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Potter is a Prat!
–Or How Justin Saved the Wizarding World
~~oOo~~
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
~~oOo~~
Welcome to the Fireside.
~~oOo~~
Leaving the advanced Potions lesson, Justin nearly bumped into that rotter Potter and the one person in Hogwarts he knew before coming here: Lady Hermione. How could she stand him?
She was like him; An aristocrat. She was so clever, so intelligent, and yet she had befriended the pompous pauper with no breeding, no manners, no title. Someone who was always on the lookout for ways to be the center of attention.
“Come on, Harry, you don’t want to go into the Great Hall right now. Let’s find someplace quiet to plan.” The noble girl gave him a plate of food, as though she was the servant.
Especially after last night’s spectacle, how could she do this? Everyone knew he had been an up and coming dark lord since second year. Now, he was a cheater and had stolen Cedric’s glory.
Justin wasn’t the only ‘Puff there to scowl as the pair left.
One of the older boys shook his head, “Something should be done about that menace. What if he cheats again, and sabotages Diggory?”
The group was shuffling into the Great Hall themselves. The Malfoy boy was handing out badges he’d made. Clever magic, even if the second message was rather juvenile. Still, they all took them, some even offering some coins to help cover the cost.
Muttering, the overall mood this morning had definitely been dampened when seeing Potter.
Justin couldn’t help but agree with the others. Something needed to be done about Potter. But unlike the rest, he was working on the problem. His analytical brain couldn’t help it.
And just like that, he went from idea to plan, knowing he had to keep this absolutely secret.
This was for his House, his Housemate, and really for all of Hufflepuff. And perhaps, this would dislodge the witch at Potter’s side and Justin could befriend her. Yes!
Harry Potter would be forced to miss the first task – for the Greater Good.
~~oOo~~
Long ago, Pomona Sprout had come to an agreement when the young Potions Master first came to Hogwarts. It became apparent that even though the man was eviscerating Gyffindors in class, not actually teaching, there was a hidden purpose for Snape being in the castle. Fine.
He’d leave her students alone and she would grow finicky plants for him. Hurt one of hers, and he’d find out why people left badgers alone!
So far, the plan worked, and with her connections, she had experts in to teach upper years and anyone with interest, while the older students took turns actually teaching potions to the younger ones. It was a good review for those taking OWLs and NEWTs.
Justin had proved a potions prodigy in his earliest years. His private tutoring before coming to Hogwarts in chemistry, mathematics, and biology had been a good background.
Justin not only knew how to brew the Draught of Living Death, he had done so. He had a case of various potions under a stasis spell.
Would Potter actually lose his magic if he didn’t show up for the first task? Justin didn’t know or even care. If he did, it would be a bonus.
But what if this backfired and it was Justin caused to lose his magic? Oh, how many problems that would solve! He’d kept up with his normal studies, planning on Oxford eventually. He could go to Eton, make connections with those of his social standing. There were no negatives there, should that befall him.
Cedric Diggory was Hogwarts Champion. Let him compete without cheaters; without those who shouldn’t be there hurting his chances at victory.
Several Hufflepuff seventh years hoped to be healers one day, and the matron had shown all of her apprentices the new side room that had been prepared for the tournament. Something that had disquieted the Herbology Mistress.
Coffins! There had to be at least fifty miniature coffins. A tap of the wand would make them full size. She also had all of the advanced students brewing a variety of healing draughts – the scope of which had astonished them.
It was easy enough to ‘borrow’ one of the coffins, shrinking it back with ‘Sleeping Beauty’ now inside. Justin planned on checking on Potter right after the first task. He even put this one in a separate place so it wouldn’t be confused with the others, but was still in the infirmary.
If Potter lost his magic, he would be expelled from school. If not? Justin would work on that later.
His only regret in the following weeks was the increasing worry and anxiety on Lady Hermione’s face. His mother and hers were good friends! She accepted his comfort in passing but eschewed his offer of studying together or spending time together. She was focused on trying to find Potter as was the Headmaster,
All of Hufflepuff was disgusted by the youngest Weasleys as they decried Potter at the first chance. Even now, with Potter missing, Weasley kept his distance from Lady Hermione, causing her yet more distress but she refused to come to their point of view that Potter had cheated.
Justin and said witch were not nearly as close as he wished and part of that was due to Potter. She refused to see the prole for what he was. And she was loyal to her friend, something Justin might be frustrated by but could understand.
Potter hadn’t sicced first a cobra then a HUGE snake on her!
His thoughts were interrupted by Smith coming in; “Granger has gone mental! Come quick!”
What?
~~oOo~~
The kitchens always welcomed any Hufflepuffs and the elves were happy to wait on them. Justin waved at the house-elf who had adopted his year.
There was shouting in the corner. Oh, was this more of that SPEW nonsense? Justin had tried and failed to explain this to Lady Hermione before. Now, a disheveled elf was shaking her head and moaning she would never be good enough for anyone, ever again!
Justin could tell the other house-elves were unhappy with Winky, but they were terrified of Lady Hermione. And who wouldn’t be? She was a powerful witch, and when angry, her hair got puffier and puffier.
And she was angry! So beautiful!
Then Cedric got involved. Good, or lunch would have been late. He managed to talk the girl into leaving. Apparently, she thought the elf might be able to get sober by doing a real job of finding Potter.
Hmm. That was a danger Justin hadn’t foreseen. He waited until Diggory had escorted the lone Gryffindor out of the kitchens, receiving treats and thanks from the distressed elves.
Justin hung back a moment to share a soft word with the unbound elf who was so unhappy.
“Will you come meet me in a few minutes? I’ll go someplace private.”
Winky nodded and within the hour, Justin had bound an elf to his house. He wasn’t sure what she would do yet. His grandmother was always sort of an odd duck; no one talked of her parents, and he wasn’t sure she had any siblings. Was she a witch? Whether or not, Winky might be able to serve there, if needed.
For now, Justin had a servant within Hogwarts. And with his big secret, he might just wind up needing her.
Fortunately, for him, she was completely unable to sense Harry Potter anywhere.
~~oOo~~
A few days before the first task, Cedric came into the common room pale and sweating. He ran to Professor Sprout’s office but the open door had everyone in the Sett common room hear his words, “Dragons! They are going to make us face dragons! My father talked me into this nightmare. ‘It’s going to be different from the past. Safer.’ How can anyone think that facing nesting dragons is safe?!?”
Professor Sprout’s mien when exiting her office! Justin would bet that whoever she was running to confront would rather face-off against a dragon than the incandescently angry Head Badger!
Decisions, decisions. Should Justin wake Potter now to have to face a dragon cold? He deserved it! But even Justin wasn’t that cruel. No. Losing his magic was more important and the prat deserved consequences for being a cheater. And a dark lord.
Professor Sprout soon returned and called in all of the House for an important meeting. As a group, they helped research dragons. The task wasn’t going to be called off or changed, despite Potter’s continuing absence.
Cedric didn’t relax after that, but did make sure that both Krum and Delacour knew what they were facing. He was a stand-up sort of person, and even told Lady Hermione in case Potter returned in time.
She in turn joined the research group in the library. Finally! This was Justin’s chance with her. No one turned her away and she even shared what she learned with Justin to share with Diggory.
“Are you going to show this to anyone else?” Justin asked, worried.
“No. Mr Diggory already informed the others about the task in general. I know none of you believe me, but Harry hates his fame. He doesn’t need any more gold. And eternal glory? As if! I only know of some of the winners from reading about past tournaments. Angelina was going to enter until I started sharing the death toll. And not just the participants. Dragons! I know Fudge pushed for this, but we all know that Mister Malfoy is the puppet master. Just like with the basilisk.”
Several ‘Puffs looked at her now, “What do you mean by ‘basilisk’, Granger?” Susan asked.
“Our second year? Colin, Justin, Penny Clearwater, and I were petrified by a basilisk. None of us were killed since we didn’t see it directly. Harry slew the giant serpent. He and Ron went to find…someone. Someone taken captive. The tunnel collapsed and Harry had to go on alone. He rescued the girl, and killed this huge giant snake with a sword.”
“More Potter tales. I don’t believe a word of it.” Bones sniffed. Others joined her. “The only reason the attacks stopped was that Potter was caught out. End of story.”
Lady Hermione stood, sending a sharp glance to Susan, while gathering her things.
Only Justin had seen the giant snake. A basilisk? Was it true that Potter had killed it rather than use it for attack? Draco’s father being behind it all made a certain amount of sense; Malfoy was always spouting off against muggleborns with words most foul.
“No one can control thought, but I saw Harry’s arm that night: The basilisk bit him. If not for Fawkes, the headmaster’s phoenix, Harry would have died.”
Seeing no one believed her, Lady Hermione went to take her leave but she did glance at Justin, “You of all people should know the truth. Not that I’m asking you to try to convince others. Harry didn’t enter himself into this. I don’t know if he went to his godfather’s for help or where he is. I’ve tried sending Hedwig. If you hear anything, will you let me know? I can count on you, as a friend.”
Justin bowed his head as he stood, “Of course, my lady. May I accompany you?”
“No, I will see myself out. Good day, my lord.” Hermione left, one clearly unhappy witch.
~~oOo~~
The day of the first task had Professor Sprout holding a House meeting when she received word demanding their attendance. “Hopefully, our warders are done in the stands. I have done my best to protect you and will sit with you. A few of Auror Tonks’ friends will be nearby as well. The first sign of danger, head to Hogsmeade and floo to Diagon. If any of you sneak there ahead of the task, I would be severely disappointed in you. I might have to take as much as one full point. However, I do ask you to bring back some crullers from that new bakery in Diagon, should anyone go. Ten points available."
Several students laughed at the dark humor but the message was clear; their safety was more important than anything.
The group of Hufflepuffs, sporting homemade banners, strode down to the task, singing a Scottish fighting song that few understood the words of but all joined in the chorus.
A feeling that something terrible was about to happen clouded everything; Justin tried to calm his nerves.
This was it!
~~oOo~~
The first three contestants had now faced their dragons and lived, though only Cedric was unscathed. He had taken the flame-freeze potion before leaving for the pitch; it would work for the next twelve hours. Everyone felt Diggory should be in first, especially with Krum destroying real dragon eggs. The unfair scoring made everyone upset.
Potter’s name was called for the third and last time. Justin wasn’t the only one on the edge of his seat. He felt someone, likely Dumbledore, might try to interfere at the last moment, but no.
Then it happened! Screaming started. The Hungarian Horntail lifted her massive head and spouted flames. She didn’t want to be here! But that’s not why people were screaming.
In the judge’s stand, Dumstrang’s Karkaroff had fainted, soon followed by Headmaster Dumbledore. Director Crouch was foaming at the mouth. Then in the nearby teachers’ pavilion, Professor Moody started boiling: his flesh was melting!
Even the nearby celebrities couldn’t avoid this plague. Minister Fudge landed on Lucius Malfoy when they both lost consciousness.
Dragon handlers, giving up on the leaders to direct them, decided enough was enough. They got the angry mother out of there before anything else had happened. Professor McGonagall shook herself, unsure what to do first!
In the stands, students milled about, confused. What was happening?
And for once, Potter was not blamed for any of the chaos.
~~oOo~~
Director Bones, summoned by her niece, arrived at the mess that was the end of the first task. Madam Pomfrey’s apprentices were ferrying the afflicted to the tent infirmary, but the matron couldn’t seem to process her own diagnostic readings. She stopped her efforts as the head of the DMLE approached; a band of fourth year ‘Puffs as escort.
“Poppy! What’s going on?”
“I wish I knew! Fudge there is unconscious. He’s just lost about half of his magic. I’ll have to check his student exit files. Same with Malfoy, only perhaps a worse loss. Headmasters Karkaroff and Dumbledore? They’ve been squibbed! At Albus’ age? I don’t know if he’ll regain consciousness. Unlike the others, he’s in a coma. But Moody…who is clearly not Alastor Moody…how did Albus miss that? Anyway…he’s also lost his magic. This is Barty Crouch, Junior. I’d recognize that little deviant anywhere…his father is over there, still unconscious. He’s lost most of his magic but his core has shattered…I doubt Crouch Senior will recover. We have a mass squibbing event, near students! Near students! I don’t know how to protect my charges as I haven’t a clue what caused this!”
Now, Justin was the only one who knew something that no one else did. Not that he was near confessing. But if Professor Moody wasn’t himself…that meant polyjuice…so that’s what it looked like when it wore off…
Mentally going through the subject, he backed away slowly, leaving the mystery to the adults.
He had a retired Master Auror to find; to find, rescue, and gain a life-debt from!
~~oOo~~
When Justin was a first year, one of Professor Sprout’s ‘Stars’ as she called them, returned to teach DADA. Auror Trainee Tonks was fun, perky, and had been apprenticed to the famous Mad-eye Moody.
She liked to share stories about his exploits.
The current “reality” of the legend had been like Lockhart. Disappointing. Especially when Hufflepuff had heard so much about the famous Mad-eye.
But now, to learn they had never really been taught by the man? That made so much more sense!
With Winky’s help, it didn’t take long to open the trunk holding the man captive. He was at the bottom of a deep well. Justin saw the rune for the ladder but before deploying it, tried to bargain a bit.
“If you had been left in here for days, would you survive now that Crouch Junior is caught?”
“Nay, I’d die of thirst before starvation. Not a pleasant way ta go. I acknowledge the life-debt. What is it ye want, lad?”
“I recently heard it might be Lucius Malfoy who was the one who let loose a basilisk in Hogwarts. If this is true, I want him held accountable. I could have been killed. Lady Hermione could have been killed. We lost months of our lives.”
“That’s it? Ye want me to investigate Malfoy? I’d be happy ta! Of course! I wouldda done without all this. Now, can I please be let out?”
Justin lowered the eye and leg Winky recovered then extended the ladder.
“Would ye like to make a bet with me how long it would be before a search party comes for me?” The real Moody asked. At least his boredom had been somewhat alleviated by having to help plan lessons and mark work. He’d be ready to teach in no time.
“With Dumbledore, two Crouches, the headmaster of Durmstrang, the Minister of Magic, and who knows who else out for a time? No bet!” Justin laughed.
“Well, thank ye lad. Tonks shared good things about yer brewin’. I could sure use a pick-me-up and I doubt a teenager has that in his kit.”
“No, but Professor McGonagall might. Shall I escort you to the infirmary?”
“Aye. On our way, I want ye to tell me everything that happened this mornin’. Everythin’.” Moody demanded.
Justin did so. He waited until everyone was occupied and took the opportunity to pocket a certain box and get out of the infirmary.
Applying the antidote was as easy as dosing Potter in the first place. The only difference Justin noted was that Potter’s scar wasn’t nearly as noticeable as it had been in the past, and it appeared to have bled at some point as there was a mess of dark ichor on his face. Winky cleaned that in a snap. The Gryffindor still had his magic which meant that he didn’t enter himself. Drat! And, as recently confirmed, Potter hadn’t set the giant snake on him! Double drat!
Justin had Winky take the awakening Potter to the Gryffindor Head Boy’s room. He’d likely wind up there someday officially anyway, the prat.
~~oOo~~
The results of the interrogations of the various afflicted wizards was explosive. Crouch Senior had committed several serious offenses, including removing his son from prison and casting the imperius for the last dozen years. He would be facing a trial, and a fair one would see him tossed through the veil. That was the consequence Junior was facing even before hearing he was trying to help the Dark Lord return. Pettigrew and a homunculus being taken into custody had further ramifications that included Sirius Black being declared innocent: In the Ministry, the Daily Prophet, and even in the muggle world’s news.
Lucius Malfoy being the financier of this dark ritual, that took months –the same as the gestation of a baby–, had him facing not just fines this time! With the imperius and cruciatus curse found on his wand, he was questioned with truth serum. The entire debacle which was Justin’s second year came out. Huge weregild gifts were given for all of the victims as well as for Miss Weasley’s care. How much of that was done voluntarily was not disclosed. And the goblins never commented.
Lucius was behind the dementors as well, trying to kill Sirius Black so Draco could inherit. Malfoy knew the man was innocent when he bribed certain officials to fake certain reports (Fudge) and saw that Black never had a trial. Yet more fines and more charges were levied for that.
If Fudge had enough magic to be Minister, he would be in huge trouble, but no one was bothering much with a muggle other than to send Fudge to a non-magical prison for the rest of his life for his crimes.
Multiple active Death Eaters wound up being found; found, questioned, and were now facing fair trials. There might be marked citizens free in the world, but all of them had decided long before never to follow Riddle ever again.
What surprised everyone was Dumbledore’s involvement. According to that man’s ‘wisdom’, Sirius needed to be kept from the boy for Harry’s own good. Of course he’d known Alastor wasn’t Alastor. But Voldemort had to be returned to a body, his horcruxes found and destroyed by Harry before he could be dealt with for good. The tasks had to be difficult enough for the ritual that was going to bring Tom back. He had known all about it.
His excuse? It was all for the Greater Good.
What no one counted on was the Goblet of Fire. It didn’t care why the fourth contestant wasn’t there; it just took the magic of all who were responsible for the entry, in proportion to their involvement.
Waking Albus to question him used his last bit of strength, and the wizard died, after sharing the secrets of his hidden memories and journals. He had documented much to completely destroy the dark lord once known as Tom Riddle. Why he hadn’t actually done anything on his own was a mystery Alastor never solved.
But all of this would take time to be resolved. Let us return to the present.
~~oOo~~
Harry just appearing at dinner had everyone asking him why he’d hidden for the last few weeks. He didn’t even try to say he hadn’t.
Potter shakily showing up in the infirmary supported by Granger, got the attention of the adults there. After a few hours and a few potions, Mad-eye Moody had scanned him and sent him on to dinner once the matron was done with him.
Justin wasn’t surprised to have Moody pull him aside after the meal. He didn’t expect the warm hug.
~~oOo~~
“I know what ye did. Perhaps not the why, but bless ye lad. Bless ye. Potter would hae ne’er survived facing a dragon. Nay. That Diggory did and lived is a credit to Hufflepuff House.”
“Are you going to tell anyone? I…”
“What? Betray ye? Everyone was surprised to see me and even Amelia was hitting her head, saying she knew she forgot sommat. Are ye willing to tell me why ye rescued Potter? To repay him? Ye know. Fer killin’ the basilisk? Ye should ask Potter to take ye down to the Chamber. Snape and I went; that Creevy kid took a thousand pictures. How Potter didn’t die then, I donnae know.”
Unwilling to confess, even now, Justin just nodded, a blush on his cheek. He wasn’t trying to rescue anyone! He was trying to prevent him from cheating! To prevent him from stealing Cedric’s glory!
“Oh, it’s like that then. I saw him kissin’ that Granger girl. No matter. I suggest just keep yer friendship fer now. Ye never know…feelings change…just being friends keeps the door open, ye know.”
Justin goggled, completely red faced, “No! Nothing like that…I don’t have a crush on Potter!”
Lady Hermione was kissing the prat now? So unfair! So unfair! He was a much better suitor for her…not that he’d tried to do more than talk to her much, but still…
Moody just shook his head. Jealousy. Well, as long as Finch-Fletchley didn’t start stalking Potter. He’d caught the Weasley chit doing that as it was.
No, with Black planning to help the Unspeakables, all of the dark one’s soul bits would soon be found. They would take the near magicless homunculus and toss him through the veil when that was complete.
The Department of Magical Creatures would be coming to make sure there were no more basilisks, cerberi, acromantula or anything else in a castle that housed young teenagers! Unspeakables would be there to remove any lingering curses.
~~oOo~~
The Tournament was in tatters. Headmistress Maxime and Headmistress McGonagall got together, and designed two new tasks to be held before Yule. They also discussed what happened with the first task and the aftermath.
Potter was told he had to compete lest the Goblet of Fire did anything to anyone else. The Unspeakables investigating said it was that device that ultimately killed Dumbledore and did the rest of the damage.
With the cooperation of the musical groups involved, they also moved the date of the Yule ball to the Saturday before Christmas. They would dance, then everyone would go home the following day. Everyone in anticipation of Hogwarts’ deep cleanse.
Justin tried to ask Hermione to the ball. Her refusal was gentle, saying she was going with her boyfriend. She hoped they could remain friends.
The next task was announced and Moody made a point of letting Justin know that Harry would be perfectly safe. He was not on a first name basis with Potter!
The second task was astounding. The contestants were given a potion to make, with the names of the ingredients but few instructions. Cedric was off, collecting what he needed before Potter had even finished reading. The boy was clueless! Justin wanted to crow.
In the end, Diggory had the best potion by far, Delacour’s was next best, with Krum’s and Potter’s sludge competing for last.
The Hufflepuff party was loud and long. With the Deputy replacing the death eater at Durmstrang, the judging was fair, and Cedric was in the lead as he should be.
~~oOo~~
By the third task, the fallout from the first was truly being seen. Lord Black (was that a real title?) was seen walking around the castle with Potter, who was no longer dressed like a ragamuffin.
Lady Hermione had never looked happier and this Lord Black, unlike other purebloods, actually treated her with the respect she deserved.
Justin happened to be heading to the library when the Malfoy prat accosted Potter. He had heard him sharing farewells with his godfather who headed towards the headmistress’ office. Hoping to watch the barbeque that seemed pending, Justin retreated to the nearest alcove to enjoy.
“Potter! How dare you! Not only did my father get fined and forced to give money to mudbloods like Granger, you dare take my place in House Black?”
“Wouldn’t that be Lord Black’s decision? Your father paid money to put Sirius into prison. Because of Azkaban, Lord Black is unlikely to father children of his own, though I will suggest some muggle methods to try, but that is irrelevant. Do you honestly expect him then to choose you as heir? Especially as you are Lucius Malfoy’s son? You know, the orchestrator of this plot? Be serious!”
“No, that is my job,” Lord Black was suddenly there, all joviality, all kindness gone. Here was a strong wizard, his magic flaring, looking at Malfoy like he was a bug about to be squashed.
Justin suddenly wanted to leave but couldn’t without being seen.
The dangerous man turned to Harry to get caught up on what he’d missed then turned to Malfoy.
“You’re out. You are no longer a member of the House. I was willing to give you a chance to prove yourself. And guess what? You did! You proved you were a Malfoy, not a Black.
“I know your mother wrote to you as I dictated the letter to send. I will give her a memory of this confrontation. Expect another letter or perhaps visit.”
“NO! You can’t do that to me…sir. What I mean is…” Draco was sweating now.
Just then, Snape appeared. Great. Black greeted him neutrally and when asked, was surprisingly honest in what was going on. Potter didn’t lose points, however, and all of the students were dismissed.
Snape turned and noted Justin there in the back of the alcove but said nothing. After passing him, the Potions Master waved his hand behind the passing adults, to dismiss Justin. He gratefully fled.
Justin was now convinced he was cursed worse than Cassandra. Whenever he hoped something bad was about to happen to Potter, the prat was protected and blessed with even more.
Justin needed to rethink his approach to Potter altogether.
~~oOo~~
Malfoy was sent home for the rest of the holidays after trying to cast at Potter but hit Lady Hermione. She was soon fixed up, more beautiful than ever with her teeth now a bit smaller, not that Justin had noticed much. He figured she’d get braces eventually. Now? Malfoy had accidentally helped the witch he thought beneath him and was going to miss the Yule ball altogether.
Justin had been planning on going alone; had his tuxedo already, but then a third year girl asked him. She was a Ravenclaw, with protuberant grey eyes, and a sparkling wit. He shakingly agreed and they arranged a place to meet.
“He’s not as bad as you think he is. And no, he doesn’t know how he defeated the dark lord, he was never an up and coming one, and now, he’s done it again with your help. When is your birthday?”
“What? Oh, nevermind. July 2nd. What’s yours?”
“September 20th. Sometimes, I get to come to Hogwarts with Harry. Sadly, not this time. I would have liked to be his friend, but at least I can be his champion. He is not puffed up. He grew up in a muggle home with people who hated magic. He wore rags, not because they were poor, but because they could show their disdain that way.”
“You mean…but the guys said…”
“Jealousy. Being famous before he could really talk. Oh yes. He’ll be happy now, and because the influencers are mostly contained, he’ll marry one of his soul-mates.”
“But not you.”
“No, not this time. Perhaps next time. But we shouldn’t talk about that as we are here and now, in this time. Lady Hermione is lost to you, but there are many other witches available. Don’t let the Nargles say otherwise.”
Justin nodded, and Luna shared that she’d seen some rare water plants down by the lake. It was bitterly cold, but with a new moon, they were ready to harvest.
He followed along, bemused and confused, but did get in a nice crop that pleased Professor Sprout and got him house points from Professor Snape.
Everything was different now with Headmaster Dumbledore gone. Hogwarts was happier.
Justin took Luna’s advice and decided to live in the here and now, and would try to pretend Potter didn’t exist.
~~oOo~~
Weasley’s and Potter’s friendship, already on the outs, was officially declared dead at the third task. Professor McGonagall’s huge chess set was reused over three days in a round robin chess tournament.
Harry never made himself the king. Not once. And he did a terrible job, losing to all of the others.
Weasley screaming at him might have been amusing to some, but not to Percy Weasley, who had come as a replacement for the Minister. Scrimegour was acting Minister and sent one of his undersecretaries.
“Ronald! Stop! Go up to your room now, calm down, and then apologize later. This is completely unacceptable.”
“But he did terrible!”
“And whose fault is that? You’ve played chess with Potter many times, but I’ve never seen you teach him. Penny’s and my crup could play better.”
“Well bully for him. I didn’t say or do anything wrong. And I’m telling mum you came here and were mean to me!” Ron stuck out his tongue like a toddler before going up to the dorm.
Then Justin saw it. A wink. From the former Head Boy to Potter. Wait a minute…Potter did do terrible, losing in as few moves as possible…he did it on purpose! He did it on purpose! Lady Hermione was great at potions and was always defending Potter. That sludge was on purpose too!
If Justin needed more proof he hadn’t entered himself, it was right there.
~~oOo~~
The Yule Ball was lovely. Hermione refused to dance with anyone but Potter as several girls were begging for dances from him that he clearly didn’t want to accept. Smart.
Sigh. Clever, high born, so smart, beautiful, well-connected, and smitten with someone else not him. Sigh.
He enjoyed the evening with Luna, admiring the roses with her, and even sharing where he got his unusual robes. Weasley glared at him for them, clearly jealous, as he had to wear grandma’s nightdress. Wasn’t there magic to fix that?
Moody noted Justin watching Potter and Granger dancing and patted his shoulders. The DADA professor leaned over to ask his date a question, “Having fun, Luna?”
“Yes sir, but Justin hasn’t tried to kiss me yet.”
“Shows how smart he is with me here. Mind your manners and you’ll do fine.”
Justin gulped, “Yes sir! But Luna, you?”
“My goddaughter. Nothin’ to worry about now.”
“Of course, sir. Of course. Just to let you know, I wasn’t planning on anything more than a handshake at the end of the night.”
“Good lad. A cheek kiss is acceptable as well. Anything more, they’ll be scanning the acromantula nests in the mornin’. Ha! Just a little joke.”
Justin chuckled weakly. “Quite.”
He had no doubt of that, and it was Luna who kissed his cheek, but he did have a nice time. He was looking forward to going home.
Hogwarts made him feel like everyone was looking at him like he was trash since his parents were muggles. Hmm. Perhaps. Perhaps that was how Potter felt too?
Justin was definitely working on his perceptions and behavior.
~~oOo~~
Leaving the platform to meet his parents, Justin noticed he wasn’t alone.
Lord Black, Potter, and Lady Hermione were right behind him, and heading towards the loading zone.
There was the Granger's 1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III. Dark green, pristine condition. It was the duke’s favorite vehicle. It was parked next to his mother’s monstrous Range Rover. Similar dark green. She liked to drive herself but today, Smithers was here. Thankfully.
“A word before we all go off to our holiday?” Lord Black asked, Lady Finch-Fletchley joining them. The Grangers, unsure of their welcome, were also waved over.
Justin murmured, “Your Grace, your grace, Mother.”
“Just what is this about?” Countess Felicia asked.
Thankfully, Lady Hermione stepped in, introducing all around, with Harry being named Arglwydd Potter and Heir Black. Thankfully, his mother didn’t rant about non-magical titles as that Welsh one was a real one.
“Your son, Lord Justin, has done something huge for the Houses of Black and Potter. I will be paying for the rest of his schooling and have set up a vault for an apprenticeship or two. I am aware you are wealthy in the muggle world, but gold will help his cache in the other one.”
Turning to Justin, Lord Black addressed him, “Thank you. You never claimed credit. No one told; we figured it out. Or should I say, Hermione figured it out. Thank you for being such a good friend. If you ever need anything, we owe you a debt. Dragons! Why would Dumbledore allow it?”
“Perhaps lemon candies rot more than teeth. He never did tell us that Hermione was petrified. We wouldn’t have known if not for Harry.” Hermione’s father shared.
Justin was surprised to hear his mother concur, “And we would have remained clueless had Daniel and Emma not informed us, nearly as soon as you were away on the train this year!” Again addressing the Grangers, “Well, I’m sure Justin will amuse my husband and I later with the tale. But we are running late. Daniel, Emma, lovely to see you. Are you going to the New Year’s thing? It will be a dreadful bore, but at least Justin already has a fitted tuxedo and I don’t have to deal with that.”
“Yes, and the same with Hermione, except of course for hers being a nice gown. Perhaps we’ll have the pictures by then to share. Discreetly, of course.” Emma stated while kissing the air above Felicia’s cheeks.
The youngsters all shared handshakes except for Hermione, who gave Justin sweet cheek kisses, “Thank you. I didn’t know…you’re the best!”
Justin just nodded, went to the back of the car, –Winky had already taken his trunk home– and hit his head on the back of the seat.
He didn’t attain unconsciousness. A scholarship? For trying to take Potter’s magic? He was glad he no longer considered Potter a prat. How to handle this?
He’d think about it as he told his mother the bare truth of his actions without any of the reasons for them.
She sniffed, turned to him and smiled a little smile. Wow. She was impressed.
Mother really needed to control her exuberance at times.
~~oOo~~
The rest of Justin’s time at Hogwarts was very different than it had been. Apparently, being sponsored meant that he was considered part of House Black. Well, he was getting a stipend from the House in addition to his tuition, books, and such.
He even asked Lord Black if he had any specialties he might be willing to share with Hufflepuff. He did! He knew how to enchant and was more than willing to teach, with one caveat; Harry and Hermione had to be allowed to join in.
No one had a problem with that, which proved Justin really was part of House Black to the others that were skeptical.
Draco threw a wobbly each time Lord Black was in the castle; each and every time. Professor McGonagall even gave him a toddler-type time out for it as well once. It seemed to help; he threw them more privately.
Justin noticed something. Every year, there were more and more purebloods looking down at Draco’s entitled ways. Lady Hermione tossed her SPEW notions but went underground to help other muggleborns learn the customs and manners expected in the magical world. Helped graduating seventh years get apprenticeships and jobs.
The same type of connections they had in the normal world were expanded.
And slowly, the rot, corruption, and prejudice of the magical world was rooted out.
The Draco Malfoys of the world that couldn’t adapt fled to the last holdouts of small-minded people.
Justin’s own work in potions led him to his Mastery. Not quite beating Professor Snape as the youngest one in centuries, but he was able to work at home and hire others to sell.
He eventually was approached for an apprenticeship. Why? Just why?
It was her hair, her looks, with Potter’s eyes. Rose Potter, the middle child of the famous Potter family.
“You’ve always been my hero ever since you saved my daddy from dragons. But I really am qualified to pursue potions. My daddy has taught me since I was little.”
Sometimes, especially in times like this, Justin wished he’d never heard the name Potter. He wasn’t a criminal, but a teacher, an orator, a good politician who knew how to deliver his wife’s carefully crafted words to help shape their world.
But, deep in his heart, Justin knew.
Potter was a prat!
~~oOo~~
A/N: Story recommendation by our friend, csheila: Harry Potter and the Scales of Ma'At by Plot Mechanic
The Third Task of the Tournament was supposed to be the end of it, until an exasperated Egyptian entity took an interest in the youngest Triwizard Champion. Old magic stirs. New friendships form. And destiny takes a different path.
https://www.fanfiction.net/u/5295375/The-Plot-Mechanic
~~oOo~~
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language