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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18

For a long moment, Regina stood by the door, staring at the naked couple on the bed. Her eyes were slightly wide and her mouth was agape. She was seeing it right in front of her, but she was still working on believing it.

"I was wondering when you'll finally come," Harry remarked, not bothering to shift from his spot on the bed beside Daphne. He patted the spot on his other side instead, silently asking her to come over.

Regina slowly obliged, making her way over to them, and as she came near, she stood still for a moment, her eyes fixated on their naked forms half hidden under the sheets.

"I'm sure you've got questions."

"Err… not really," she shook her head slowly as she lowered herself on the bed beside Harry. "I mean… I knew she had the hots for you. I'd be an idiot to not notice it. It's just that…"

"What? You didn't expect this?"

Regina looked up at Daphne, who was staring at her with an unimpressed look on her face. Her lips quirked into a smirk.

"I expected you to last a bit longer," Regina replied smugly, eyeing her up and down. "You've been such an uptight little bitch all these years. I didn't think you'll throw yourself at him so quickly. I knew you would crumble someday. It was impossible not to, but already? Guess I gave you too much credit."

Daphne bristled at the brunette's words and she opened her mouth to retort but Harry beat her to it. He turned to Regina and flicked her ear.

"Ow!"

"There's no need for that," he said curtly as she rubbed her ear, her eyes narrowed as she gazed at him. "Daph's with me now, and I'd rather have you two get along."

"Daph, is she now?" Regina asked with a chuckle, making him shrug. "Fine. I guess I can play nice, even with her. But just for you, understood?"

Harry glanced down at her hand that slid along the silk covers before sliding inside, slowly moving over to his erection that was straining against his boxers. He kept his eyes on her as she pushed her hand inside, wrapping it around him, and in no time, she was stroking him gently.

"Now I understand why I couldn't get in last night," she whispered huskily, eyeing Daphne with a sneer that was returned with equal vehemence. "I hope you've got something for me. I'd hate to see you go into the task without wishing you a proper good luck."

"Always horny, aren't you?"

"You complaining, mister?"

Harry chuckled as he leaned closer, watching how her lips curved into an excited grin as he closed the distance between them. His lips found hers in a passionate kiss that Regina returned eagerly, her strokes becoming faster as she pressed herself closer.

To Harry's right, Daphne watched on as they kissed, and her eyes fell on Regina's hand that was under the covers, moving up and down as she jerked Harry off. Meanwhile, Harry's hand was stroking the brunette's inner thigh, sliding under her skirt before moving down as he worked her up.

This time, she refused to be the spectator and leaned her naked body against his. Her breasts pressed up against his back as she kissed along the side of his neck. She moved her hand under the sheets as well, meeting Regina and joining in.

"You greedy bitch," Regina gasped as she pulled away from Harry, only to moan out loud when he slid her knickers to the side and plunged two of his fingers inside her pussy.

"Behave," Harry reprimanded without any heat as he gazed at her. The brunette nodded obediently as she pressed her lips back against his.

Together, Daphne and Regina began to stroke him under the sheets while Harry kept fingering the latter, feeling her hot inner walls hugging his digits. Her wetness kept building, her pussy growing slick with her juices as she parted her legs instinctively, allowing him more room to do with her as he pleased.

The more Harry leaned over, the more Daphne scooted closer until she was practically draped over him. All three slowly shifted on the bed until they were lying down, with Harry on his back as he fingered Regina, all the while having his cock stroked by the two beauties who kissed all over his chest and neck, exchanging competitive glares all the while.

Harry could feel it all, and he stopped bothering with them. It was the dynamic they shared and he knew it won't change in an instant. Instead, he reached down and began stroking Daphne's sore pussy gently.

The blonde let out a soft hiss when she felt him touch her. However, she kept kissing and stroking him, lifting a leg over his to get comfortable. She saw Regina who had her lips clamped harshly on Harry's neck to stifle her moans, and she smirked.

"All this getting too much for you, Parkinson?" She took the opportunity to taunt her. "I expect more from a deviant like you."

Harry cast her an exasperated look as he plunged his fingers inside her, making her mewl and gasp.

Meanwhile, Regina, with her eyes half-lidded and her breaths coming out in short gasps, glared at her. Grabbing Harry's hand, she pushed it back and did the same with Daphne's leg draped over him.

"Hey!" Daphne protested, but Regina ignored her. She made quick work of her dress as she pulled it over her head and threw it away. Her fingers deftly undid her bra that shortly joined her dress, and so did her knickers. Without even glancing at Daphne, she swung her leg over Harry and straddled him. Daphne pulled her hand off his cock with a glare and watched Regina align her sopping wet entrance with the head of his prick.

"Be a good girl and watch how it's done, Greengrass," she snarked, and in one firm push, she dropped and plunged herself entirely on his cock, burying him to the hilt inside her.

"Fuck!" Harry groaned, his head thrown back as Regina began to move on top of him. Her hips rolled hotly as she fucked herself on his cock, her body rising and falling. Smirking at Daphne, she leaned back and braced her hands against his thighs, pushing her large tits out.

"Watch and learn," she taunted Daphne, taking him deeper inside her with every thrust. Her back was arched and her breathing was ragged but a permanent smirk tugged at her lips as she kept her eyes on the blonde who watched with mounting arousal and frustration. She knew what she was doing and relished every second of it.

Daphne, half-sprawled beside them, watched with a mixture of irritation and lust. Her fingers twitched, itching to reach out and claim Harry for herself, but the sight of Regina fucking herself raw on Harry's cock was also mesmerizing. She understood just why—Regina didn't only fuck Harry, she put on a performance, showcasing herself to her audience that consisted only of her.

"You see, Greengrass," Regina purred, her voice tinged with condescension as she kept rolling her hips on top of Harry who held her by the thighs. "You see how much he loves me fucking him?"

She punctuated her words with a powerful slam of her hips, sending the sound of her supple rear colliding with his hips echoing in the room. He let out a groan, his hands moving up her thighs to her waist. His fingers dug into her skin as he squeezed and fondled her, keeping her upright on his body. Her warm pussy hugged his cock in a vice and he made sure he fed every inch of his throbbing member inside her eager snatch.

"Fuck, Regina!" He let out a guttural groan when she straightened on top of him and began bouncing wildly, slamming her ass down on his cock repeatedly. She leaned over, her ass moving up and down, and got closer until her lips were inches away from his.

"Shh," she whispered, her hot breath brushing against his mouth. "You don't need to talk right now. Just feel me, Harry. Feel all my good luck wishes in how my pussy feels." Her tongue darted out to trace the curve of his lips and she tasted him before straightening once again, her movements intensifying.

Daphne watched how Regina's tits jiggled about as she bounced on top of Harry and her jaw tightened. She had been reduced to a mere spectator once again, but she could not stand it anymore. She pushed herself to her knees and crawled closer, brushing her fingers along Harry's arms. The brunette stopped bouncing on top of him as she turned to her in surprise, her hips rolling to keep up her movements.

"What do you think you're doing?" She asked as Daphne's hands kept climbing upwards.

"You think you're so special," Daphne whispered, her eyes following her fingers that kept sliding up Harry's naked body. "You think you're so good. That you're the best when it comes to pleasuring Harry."

Regina let out a chuckle as she gazed at Daphne and she resumed bouncing her ass, slamming down excitedly as she took his cock deep within her. "Oh, dear Daphne. I don't just think that. I know that."

Smirking, she reached out for Harry's hands that were holding her by the waist and slid them upwards, stroking herself as she guided him to her tits. She moaned when he squeezed, his thumbs grazing her erect nipples, and gave Daphne a taunting grin.

"See how much he likes my tits? See how he's fucking me?"

Daphne's eyes narrowed and without another word, she leaned over Harry and captured his lips in a searing kiss. Her hand slid between their bodies, her fingers wrapping around his cock as it slipped out of Regina momentarily. The brunette growled in warning as she felt him leave her pussy but Daphne did not stop. As she kept her lips locked with his, kissing him furiously, she stroked his slick length, rolling her thumb around the throbbing head, using Regina's juices as a lubricant.

Suddenly, she felt a hand grab her shoulders and she was unceremoniously pulled off Harry. The momentum was against her, and she could do nothing but grunt as she was pushed on her back. Her eyes narrowed into a glare as she gazed at a glaring Regina who pinned her to the bed.

"Aren't you a greedy little girl?" She growled. "You don't get to interrupt my time with him, not after you had him all to yourself last night."

Daphne glared as Regina's hold on her shoulder tightened further, and before she could speak, her eyes widened in surprise.

Regina slammed herself against her, pushing her lips against hers angrily, and Daphne's words died in her throat. Her eyes were wide in shock as she felt Regina's lips move against hers. She was angry and demanding, forcing her to back down, and Daphne's eyes narrowed. She refused to let this bitch win.

The moment she felt Regina's tongue probe her lips, she turned the tables on her and slid her tongue out, forcing hers back. Surprised, Regina tried to reassert her dominance by tightening her hold on Daphne, only for the blonde to wrap her arms around her and pull her flush against herself. Their large tits mashed together as they kissed heatedly, their tongues battling for dominance as they held each other firmly.

Behind them, Harry slowly pushed himself up on his elbows and watched the scene unfolding with wide, lustful eyes. Slowly, his lips curved into a grin and he got to his knees, taking up position behind Regina. Grabbing his slick length, he rubbed it against her sopping wet entrance and firmly pushed inside, spearing through her inner walls and once again burying himself to the hilt inside her.

Regina let out a loud gasp as she tore her lips from Daphne, only for the blonde to grab her firmly and slam her lips back against hers. Her hand pushed through her hair and fisted it as she kept her firmly on top of her, kissing furiously while Harry began to move inside her, fucking her from behind.

As Daphne kissed her, Harry leaned over with his arms wrapped around her waist and pressed his body flush against her back. His lips found the sensitive spot right below Regina's ear and he sucked firmly, making her shiver, her gasp swallowed by Daphne's lips.

"I thought you were this confident bitch," he growled in her ear. "But look at how you're getting dominated by a younger witch. And I bet you're loving it too."

Regina moaned into Daphne's mouth, and behind her, Harry began to pick up the pace, his hips moving furiously as he drilled into her. He felt how her walls were hugging his length, clamping down on him, and he could sense her imminent orgasm. It made him pick up the pace as he leaned back, and grabbing her plump ass, he started hammering away inside her.

Regina's back arched as she howled and Daphne relaxed her hold on her. However, she leaned up and captured her breast in her mouth, sucking furiously. Harry reached out with one hand and wrapped her hair around his fist, pulling her as he gave Daphne even more leverage. The blonde grabbed Regina's tits and began mauling them, her lips alternating from one to the other as she sucked and nibbled on her erect nipples. All the while, Harry kept fucking her hard and fast, feeling his own orgasm building.

Regina, trapped between the two lovers, felt like she was drowning in an ocean of pleasure. Daphne's hands and mouth worked her up while from behind, Harry's magnificent cock drilled into her heat. His hands gripped her ass and hair as he kept thrusting, and the sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, mingling with her gasps and moans.

Her half-lidded eyes slowly refocused when Daphne pulled back from her tits and she found the blonde gazing at her with a smirk.

"Looks like you loved it a bit too much, Parkinson," Daphne smirked. "But don't worry. I don't plan on stealing your lovely time with Harry here. But you should know you're not the only one who knows how to play."

She trailed her fingers down her stomach and between her legs, finding the bundle of nerves that made her let out a cry. She smirked as she circled her clit with precision, and Regina's breath hitched, her body trembling as pleasure threatened to overwhelm her.

"Fucking hell, Greengrass," she gasped, her voice barely recognizable. "You—you—"

However, her words were cut short as Harry surged forward, driving himself deep into her. His hands moved to her tits, kneading the pillowy flesh and tweaking her nipples as he chased his climax. "Come on, Regina," he grunted, his voice strained. "Enough with your stubbornness. Did you seriously think I wouldn't be able to tell that you've been using your magic to hold back your orgasms?"

Regina moaned and cried as both Harry and Daphne stimulated her to perfection.

"Let go," Harry growled.

And she did. With a cry that echoed through the room, Regina's body convulsed, her one orgasm crashing over her like a tidal wave with the force of all the orgasms that she had delayed until now.

Her walls clamped down on Harry, and with a growl, Harry followed her over the edge. The head of his cock expanded and rope after rope of his thick, potent seed splattered her insides, his release spilling into her in hot, pulsing waves. Regina's body shuddered as she fell over on top of Daphne who captured her lips once again in a passionate kiss, her fingers lazily circling her clit as Regina's pussy walls tightened hard around him, milking every drop she could.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Daphne felt Regina's body stop shivering atop her and she pulled back from the kiss. The two young women stared at each other before matching grins emerged on their faces.

Behind them, Harry slowly pulled out of Regina who let out a soft hiss and joined them.

"Not bad," he remarked, eyeing both of them with a smirk. "I hope that means you two would get along now."

They glanced at Harry before turning back toward each other, and their lips curved into teasing smirks.

"I guess we can try," Daphne grinned as she turned to him, and Regina mimicked her.

Harry could only chuckle at that response and with a small shake of his head, he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.

-Break-

The atmosphere in the massive stadium erected within the Forbidden Forest was raucous. Students from all three schools and people from all around Europe had arrived to witness the beginning of the first Triwizard Tournament in centuries. However, the champions' tent was a stark contrast to the chaos outside.

The air was taut with a blend of anticipation and nervousness, and although the tent was enchanted to block out most of the roars of the crowd, the occasional swell of cheers still slipped through.

Harry stood in one corner of the tent, adjusting the clasps of his gleaming suit made of basilisk scales. The suit shimmered faintly in the dim light and it fit him like a second skin. The dark green scales reflected a soft sheen of gold whenever he moved.

From a nearby bench, Fleur Delacour could not help but steal occasional glances while making sure he wasn't looking. Her silvery hair was tied in a neat ponytail and she gnawed at her bottom lip whenever she sneaked a look. Like everyone, she had heard the news but it was entirely different to see that suit on his person. In addition to protection, it did a remarkable job of showcasing his incredible physique, Fleur could not help but think, and she believed she was not the only woman who would be staring at him.

Meanwhile, Viktor Krum was stoic as always, giving Harry only a cursory glance as he stood leaning against a wall, his broad shoulders hunched slightly as he examined his wand with meticulous care. Cedric Diggory was the most unassuming of the four champions though as he stood by himself, polishing his wand.

Suddenly, the tent flap rustled, and Ludo Bagman burst inside with all his portly and overly enthusiastic demeanor. He was followed by a much more composed Barty Crouch, Professor Dumbledore, and Madame Maxime. Behind them, Igor Karkaroff swept in, his expression a mix of haughtiness and disdain.

"Well, well!" Bagman exclaimed, his voice as loud and boisterous as the crowd outside. "Look at our champions, eh? All looking very fitting, and oh, Harry! That is a very fine suit you've got there. My word, I haven't seen anything like it! Simply marvelous!"

Harry almost rolled his eyes at the hyperactive manchild's outburst. Wordlessly, he glanced at Dumbledore, asking him to get things going, and thankfully, the old wizard obliged.

"We should get started, Ludo. I am certain the people outside are rather excited to see our champions showcase their admirable skills as they face their challenges," he remarked.

"Ah, apologies for getting carried away there," Bagman chuckled.

Barty Crouch gave the man a disapproving look, making him straighten up and turn to the champions. However, before he could speak, another voice chimed in.

"That doesn't look like a normal attire. What is it made of?" Karkaroff's nasally voice broke in, and the man glared at Harry with utter loathing. He had not forgotten their first encounter and he was determined to hamper Harry as much as he could.

However, if he expected Harry to be meek in front of him, he was sorely mistaken.

"Basilisk scales," Harry replied with a smirk, taking immense pleasure in seeing the man's eyes widen in a blend of shock and fear. His eyes darted to Dumbledore who merely stared back in amusement.

"You mean the rumors are true?" Cedric asked in shock, making Harry turn his smirk to him.

Karkaroff's pale face turned back to Harry and he stared for a long moment. Finally, he turned to Dumbledore and hissed, "This sort of… armor. Surely it can't be allowed? It's an unfair advantage!"

Harry scoffed. "A Death Eater talking about fairness. What has the world come to?"

"Harry!" Dumbledore warned, earning a glance from his student. Meanwhile, everyone in the room straightened at the remark, their eyes widening in shock, but none so more than Karkaroff whose eyes narrowed and lips curled in a snarl.

"This is the second time you've—"

"Oh shut up already. No one wants to hear your shitty voice, Karkaroff. Just because you managed to swindle your way into becoming a headmaster doesn't mean you'll start getting respect you don't deserve," Harry said in disdain.

"That would be enough," Dumbledore said firmly. "This is neither the time nor the place for this. We are here to ensure that the champions are ready for their tasks and that the tournament proceeds as planned."

Karkaroff looked furious. He opened his mouth to retort, but Dumbledore's firm look silenced him. He let out a sharp huff and folded his arms, muttering something incomprehensible under his breath.

Meanwhile, Harry glanced at Fleur for a moment who met his gaze, staring at him with wide eyes. He released a deep breath, feeling the prickling in his runes slowly ebb away. He looked around the room and remarked, "Well, do you all plan to stand here all day? We've got a task to take care of."

Barty Crouch stepped forward, his voice clipped but firm. "There are no rules against champions using protective equipment of their choosing. Ludo?"

Bagman jerked, his wide eyes falling on Crouch who gave him an unimpressed stare.

"R-Right, right," he stammered, rubbing his hands together. "Let's get down to it, shall we? Each of you will face a different challenge, designed to test your courage, skill, and quick thinking. The first task involves a certain… magical creature."

Krum tensed slightly at that while Fleur straightened, her grip on her wand tightening. Harry released a deep breath and nodded.

Bagman's tone was conspiratorial as he continued, "Your task is simple. Retrieve the golden egg guarded by the creature assigned to you. You'll be going one after the other. Remember, the egg contains a clue for your next task."

"The order of performance will be the same order in which you were selected for the tournament," Crouch told them, earning nods of understanding from all three champions. He held a pouch out, and they went in order.

"Ah, the Norwegian Ridgeback," Crouch said as Krum pulled a miniature dragon out. Cedric's eyes widened in shock as he stared in sheer disbelief.

"Miss Delacour?" Crouch held the pouch to her, and she pulled out the Peruvian Vipertooth. She stared at it for a long moment before stepping back.

Cedric reached out next, his hands shaking, and his eyes bugged out when he pulled out a Ukrainian Ironbelly. There were sharp intakes of breath from a few people as he stepped back, shivering. Without waiting for anyone, he turned and made his way over to where the locker room was, and Harry did not need to be a genius to guess why he must have gone in.

"Which leaves Mr. Potter with…" Crouch trailed off, and going by what Daphne had told him, Harry had a very good idea which dragon he would be up against. Indeed, the Hungarian Horntail.

Ludo Bagman was, for some reason, the most concerned as he gazed at him. However, Harry did not miss the look of utter glee on Karkaroff's face when he saw which dragon he would be facing. Harry gave the man a menacing glare, and the coward averted his eyes quickly, making him sneer.

Bagman, trying to appear normal, clapped his hands together. "Right then, right then! The crowd is roaring, the stage is set—Mr. Krum, you're up first!"

Krum nodded and Harry turned around, ignoring Bagman who looked like he wanted to speak to him. He walked over to the couch under the watchful eyes of everyone else as they made their way out. He could feel Karkaroff's hateful glare and scoffed to himself. The cowardly cunt could go fuck himself for all he cared.

As he settled on the couch, he felt the only other occupant's eyes on him and he looked up. Fleur immediately froze as their eyes met, and Harry sighed.

"I won't bite. You can relax."

Fleur's lips pursed as she straightened and she walked closer, dropping herself on the couch beside him. Looking at her, it was evident that she was trying to appear more comfortable than she truly was.

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her thoughts swirling as they had during the previous evening when they stood by the Black Lake. He seemed entirely unruffled about the prospect of the First Task as if it was a mere inconvenience rather than a test of life and limb.

For his part, Harry leaned back on the couch and gazed at the tent wall, his eyes unseeing. The silence between them grew steadily heavy until finally, Fleur broke it.

"You seem vairy calm for someone about to face a dragon," she remarked.

Harry's lips quirked slightly but he did not look at her. "And you seem too tense for someone who, in her own words, has her priorities in order."

Fleur's eyes narrowed. "I am focused. Do not meestake caution for fear."

"Good," Harry said, finally turning to look at her. "Fear gets you killed. Caution keeps you alive."

The bluntness of his words caught her off guard. For a second, she wondered if he was mocking or being condescending toward her but she found nothing. His expression was cool and his demeanor practical, and Fleur felt as though he was giving her advice on how to cast a spell instead of facing a fire-breathing monster.

After a few moments, she remarked, "So your 'eadmaster told you about the dragon too. To be 'onest, I did not think Dumbledore will do eet."

To her surprise, he let out a chuckle, gazing at her in amusement.

"Dumbledore is too much of a goody two-shoes to violate the so-called sanctity of this tournament. He didn't tell me anything," he replied. "So yeah, your thoughts about him are right."

Fleur's eyes widened. "Oh."

"No need to look so miffed about it. I've known about the dragons for a while now. Why do you think I got this suit made so quickly?"

Fleur examined his suit from where she sat and she had to admit that it was a very fine work of craftmanship. Her eyes could not help but linger on a few spots on his body before she shook herself and averted her gaze. Meanwhile, Harry also helped himself to the vision that she was and he liked what he saw, very much so.

"I am not… miffed or anything," she said curtly. "Eet is a bit unfair, is all."

"Life ain't fair. Why should this be any different?" Harry shrugged.

Fleur nodded absently as she looked away, her fingers absently scratching the armrest of the couch.

"About zat… performance earlier," she continued. "Wiz Karkaroff. Zat was ze second time you called 'im zat. Was zat caution? Or just you playing at bravery?"

Harry let out a short, humorless laugh. "Karkaroff's not worth being cautious around. He's all bark and no bite. And if someone like him thinks they can intimidate or target me, well, then I find it best to make sure they know exactly where we stand."

Fleur frowned as she gazed at him and she leaned forward slightly. "And where is zat, exactly?"

Harry's eyes narrowed, and Fleur felt a chill shoot up her spine. "He's a filthy coward who turned his pathetic pals in for a pardon. He doesn't deserve the position he is in, and I'm not about to let him throw his weight around and act as if he's never done anything criminal. He was a Death Eater and he will remain one until he dies."

Fleur leaned back when he finished, trying to calm her racing heart down. There was just something about him that affected her so strongly and she did not like being affected so much at all.

"You 'ave no tact at all, do you?"

"Not when it comes to Death Eaters," Harry replied curtly. "Why should I? They deserve no tact."

Fleur eyed him with a curious look on her face. He was not agitated, but he was not his normal calm self either.

"You really hate 'im," she observed.

Harry shrugged uncaringly. "Hating him would mean I cared enough to really waste my energy. He's not worth it."

Understanding dawned on her slowly as she nodded. "Ah, I see. So you enjoy rattling him."

Harry gazed at her with a smirk. "I'd be lying if I said it ain't fun seeing him fume like a balloon ready to pop."

Despite herself, Fleur let out a small giggle, covering her mouth up as she gazed at him, her eyes shining with mirth. Harry's smirk widened at her reaction and he shook his head, stretching in his seat.

"We really can't hear a lot from here," he remarked. Indeed, all this while, they only heard faint sounds of explosions and the dragon's screeches as Krum went about completing his task.

"Zey do not want the ozzer champions to know what strategy ze ozzers are using," Fleur replied, earning a nod from Harry.

Before he could reply, the tent's flap opened and they turned to see one of the tournament aides enter.

"Miss Delacour, you're up next," the woman said, smiling politely at them as she walked away.

Fleur inhaled sharply, rising to her feet in one fluid motion. She turned to the exit and walked forward, slightly hesitant. Harry, who, like every hormonal male, was admiring her delicious rump covered under her suit, looked up as she slowly turned around.

"Any last bits of wisdom, oh fearless one?"

Harry smirked as he leaned back, spreading his arms over the back of the couch. He tilted his head and regarded her.

"I'm sure you've thought of something. Just have faith in yourself. Remember, don't lose focus, not even for a second," he replied, getting a curt nod in return. As she turned around, he continued, "And if by any chance, you feel that your heritage will come in handy, don't hesitate from using it."

Fleur stopped, listening intently.

"It is a part of you, and none of the dumbasses out there matter. Just keep that in mind and you'll be fine."

Fleur nodded and resumed walking, her grip tight on her wand. She pulled the flap of the tent to the side and paused briefly. Turning around, she met his eyes and to his surprise, gave him a genuine smile.

"Merci."

Harry did not reply, but the small tilt of his head was enough of an acknowledgment.

He watched her leave, the tent sealing shut behind her once again, but the image of her smile lingered in his mind.

Things had begun to change between him and Fleur in the past few days, and if he was right, it had been her who had taken the first step when she stopped being dismissive of him. He did not know what had brought that change about, but it was recent. As he thought about them, he could not help but feel that something had truly shifted between them today.

The tent was silent as he waited, and he was slightly surprised to note that he could hear nothing from the stadium outside. The crowd was silent, and even the dragon was not screeching. He wondered what was going on when the same witch from before entered.

"Mr. Diggory, it's time," she said before she saw he was nowhere to be seen.

"He's getting some final preparations in. I'll send him over," Harry said, earning a nod from her. He saw her walk out and with a sigh, he got up, making his way over to the locker room where he found, to no surprise, Diggory sitting on a stool with his head in his hands.

"Diggory," he called out, and the young man violently shook where he sat, looking up at him with wild eyes. Harry felt a pang of sympathy for the poor guy as he said, "They're waiting for you out there. It's your turn."

Diggory sat still for a long moment, staring at him as his words slowly registered with him. He gulped audibly, nodding shakily as he got to his feet, and slowly made his way out. Harry watched him go and could not help but sigh.

He just hoped the boy would regain his wits, or the Ironbelly would indeed have a very full belly by the time the task was done. Given how incompetent the Ministry truly was, he fully expected it would come down to that if Diggory failed.

Shaking his head, Harry walked out of the locker room and retook his seat on the couch.

Barely five minutes passed when the witch from before came in again, her face pale. It was apparent that she was trying to put up a composed face, and it did not reassure him in the slightest.

"M-Mr. Potter, y-you're up next."

Harry nodded, watching the woman nod back. She seemed to want to say something but she resisted and with a small sigh, she walked out of the tent.

Harry slowly stood up and stretched, sighing when he felt the joints pop. He kept his expression neutral as he fixed his suit, and once he was sure everything was firmly in place, he briskly made his way out of the tent.

The sunlight hit him right in the face and he lifted his hand to block the rays. As he refocused, he found thousands of eyes trained on him, following his every movement. Slowly, he pulled his hand down and with his head held high, he began to stride forward at a sedate pace, hearing the crowd erupt into whispers as they saw what he was wearing. A faint smirk lit up his face as he reached the entrance to the arena, awaiting the go-ahead.

It was indeed time.

TBC.

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