Chapter 264: Chapter 264: "The Family Gathering"
The day of the third task dawned bright and clear, and the Hogwarts grounds were buzzing with anticipation. The excitement seemed to fill the air as the champions prepared for their final challenge. Their families arrived to offer support and encouragement, adding to the atmosphere. The Great Hall was filled with a mix of nervous energy and hopeful excitement as students and visitors gathered for breakfast.
Harry entered the hall, his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on a familiar face that immediately made him smile. Sirius Black stood near the entrance, his arm casually draped around Amelia Bones, both of them beaming with pride. Before Harry could call out, a small figure detached itself from Sirius's side and came barreling towards him with the unbridled enthusiasm only a child could muster.
"Harry!" Aries Black, now four years old and full of endless energy, shouted as he ran across the hall, narrowly dodging between the legs of startled students and visitors.
Harry grinned as he knelt down, arms open wide to catch the boy. "Hey there, little Padfoot!" he laughed, scooping Aries up and spinning him around. Aries's delighted giggles echoed through the hall, drawing smiles from those nearby.
As Harry set Aries down, ruffling his hair affectionately, Sirius and Amelia approached, their faces alight with warmth. "Trying to steal my son's affection, are you?" Sirius joked, his gray eyes twinkling as he pulled Harry into a warm hug.
"As if I'd need to try," Harry retorted with a smirk, before turning to hug Amelia, his greeting to her warmer than the more formal ones he often gave others. "It's great to see you all."
Soon, Susan joined the group, her face flushed with excitement as she practically bounced on her toes. She was eager to show off her Hufflepuff friends to her aunt. "Auntie, you have to meet everyone!" she exclaimed, her eyes darting between Amelia and the cluster of yellow-robed students nearby. "During the Yule Ball, many of them had gone home, but now you can meet them all!"
Harry and Aries moved a little away from the crowd, and as they sat at one of the tables, Aries's eyes were wide with wonder, taking in every magical detail of the Great Hall.
"Harry, Harry!" Aries exclaimed, tugging on Harry's robes. "Is this really Hogwarts? It's so big and magical!"
Harry chuckled, kneeling down to Aries's level. "It sure is. What do you think?"
Aries's face lit up. "It's amazing! Look at the ceiling, Harry! It looks just like the sky outside!" He pointed up at the enchanted ceiling, his mouth open in awe.
Sirius ruffled his son's hair affectionately. "I think he's more excited about seeing the castle than watching the task. Though he's been talking about nothing else for weeks."
"Dad, Dad!" Aries turned to Sirius, practically bouncing on his feet. "Can we explore? I want to see the moving staircases and the talking portraits and the secret passages you told me about! Can we find the one behind the mirror on the fourth floor? Or the one under the Whomping Willow?"
Amelia laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maybe after the task, sweetheart. We don't want to miss seeing Harry compete, do we? After all, that's why we're here today."
Aries shook his head vigorously. "No way! I want to see Harry win!" He turned back to Harry, his eyes shining with a mix of admiration and expectation. "You're going to win, right, Harry? You're the best wizard ever! Even better than Dad!"
Harry grinned, touched by Aries's faith in him. "I'll do my best, Aries. But remember, winning isn't everything. It's about giving it your all and putting on a good show for everyone watching. Right, Padfoot?"
Sirius nodded, though the mischievous glint in his eye betrayed his serious tone. "Right you are, Harry. Make them remember your performance, whether you win or lose. Though," he added with a wink, "winning would be a nice touch."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the Delacours, who swept into the Great Hall with an air of elegance that turned heads. Gabrielle, as energetic as ever, launched herself at Harry with a cry of "Harry! I missed you! It was boring at home. No magic, no pranks!" she exclaimed in rapid French, her words tumbling out in an excited rush.
Harry laughed, patting her head affectionately. His fluency in French allowed him to keep up with her chatter. "I missed you too, Gabby. Here to root for your sister? I'm sure Fleur will be thrilled to have your support."
Gabrielle's response was cheeky, her blue eyes twinkling. "Non. I am here to cheer for you. She stands no chance of winning," she declared, her loyalty to Harry clear.
A woman's voice, rich with amusement and a hint of exasperation, cut through the air. "Now, now, Gabrielle. That's not a very nice thing to say. Even if you believe your sister stands no chance of winning, it's not right to say it out loud and discourage her. We must always support our family, n'est-ce pas?"
Harry turned to the source of the voice and found himself face to face with a woman of extraordinary beauty. It was immediately apparent that this was Fleur and Gabrielle's mother; they had clearly inherited her stunning looks. As a half-Veela, Apolline Delacour's beauty was something else entirely, her allure stronger and more refined than her daughters'. However, against Harry's well-honed mental defenses, the allure washed over him without effect, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Madame Delacour, who regarded Harry with newfound approval.
Behind Madame Delacour stood Fleur and her father, the former looking slightly embarrassed by her sister's antics and her mother's words. "Maman," Fleur protested, a hint of a smile playing at her lips, "your words are more discouraging than Gabby's."
This observation elicited a hearty laugh from Monsieur Delacour, his eyes crinkling with mirth as he regarded his family with obvious affection.
Harry smoothly shifted the conversation, addressing the Delacours warmly. "Monsieur et Madame Delacour," he greeted them, switching back to English for the benefit of those around. "It's wonderful to see you again, Monsieur Delacour," he added, recalling their previous meeting at the dueling tournament.
Monsieur Delacour stepped forward, shaking Harry's hand warmly, his grip firm and welcoming. "The pleasure is all mine, Harry. Your performance in that tournament was truly impressive. I look forward to seeing what you'll do today. If it's anything like your previous showing, we're in for quite a spectacle."
Apolline moved to embrace Harry, her smile radiant and welcoming. "'Arry, it's so good to finally meet you properly. We've 'eard so much about you from both our daughters. I feel as though I know you already."
Sirius took it upon himself to make introductions. "Monsieur et Madame Delacour," Sirius began with a flourish, his natural charm on display, "allow me to introduce myself properly. Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and occasional partner in mischief, and this is my lovely wife, Amelia."
The adults exchanged pleasantries, their conversation a mix of English and French as they found common ground in their children's achievements and the excitement of the tournament. Meanwhile, Aries and Gabrielle, despite the language barrier, quickly became friends, chattering in a delightful mix of broken English and French, their shared excitement for magic and adventure overcoming any challenges.
The pleasant atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of James and Lily Potter, with Charles in tow. The change in Harry's demeanor was instant, his face becoming a mask of polite indifference, the warmth in his eyes cooling to guarded neutrality.
"Harry," Lily said hesitantly, her voice soft and hopeful, "we wanted to wish you luck."
Harry nodded curtly, already moving to step away. James, sensing the moment slipping away, reached out, his hand stopping short of touching Harry's arm, as if afraid that contact might shatter what little chance they had.
"Son," James began, his voice carrying a mix of desperation and hope, "don't you think it's time to forgive us? It's been so long. We've apologized, we want you back in our lives. We've changed, we understand now what we did wrong."
Harry's eyes flashed. "You lost your son the day you decided to abandon him," he said coldly, his voice devoid of emotion. "While I don't care about your decision anymore—it made me who I am today—I don't need you in my life. I'm an adult now, past the age where I need parental love for motivation or happiness."
Lily's eyes filled with tears, the pain of rejection evident in her trembling voice. "Harry, please... We love you. We've always loved you. We made a terrible mistake, but we want to make it right."
James turned to Sirius, a plea in his eyes, reaching out to his old friend in desperation. "Padfoot, can't you help us? You know we are sorry for our actions. We were immature back then. We didn't think things through. We've learned, we've grown. Please, help us reach him."
Sirius looked torn, memories of their shared past warring with his loyalty to Harry. The conflict was clear on his face as he glanced between his godson and his old friends. He wanted to fix his friendship with James and Remus, to recapture some of that old Marauder spirit, but Harry was more important. In the end, he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, a gesture of support rather than persuasion.
Harry, seeing Sirius's conflict and understanding the pain this rift was causing not just to the Potters but to those caught in the middle, sighed deeply. He didn't need parents anymore, but he realized his cold attitude was also hurting people he cared about. So, with great effort, he pushed aside his instinct to shut them out and took the time to really think about it.
The truth was, Harry didn't want to fix things with the Potters. He knew they were just too different; their beliefs and the way they thought were not the same. Even after everything, they were still close to Dumbledore, despite the role he played in everything that had happened. Harry was also keenly aware that in the future, when Voldemort returned, they would readily join the Order again, listening to Dumbledore's orders which would likely conflict with Harry's own plans and methods.
While Harry didn't really want to fix their relationship, he recognized that for Sirius's sake, and because the Potters had respected his boundaries and hadn't constantly pushed for forgiveness, he could offer them a compromise.
"It's too late for us to be a family again," Harry said, his voice calm but firm. "We don't see things the same way, and I don't think trying to force a closer relationship would work. The best I can offer," he continued, softening slightly as he saw the hope in their eyes, "is for us to treat each other like distant cousins. Your actions caused the death of the child you knew, and this Harry doesn't want to be your son. But we can be civil and coexist without hostility."
James and Lily eagerly accepted this small gesture as if it were a lifeline. It wasn't much, but it was a start—a tiny crack in the wall Harry had built around himself—and they hoped that, over time, that crack might grow. "We understand," James said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "We'll respect your wishes, Harry. Thank you for being willing to try. Good luck in the tournament. We'll be cheering for you."
As they turned to leave, Harry called out to Charles, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Charles, be careful during the task. Take all precautions you can. If you find yourself in danger, your first instinct should be to run, not to play the brave Gryffindor. I have a feeling someone is targeting you, and it's better to be safe than sorry."
Charles nodded seriously, a flicker of fear crossing his face. Harry's warning matched the uneasy feeling that had been bothering him, making his fears feel more real. "I'll be careful, Harry. Thanks for the warning."
As the Potters walked away, Sirius squeezed Harry's shoulder, his eyes filled with pride and gratitude. "You okay? That couldn't have been easy. Thank you for doing this, for being willing to take even that small step for me."
Harry nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm okay. I had to do this. You were becoming too serious being around so many serious people. I hope with the Marauders back in your life, this Sirius will go back to being a fun Sirius again."
Sirius's eyes widened in mock outrage. "Hey! What's with all this 'Sirius' talk? Only I'm allowed to make puns with my name. That's my thing!"
The two shared a laugh, the tension of the moment dissipating like mist in the morning sun. The group around them, having witnessed the tense exchange, rallied to lighten the mood. Gabrielle tugged on Harry's hand, babbling about how excited she was to watch him compete. Aries, picking up on the excitement, began to ask rapid-fire questions about the tournament.
As the time for the task drew nearer, Harry found himself surrounded by the warmth and support of his chosen family. He caught Fleur's eye across the hall, and they shared a smile, both drawing strength from the love that surrounded them.
The third task and the possible confrontation with Voldemort loomed ahead, but in that moment, Harry felt ready for whatever challenges it might bring.
Chapter 265: Chapter 265: "Before the Maze"
The early summer afternoon sun bathed the Hogwarts grounds in golden light, casting long shadows across the castle lawns. Harry found himself surrounded by the warmth of family, enjoying a rare moment of peace before the evening's challenge. The Black and Delacour families had gathered near the lake, creating a private spot with conjured blankets spread across the grass. The gentle sound of the lake's waters lapping at the shore provided a calming background to their gathering.
The dangers of the upcoming third task seemed momentarily forgotten as laughter and joy filled the air. Aries and Gabrielle, fast friends despite their language barrier, darted around the lake's edge, their youthful energy infectious. They paused occasionally to peer into the lake's depths, hoping to catch a glimpse of the giant squid. Their excited squeals echoed across the water whenever a tentacle broke the surface.
Harry watched them with a content smile, finding their innocent enthusiasm more calming than any potion could be. In these precious moments, thoughts of the tournament and Voldemort's resurrection seemed distant and unimportant.
"Papa!" Gabrielle called out suddenly, running back to the group with flushed cheeks and bright eyes. "Can Harry show us some magic? S'il te plaît?"
Monsieur Delacour chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I don't think we should tire out our champion before his big task, ma petite. He needs to save his strength."
"Oh, I don't mind," Harry said warmly, drawing his wand with a flourish. With precise movements born of years of practice, he conjured a flock of tiny, glowing butterflies that danced through the air, leaving trails of sparkling light in their wake. The children's delighted gasps made the simple display worthwhile, their faces lighting up with wonder as the magical creatures swirled around them.
The afternoon passed in a pleasant blur of conversation, laughter, and impromptu magic demonstrations. Harry found himself truly relaxing for the first time in weeks, surrounded by people who loved him for who he was, not just for what he could do. As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink, the group made their way back to the castle for the evening feast.
The Great Hall was already buzzing with excitement, its usual grandeur enhanced by the presence of visiting dignitaries and ministry officials.
"Look who's graced us with his presence," Sirius muttered under his breath, nodding towards the staff table where Minister Fudge had taken a seat, looking self-important in his pinstriped robes and lime-green bowler hat.
As they settled at their respective tables, Sirius cast a subtle privacy charm around himself and Harry, the ambient noise of the hall fading to a muffled hum. His expression grew serious, the playful demeanor from the afternoon replaced by genuine concern.
"Harry, there's something you should know," he began, his voice low despite the charm. "Things have been... strange at the Ministry lately. First Bertha Jorkins vanishes without a trace in Albania, and now Crouch..."
Harry's head snapped up, instantly alert. "What about Crouch?"
"He's gone missing," Sirius replied grimly, his grey eyes dark with worry. "About a month ago. Fudge has been keeping it quiet—you know how he is about public image. With Jorkins already missing and that mess at the World Cup, they're desperate to avoid causing panic. But something's not right about it all."
Harry felt his stomach drop, a cold sensation spreading through his chest. If Crouch Sr. was missing, then where was Junior? The impostor who was crucial to Voldemort's resurrection plans... Harry's mind raced with possibilities, none of them good. Not knowing Junior's location or current disguise complicated everything. Without this crucial piece of information, Harry had no way of knowing how Junior would get to Charles or how he would transport him to Voldemort.
Without Crouch's disguise, there seemed no obvious way for Junior to tamper with the cup's portkey, leaving endless possibilities for how Charles might be taken from Hogwarts to Little Hangleton for the ceremony. The carefully laid plans Harry had made based on his foreknowledge suddenly seemed inadequate.
"There's more," Sirius continued, unaware of Harry's internal turmoil. "Word from Azkaban is that the Death Eaters are restless. They're saying their Dark Marks are getting stronger, that their Lord is coming back. What do you make of it?"
Harry chose his words carefully. "I've had suspicions that something's not right with this tournament. Charles being entered, the dragon breaking loose... it feels orchestrated. But I can't be certain."
"Be careful tonight, Harry," Sirius warned, his grey eyes intense with concern. "I've got a bad feeling about this task." He paused, then added, "Speaking of bad feelings... did you notice anything odd about Mad-Eye at school? When I spoke to him before the feast, something felt... off. Can't put my finger on it, but something wasn't quite right."
Harry's heart skipped a beat. Could the timeline be correcting itself? Had Junior somehow managed to take Moody's place despite the changes? With practiced casualness, he pulled out the Marauder's Map, activating it under the table while keeping his expression neutral.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," he whispered, scanning the map for Moody's location. The dot labeled 'Alastor Moody' simply sat at the staff table, nothing apparently amiss.
Sirius peered at the map, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Well, everything looks normal. Maybe I'm just jumpy with everything that's been happening. The map doesn't lie, after all. It's never wrong about these things."
"Can it be fooled?" Harry asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Hidden from, yes," Sirius replied thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "But showing a false name? Never heard of it being done. And Moody's resistance to the Imperius Curse is legendary—no one's ever managed to control him. No, this must be the real Moody. I'm probably just being paranoid."
At the staff table, the subject of their discussion was watching them intently through his magical eye. Barty Crouch Jr. suppressed a triumphant smile. The stone Voldemort had enchanted and the real Moody in a trunk in his pocket was doing the job perfectly, fooling even the notorious Marauder's Map. His earlier slip with Black had been concerning, but it seemed their precautions had paid off.
As the feast drew to a close, Dumbledore rose from his seat, his silver beard gleaming in the candlelight as his voice carried across the now-silent hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, in five minutes' time, I will be asking you to make your way down to the Quidditch field for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament. Will the champions please follow Mr. Bagman down to the stadium now."
Harry rose from his seat, immediately surrounded by well-wishers and family. Sirius pulled him into a tight hug, his voice rough with emotion. "Show them what you're made of, pup. We're all proud of you, no matter what happens."
Aries tugged at Harry's robes, his small face serious as he looked up at his godfather. "You'll win for sure, Harry! You're the best wizard ever!"
Fleur appeared at his side, her presence calming and familiar. Together, they made their way towards Bagman and the other champions, exchanging quiet words of encouragement. The four champions shared knowing looks, each understanding the gravity of what lay ahead.
"Good luck, everyone," Harry said softly as they walked. "Whatever happens in there, let's make sure we all come out safely."
Krum nodded solemnly, while Charles managed a weak smile.
As they walked through the Great Hall towards their destiny, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something far more dangerous than what he had planned for. The variables had changed, and he needed to be more careful than ever to ensure Charles and the others got out of this safely. The fact that Charles didn't have the brother wand to Voldemort's meant he would never survive a direct confrontation in the graveyard without Harry's intervention.
Looking around at his fellow champions, each lost in their own thoughts as they followed Bagman towards the stadium, Harry silently prayed his preparations for the night would be enough. The maze loomed ahead, its dark hedges a stark reminder that sometimes the greatest dangers lie not in what we can see, but in what remains hidden until it's too late.
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
33 Power
stone 
Paragraph comment