rejoindered as well.

"Josh…does his lips not look a little blue to you?" Dylan asked, craning forward as if he could see everything better.

"Oh, idiot!" Harry muttered, casting a warming charm upon himself, which regretfully only actually worked against clothes…and since his was dragonhide, it rolled right off. Harry groaned, slumping in defeat that his 'smart moment' had amounted to nothing.

What he wouldn't do to be warm right now…at least the others had likely cast them by now. Closing his eyes, feeling near tears, he was so done with this stupid task. He couldn't even cry, the wind was drying up any water that emerged from his eyes almost immediately. The sob was caught in his throat, he just wanted to stop now, he was so, so tired and he ached, he was sore, the bruises and the fighting he was just so incredibly exhausted.

Closing his eyes, imagining Talin, Headmaster Addison being so understanding and proud of him regardless of the outcome…had Harry stiffening his shoulders, resolve strengthening, he'd win this no matter what.

"No, I'm not giving in," Harry said mouth set in determination, but regardless of one's determination…even youthful naivety…sometimes the body just couldn't cope with the duress their bodies underwent during tough challenges. His entire body wasn't just shaking because of the cold…but the strain his body was undergoing.

The claxon blared twice, in the distance, did it mean someone had finished? They hadn't explained anything…no, wait, yes, they had. The tri-wizard cup, it was, to be sought out, found, on the quidditch pitch. How could he have forgotten that piece of information? What an idiot he was!

Had he been forced to forget that as part of the tournament? Harry wondered, shivering as he moved. Sniffling, he pressed his arm around himself, using only his left to guide the broom. He was so cold, he just wanted to go back to his dad…if the claxon meant that the cup had been one…well, what was the point?

The quidditch pitch, was it anywhere near the black lake? No, it was literally, where the stands were, where the spectators were sitting. A small smile appeared on his face, "Point me, Septimus Prince!" his dad would be there…and whether it was won or not…the thought of hugging his father and being warm was better by the second.

"Merlin, damn it!" Severus swore vehemently, regretting heavily in his decision to get dragonhide for his son. How could he have been so utterly stupid? Of course, spells wouldn't stick to it. Which was making his son very vulnerable right now.

"Put up the sparks, son," Talin said, "It's not worth it." he was so incredibly proud of Harry, he could still vividly recall the day he met Harry and Severus. Or as he thought of them Hadrian and Septimus Prince. The control the child had of his magic at such a young age…and he'd been a joy to teach, to watch flourish. "Put up the sparks!"

"If he's as stubborn as Septimus, I don't believe he will," Minerva said, her own concern showing just a little. He looked too cold, the view of Cedric and Fleur being escorted in fluffy warming blankets into the tent's cut off now that their part was over.

Cedric had fallen off his broom and he had broken his leg in two places and sparks announced his quitting of the final task. The young man had been put on a stretcher, warmed up and escorted to the tent, Fleur had walked under her own power, having put sparks up five minutes later, it was not an easy task at all.

"I want to make sure Fleur is alright!" Gabby, Fleur's younger sister insisted, her broken English sounding strained but understood nonetheless.

Her father replied in their own language, telling her to follow them and to take her mama's hand. Their voices trailing off as they moved further down the steps of the stands, making their way as quickly as possible towards their daughter and Gabby's sister.

Everyone else's attention, including a very worried selection of people, at both Viktor and Harry's sheer bull-headed determination.

"Look you can see them now," Josh said, pointing out to the north, where the two small figures, blips on the radar really, were coming into view.

It took a few more minutes before most people actually began to realize Josh was right. The excited whispers began to turn into blazing shouts and shrieks of encouragement. There were only two left, so naturally, the Hogwarts students were subdued, and most people were eagerly calling out Viktor Krum's name. He was someone they felt they knew, famous, and much stronger, bigger and a Quidditch player, of course he'd win the broom challenge.

As for the cup? It shimmered into view in the middle of the Quidditch pitch.

It gleamed blue and silver like moonlight, beautiful and ethereal.

"Duck! Duck!" came the shrieks of the students, as more Bludgers were shot out at the two, one hit the bottom of Harry's broomstick causing him to spin around.

Viktor managed to avoid the barrage of Bludgers. Barely.

Harry clung on for dear life, once he managed to apply the brakes, he couldn't help but be sick. Lying over his broomstick, he puked his load, dizzy and disorientated. Panting he blinked tiredly, staring at the glow in the distance. Groaning in pain, grimacing at the taste of sick in his mouth, he swiped his mouth with his hand before heaving once more.

Breathing evenly, or attempting to, grateful at least the wind that had been spelled had died down entirely. He was still freezing cold, and wanted his bed but…he had to win first. Although, judging by Viktor's distance to his, there was a good chance the guy was going to beat him.

Still, he had to try, Harry shot off on the borrowed broom.

Which was another good thing, the brooms were the same make, same year, which meant they both had the same disadvantage.

They were both used to a more advanced broomstick.

They had the newest on the market.

They were working twice as hard on mediocre broomsticks, and still coming out on top. Harry was zooming by, a blur on the landscape as he tried his best to overtake Viktor and emerge the winner.

There was one advantage Harry had, he wasn't as bulky a Viktor, not as heavy. So, his broom would go just that much faster. It was just now, a matter, of whether he could catch up to him in time.

The Triwizard cup was starting to take a shape, other than just be a bright light on the horizon. A beautiful beacon of hope, eternal fame and the end of this blasting tournament. Which was something both Viktor and Harry actually really wanted.

"Ohhhhhhhh!" Josh said, shaking the stands as he jumped on the spot. "So close!" watching them both zoom by, the handles of their brooms basically nose to nose. "Come on Harry!"

"You can do it!" Luna called out cheering on Harry, waving her sign, showcasing her favouritism for GRMS to win. She had the G in sparkly red, R sparkly blue and M sparkly yellow and the S sparkly green, sort of giving her approval to both Hogwarts and GRMS.

"Don't be stupid, Krum's going to win, it's obvious!" Ron said from below them on the lower stands cheering on his favourite Quidditch Player. "It's Quidditch…" acting as if it was a sure thing.

"Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!" Dylan said, watching avidly as the pair got steadily closer to the goblet. "Grab it, grab it! grab it!" almost pounding on his best friends back as he watched the scent in front of him, despite the mirrors giving a better and more dramatic view.

"G.R.M.S For The Win!" were chanted by Harry's friends and school mates. Trying to be as loud as possible, since everyone else was screaming for Viktor to win. They felt disheartened to hear that, Harry was so good and did really well, and for only them to cheer for him was sad.

It was foolish to hope that Harry hadn't heard the way they wanted it to go.

Harry was so cold that he honestly didn't think he could move a muscle. He was going as fast as he could, and Viktor was only just slightly in the lead. Giving a nudge more speed, it brought their broomsticks level with one another.

Then there it was. The Triwizard cup. Just in front of them, ready for the taking.

Reaching forward, for a single brief moment, Harry thought he'd done it, but his frozen fingers wouldn't bend. His hand would not curl around the handle, and then it was snatched up out of the air. Harry tried to break, but slammed into the cups stand and careened down onto the pitch with a startled yelp.

All he saw after that was Viktor with the Triwizard cup raised in his hand in victory.

Then the screeching and cheering of victory, groaning in sheer disappointment, Harry's head dropped back down as his eyes closed. He was happy for Viktor, he really was, but also disappointed for himself.

For GRMS too.

"You alright, Harry?" Viktor asked, staring at Harry, who saw the wizard upside down with a big yet exhausted grin on his face. "You did good." He wouldn't have been able to do it if not for his trainer pushing him constantly to his limit. For a kid who wasn't a professional sportsman he really, truly had done well.

Harry just groaned, shivering some more.

Viktor held his hand out, his hand encompassing Harry's as he yanked him to his feet, "You were a very worthy opponent."

Harry grinned weakly, but he hadn't won, it's what he had set out to do.

He'd failed.

Only two more chapters to go (I think) omg! :) I know for such a short story its taken a really long time...so will Remus stay or return to St. Lucia with them? Will Sirius stay or return to St. Lucia? Will there be attempts made to create a resistance to Voldemort's movement without Dumbledore? Will they fail? And I know it's not a long chapter but I was perfectly content for it to end there, in two chapters it will be finished and a next story is already in the works for it, this one is so that I don't have to do multiple time skips to get to the age I want Harry to be and he's still too young here for what I want the future chapters to be :) And just to be clear this is a Luna/Harry story I know it's so rare well...lately lol since I'm not writing a lot of stories with Sev as the father/father figure these days not like I used to :D the only thing I've not got set in stone is Sirius and Remus hence why I'm giving the choice :) R&R please

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 22

Harry blinked awake, jerking upright, staring around himself in shock. Struggling to remember why he felt shock in the first place. Also, why he ached so much, then he remembered, the final task…and the hazy image of Viktor emerging victorious. His heart sank down into the pit of his stomach at the remembrance. He'd let everyone down, nobody more so than Talin, the Headmaster must be surely disappointed.

He knew, he knew, that Talin wouldn't be disappointed, it was just silly doubts he was having. Feelings of inadequacy were very new to Harry, who had always been secure in who he was. He had thought for sure he could win, that he could bring pride to his school.

Wincing as he reached forward for the water, which had ice cubes floating around inside of it. Smiling softly when he noticed the pain relief draught, which had clearly had muscle relaxant added to it. Eagerly grasping it, gasping out in pain as he slumped against his bed, ouch that had hurt. Uncorking the vial, he greedily drank the potion, then the water, the lemon in it made it particularly refreshing.

He couldn't remember anything…had he passed out? He felt mortified just thinking about it, Merlin, what must people think of him? He'd passed out in front of Hogwarts, the Ministry, and three other head teachers.

How long had he been out of it? His stomach chose that moment to growl, loudly. Unhappy at being deprived, for however long he'd gone without eating. Absently scratching at his chest, he swung his legs out of bed, taking extra care in case Luna was there. She wasn't which was very unusual. Luna was always with him, it must be during the day then, because no matter what Luna wouldn't tolerate being separated from him at night. Except when they were at home of course, sometimes, when she was with the rest of her pack.

He was grateful for the lack of pain, but he could still feel that ache deep in his muscles, despite the muscle relaxer. It was going to take a few days before he recovered fully. Opening the door, he winced and slammed his eyes closed, that had hurt. It was much brighter in the hallway, and he could hear everyone talking quietly, it was muffled but still Harry picked it up.

The moment they heard him, and saw him, everyone called out his name "Harry! Harry! You're awake!" came from his very worried and grateful friends.

"We're still in Scotland, right?" Harry asked, craning to see out of the window. He was able to answer his own question. The towering castle that was Hogwarts was visible, padding over to his father, he leaned into him, mentally and physically exhausted beyond endurance.

"We are," Severus replied, wrapping his left arm loosely around his son, knowing a big fuss wasn't welcomed. He felt a glow in his chest that his son still needed him despite being ready to graduate and make his way out into the world. Perhaps it was true what they said, that children would always need their parents. He certainly hadn't needed nor wanted his. "How are you?" he murmured quietly into his son's ear. It was so good to see him awake, he'd began to fear he'd need to bring in a healer for Merlin's sake.

"Tired, how long…how long have I been asleep?" unbidden a mortified flush suffused his cheeks. Hidden from everyone since Harry's face was hidden in his father's chest.

Despite his muffled words, Severus was able to decipher his son's question without a single hint of confusion. "It's thirty-four hours now," he told his son, squeezing his neck as he rubbed his back up and down in comfort. He hadn't been more terrified in his life than when he was watching that damn tournament task.

"I didn't win," he said, his turmulent emotions hidden, but his father knew how he felt, could feel it in every line of his son's body as he trembled against him, deeply upset.

"You didn't," Severus agreed, "But I couldn't be prouder of you." he added sincerely, "You did amazingly well, Talin is astounded and gratified by your attempts to ensure the school was recognized internationally. He will never give up in his attempts to convince the ICW to give our school international recognition. Thanks to you, we are just that one step closer, out of all those schools, we came second, and it was by mere seconds. We're so much closer…it doesn't matter that it will take a little while longer." Neither Talin or Severus want Harry blaming himself for something that was just not true.

"Feels like it's all my fault that I left him down," Harry confessed quietly, not quite teary eyed but close to it.

"I know, it can feel that way when you accidentally let someone down," Severus murmured soothingly, recalling how it felt when he felt like he'd let Lily down. Only he had actually let her down, but more than made up for it he reckoned.

"How did you make it stop?" Harry gazed up at his dad seeking answers, having no doubt his father had them.

Severus frowned thoughtfully, "You have no reason to feel that way," Severus answered immediately, "And Talin would tell you the same thing. Feelings aren't quite so easily tampered, hmm?" honestly, he couldn't think of a damn thing to say, he hadn't faced this sort of thing before. No parent was an expect when it came to children, for they were always learning something new just like children.

Harry wordlessly agreed, he knew, he knew deep down he'd tried his best. He was just imagining everything he could have done differently and had a different outcome. He was just feeling a little vulnerable, and a little embarrassed that he'd lost. He'd wanted to win, hoped to win, but he hadn't actually thought with one hundred percent certainty that he'd actually win.

"Are you ready now to converse with your friends?" Severus asked, he had put his own silencing spell up when Harry approached, keeping their conversation private. The children here seemed to understand, and had gone back to their breakfast. He could feel Talin's gaze boring holes into him, worried no doubt, about Harry. "Do you want a moment with Talin?" it was odd when he heard someone refer to him as Headmaster Addison still, since he was so used to Talin, even after all these years.

"I'll be fine," Harry said, feeling much better about the situation, his father had made him feel much better by just being him. He hadn't tried to make him feel how he should, just normalised his need to feel bad about losing and letting Talin down. Everyone was entitled to feel how they did, and that was that.

"You will be," Severus confirmed, "The feeling of inadequacy will fade in time." he reassured him. With a simple wave of his wand, his spell was down, and the sound began build up again.

"Luna has been by three times to see if you were well," Severus added, the wolf's ears twitched and head rose at her name before going back to gnawing at her bone with delight. "I have no doubt she'll be by very soon." Likely after she ate her own breakfast.

"We will be leaving after lunch today, if you want to go to the school, or the boat, or to the Beauxbaton students place for a visit." Talin informed all the students, aware they'd all made friends with various different students from different schools. "For that reason, I want you all present here at two o'clock for when we leave. Is that understood?" making sure they were all paying attention to him.

"Yes, Sir!" came the answers, plates scraped clean.

"Very well, on you go," Talin said, bringing out a plate for Harry, as everyone quickly scrambled to get ready for the day. "You did so well, I am very proud of you."

The students couldn't wait until the adults were finished with Harry so they could all gossip.

"I didn't win," Harry pointed out, the embarrassment beginning to fade and annoyance interestingly enough was beginning to suffuse him.

"No, you didn't, but you sure as hell showed the ICW just what you and what GRMS is capable of." Talin said, his dark eyes alight with pride. "They talked you down, thought you wouldn't be able to compete, but not only did you compete, complete all tasks but came very close to winning. I certainly will be meeting with them this summer." Smugness exuding from him, he couldn't wait to see their faces, they probably already knew, the newspapers had reported everything that had happened.

"Will Remus and Sirius be coming?" Harry asked his dad, as he ate the breakfast, excited to hear what Remus and Sirius thought of the final task. He hadn't seen them as much this year, and he did miss them more than he'd anticipated. He hoped they wanted to come, and honestly? Given how it had gone when they were first introduced…he expected them to come despite their misconception of him taking part in the war. That was one thing he did not doubt.

"We're meeting this afternoon, at the Leaky Cauldron," Severus told him, "I'll know more then." And if they didn't appear at that meeting? He had a tracking charm on both of them to ensure he knew exactly where they were. He prayed he wouldn't have to do it, because he knew Harry had grown fond of them.

He would be hurt and Severus would burn the earth to ensure Harry was never hurt.

"Why there? It's a bit public." Talin asked, glancing at Severus as he whipped away all the leftover foods except the fruit platter. He knew Harry loved eating fruit in the morning, and true enough, he scooped some into his bowl. Only then did he put the last of the food away. They would soon be on their way home. Glancing down at the clothes he had on – winter wear meant to keep them warm – he wouldn't miss the heaviness of these robes.

"It is," Severus agreed, "But all will be well, I'll be getting some butterbeer for the celebration and journey home."

"Celebration?" Harry questioned, swallowing the piece of peach with delight. "Are we celebrating?"

"Of course, and another celebration after the end of your NEWTS." Talin nudged him as he wiped down the table, and letting it dry. Some things were just better done the Muggle way, and without a wand.

Harry blanched, "Yeah," now his worry was solely for his NEWTS now, his disappointment fading entirely into the background.

Before Talin and Severus could say anything else, the students returned, hounding Harry entirely. All wanting to know what it was like, and how awesome they thought the fight with the Golem was, and dramatically talking about how gross it was when the head splatted down onto the floor. They kept things light hearted and amusing, refusing to dwell on anything bad that happened.

All of them listening in awe and appreciation when Harry dramatically revealed everything that happened in the task. The start of it had been rather boring, but also extremely dangerous. Really, they shouldn't have been running that long, even professionals needed to work up to that point. It was over with now and that was all that mattered.

"Viktor has been by three times since the task, he's really worried," Deacon revealed, "I think he's worried that you might not want to be friends now…you know with him winning."

"Deek!" Josh shoved him a bit for his words.

"Josh, no violence," Talin warned him without even turning around, how do adults do that?

"Are you?" Chao asked, bluntly. "Still going to be friends with him, I mean?"

"Of course, I am," Harry said amused, "He deserves it," and it was true, he had deserved it. "But I was so stupid, I can't believe I didn't remember that Dragon hide doesn't react well to spells." Smacking his hand on his forehead.

"Oh, that's what you were doing," Deacon groaned, wanting to do the same as Harry and smack his head. Of course, now he got it, he'd been too worried really to connect the dots earlier.

"How are Fleur, Cedric and Viktor anyway?" Harry asked, "I think I recall the claxon blaring twice?" or was that his imagination? He'd been frozen to the bone so he wouldn't be surprised. They'd only mentioned Viktor so far, had something happened to Fleur and Cedric? A rush of worry hit him full blast.

"Oh, all of them are okay," Josh reassured his best friend. Dylan nodding ferociously next to him, in full agreement with Josh. "Fleur passed out mid flight though…"

"Talin was awesome!" blurted Deacon, Sophie winced as Talin's sons both beamed in pride at their father and his quick reflexes.

"Dad just reacted, she wasn't even half way down before he slowed her descent almost to nothing, she practically floated down!" Alejandro exclaimed, hand waving back and forward like a feather floating back when they were six and learning the levitating charm.

"He did the same with Cedric," Dylan said leaning on the table as he spoke to his friend.

"Wait, Cedric passed out as well?" Harry hated himself a bit, as he felt a pang of relief that he hadn't been the only one to pass out. He should be ashamed of himself.

"About three minutes after Fleur, he was too high up, I don't think he knew which direction he was going in. The broomstick smashed into the whomping willow though it was totally destroyed." Dylan and Chao spoke over each other in a bid to tell Harry first what had happened. Naturally they didn't say the same thing, slight deviations from the tale.

Harry nodded, "I know the feeling, the wind was that strong I couldn't keep my eyes open for any length of time." sympathy for the pair of them surging through him, "Do you reckon they actually tried to make it as difficult as possible so none of us actually won?"

"Wouldn't surprise me," came the groused mutter. "You coming with us?"

"Where are you going, Soph?" Harry asked.

"We're going to say goodbye," Sophie explained, as she latched her winter coat around her neck.

"Yeah, I want to talk to Susan before I go," Alexis chimed in, they had been pen-pals for years, and she didn't intend to leave without saying goodbye.

"I'm heading to the Beauxbaton…"

"I'm heading to the boat!"

"Hold on a minute!" Talin called out, "The Durmstrang students will be leaving in approximately twenty-five minutes. Minister Fudge has ensured they get a very quick return home due to the fact that the Headmaster of Durmstrang is regretfully…unavailable."

Everyone knew what the headmaster really meant but said nothing.

"If you wish to go and say goodbye, you at the very least go in pairs, am I understood?" Talin told his students.

"Yes, Sir!" they exclaimed, already clamouring to get outside, the news that the boat was leaving very soon – with the Durmstrang students – meant they had to be quick.

"I'll be back soon!" Harry said, making sure his dad was okay, and that he was fine to leave.

Severus smiled as he inclined his head, he held that smile until his son left, before he frowned. He unlike Harry, didn't believe that Lupin and Black would choose his son. If asked they probably considered the four years preceding to the end of the war the best in their lives. Yes, it was dangerous, but they'd loved that, the thrill, the adrenaline. Especially Black, Lupin wanted a calm and quiet life away from most of society. However, he wouldn't abandon Black – again – after what happened before. He would go through another war just to keep Black happy. Lupin was too terrified of being abandoned even now. A grown adult, it was pathetic, and if they abandoned his son…Merlin, help them, for he wouldn't, he wouldn't put them out if they were on fire.

"They love him too much, Septimus, to abandon him," Talin commented, well aware of what was worrying Severus.

Severus glanced at Talin, who was shifting a cup towards him, a coffee. "I wouldn't be too sure of that." He told the man, cupping the cup, keeping his fingers warm, "I will kill them if they let him down." He was already feeling down because he hadn't won, this would be the straw that broke the Hippogriffs back. Especially now of all times, when Harry should be focusing on his NEWTS now that the tournament was over.

The Durmstrang students looked utterly miserable, dressed in the gear they had been wearing upon mooring in the Black Lake that day. Brown trousers, brown coats, red top and a hat sat scrunched in their pocket. They'd put it on when they get home, where it's significantly colder than here.

"What's wrong with you guys?" Harry hollered, as he boarded the boat, there were more than just the students there. "Someone steal the Quidditch World cup win from you?" he teased, the Durmstrang students parted, and the group on a whole was seen. Including Fleur and a few of the Beauxbaton students.

"Harry!" came the delighted cries of Fleur and Viktor, the relief on their faces was immense.

"We were going to come and see you after we were done here," Chao explained, moving towards another one of the Beauxbaton students, Harry couldn't remember her name. His attention broke as Fleur hugged him tightly while Viktor smacked his back with a "Good to see you recovering," his accent thick but genuine. A wary look deep in his eye, wondering if his words were welcomed. Surely, they were after all he was here.

"Yeah," Harry said sheepishly, scratching his head wryly, "Congratulations on winning by the way."

Viktor visibly relaxed pleased that Harry wasn't disappointed or angry. "Thank you," proudly, and he was, the cup was on the table where he'd been sitting. He was very proud to have won, especially against his contenders, whom were very good themselves. "It was hard won."

"Tell me about it," Harry laughed, sure he was still disappointed, but he'd never make Viktor feel bad for winning. They had been competitors for Merlin's sake, but friends for sure, regardless of win. Letting Fleur go, he eyed her critically, "How are you feeling?" regardless of descent it must have been pretty painful.

"Your headmaster was very good, it didn't hurt," Fleur reassured him, "When did you wake?" aware that Viktor had gone down last night to see if he was okay. Unfortunately, realizing he might have to leave before Harry recovered/woke up.

"Half an hour ago," Harry laughed, "I've been told he reacted very swiftly, I'm glad." Sombre as he told her. "How's Cedric? Has he been by?" he asked as he sat down, he might have potions in him but he ached something fierce. The sigh of relief on his lips had a knowing look coming to both Viktor and Fleur.

"He's really in bad way, he was down yesterday afternoon, but needed help to get back…he pushed himself too far." One of the Durmstrang students chimed in, clearly awed by the Hufflepuff's determination.

Harry sat up further in alarm, "What…did he actually end up meeting the ground?" watching Fleur and Viktor resit, they too were a bit too relieved, clearly, he wasn't the only one feeling it. "Do you guys need some potions?"

"Your father has already given us a full week's supply," Viktor said, impressed. "He really knows his stuff, he managed to make my coach cower. It's not easily done." remembering Septimus Prince's appearance and argument – if it could be called that – with his coach. He'd had to ask because he had a Quidditch match in less than a fortnight. It had hurt so much trying not to laugh on top of his already exhausted body. Lucky for him, he had an entire week to recover, before his coach was going to be on his ass.

"I missed that? Damn!" Harry whined, before pouting, it was always awesome to see his dad give someone hell. "Did his voice go all low?" grinning wickedly.

"Oh yeah, I don't think he raised his voice once," Viktor said merrily. "If anything, it got lower."

"Yeah, that means he's really pissed off, like that idiot at the conference…he questioned my dad's ability to brew and boy…my dad laid all his shit bare." Harry said, admiration deep in his voice. "He made him feel two feet tall, it was wicked."

"I'll believe it," Viktor fully agreed, it had been wicked.

"Your dad? But he's very kind," Fleur said, clearly not believing them fully.

Harry and Viktor glanced at each other and grinned widely, just a second away from laughing when they were interrupted.

A magically amplified voice called out to the students of Durmstrang, asking that they dismount the boat. That it was time for them to leave, one glance they saw that it was Aurors who were going to ensure the Durmstrang would get home. It had been planned to leave after the task, but it was clear it would need put back a few days, out of courtesy.

"I guess this is it," Harry said, disappointed that they didn't have longer, but it had taken a while to get to the boat never mind anything else.

"Here, don't lose it," Viktor said, handing over the piece of paper.

Harry opened it, staring at the information in confusion, "I don't understand?"

"It will make sure when you write to me, it comes directly to me," Viktor explained quietly, "My mail, without that, would go to my publicist." Sure, there were ways around it, like actually getting in touch with his parents directly. Which happened more than he'd like, he made the choice to be a Quidditch player, not his parents.

"Oh, right, famous Quidditch player, got it," Harry said realization dawning, shaking his head for being such a forgetful idiot.

Viktor grinned, he liked that Harry honestly didn't care about his fame. "I'm going to be playing my first game in over a year in a few weeks…I'll have a few top box tickets; would you like to come?"

"Are you kidding? That would be awesome! Josh, Jay and Dylan are going to be so jealous!" Harry laughed wickedly. "I'm kidding, I'll see if I can get them to come."

"Top boxes are very expensive, your friends wouldn't have the funds for it," Fleur pointed out.

Harry shook his head, "Nah, I'll give them my tickets, and buy one for me and who's left, probably Dylan since he's the least hesitant out of us all." which meant Dylan would take the ticket without any qualms or the need to promise to pay it back.

Fleur smiled, "It would be nice to go somewhere with Gabby, she's too shy, and she begins school in a few years…" too shy to make many friends, now she couldn't make Gabby make friends, or do it for her, but she could help her gain more confidence. Inclining her head when Viktor opened the door for her, catching up with the rest of the students.

The last thing they needed was shrunk down with the ship.

"It might always be difficult for her to make friends," Harry commented, as they left the ship, "But it means she'll always be friends with the friends she makes and a good one." He reassured Fleur, naturally, he didn't really know if this was true, but he wanted to reassure her nonetheless. He did know a few girls who were shy in the first few years at school and was still shy and they were close to graduating.

"I hope so!" Fleur having good friends was important as being a good friend.

"Wait, you're going to be in a Quidditch match…are you not completing your NEWTS?" Harry asked checking how close he was to the ground as he walked backwards off the ship. The piece of parchment already folded up and put into his cloak pocket safely away with an anti-summoning charm on it.

"My last one will be three days before the match," Viktor explained, surprised that Harry wasn't just assuming things. People believed he didn't care about his education because he was playing. That he didn't need to pass his NEWTS because he already had a successful career, but he wouldn't always be playing Quidditch.

"That's good," Harry replied, watching the ship shrunk down to toddler size, by the Aurors. "I guess this is goodbye for now, I'll hold you to your offer!" he told Viktor, shaking his hand and they pounded each other on the back. "I'll see you soon." The Aurors were holding a few groups of Hogwarts students back, who looked ready to maul Viktor.

"Bye, Viktor!" Fleur said, both stepping back and waving as the Aurors escorted the students back home via Portkey.

Harry sighed, "So when are you guys heading home? We're due to head out just after lunch." Tiredness beginning to weigh him down. "Come on, if you feel anywhere near as tired as me, you'll want to head back."

"Don't be silly," Fleur said in light reprimand, "Go get some rest with your school friends, I'll be fine, the others will make sure of it." gesturing towards her own school friends. Her own legs were feeling heavy, so a nap really did sound absolutely perfect. She'd just not wished to leave without a proper goodbye. Hugging him again, "I hope I get to see you soon!" she confessed, she'd become really, really fond of him.

"We'll see each other again in a few weeks…if we're not Inferi by then," Harry laughed, "I'm really nervous!" his chosen career relied on him getting certain grades, so he had to do the best he could.

"Me too," Fleur admitted, but she knew her parents would support her no matter what.

"Come on Fleur! You need to eat something!" a worried friend called out to her, having split from the GRMS students and grouped together ready to head back.

"You haven't eaten?" Harry was aghast.

"Just some nuts, I haven't felt like doing much," Fleur confessed, pinging from the robe she was wearing interrupted whatever else she may have said. "That will be my parents…I have to go, talk soon alright?" hugging him before answering her mirror call, speaking rapidly but lovingly in French, Gabriella he'd bet.

"It's going to be weird heading home…" Harry said, and the GRMS students turned and began to head back to their cabin. "I never thought I'd like it as much." Not as much that he didn't want to go home, hell no, he couldn't wait to get back to the warmer climate.

He wondered if his dad, Remus and Sirius wanted to visit his parents' graves before they head home.

He'd like to say goodbye, after all, he wasn't sure when he would ever return to Britain.

He made a mental note to remember and buy some flowers, as the group of students returned back to the cabins.

A/N – I know it's been a while! Unfortunately, RL has kept me away 😊 I've been busy emptying out a room, painting, laying carpets and getting everything hauled back in 😉 not as easy as writing it down lol hmm can't determine whether it's just one chapter left or two, but I'm thinking one, the meeting with Sirius and Remus before the end I think…unless I've missed something? Which wouldn't surprise me lol can you think of anything you'd like to see before this sequel ends? The Next one won't start until Harry's an adult so…are you happy for a Harry/Luna end game couple for this trilogy? It's not often I write M/F stories I know I think I've only done it a few times 😊 anyways R&R please 

Chapter Text

Growing Legacy

Chapter 23

"Are we visiting the graves today?" Harry asked as he was side-long apparated by his dad. They landed directly in the Leaky Cauldron, which was bustling. Not too busy luckily, but it had it's share of patrons, but the Leaky Cauldron often did, it was the gate way between the Muggle and Magical World after all. Thus, there was always a steady stream of traffic, and not all magical either.

"Would you like to say goodbye?" Severus asked his son, staring just slightly down at him, although, it wouldn't be needed much longer, he was going through what was probably his last growth spurt. He actually hadn't made any plans to visit the Potter's graves today. However, if his son wished to go, Severus would take him. Who knows when they'd next have the opportunity? Until this year, Harry hadn't had a chance to see his parents' graves.

"Yes," Harry replied, as he followed his dad to the counter.

"Conference room thirteen," Severus informed Tom, the innkeeper quiet but firmly. "Then we shall make time to go." He told his son; he didn't think the conversation with Remus and Sirius were going to last long anyway. They were either coming or they were staying here. The choice was theirs, but it was also his choice to make sure they couldn't blab.

Severus didn't delude himself into thinking that they were coming really, he would be pleasantly surprised if they did return to St. Lucia with them.

"Here," Severus said, holding out a bag of galleons, "There should be more than enough in there for the new book you wanted and a selection of flowers." Harry knew what his mothers' favourite flowers were, should he choose to get them. If not, they could conjure something far lovelier and something that would last infinitely longer.

"I have my savings," Harry said, showing his own pouch, he'd learned to save at a young age. Maybe because his dad had gotten him everything he wanted, within reason, naturally.

Harry had still learned the value of money; Severus had grown up poor and wouldn't have allowed Harry to become a spoiled brat. In fact, it had been one of his worst nightmares. Clothes, food and treats and necessities were NOT considered items that would spoil his son. It was something he promised to give him when he became his father.

"Very well," Severus murmured, returning his pouch to his pocket, after removing enough coins for a drink, "A firewhisky and a butterbeer please." He intended to take them up with him, he was sure Remus and Sirius had already gotten something for themselves. There was no way that they had considered him in their plans, they got on a lot better than they used to, but the old animosity would always sour their interactions even if they'd accepted each other's presence, for Harry's sake.

"Coming right up!" Tom said cheerfully, he'd seen this man – who reminded him so vividly of Macarius Prince – and his son a few times throughout the year. He knew whom they were, or rather who the child was, he'd participated in the Quadwizard tournament and came second to Viktor Krum. "On the house! And may I say, congratulations young Regis! You did extraordinary!" especially for his age! No student in Hogwarts would have been able to do as well as Harrison Regis did at his age.

He had written to ICW in a bid to encourage GRMS to be added to the internationally renowned/recognized schools, clearly, they were doing something right. Not only was this youngster bright, he was powerful and simply very gifted. Although to be fair, he hadn't met any of the other GRMS students regretfully.

Tom hadn't been the only one writing and demanding that GRMS be accepted once word got into the paper.

Harry flushed in pride and happiness, "Thank you," a little bit shy, but his happiness bolstered it, he wasn't used to attention from complete strangers. It was nice, new, but nice. There was a high that came with being told he had done well, it helped wash away his disappointment and feeling of failure. Talin had repeatedly told him he was proud of him, that there was nothing he'd change, and that eased harry as well.

Severus chuckled, handing over the bottle of butterbeer that had been opened in their line of sight. He took his own glass and raised it to Tom in silent thanks before the pair left the bar and made for the stairs.

Harry didn't wait on his dad, he opened the door and grinned widely at Sirius and Remus, "Hey!" he said enthusiastically, hugging both of them tightly. It had taken a while for him to grow used to them, Sirius especially, but he liked both of them now.

"How are you?" Remus asked, at the same time Sirius spoke over him, exclaiming how amazing and awesome Harry was. "Your dad would be so proud of you! I wish I could have seen it, the newspaper did well, writing it out but man! You have to let me see it in the pensive!" enthused, it was really the first time he could say (other than Quidditch) that Harry was like James.

"My father," Harry automatically corrected him, he did it himself sometimes, so it didn't matter, it wasn't as annoying as it used to be when he first got to know them. His father was James Potter, his dad was Severus Snape or Septimus Regis as he knew him best as. "The newspaper was alright; they missed a few bits out." Agreeing with Sirius jut as enthusiastically.

"Indeed, they did," Severus agreed, "And drink your butterbeer, you have twenty minutes before you need to take your next potion." His son like the other participants of the tournament, had a weeks' worth of potions to take. He'd ensured they knew how strong they were, that they could cause drowsiness, and to take it easy. It hadn't been easy talking to Viktor's coach, but he'd gotten through to the fool. He kept his son's close by, giving it to him when required. Not because he couldn't trust his son, but because he was a Potions Master, he always carried a variety of potions everywhere with him.

Remus' gaze became more piercing at the news Harry needed potions, boring into Harry's seeking an answer.

"I'm fine, I promise," Harry reassured the amber eyed wizard, "I just ache a little, okay a lot," he amended hearing his dad's snort of disbelief. "It was just too much running."

"Not to mention the cold you caught," Severus said unimpressed, but a few potions enabled the common cold to be reduced to practically nothing.

Remus pressed his hand against Harry's head, he seemed a little warm but not too feverishly warm.

"He's fine, stop babying him," Sirius said, nudging Remus with a dramatic eyeroll, Harry wasn't a kid anymore.

Severus eyed Remus, his countenance impassive, as he often was when it came to dealing with Black and Lupin. He couldn't quite gauge whether they were going to leave or not, there was no obvious signs of guilt or any such emotion. "Are you returning to St. Lucia?" his and Harry's home, Britain wasn't their home anymore. He didn't care enough about them to spend an age beating around the bush.

Guilt flickered through amber eyes, and Severus spotted it immediately. He wasn't a spy any longer, and while over a decade since he had been on the defensive/on the look-out for anything…nefarious. There were some things that would never change. Severus was always watching, some people a lot more closely than they realized. Anger slammed into him, but he did not show it, he would give them a chance to not let Harry down.

"I can't wait to get home, neither can Luna, she's missed the rest of the pack, me too!" Harry exclaimed, it was too cold here, he couldn't wait to get back to the warmth. Sure, he'd gotten used to the weather here, but he missed the sun, his tanned skin had faded, leaving him rather pale. He knew Sirius and Remus would need to make their own way back home as well.

"About that…" Remus said, halting, his stomach churning, guilt nearly consuming him.

"What is it?" Harry asked, his contagious rambling already trailing off, his eyes dimming, "You…you're not coming…are you?" he asked in realisation, hurt splashing across his face. He felt his dad grip him tightly, silently giving him reassurance and keeping his feet planted where it was after the shock of the realization that they would rather be at war than with him.

"It's not forever…we'll be back before you know it!" Sirius chimed in, his grey eyes filled with fervour and excitement.

Severus stared at Black as if he had grown an additional head, or more like he had cut it off, if his glare got any more ferocious, he may just have accomplished it. Was he honestly that deluded? "Do you not recall just how close we were to losing before we actually won the war?" and the cost it took to win it went unsaid, but everyone in the room could practically hear it dripping with Severus' well-known scorn. Seething in fury that Black would act as if this was just a damn game.

Sirius' chin jutted out, "I lost my best friend that night, I don't need a reminder of how close we were to losing," Sirius said, baring his teeth at Severus, acting like a feral wolf. You could see he was far better at keeping his composure, all those sessions at the mind healers, but it hadn't helped him entirely.

"You…you'd rather fight than come home with me?" hurt shining in his green eyes, he didn't understand, they'd been really happy and determined to be in his life, even when he was leery of it. Yet a few months back here and they were wanting to stay? To abandon him? "You want to forget me?" grateful for his dad, for without him, Harry didn't think his legs would have held him.

Sirius barked out a laugh, "Oh, come on, he's not really going to make us forget, we'll be back before you know it, Kiddo."

Remus remined silent on the subject, his eyes watching everything warily, knowing without a doubt Severus was serious. His hand twitching towards where his wand was kept. He would never willingly allow anyone to tamper with his memories. The prospect was absolutely terrifying, so yes, he was watching Severus with wide cautious eyes.

"When have I ever kidded? Black?" Severus asked darkly, boring holes into his Black's skull.

"You can't honestly want to abandon the country! We're at war for Merlin's sake!" Sirius protested, sitting forward an intense look on his face, trying to play growing up and failing. "Harry has a vital part to play too."

"So, you've made your choice?" Severus asked coolly, hurting only because he knew his son would be.

Remus stood, wand at the ready, he didn't want to hurt Harry or Severus but he wouldn't allow anyone to remove his memories. The only upside was the fact that Severus seemed wholly focused on Sirius, which gave him a chance to stun the wizard. He wouldn't hurt Harry, not for anything, not even the war. Which in truth he didn't want to take part in. Why should he? It wasn't as if it was going to help the rights of creatures become better…if anything the wizarding world would soon ban or put down werewolves altogether. They hated and feared him…he'd been more optimistic during the last war…but this time he wasn't such a fool or deluded. However, he couldn't abandon Sirius again, he'd been wrong, and they had both suffered – Sirius more so – for it.

It was the last thing he knew, as Severus fired off a spell at Sirius, who wasn't expecting it – not really – and didn't even think to doge. "Right, and these are the people who want to help stop a war." They couldn't even avoid the spell; they weren't in shape enough to really help.

Remus panicked, his entire being protested as Severus stood over him, his heart was just about beating out of his chest. He shouldn't have come; he shouldn't have even contemplated the idea. He'd known Severus was serious, that he would do anything to protect Harry. As were his rights, and he'd do anything to protect Harry too but he didn't want to forget. He didn't want to be under the impression that Harry had died of child abuse for Merlin's sake.

Feet entered his line of sight, understanding dawned how Severus got the better of them. He'd had someone else in the room with him. If he'd been able, he would have cursed angrily, he was spitting mad. The person – whoever they are – remained quiet, but as he moved into his line of sight, Remus shouldn't have found himself surprised. Talin Addison, the Headmaster of Harry's school and good friends with Severus. Of course, it would be him.

"As much as I would like to remove your memories entirely, I cannot." Severus knelt down beside Lupin; lips pursed in annoyance. "Know that it is not for you, or even for Harry…but I am not adept at removing years' worth of memories." Not good enough to ensure that the memories remained gone, but this way? It would ensure that his son's existence would be secured. The thought of Voldemort finding him was beyond terrifying, the quicker they got out of here the better.

"Dad…" Harry said, staring at the two fallen wizards, hurt and worried.

Severus turned to stare at his son, sadness gleaming in his dark depths, "I know," he said quietly, softly, "But it must be done." he couldn't force Black and Lupin to return with them. Harry's safety came first, before all else, even his happiness.

Harry bit his lip, "It's not fair," his tone tremulous.

"No, it's not," Severus agreed, "Talin, could you do me a favour? Escort Harrison to the bookstore and then to pick some flowers? Harry wishes to visit his parents before we leave." For good, with a little luck, because he was determined that Harry wouldn't take part in this war at all. If he did, then he'd be a fully grown adult not still a young teen – whether he'd graduated school or not – he wouldn't have it.

"Come, Harrison," slipping into his old habits, it seemed, as quickly as Severus was.

Harry glanced at them, his gaze hardening, "I hope you survive the war…but don't come looking for me, leave me alone." he told the pair, chin held high, hurt and anger in his voice. With that, he allowed himself to be guided out by Talin, the door snicked closed with a feeling of finality.

Severus knelt fully beside Remus, and entered his mind, not having much care about how much it hurt. He was still furious with the pair of them, for hurting his son, for deciding a war was more important. At least Lily and James decided Harry was more important and actually went into hiding. Yes, they were betrayed, but they had put their son first before the valiant fight against Voldemort especially as he was winning.

It was easy, to slid through Remus' memories, he didn't pay too much attention to them. At least not fully, not until he got to when they found out about Harry being alive. Years' worth of memories, he poured his magic into it, slowly and deliberately boxing the memories up, everything associated with his son, him, St. Lucia, even the Quadwizard tournament was inserted.

With a sweaty brow, Severus wiped it, as he closed his eyes and begun the spell, on those memories he cast the Fidelius Charm making himself the secret keeper. Making them entirely inaccessible to anyone, and making it so that Remus could not speak about it to anyone, not even Sirius.

They had chosen what they wanted to do.

To make matters worse, Severus got the sense that Remus hadn't been all too eager to return to the UK. Back to the reality of war, not when he'd been living in a luxurious life in St. Lucia where he wasn't feared or hated. It was quite frankly, the best time Remus' had ever had, except for the three years at Hogwarts where his pack had known what he was and instead of running, had became animagi in order to help him, romp around on the full moon…before the reality of war slammed into their faces. Well aware that he'd been distrusted towards the end, just because other werewolves had been joining Voldemort.

By the time Severus withdrew from Remus, the wizard was unconscious, eyes closed body lax. Glancing at the clock on the wall in the conference room he nodded. Not quite so surprised that it had taken him so long, half an hour, time moved differently whilst doing it. No doubt his son had already picked his book and flowers. Using his left hand, he hoisted himself to his feet, staggering a little, the power that had gone into it was more than he normally used all week.

There was a reason, only powerful people could cast the Fidelius charm.

That and Severus had tweaked it to fit his own needs. He'd always been very good at that, whether it came to spells or potions.

Moving over to Sirius, who's eyes were going back and forth, exuding rage and indignation. He truly hadn't believed that Severus would actually try to remove their memories. He'd assumed it was an empty threat in a bid to ensure they left to return to St. Lucia. As if he would leave everyone in the UK to Voldemort's mercies. No way in hell, plus Voldemort had killed James and Lily, this was his chance to get revenge on the one who'd really done it, not just betrayed them.

"After the fight you had to endure to be in Harry's life…you give it up for this? A cheap thrill? You're not an Auror Black, you couldn't be one even if you wanted, you didn't get the grades required to train to be one. There won't be an Order this time around…you've given up Harry…for what? And what do you think Lily and James would be thinking right now?" a disgusted sneer on his face, staring down his nose at Black. He had no doubt Lupin could hear everything going on. "Trying to relive your 'glory days', as Harry said, don't even think of approaching him."

Sirius just stared at Snape hatred and deep-seated fury on his face, any pretence of tolerating him gone. Completely ignoring the truth in what Snivellus was saying. Reverting back to old habits, something that came very easily for Sirius, especially since he didn't want to be an adult. Unlike Remus, Sirius did have some half competent mind barriers, having learned them as a child. He was the heir of the Black family after all, so it made sense.

Not that he stood a chance against Severus, who was able to lie successfully to Lord Voldemort for years and live to tell the tale. His Occlumency and Legillimency was top notch, there was nobody alive better than him, and he didn't say that out of misbegotten pride. It had been hard earned and righteous.

Sirius received the same treatment as Remus, he made no effort to dull the pain, even if it meant he too would feel the same pain echoing. Sirius' mind – despite his barriers – were a mess, the years in Azkaban clearly hadn't been kind at all to him. He dreaded to think what it would be like without those barriers. With meticulous painstaking care, he boxed up every single memory he had of Harry, even of Dobby in Azkaban and the care he'd received due to his interference might he add. Until all the way up to the tournament, until this very moment. Now came the difficult part, pouring his magic into it, wordless magic, weaving around the Fidelius Charm again, making himself the secret keeper, once he felt the magic connect, Severus withdrew from Black.

Like Lupin, Sirius was unconscious, body lax.

Severus was quick to stand once more, removing his magical signature from the room and the wizards themselves. Smoothing out his robes, he decided to leave them there, and exit the room. Adding a do not disturb sign, he made his way down to the pub, asking Tom how long the room was ordered for.

"Just the hour, Master Regis," Tom said, knowing who he was, he'd been in the newspaper, he was Harrison Regis' father after all.

"Here, we'd like to keep it a few more hours," handing over the coins.

"That's twenty-four hours' worth, Sir!" Tom protested, as Septimus left. befuddled, he wiped down the bars top as he set the money in the till, and put the conference room as occupied for the next twenty-four hours. Expecting that the wizard would be back, either that or the two wizards who had hired it would.

Severus found his son and Talin waiting for him outside the magical side of the Leaky Cauldron. A lovely bouquet of flowers in his hands, Lily would love them. His son was watching him closely, seeking comfort, his world was being changed and re-arranged in ways he hadn't anticipated at all. Severus smiled, bringing his son close, making sure he knew that everything would be okay.

He would make sure of it.

"I shall leave you to it," Talin said, giving them both a fond smile, but he needed to return to the students, it wouldn't be fair to make Filius watch them all day after all.

Severus inclined his head gratefully; he'd known he'd need help if it came to both of them fighting him over the removal of their memories. Fondness digging it's roots deeply within Severus, he'd never known a friend like Talin, not even Lily, but they had been children. Talin and he had an adult friendship, which he hoped would stand the test of time.

"Are you ready?" they were in the wrong place, they were currently in Diagon Alley, when his son nodded, Severus Apparated them a little bit further away from the Potter cemetery. He relaxed when he noticed that it was empty, not a soul in sight. Harry would get to say his goodbyes in peace. He put a silencing spell up to ensure complete privacy. They hadn't come this far only to be outed because someone was spying on the Potter graves and overhears everything.

"Hi, mum, hi father," Harry said, kneeling before their stones, as he put the flowers between their graves, "I'm…I'm just coming to say goodbye, I'm not sure when we will be back again…" looking up in silent query, "Or if we will ever be back, I love you, but dad's taking very good care of me. I didn't win the Twi-Wizard tournament…"

Severus let Harry talk to them while he kept a watch on the area. He was hypervigilant, just knowing Voldemort was back was enough to rouse feelings in him that hadn't been present in a decade. Voldemort, if he even got an inkling, that he or Harry were alive…they'd be hunted down to the end of the earth. He knew exactly what sort of fate would await them, and it caused him to shudder anew in fear. No, the Dark Lord thought they were dead, and that was the end of that.

Eventually, Severus touched his son's back, "It's time to go," he told him, it was true, they were due to take off in twenty minutes. Which would give them enough time to Apparate to the front of Hogwarts and walk through the grounds to get to the GRMS cabins.

Harry quickly scrambled to his feet, glancing at the time, surprised to see it was so late.

Severus flicked his wand, creating a wreathe on Lily's grave, "I'll take care of our son," he murmured, "Goodbye, Lily…" with a little luck it really would be the last time they stepped foot on the UK soil. He'd die taking care of their son and making sure he survived, no matter what. He certainly wouldn't expect him to fight, he still couldn't believe Black and Lupin's sheer nerve.

Severus wrapped his arms around Harry, removing the spells on the area, and his own traces, paranoia settling in deep. He apparated them both as close to the wards of Hogwarts as he could, and still reach their destination. "Luna!" he laughed, rushing towards his wolf, who was playfully running away from Talin's attempts to bring him in by the look of it.

Severus' own lips twitched in amusement, relieved that Harry felt better, well enough to laugh despite what had happened. He was angry at them, that was good, it was better than being sad or upset. Those in the know about Harry were waiting at the cabin to say goodbye to all of them, Severus included.

"We'll come and see you," Minerva said, hugging Severus close.

"Just survive somehow," Severus murmured, the guilt beginning to simmer like a low heat now.

"None of that, you just take care of your son, keep him safe," Minerva declared sternly, "It's what I want for both of you." she added, knowing that Severus would feel guilty but do what he had to regardless to keep Harry safe. All that was left of Lily safe. Too much had been taken from Harry in the last war, she'd be damned before she allowed it to happen again.

"She's right, stay safe," Filius spoke in his usual squeaky voice.

"We must go," Talin said, shaking both Minerva and Filius' hand and bid them a fond farewell, with the hope of meeting again someday.

"Luna! Come!" Harry called out, entering the cabin, which they would be using to return home. Grinning in delight when she came to him when he asked. "Guess who's getting tickets to the first game of the season?" Harry cackled in delight as he dodged the pillow Chao threw at him.

"Wait, seriously? You actually mean that?" Josh practically squeaked in delight. "You're actually going to the first game of the season?"

"Yeah, Fleur too," Harry informed them, as everyone settled down in envy.

"Holy crap! They're sold out everywhere!" Sophie told them in envy, eyes wide.

"Yeah, a lot of people will be buying them to sell them back on for extortionate prices." Harry grumbled, a practice he hated, but sort of understood. He would need to buy from them in order to allow his best friends to come. Not just any seats either, it would need to be top box ones like the ones Viktor will be bringing along.

"Alexis, come on, relax a little, you're going to do great in your exams," Chao said, watching the girl immerse herself in her book. "We're finally going home!" she added with a delighted squeal.

"I'm glad," Harry confessed, as he got up to get a drink, as Hogwarts began to fade into the distance looking more like a postage stamp than a castle now.

"Things are getting way to serious here," Jaden, Talin's youngest stated.

"Just wait until dad finds out what's been happening back home," Ale said sharing a secret look with Harry.

"Just what exactly has been happening?" Talin asked causing his sons to jump, the look of guilt on their faces very telling.

"Nothing," both of them said, attempting an innocent look.

Talin just gave his sons dubious looks, more amused than concerned.

When they returned home, his daughter would have gathered folders of information regarding the attempts to cheat that the ICW were involved in. Thanks to the invisibility cloak that Harry had given her to borrow in order to get access to the building.

Or should they say a certain someone within ICW not the organisation itself, Bathurst who was beyond worried that Grande Riviere magical school might actually win. Not only with Albus Dumbledore involved but Igor Karkaroff as well. It would spell the end of him and his career, the shame of it would be his legacy.

Whether it would allow Grande Riviere magical school that international recognition it so desired, remains to be seen.

Either way the Quadtournament would be added to the long list of Harrison Regis' growing legacy. Who needed a legacy like being The-Boy-Who-Lived? Certainly not him, no, that wouldn't be Harrison James Severus Potter-Snape-Regis' Legacy. Whether it would intertwine was also unknown...after all, golem magic...did not hold forever. Could Harrison outrun the legacy of The-Boy-Who-Lived and the prophecy? Could he outrun destiny? Was this a predestined legacy?

The End

A/N yes, I totally forgot that it was a Quadtournament not a tri-wizard tournament so I'll need to get it edited for sure lol so silly, isn't it? 😊 well, there we go! Wasn't a place for a Luna/Harry goodbye but they'll be the focus of the next story, I'm not sure about the title yet, I haven't envisioned the end quite yet…Well, how about one last review for the story so it can go out with a bang! R&R please and one last take care everyone and be safe xxx