Chapter 34 - Chapter 34: Fourth Year (Part 4)

Sirius's Office - September 3, 2004

Ginny walked into her meeting five minutes late in a huff. Sirius just raised an eyebrow at the girl.

"What do you want?" Ginny didn't even try to pretend that she had any respect for this man.

"This meeting is to make sure that you are settling back into school well Ms. Weasley. I have had a letter from your father to make sure that you are taking your potions and remind you that you will be starting mind healer appointments with Healer Savoy this weekend. You will be meeting with her for an hour every other weekend. Don't worry, the weekends you have your appointments are opposite to the Hogsmead weekends. Although, I will tell you now, if you skip this weekends meeting you will be grounded to the dorms and I will personally be escorting you to every mind healer appointment after that. And, since we wouldn't want you to fall any further behind in your treatment it will start next weekend, meaning you will be missing the Hogsmead weekends.

Ginny gave Sirius a startled look. She didn't want to miss going to Hogsmead, and she new he wasn't lying. After being in his class last year she knew just how mean he could be.

"Fine, I'll go to my appointment." Ginny huffed. "Is that all?"

"Unless you have any other worries then yes, that is all." Sirius said.

Ginny was up and out of his office before he had even finished.

Sirius's Office - September 4, 2004

Sirius was once again sitting in his office holding the meetings he had scheduled. He was a little annoyed that Minerva was completely ignoring these meetings, although, he had expected it.

Right on time, Hermione Granger came into the office. Sirius forced himself to withhold a sigh as he saw the stack of papers she was carrying. This was going to be another long drawn out argument with the girl.

"Please, have a seat Ms. Granger." Sirius was pleased he managed to keep his voice stable. "This meeting is just to check in with you to make sure that you are settling back in fine."

"We need to talk about you fixing the unfair treatment the Gryffindors have to deal with." Hermione demanded as she sat down.

"What unfair treatment?"

"We've only had two days of class and we're already being given detention for no reason. How can you not see that we are being punished just for what house we're in?"

Sirius withheld a groan. He knew that the girl had already gotten detention for bullying. He was sure that was what she was complaining about.

"Ms. Granger, I have already received your detention slip. You weren't given detention because you are a Gryffindor, you got detention because you pushed a second year into a wall and called him a monster."

"That idiot just wouldn't listen. What is wrong with the wizarding world? Keeping slaves is wrong. That monster was defending keeping slaves, like it was acceptable." Hermione almost screamed.

"Keeping slaves?"

"House elves!"

Sirius just stared for a moment. Was this girl serious? She had attacked a 12 year old over house elves?

"I'm not seeing the connection."

"House elves are slaves." Hermione's voice was full of exasperation. "Oh who am I kidding, you have house elves. You're part of the problem. What don't wizards understand about it being wrong to benefit from slave labour?"

"Ms. Granger, have you ever even spoken to a house elf." The girl shook her head. "If you had you would know that house elves like to serve. They like to work. There would be nothing crueler than to deny them that right.

And, as for benefiting from the work of house elves, you do to."

"No I don't!"

"Ms. Granger, who do you think makes your food? Who do you think tidy's your dorm, or does your laundry?"

Hermione just stared, growing more horrified.

"There are house elves here?" She demanded, her voice hard.

"Hogwarts has the largest population of house elves in Britain. There are over 150 elves here."

Hermione was stunned. It wasn't possible. Headmaster Dumbledore wouldn't do something like that.

"You're lying!"

"Mipsey!" Sirius called, the elf popped in a moment later.

"Master Professor Sirius bes calling Mipsey." Mipsey Looked lovingly at Sirius. Being a Potter elf she had watched this wizard grow up and she felt more than a little possessive over him.

"Mipsey, can you tell me how many house elves live and work here at the school?" Sirius asked, not taking his eyes off Hermione.

"Theres bes 163 house elfs at Hogwarts Master Sirius."

"Thank you Mipsey. You can return to what you were doing." Sirius sent the little elf a smile. "Like I said Ms. Granger, there are a lot of house elves here. They are not slaves. They are happy."

Hermione just glared. This was so wrong. She needed to figure out how to free those poor creatures, but she couldn't let anyone that might stop her know what she was doing.

"And the bias against Gryffindor?"

"There is no bias against Gryffindor. You were punished for bullying, just like any other student would be. If someone had shoved you into a wall and called you a monster, they would have received the exact same punishment as you. The punishment is determined by the guidelines set out by the school board and apply to all students equally, regardless of house."

"But…"

"Enough Ms. Granger. You attacked another student, you were punished. That is all there is to it."

"Fine." Hermione growled, still not accepting her punishment. "What about how we're graded. I'm the top student in the school and even I'm struggling. Even you have to admit there is something wrong there."

"You are graded based off a marking scheme. A marking scheme that you have known about since your first class. If you are unsure about how you will be marked, it is posted at the back of almost every class. If you are struggling, then you might want to look at it.

Going over your grades, you will be joining a few of the study groups that are being set up. Each group will have an upper year student that has received an O in the class you are working on. They will be able to give you help and pointers. But, you will have to listen to their advice.

And, where did you get the idea that you're the top student?" Sirius was confused by that, and he knew he couldn't let the girl continue to believe that. Not only because she needed to deflate her ego, but if she thought she was the best she wouldn't try and improve herself.

"I was at the top of the class rankings posted on the notice board last year." Hermione said smugly.

"Ah, I see where the issue is. Ms. Granger, the class rankings list that is posted on the notice board in your common room only shows your placement in your year in comparison to the students in your house." Sirius flipped through a few pages. "Last year you ranked 1 in Gryffindor, but 14 in the school overall.

And, that was mainly down to the number of classes you took. If only your grade point average was considered you would have dropped down even further."

"WHAT!" Hermione screamed. "That isn't right. I'm the brightest witch in my generation. I'm the best student in the school. You're just being mean because I'm a muggleborn."

"Ms Granger, your blood status has absolutely no bearing on your grades. There is only one marking scheme. It applies to all blood status's equally. Like I said, you will have to join the study groups for the classes you are struggling in, and you will need to listen to the advice you are given. That will hopefully allow you to improve your grades."

"You just fail me because I'm a muggleborn." Hermione was shouting again.

"Ms. Granger, again, your blood status has nothing to do with anything. You are graded on the work that you do, and what you don't. We are your teachers, we want you to do well, but we can't give you grades that you haven't earned.

You are a bright girl, you just need to learn that that does not mean there is nothing you have to learn. You are a student, you are here to learn. We give you assignments to help to teach. If you want your grades to reflect your intelligence you need to do the assignment you are given, not the one you feel we should have assigned." Sirius tried to explain again. He was slightly surprised at just how much of an adult he was starting to sound like.

Hermione huffed, knowing that she wasn't going to make Professor Black see sense. This wasn't the first time they had argued about this. Just last year she had tried to show him his mistakes repeatedly, but he never listened. She was going to have to find a way to get the school board to listen to her since they clearly weren't listening to the headmaster.

"And what about the triwizard tournament?"

"What about it?" Sirius really did wonder why this girl thought they needed to confer with her about everything the school did.

"Where will the students stay? Are we going to have to share our dorms with them? Do they speak english? Where will they eat? Are they going to be in our classes? How will the champions be selected? What are the trials? What protections will there be for us? How can you guarantee that no underage student tries to compete?"

Sirius held up his hand, momentarily slowing the girl.

"Ms. Granger, that isn't your concern. The headmaster and staff are responsible for all that, not you. You will be told what is happening as we go along."

"But how do you expect anyone to plan what they're going to do if you don't tell us anything?" Hermione huffed.

"Ms. Granger, you are 14. It doesn't matter. The other schools will be arriving on October 30. Other than that the only thing out of the norm that will be happening for you this year is going to watch the trials. You will not be competing, you do not need to worry about the other students, everything is handled. This has been in the works for a while. Everything is already decided."

"The least you could have done was ask our opinion." The girl crossed her arms in annoyance.

"No, we didn't need to. You are a student here Ms. Granger. You are not in charge, and you do not get to make the decisions. As a student your only concern is going to class and getting your grades up. If that is all, you may leave, I have another appointment."

Sirius sighed in relief as the girl left and Lily Moon walked in, making sure to sidestep the clearly annoyed girl before she shot him a sympathetic look.

Unfortunately for Sirius's sanity the last fourth year that he had to meet with was Ron Weasley. After a long day of talking with students, most of whom had been easy, but there were a few more difficult ones like Hermione Granger and Zacharias Smith, Sirius was ready to call it a day. He wouldn't start on the fifth years until tomorrow. He just needed to get through this one last meeting.

Like his sister, Ronald was late, coming running in ten minutes after his scheduled time.

"Please have a seat Mr. Weasley."

"What's this about?" Ron questioned.

"This meeting is just to check in with you to make sure that you're settling in ok."

"I'm fine."

Sirius looked over the paperwork he had associated with Ron. "That's good. Now, your dad sent in some paperwork requesting that I ensure that you are keeping up with your mind healer visits. I know that you had an appointment today."

"It's stupid, I don't need a mind healer." Ron said petulantly.

"I can't say either way. Your father has arranged it, so you will be going. I will give you the same warning I gave your sister. Your meetings are every other weekend. Your father arranged for those to be on the weekends opposing the Hogsmead visits, but if you miss your appointment then you will be going the weekend after that, meaning you will be missing going into town."

Ron just stared for a moment, extremely glad that he had gone to his appointment today. He had been considering just skipping it, but Hermione had already been trying to get him to study again so he had gone. Suddenly, a thought struck him.

"I want to participate in the triwizard tournament. You need to tell the headmaster he needs to make an exception for me. I know I can handle anything that can be thrown at me."

Sirius just gave the kid a blank look, was he serious. He had barely passed DADA the year before, and now he thought he could win a game like the triwizard tournament.

"No. You are 14. The rules have been changed so that only of age students can compete. There is a reason for that."

"I could do it." Ron argued.

"Mr. Weasley, do you know what a cockatrice is?"

Ron just shook his head so Sirius turned and grabbed one of his books, flipping through until he found information on them.

"This, is a cockatrice. During the last triwizard tournament the champions were tasked with capturing one. All they had was their wands. And that was the easiest task that year. The reason the tournament was ultimately canceled was because of the death toll getting to high. There is a reason there hasn't been another one since.

It is for the best that underage students aren't aloud to compete. You all just haven't learned enough to compete in tasks like that." Sirius gently took the book back.

"I could have done it." Ron mumbled under his breath, but a small part of him was glad that he wasn't even given the chance to compete.

Before Ron could say anything else Ginny burst into the room.

"There you are. Why weren't you here last night. I wanted to talk to you." Ginny said, practically glaring at Sirius.

"Ms. Weasley, I am in a meeting. You can't just burst into my office like this. You need to knock, or schedule an appointment of your own." Sirius said strictly.

"Whatever, it's just Ron." Ginny waved him away, she had more important things to talk about.

"Hey." Ron glared slightly at his sister.

"So, where were you." Ginny demanded, not even looking at her brother.

"Not that it is any of your business Ms. Weasley, but I was at home with my husband and children. Now, I think it is time for you to go back to the dorms Ms. Weasley."

"You need to arrange for my room." Ginny said, ignoring her professor.

"You have a room already." Sirius said with a sigh.

"No, I should have a private room." Ginny said.

"I want a private room too." Ron wasn't about to let his sister get her own room while he had to stay with the other boys.

"No, neither of you get private rooms." Sirius said sternly.

"But Harry has his own room." Ginny whined. She wanted her own room.

"Who?" Sirius absolutely refused to acknowledge Hadrian being called Harry.

"Harry, your godson." Ron said like he thought his professor was being an idiot.

"I don't have a godson named Harry. I have a godson named Hadrian, but no Harry." Sirius said blandly.

Ginny growled slightly, this was just another person that thought they knew her future husband better than her.

"Fine, your godson has his own room. If he can have one than so can we." Ron tried. "It isn't right for you to arrange for something like that for a member of your family yet deny us."

"Hadrian shares a room with one of his year mates. The reason they are separated is because they both have titles. Their separate room is required by school rules and the law. Neither of you are titled, so you do not get a separate room.

You also aren't 7th years. You will get your own rooms when you are in your final year, not before. And there is nothing I, or anyone, can do to change that."

"But we want…" Ginny started.

"It is not going to change." Sirius cut in firmly. "That is all there is to it. Now, I think it's time for you two to get going. Dinner starts soon and you wouldn't want to be late.

Sirius let out a sigh as the two stormed off. He already knew this wasn't going to be the end of it.

Hogwarts, DADA Classroom (Ravenclaw/Gryffindor) - September 24, 2004

As they were finishing up their first month Hadrian was ready to scream. He wished that he hadn't suggested that Sirius switch over to teaching the other classes. Now he was stuck with Moody.

And yes, it was the real Moody. Hadrian had kept watch on his map, and done daily searches multiple times every day.

Unfortunately, Barty Crouch some how managed to actually be a better teacher than Moody with the assistance of Tonks. DADA had gone from one of his favourite classes to his most hated.

Moody had no skill as a teacher. He completely lacked any volume control, going from near whispering to yelling in the same sentence. He also jumped from topic to topic without any reason.

Tonks behaved like she was the best. She looked down her nose at everyone. Talking down to them like they were babies.

Then there was the seating arrangement. It would seem Dumbledore finally found a teacher that was willing to do what he wanted. Hadrian had been placed between Ron and Hermione during every lecture and forced to partner with them during practicals.

It was driving him crazy.

If Hermione wasn't lecturing him or hitting him, then Ron was yattering away about nothing. He had even been given a group assignment with them, but that was even worse than just having to sit next to them. Ron hadn't done a single thing, just saying they had plenty of time. While Hermione had refused to let him do anything, berated him for not helping her, and was once again doing the assignment she wanted rather than the one they had been given.

Hadrian wasn't about to give up his position in the top 5 of their year because of Dumbledore and his games. That was why, as their practical period ended, Hadrian stayed behind, waving off his real friends that were going to wait for him.

Ron and Hermione absolutely refused to leave so he just let them stay.

"What do ya want Potter?" Moody growled.

"I am making a formal request to change my assigned seat in class, my assigned practical partners, and am requesting that I be aloud to do my assignment on my own rather than in the group you assigned me." Hadrian said in a flat formal voice.

"What, why would you want to do any of that?" Ron was confused.

"Don't be ridiculous Harry. You know you need my help to pass, although I do wish you would help more on the assignment. You can't just keep relying on your fame to get by." Hermione gave him a condescending look, but Harry didn't even acknowledge her, which just annoyed her more.

"No." Moody said, staring the boy down with both eyes.

"Then I will make other arrangements." Hadrian said simply, starting to turn away.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tonks demanded in annoyance.

"I'll self study DADA this year. I'm not going to risk my grade in what was one of my favourite classes because you and the headmaster feel that you have the right to try and force me to make friends with two people that have absolutely no respect for me. I mean really, there are an even number of students in our class. All the other groups have two students, but two groups have three. You couldn't make your plan any more blatant if you tried." Hadrian said, his voice staying calm, not looking away from Moody.

Ron, Hermione, and Tonks all started trying to get his attention to tell him off, but Hadrian just kept going in his staring contest with Moody.

"And what makes you think you can do that?" Moody asked.

"I've done it before, I can do it again. I can easily meet all the qualifications again." Hadrian replied.

"And just why do you think you are better outside of this class?" Moody tried.

"Because I would actually be able to do my work and assignments properly. You can hardly claim that you don't notice that Weasley does nothing but talk through your lectures. As for Granger, she seems to think she can control everything. Going so far as to start writing on my notes claiming that she knows better, and when I tell her to leave me alone, she hits me.

It does make me wonder just what kind of auror you were if you don't even notice a physical assault taking place, or, if you do notice, you choose to do nothing. Either way, I know well enough that I will snap and curse her into the middle of next week eventually, and that won't make either of us look good."

"Either of us?"

"I already have enough problems with The Daily Prophet making up stories about my family and demanding my removal from them, last thing I need to do is start cursing bullies. Somehow they will make it all my fault, I think we all know that.

As for you, how would it look for the 'great auror Alastor Moody' being incapable of keeping up with students. That you looked the other way when there were multiple physical assaults taking place in your classroom and either you didn't notice or chose to do nothing. That just might make you look pretty bad."

Moody turned and limped over to his desk. The boy was right. And, despite himself, he found a respect for the boy growing. He didn't deny anything the boy said, he knew good and well what he was saying was true. He was planning on meeting with Albus about this very thing to try and get his old friend to see sense and get those two under control.

"And your assignment?"

"He hasn't done anything? I've had to do all the work." Hermione huffed, glaring at the boy.

"I have attempted to work with them, but Weasley, like usual, refuses to work, while Granger will not listen to anyone but the voices in her own head." Hadrian reached into his bag and pulled out some papers. "Here is the assignment. I did it all on my own since I wasn't aloud to contribute to the group one."

"You were wrong." Hermione growled, grabbing for his assignment, but Moody got it first.

"No, I was doing the assignment as it was assigned. Remind me Professor Moody, what was the assignment?"

"You were assigned to write up a report on the history of the unforgivable curses. You were to dedicate between 2-3 feet per curse."

Hadrian smiled slightly. "And that is what I did. I do wish you luck on grading Grangers… assignment. The last time I saw it when I was attempting to do my part it was already over 12 feet of her opinion on those that use the unforgivables."

Moody glanced at the girl. He had been warned that she refused to do assignments properly, but he had figured she wouldn't try that with him. This was not good. He needed to keep the boy in his class, but Albus wanted him to force the boy to work with the other 2.

"I will see what I can do about adjusting the seating arrangements in class, and I will accept your assignment, this time.

Weasley, Granger, you two will be doing the assignment together. Just so you know, there is a spell that will allow me to identify who did what, so you both need to do it. And, the assignment is a report on the history of the unforgivable curses, not your opinion. That is the assignment you will be doing. I don't care about your opinion, I want the history. Now, get out."

Hadrian thanked Moody before quickly leaving the room while Ron and Hermione were still to shocked to move. He had just turned the corner and ducked into one of the secret passageways as the two were leaving the classroom.

He smirked slightly as he heard them both complaining about both him and Moody.

Headmasters Office - October 3, 2004

Albus sat in his chair staring across the desk at one of his oldest and most trusted friends, furious with the man. Minerva and Nymphadora joined them. Minerva was glaring at Moody, while Nymphadora was looking back and forth between the two men.

"If you have a problem Albus, just say it." Came Moody's gruff voice.

"You were supposed to partner Harry with Ron and Hermione. But instead, you separate them. Then, you go out of your way to belittle them." Minerva snarled. She was so sick and tired of everyone picking on her students. She had expected more from Alastor.

Albus quickly silenced the woman, although he understood her anger, it wasn't productive. Alastor always responded in kind and he didn't need these two fighting in his office.

"I requested that you place Harry with Ron and Hermione. We need him to start seeing them as friends, or at least, have people see them as friends. And although you started to do as I requested, you seem to have changed your tactics, giving into the boy. I was just wondering why?" Albus asked, giving him a look that was tailor made to make others feel guilty.

"I tried, but I figured you would prefer him to remain in my class." Alastor responded.

"What do you mean?" Albus asked in slight confusion.

"I placed them together, but it didn't go well. Mr. Weasley, I honestly don't know what is wrong with that boy, he did nothing but annoy him and talk right through every one of my lessons. Ms. Granger just kept lecturing him, hitting him, refused to let him do any work on their assignment and then berated him for not helping her.

Potter made himself perfectly clear, either I got them away from him and dealt with the issue or he would withdraw from my class and self study." Alastor looked to his old friend as he started to understand what was really going on.

"I have to agree with him headmaster." Nymphadora added hesitantly. "Those two really are difficult in class."

"I understand, I will have to have a word with them about it." Albus sighed, he should have seen this coming.

This wasn't the first time Harry had been willing to drop a class to self study. He really was going to need to get control of his three pawns, his only problem was that all the work needed for the triwizard tournament was taking up all his time. Without Bartemius, and Ludo being completely useless, there was more work than he ever thought possible. When he had planned to bring back this game, he had never thought he would be the one having to do the work.

"Minerva, Nymphadora, why don't you two head down to dinner, I need to have a private word with Alastor." Albus suggested.

Alastor waited until the two women were gone before he turned to his old friend. "You're slipping."

"I know. I don't know what is going on lately. Nothing is working." Albus sighed. Alastor was one of the few people that he didn't need to show any pretence with. Other than Gellert, Alastor knew him best.

"You're trying to do too much on your own. You need to start letting others help."

"I can't. You've seen what Minerva is like right now. Somehow she has become so convinced that Ron, Ginny, and Hermione are perfect and won't listen to a word against them, even when she knows it isn't true, she's had her own complaints about them. Then with all the power she has lost recently.

Losing her place as deputy headmistress and having Sirius as co-head of Gryffindor, she is lashing out more. She also isn't as influential with the students as she had been previously. Her anger over all that is making her irrational and she's started just trying to force things to be how she wants them."

Alastor nodded. He understood that Minerva's temper had always been one of her greatest weaknesses. "And Fawkes?"

"What about him?" Albus's voice was suspicious.

"Don't try that with me Albus." Alastor growled. "I can see through the enchantments you have layered over that owl."

Sitting on Fawkes's old perch sat a sedated owl that had been covered in glamour spells to make it look like the phoenix. Albus had also used spells to alter the owls call so that it would come out like a phoenix's trill.

"Someone stole my phoenix a few years ago." Albus sighed. "It has taken me years to get that owl to replace him. One day he was here, and then he was gone and the bond was broken. I have tried to track where he was taken to when he was taken from me, but where ever it was, it was out of Britain and I lost the trail."

"That isn't good." Alastor leaned back in his seat to think for a few moments. "Have you considered that Gellert might hav betrayed you. You know he would have reason too. He was the only one other than me that knew about Fawkes. We both know that he has the intelligence needed to manipulate people into doing what he wants even from that prison."

Albus was slightly shocked. That thought had never crossed his mind. But, Alastor was right. All of these problems were something that Gellert would be capable of. Although it wasn't as violent as some of his previous actions, Gellert had always enjoyed playing with some of his chosen victims first. That had been one of the things that had drawn him to Gellert, but he didn't like it now when it was being used against him.

"I will have to look into that." Albus was going to have to make a trip to Nurmengard to check in on his old lover. "What is your opinion on the Potter boy?"

"Honestly, I'm starting to respect him. He's smart and powerful. He also knows how to work situations to his advantage. When he confronted me about what we were doing he was very focused and calm, he knew what he was doing and how to get what he wanted."

"I haven't been able to get very close to the boy, do you have any suggestions on what I should do about getting him closer to the other kids?" Albus really wanted to know this. Alastor, seeing him more often, might be able to give him some tips.

"You need to get them under control. Granger is to overbearing. The boy is smart, but she can't accept that. Rather than treating him as a peer, she treats him the way she treats the Weasley boy. We need her to back off.

The Weasley boy's real problem that I've seen is his attitude. Nothing matters to him but what he wants. And he isn't willing to work for any of it. He annoys the boy with his behaviour.

And, I know about your plans for a future relationship between the Potter boy and the Weasley girl. That isn't going to happen if she continues on like she is. That girl is nothing but a brat. I take no joy in saying that, I understand why you chose her, but she is just like Molly. She has zero connection to reality, and the only way that she stands a chance at getting together with the boy with her current attitude is if she uses more than his body weight in amortentia. That girl needs a reality check."

Albus nodded. He knew the three kids had issues, but he also knew Alastor was being honest. Alastor might be paranoid, but he really did have an ability to judge people accurately, that was one of the things that made him such a successful auror.

"I know. Both Ronald and Ginevra are currently seeing mind healers, but I'm not sure what else I can do."

"Leave it to me. You are trying to do to much at once. Focus on the tournament, the school, and the politics. Leave the kids to me, I'll get them in line."

All of a sudden, Albus relaxed. He was sure that if anyone could get those three under control, it would be Alastor. He wouldn't take any back talk from them, or Molly.

October 30, 2004

After an incredibly long, yet somehow short month, the day finally arrived for the other two schools to arrive. Hadrian was both nervous and excited as he, along with his friends, made their way down to the grounds.

Hadrian was still keeping a daily watch on the map and was relieved to see that there was no evidence of Barty Crouch Jr. anywhere near the school. He was still worried, but he was slowly growing more confident that he would be able to go through this year like every other student.

He smiled as he heard all the excited muttering when the carriage came into view. He had already received a letter from Marie telling him that she had been selected for the delegation from Beauxbaton. He had promised her that he would show her around.

After the carriage had landed, and the students had gotten off, Hadrian was able to see both Marie and Fleur. Before he could get Marie's attention they were escorted inside out of the cold.

Next came the boat from Durmstrang. It was even more impressive than Hadrian remembered, but that was expected since his memories were blurred and he couldn't always clearly see everything. It was easy enough to identify Viktor, he was being kept close by Karkaroff.

Going back inside, Hadrian rubbed warmth into his hands while going to take his seat. It took him a moment after sitting down to realize that something was off. Looking up, he saw that no one had sat beside him. Normally, Luna was on one side, and he had another friend on the other. Looking around, he caught Theo's eye.

"Luna told us not to sit next to you." Theo said simply. Over the years, those like Theo had picked up on how often Luna spoke the truth, even before anything happened. They had all guessed that she had some seer blood so they listened to her. There was a reason they had been sorted into the house of the wise after all.

When Hadrian looked to Luna, who had chosen to sit directly across from him, she smiled.

"Hadrian!" Came an excited voice from behind him.

Looking back he saw Marie practically bouncing towards him. Fleur following elegantly behind her.

"Hello Marie, Hello Fleur. Please, have a seat." Hadrian made sure to be as charming as he could.

"Marci." Fleur smiled as she sat to his left while Marie bounced into the seat on his right.

Dinner at the Ravenclaw table was calm and happy. Hadrian made sure to introduce everyone to the two girls, letting the others know that Marie was his cousin.

When the bouillabaisse ran out, before Fleur was subjected to having to go and ask the likes of Ron, Hadrian showed her the trick of asking the house elves for more by tapping his wand on the edge of the bowl. As soon as he did so, he saw a few of the others up and down the table use the same method to request refills on food and drinks.

When the Durmstrang students walked into the hall to find a place to sit they new exactly where they were supposed to go. Headmaster Karkaroff had made sure that they all knew that they were supposed to only associate with the Slytherin students.

Viktor sighed silently. He hated how Karkaroff tried to control them all, him especially. The constant attempts of people like Karkaroff trying to take credit for his success was a near constant annoyance.

Looking around once he entered the hall, he tried to see if he could spot anyone he knew. He kind of wanted to see Autumn again, but he wasn't able to see her, there were just to many students.

He knew that he was going to have to go and sit with the Slytherins either way, so he looked to the green table. His eyes were immediately drawn to the bright white blonde hair. At least he could sit next to someone he knew. The last thing he wanted to deal with was some grovelling fan.

"Hello Draco, is this seat empty?" Viktor asked as he walked over to the boy.

"Sure, have a seat Viktor." Draco smiled as the world famous quidditch star sat next to him. He could already see the surprise on his housemates faces that he knew Viktor. "Welcome to Hogwarts."

"It's very nice." Viktor smiled as he looked around. "Are the others not in your house?"

"No, Hadrian is in Ravenclaw, the blue table… And he seems to have found himself two beautiful french girls." Draco laughed at his friend who was happily chatting with the two beautiful girls. "And Autumn is a Gryffindor, the red."

Victor looked to the other two. Both were happily chatting with friends and hadn't seemed to notice him. He actually liked that. They didn't see him as a fascination that required them to stare at. He figured they had time to get to know each other better over the rest of the year.

"I'll have to talk to them tomorrow."

Over at the Gryffindor table, just down the table to where Autumn was sitting talking happily with her friends were three less than happy individuals.

Hermione really didn't care about the arrival of the other schools all that much. The thing that was annoying her was that neither of the schools chose to sit with the Gryffindors. Why were they ignoring their house? There had to be a reason.

Ron had been so excited when he had seen that Viktor Krum was amongst the students. That was just so cool.

Viktor Krum. He was just so amazing. Ron was sure that they would be the best of friends. Ron knew everything there was to know about quidditch. Maybe Krum could put in a good word for him with the Chudley Cannons.

But no, Krum had had to sit with the Slytherins. Sitting next to Draco bloody Malfoy none the less. Ron knew he was going to have to warn Krum about Malfoy being a Death Eater.

Then he looked over to the Ravenclaw table to see how Harry was taking his fake friend cozying up to the famous star. He had figured he would be jealous.

But, as his eyes tracked down the table, he froze. The most beautiful girl he had ever seen was sitting there. She was perfect. He needed to have her.

Then, he noticed the perfect girl smiling at whoever was next to her. It was Harry.

Harry was sitting next to the girl Ron was going to marry and they were smiling and laughing together. What was wrong with him. Didn't Harry understand he didn't stand a chance with a girl like that, at least, not unless she was one of those that went for a guy because he was rich and famous.

Ron knew he was going to have to have a long conversation with Harry. He was supposed to marry Ginny, and Ron wasn't going to let him cheat on his sister.

Ginny, for her part, had been glaring at those two girls that sat down next to her Harry since the moment they had started to talk to him. At first, Ginny had wanted to make friends with the beautiful blond girl, Ginny wanted to know all about her beauty regimens. But then, the girl had smiled at Harry and Ginnys admiration turned to hatred.

Harry was hers, not theirs.

October 31, 2004

Walking down to the great hall on the night of samhain, Hadrian was mostly excited, and only a little nervous. It was a Sunday, so he hadn't had to worry about classes.

His papa had cast a spell on his map to make it look like a book, so Hadrian had just kept it open next to him in the library. The entire day he had been surrounded by other students, it had been his idea to make sure that he hadn't been alone all day, just in case.

The night before, he had been stressed and worried, so he had taken a sleeping potion and gone to bed right after dinner. He knew that his parents and uncles had set up a schedule of who was going to watch the map and when, so he knew that they would be able to see if anything happened.

He also suspected from the exhausted looks on Fred and Georges faces they had both stayed up and watched too. Hadrian was relatively confident.

Since there still was no sign of Barty, he was pretty sure he was safe. Barty had only added his name last time because Voldemort had told him too. But, Barty had only spoken to him because Pettigrew had been looking after him. Since Pettigrew was in Azkaban, Hadrian didn't know if Barty even knew that Voldemort had survived. He really didn't know what was going to happen this time.

Throughout the meal Hadrian talked and joked slightly with those around him, but he was still on edge. He knew that he hadn't put his name in, so if worse came to worse, and his name did come out, he had a plan.

Everyone watched with baited breath as the goblet of fire flamed brightly and the headmaster grabbed the first piece of paper. When he announce that the champion from Durmstrang was Viktor Krum, everyone cheered. Hadrian watched as he made his way towards the side room. His face a mask of forced calm.

Next came Fleur's name. Hadrian gave her an encouraging smile as she forced herself to be calm before getting up. Like always, Fleur looked perfectly put together as she followed Viktor into the room.

Most of the students of Hogwarts cheered as Cedric's name came out next. Both Fred and George, who had been sitting next to Cedric happily cheered, each giving him a congratulatory kiss on his cheeks, for some reason this made Hadrian angry. Cedric pushed the twins away laughing before he followed the others.

Hadrian was just starting to relax when the goblet flared again. Ice formed in his chest as Dumbledore read out 'Hadrian Potter-Black'. He would have been impressed with the headmaster actually using his name for once if circumstances were different.

He couldn't move. Hadrian just sat there and stared. This wasn't possible. Barty Crouch hadn't been in the school. No one else would have put his name in the cup, would they? Was there another follower in the school that he didn't know about?

Eventually, he had to move, slowly getting up and walking to the front of the hall on shaky legs.

"I didn't put my name in there." Hadrian said loudly as soon as he got close.

"Just go into the other room my boy. We will talk about it there." Albus twinkled. Finally, he had the boy where he wanted him. He could already hear murmurs that the boy had somehow cheated.

"I didn't put my name in there, I don't want to compete. And, I'm underage." Hadrian tried again.

"Just go into the other room Harry. I will talk to you there." Albus was getting annoyed once again. Why wouldn't the boy just do what he was told for once?

Hadrian could hear the whispers of cheater behind him, he needed to deal with this now. He couldn't let the headmaster or his pawns turn everyone against him.

Grabbing his wand, Hadrian turned to the student body and spoke in a calm, if slightly high, voice.

"I Hadrian Jameson Charlus Potter-Black do solemnly swear on my magic that I did not put my name in the goblet of fire. I did not ask anyone to put my name in the goblet of fire. I do not know who put my name in the goblet of fire. I do not want to compete in the triwizard tournament and only will if under duress or forced. So mote it be." With that said, Hadrian cast an over powered lumos, a brilliant white light came from the tip of his wand, momentarily blinding everyone in the hall.

It was only after he heard the whispers of shock that he turned, and without even looking at Dumbledore made his way to the side room.

Walking into the side room, Hadrian felt his hands start to shake. He was completely numb. This couldn't be happening.

"Hadrian?"

Hadrian looked up to see Cedric looking at him in concern. It was just to much. Cedric couldn't die again. He wouldn't be able to handle it. This time around, Hadrian and Cedric had a close personal friendship. He couldn't watch his friend die, he wouldn't watch his friend die.

Once again, Hadrian pulled his wand again. "I Hadrian Jameson Charlus Potter-Black do solemnly swear on my magic that I did not put my name in the goblet of fire. I did not ask anyone to put my name in the goblet of fire. I do not know who put my name in the goblet of fire. I do not want to compete in the triwizard tournament and only will if under duress or forced. So mote it be."

The others just stared for a moment after the light faded.

"Hadrian, are you saying that your name just came out of the goblet?" Viktor asked, stunned.

Hadrian opened and closed his mouth a few times before he just settled for nodding. His voice seemed to have momentarily abandoned him.

Fleur looked at the boy that had taken the time to be kind to her little sister and make her feel comfortable. He looked completely terrified. His hands were shaking, his face was as white as a sheet, and his overly large eyes looked like they were getting close to tears. Rushing forward, she wrapped her arms around him and started to rub his back, whispering calming platitudes to him as she tried to calm the younger boy.

When Albus and the others came into the room they saw a united front. Fleur was wrapped around Hadrian, while both Cedric and Viktor stood to either side, practically glaring at the adults.

"What are you going to do about this?" Fleur demanded when she heard the adults walk in.

"Harry, did you put your name in the goblet?" Albus asked calmly.

"Are you insane Albus?" Severus demanded. He was furious at the headmaster as he walked over to his son to stand between the headmaster and him. Grateful that Fleur was there to comfort him while Severus dealt with the headmaster.

"He has already proven he didn't have anything to do with this with that vow he made to the entire great hall." Sirius growled as he went to join Severus. The two men standing like a wall in front of Hadrian.

Albus wanted to curse the brat for that. The students had just started to doubt the boy when he made that vow and destroyed all that. As he had sent the students back to their dorms he had heard them whispering questions about who would do something like this. All convinced someone had been trying to hurt the boy. He had even heard a few question if it had anything to do with the Death Eater attack during the summer.

"I know about the vow, I was there too Sirius. But I need to know, Harry, is this your signature?" Albus held out the piece of parchment.

Hadrian slipped from Fleur's arms and in between Sirius and his papa to take the paper. Looking at it, he recognized his signature, but he knew he hadn't signed anything for anyone.

Then he noticed that the edges on two sides were ripped. Flipping it over he saw, 'Avalon… 592 when…Saxon'.

"This is from my history report on Merlin and King Arthur." Hadrian said in shock.

"What?" Severus took it to look.

"But is it your signature?" Albus asked again, keeping his voice soft, trying to pretend sympathy.

"Yes, but it's the corner of my history report." Hadrian gave the man a look. He couldn't really expect to force Hadrian to compete because of that, could he?

"But it is your signature, and that is the issue. I will see what I can do, but if we can't find anything you will have to compete." Albus said.

"But he didn't put his name in." Cedric said in confusion before he started getting angry. "Are you really saying that all someone would have had to do is take the names off kids assignments and that would be enough? You said there were protections. You personally drew the age line. Are you telling us now that it was all useless and that you really didn't do anything to protect the younger years?"

"Watch your tone Diggory." Moody growled.

"I agree with him completely." Sirius snarled back. "I want all those questions and more answered. It was your job to protect the students of this school, are you saying you didn't, Albus?"

Albus chose to ignore Sirius. He would only end up cursing the man if he responded. "Why don't you go up to bed my boy, you have class tomorrow."

"No, I want answers." Hadrian demanded. "I refuse to compete. As I have already proven, I did not put my name in the goblet, therefore I will not be competing. But, I want you to say it before I will go to bed."

Albus just stared at the boy. Where was this attitude coming from, didn't he understand that he was talking to Albus Dumbledore, greatest wizard since Merlin. "Unfortunately there is nothing I can do at the moment. I promise that I will look into it my boy, but you will have to compete for now."

"No he won't. I'm withdrawing him. Since he is under age, he would have needed permission from Sirius or I. Since we didn't give permission, he will not be competing." Severus said as he put the parchment in his pocket.

"That won't work my boy." Albus fought to keep his tone level. "The ICW is in charge of the rules that govern the triwizard tournament since it is an international competition. There is a law that states that if a name is drawn, then the person must compete. He can not withdraw, and you can't withdraw him. If Harry refuses to compete he will be stripped of his magic."

"When did that become a law?" Cedric asked in confusion as all the others were looking at the headmaster in shock. "I looked up all sorts of different rules and regulations before I even considered competing, just to make sure I knew my rights. That wasn't in any books I saw. In fact, during the last triwizard tournament before this one they had to redraw a few times because two of the three first selected changed their minds. So, if what you just said is true, then it has to be brand new."

Sirius was pleased that Cedric was such a hard working student that thought through everything. "Well, Albus? When did this become a law?"

Albus was stuck. "It was passed by the ICW during the summer. There was nothing I could do to stop it."

"Oh don't even try that Albus, you are the supreme mugwump of the ICW. You are in charge. Nothing happens there without your permission. If that was passed, it was passed with your permission."

"So I'm not being given a choice because of you?" Hadrian demanded of the headmaster.

"How would it look if Britains saviour withdrew? You are a hero, you might prefer otherwise, but to the people you are a hero. You wouldn't want to let them down would you? You're a Hogwarts champion." Albus said to the boy, trying both the guilt and ego route.

"Are you kidding me?" Hadrian all but shouted. "Cedric is the Hogwarts champion, not me. I don't want to be. And, I don't care what people might think. I am a 14 year old student, not some mythical wonder child. I'm not going to willingly risk my life for your entertainment."

"Now my boy…" Albus started to try and get the boy to calm down, he couldn't have anyone blaming him for this.

"Don't even." Hadrian snarled. "I was entered into a deadly competition, while underage, because you didn't do your job of ensuring something like this couldn't happen. And now, you're telling me I'm not being given the chance to withdraw my name because you, as supreme mugwump of the ICW, passed a law that makes it so I will lose my magic if I do.

I'm going to write a few letters to my Uncle Sebastian to get him looking into how to counter your failures, then, I'm going to bed."

Hadrian glanced to his papa, who nodded in encouragement, before turning and storming from the room.

"I'm with him. I'm going to go and write to my parents to see if there's anything they can do." Fleur said in a furious voice as she turned to follow Hadrian out. Fleur's father was a very high up member of the French ministry. She didn't think there was anything he could do, but it would at least make sure the world knew just how incompetent Albus Dumbledore was.

Viktor and Cedric looked at each other, before turning to glare at Dumbledore, before they too left.

Once Hadrian was gone, Sirius and Severus once again turned on Albus, but this time they weren't alone.

"I must agree Dumbledore. You assured us that something like this couldn't happen." Madame Olympe Maxime said. "Now you say that not only did your protections fail, but now we have a fourth champion, an unwilling, under age, fourth champion. And you, personally, have removed his families ability to withdraw him. This is unconscionable. He is a boy."

"I understand Olympe…" Albus started.

"I don't think you do Albus. This is unacceptable." Sirius added his support to the woman.

"There was no way this could have been foreseen. This was clearly done by some brilliant Death Eater that has managed to stay hidden here for years, or maybe, came in with one of the other schools." Alastor growled as he glared at the other two headmasters, giving Albus cover.

The adults continued to argue about who was to blame, never managing to come up with any real answers, despite Sirius and Severus's efforts.

When Hadrian walked out the door, his mind a mess of fear and anger, he ended up walking directly into Fred and George who had been waiting outside of the room.

"Hadrian?" Fred asked quietly.

Hadrian just pressed his face into the taller boys chest. Fred wrapped his arms around him as he felt Hadrian shaking.

George looked to the other three as they came out, all clearly furious. "What happened?"

"The headmaster is forcing him to compete or lose his magic." Cedric couldn't believe this. He was a naturally easy going guy, but right now he was furious.

Fleur walked forward and rubbed Hadrians back for a moment before she pulled back. "I'm going to go write to my family. My father is in the french ministry, I don't know if there's anything he can do about this. But, he might be able to get Dumbledore in trouble with the international community. It might be useful to get him off the ICW."

"I'll join you." Viktor said. "My family isn't overly influential in politics, but I know plenty of people with power that would be happy to use this against that man to stop him."

"Thank you both." George said as the two walked away. He was grateful they were going to do what they could to help them destroy that mans reputation.

"I'm gonna go with them too. Like Krum, my family might not be overly powerful politically, but my dad is more than willing to fight with anyone he thinks has done something wrong. He'll make sure to give the headmaster a good public thrashing." Cedric smirked at the twins, knowing they knew just what kind of man his father was before he rushed after the others, leaving the twins alone with Hadrian.

"Let's go to the ROR." George said as he and Fred steered Hadrian to the room.

Once they were in the room Hadrian looked them in the eyes for the first time, before he managed to speak.

"I don't know… I don't want… I…I…"

Seeing Hadrian getting closer and closer to a panic attack, George knew he had to do something. He couldn't bear to see Hadrian fall apart like this, he wasn't that strong.

Making a snap decision, George stepped into Hadrians personal space and kissed him as passionately as he was capable.

All the panic and fear was just gone. All that existed to Hadrian was the twins. Georges lips made the rest of the world just disappear. He was burning. He was lost. He was happy.

George eventually pulled back to breathe. He had never hated his need to breathe more.

Hadrian was dazed. Blinking slowly he looked up at a clearly smug George. Before he could say anything, he was gently turned.

When George pulled back, Fred stepped up behind Hadrian and gently turned him around. Swooping down, he captured Hadrians lips in another kiss.

If George was being burned, Fred was falling. Hadrian felt his toes curl as Fred kissed him sweet and slow, yet just as thoroughly.

Like his brother, he eventually had to pull back. Hadrian just looked at the two of them before a goofy grin started to work its way across his face.

"You know, we had plans. We were going to start courting you properly next year. But… Seeing you so lost, I couldn't resist." George explained.

He and Fred had started planning how to court Hadrian when they were only 11, before they had even met him.

"We hope you don't mind?" Fred added smugly, the grin on Hadrians face made him convinced he wasn't going to give them a hard time about it.

"Mind… I don't mind." Hadrian managed to get out.

"Come, we need to talk about things." George said as he ushered Hadrian and his twin over to the large soft couch, the couch actually reminded the twins of the one that was in the sitting area in their trunk.

The boys spent the next half hour talking about what they were going to do. Neither Fred or George wanted to rush this, even though Hadrian wasn't apposed to moving a little quicker than the twins were planning.

Fred and George wanted to do this properly, and that meant getting formal permission from his family. And to do that, they would need to take time. But, Hadrian was willing to do this their way since it seemed to mean so much to them.

The three boys were all cuddling on the couch, Hadrian sleeping lightly on George, when Sirius and Severus walked in. The twins had known that they would be looking for them so they had made it so they could get into the room, but no one else.

"Here he is. We were starting to worry when we couldn't find him on the map." Sirius said, keeping his voice down when he saw that Hadrian had worn himself out. It was more than understandable with how emotional this had been.

"How is he?" Severus asked as he walked forward. A chair appearing in front of the couch so he could sit.

"Scared. What happened?" Fred said.

"He didn't tell you?" Severus asked, slightly surprised given just how open Hadrian was with the twins.

"Cedric said he was being forced to compete by Dumbledore. But we wanted to distract him so we've just been talking about other things. Oh, and Fleur, Viktor, and Cedric have all written home to see if their families can help using their influence and power." George told the two men.

"That might help. I can't believe we missed this. We took control of our government, but we completely forgot that old fool was in control of the ICW." Severus sighed, like his son he was exhausted. It had just been such a stressful day. And it wasn't over yet. He still had to go home and tell James.

"You three need to get to bed. It's almost your curfew. The last thing we need is any of you getting into trouble, Dumbledore would use that to make this even harder if he could." Sirius sighed, he really didn't want to make Hadrian get up, but they couldn't risk Albus learning he had been out after hours.

Fred and George just nodded. They didn't want to let Hadrian go, but they knew they had to.

Sirius guided Fred and George back to Hufflepuff, while Severus took a still sleepy Hadrian. While they walked Severus told him all he could, but there really wasn't much to say. After the students had left all that had really happened was arguments, nothing had been achieved.

Arriving at the dorm, Hadrian went in, Severus following him just to make sure none of the students gave him a hard time.

In the dorm, every student was waiting, Filius had joined them. Seeing them, everyone started talking, but Hadrian was slightly distracted as Luna practically danced towards him, enveloping him in a bone crushing hug, whispering in his ear that it was going to be ok.

"Ah, good good, you're here." Filius smiled momentarily at his student and co-worker. "We were all just talking about how you were going to be withdrawn."

Hadrian sighed and just shook his head.

"What do you mean? You didn't enter. Just withdraw." Came a voice from further back.

"But how would it look if Britains saviour withdrew?" Hadrian asked sarcastically.

"What?" Filius snarled, his goblin heritage coming out. "Are you saying the headmaster actually said that?"

Hadrian nodded.

"Severus?" Filius looked to his co-worker, seeing just how worn out his student was.

"Apparently the ICW passed a law this summer stating that anyone who's name came out was required to compete regardless of their willingness." Severus explained.

All the students were furious. Hadrian was one of theirs, how dare someone endanger him.

"But the headmaster is the head of the ICW." Roger Davis said in confusion.

"Indeed." Severus said, his voice clearly showing his opinion.

"If he doesn't compete?" Nox asked.

"His magic will be stripped." Severus said simply.

Everyone gasped in horror.

"But wouldn't it only count if it was his signature. It had to have been a forgery, so wouldn't it be the person that forged his signature that is bound?" One of the older students asked.

"Who ever did this ripped Hadrian's name from his history report that he turned in a few days ago. So, it is technically his signature." Severus answered.

"What about the other champions?" Cho asked, her mind drifting to Cedric.

"All three sided with Hadrian and have gone to write to their families to see if their's anything they can do, but we don't have much hope." Severus sighed.

This was really freaking the students out. Severus might not be as harsh as he had been before, but he was still strict. But right now, it was clear he was scared. And, seeing someone as strong as their potions professor scared terrified them.

"I think that is enough." Filius said before anyone could ask any more questions, Hadrian looked on the verge of collapse. "I will have the law section of our houses library expanded and we will see if anyone can find any way around the headmasters stupidity. Now, off to bed."

All the students nodded their agreement with both points. Many were already planning to start going through law books to see if there was any way they could help their house mate.

Everyone got one final shock of the evening as the cold and strict potions professor hugged their housemate before kissing him on the forehead and sending him to bed.

Great Hall - November 1, 2004

Hadrian didn't want to get up the day after the drawing. He was just so frustrated.

Walking into the great hall he heard as the whispers started up instantly. Thankfully they seemed to be on his side and not blaming him. Theo and Nox had both taken up their place to either side of him and walked him to his usual seat before they went to sit across from him.

"How are you doing this morning?" Marie asked him from next to Luna.

Hadrian just shrugged before he started picking at his food.

Fred and George moved over to the Ravenclaw table to put him between them. Pomona looked down to see two of her students at the wrong table, glancing to Filius, they both silently agreed that there was no point in trying to make the twins return to their table. The twins weren't going to leave their friend, and they both felt that Hadrian could use their support right now.

About half way through breakfast the great hall doors slammed open and the school board came marching in following James, although Molly and Hestia did not seem to be happy about having to follow him.

"I wasn't aware that we were having a meeting today?" Albus said in a false confident voice.

"You should have expected one." Narcissa muttered, glaring at the headmaster before she sent a small smile to Hadrian and another to Draco.

"We are here to discuss the mess that has been made here." James said coldly. He was standing just behind Hadrian and laid his hand on his sons shoulder and gave it a supportive squeeze. Giving both Fred and George a grateful look for their comforting of Hadrian.

"This is really being blown out of proportion." Albus tried to downplay everything.

"Blown out of proportion? Are you kidding me?" Alice snarled. "All those security measures you assured us you had created were bypassed by someone simply ripping off a students name from an assignment and then submitting it. Anyones name could have been submitted. And now you won't let him withdraw. This is a mess plain and simple."

Before anyone could say anything the mail arrived, many owls carrying copies of The Daily Prophet and The Oracle. The Oracle was the name of the daily newsletter that Pandora had started to get people the news without the slant the Prophet had. It had only started publishing a few weeks before and it was already actively competing with the Prophet.

Both papers top story was what had happened the night before. Both, making it clear that something had gone wrong. But The Oracle had more information. Covering Hadrian's vow and even mentioning the ICW change, forcing Hadrian to compete against his will.

Albus glanced at the papers and sighed, he had wanted the presses attention, but not about this. He was going to have to do some fast talking. The only good thing was that he still had the boy where he wanted him.

"Why don't we head up to my office to discuss this. The students have class to attend." Albus got up and slipped out the side door much quicker than most would think a man of his advanced years could, leaving the school board no choice but to follow if they wanted to talk to him.

James and the other governors quickly greeted their children before heading after him.

Headmaster's Office

Once everyone reached the office, which was a little cramped with the number of people there, chairs were summoned and everyone sat down.

"Would you care to explain just how this happened?" James demanded as he glared at the old fool.

"There was a slight misunderstanding." Albus said as he patted down his beard.

"A slight misunderstanding? A 14 year old was entered into a deadly competition. A competition that we were assured would be restricted to only of age students." Alice said, forcing herself to remain calm as she knew that James was already furious enough for all of them.

"It was just a small accident, everything will be fine." Albus tried again.

"Are you out of your mind old man. You swore to us that nothing like this would happen, and then it happened. Hadrian is 14. This competition was specifically designed for 17 year olds. They have three more years of education than he does. How do you expect him to be able to compete? Since you have refused to tell anyone what the tasks are we have no idea what that poor boy is going to be forced to face." Narcissa, like Alice was forcing herself to remain calm, but she was furious that Albus was endangering Hadrian, again.

"Harry will be just fine I'm sure. He's a hero after all." Molly huffed. She really didn't see what the others were going on about. This was just a chance for Harry to prove himself worthy of her baby girl.

"He is a student, not some 'hero' as you say." James growled, looking to the annoying woman. "How would you feel if it had been your son Ronald? The boys are the same age. Would you feel comfortable letting your child compete in a competition that has previously proven lethal?"

Molly paled slightly thinking of her baby being in danger. "The headmaster wouldn't let that happen. The students are perfectly safe."

"He also said that underage students wouldn't be able to compete, yet here we are. If we can't trust him with that how do you think we can trust him to keep the champions safe?" Alice asked simply.

"There is another issue we are also going to need to address." Amos Diggory said before Molly could start shouting like she usually did whenever anyone dared to disagree with her. "Not only has an underage student been entered, now we also learn that you removed the students ability to withdraw."

Albus looked at Amos, not really seeing what he was on about. "It was the ICW, not me."

"You should know that I looked into that after I received a letter from my son last night. From what I have found that rule was passed during a private meeting of the ICW that you yourself chaired just this summer. It wouldn't have even been able to be put forward without your approval.

While Hadrian's case is of the most importance here, since he was entered against his will, this effects all the students. What if something had come up? You have effectively imprisoned four students in this little scheme of yours." Amos said angrily.

"I must agree." Everyone looked to see Amelia Bones standing next to the fire. She had come in while the others were yelling at the headmaster so no one had noticed her arrival.

"What brings you here Amelia?" Albus asked in a tight voice.

"The same thing that brings the board here I do believe." Amelia walked forward and summoned her own seat. "This mess of Hadrian Potter-Black being entered into, and forced to compete in, this tournament of yours."

"This has nothing to do with the DMLE." Molly said, slightly confused by Amelia's arrival.

"Actually, it does. Entering someone into a deadly competition like this could be considered attempted murder, especially when you take Hadrian's age into account. With the reemergence of Death Eaters just a few months ago it would be foolish of my department to overlook a possible attempt on young Hadrian's life." Amelia gave Albus a cold calculating look. "Lord Peverell, I will be submitting a written request to interview your heir later today. This is not something I intend to take lightly."

"I will make the arrangements for a meeting Madame Bones." James said equally formally.

"Does the board have any plans?" Amelia asked.

"I was planning on formally requesting that one of our members be given free access to the school at all times to monitor this… tournament." James said.

"I like that idea." Amos said thoughtfully. "Given that it is your heir that the headmasters carelessness has placed in danger I would suggest that it is you as you would be able to be trusted to be the most vigilant."

James nodded his gratitude to the man.

Albus saw an opportunity. He had tried to get Sebastian assigned as one of the judges after Bartemius had been killed, but hadn't managed it. He needed the man around if he wanted to get him involved with Lily. "You would be more than welcome to take a more active roll in the school Sebastian."

"Wonderful. I will assign two of my aurors to you." Amelia smiled. "I was planning on requesting that they just patrol the school, but if you are going to be here the three of you could work together to spot, and fix, any weaknesses you see."

"We already have Alastor and Nymphadora here. We won't be needing your aurors." Albus said quickly, not wanting any of those Amelia would trust in his school.

"That isn't something you should brag about Albus." Amelia said, giving the man a disparaging look. "Given that this possible attempt on Mr. Potter-Black's life occurred while both were in residence it is clear they aren't up to the task. No, I will be assigning proper aurors."

"I think we all, or at least most of us, would be willing to agree with that." Alice said, sparing Molly a slight glance, knowing that the woman wouldn't support the idea.

As the governors were getting ready to leave, James used the cover of the crowd to send a scanning spell at Fawkes. When Severus had first said that somehow Albus had the phoenix back they had all worried. Looking at the spell James let out a sigh of relief when the species results came back as a common barn owl. He had to admit Albus was clever. For anyone who didn't know about his loss of the phoenix it would look as if they were still bonded.

November 13, 2004

Hadrian sighed as he made his way to what he knew was going to be the weighing of the wands. The past few weeks had actually been pretty good, but there had still been a small part of him that was terrified.

The weekend after the school governors had arrived to yell at the headmaster his papa and dad had taken him out of school so that he could go to the DMLE and give his statement. It had of course been leaked to the press that the DMLE suspected this to be some intricate assassination plot. That just served to make everyone at school treat him like he was made of glass and would shatter at any moment.

With both his dad and papa now being at the school practically everyday Hadrian felt safer, and he liked being able to see his dad more, but he knew there was nothing they could really do for him. He was going to have to compete, but at least he knew what was coming.

Lately, Hadrian had been considering seeing about getting the other three champions to work together. He thought that it would be a good way to make connections around the world. Also, it could only help him to be friends with those he was being forced to compete against. And this time he had a basis of friendship with all the others.

Entering the room he looked around. Spotting the others he went towards them. But he was stopped when Rita Skeeter herself all but jumped in front of him. "Hello dearie. Just the boy I was looking for." Hadrian could see the greed shining in the woman's eyes as she grabbed his arm tightly, starting to drag him to a small door in the side of the room. "Why don't we just have a little chat?"

"No." James walked up behind his son and extracted his arm from the woman's talons. "Hadrian is not going anywhere alone with anyone."

As James spoke Kingsley had walked up behind him. Kings had been one of the aurors assigned to the school along with Auror Proudfoot.

"We were just going to have a talk." Rita said innocently, although no one believed her. "It's why I'm here after all."

"All interviews will be conducted here. You remember that don't you Rita dear, or is your memory going." Tamsin said as she walked over.

Rita had been selected to report for the Prophet, much to everyones annoyance, while Tamsin was reporting for The Quibbler and The Oracle. The two women had often competed against each other and had built up a rather large rivalry.

Seeing Rita was distracted Hadrian quickly slipped past her and all but ran to the others.

"What was that about?" Viktor asked as he moved to block the smaller boy from the grabby woman's view.

"That is Rita Skeeter." Hadrian told Viktor and Fleur, Cedric already knew. "Be careful around her. Rita loves drama and twists everything to fit her idea of exciting. That is if she doesn't just make it up. If she ever interviews you make sure she isn't using that quick quotes quill of hers, it makes things up just as much as she does."

"My dad wrote me to warn me to be wary of her when he heard The Prophet was sending her. Apparently she's been harassing my parents trying to get them to say they're mad at Hadrian for stealing my 'moment of glory'." Cedric whispered to the others.

"We understand." Fleur said, she had met more than her fair share of people like that.

Viktor nodded. As a quidditch star he was used to gossip journalists making things up about him and he knew how best to shut them down.

Eventually, the champions were called forward for their wands to be checked. Fleur, Viktor, and Cedric's wands were quickly approved. Then it was Hadrians turn.

As Hadrian stepped forward and removed his wand from his wrist holster Ollivander was practically bouncing in his seat. "Ahh yes. I remember this wand. One of my finest creations. You were a tricky customer weren't you?"

Hadrian didn't respond as Ollivander seemed to be talking to the wand more than him. The odd man gently took the wand in his fingertips. Handling it with the utmost care. A tiny little flick resulted in brilliant mini starburst forming all around the room.

"Yes yes, still in perfect working order." Ollivander declared before handing the wand back.

While Hadrian was focused on the wand maker and his wand James noticed to look on Dumbledore's face as he stared at his sons wand. This wasn't good. Dumbledore now knew that Hadrian hadn't gotten the wand that was the brother's to Voldemort's.

Albus just stared at the wand. That wasn't the wand that he had had Garrick make. The boy was supposed to have the brother wand to Voldemort. Why didn't he have the right wand?

With the wand checks done all that was left was to answer a few questions and take a few pictures. Hadrian made sure to say just how upset he was that he was being forced to compete against his will and that no one knew who had entered his name yet. He didn't want anyone to think that he had wanted this. Although he knew Rita would take whatever he said out of context, like she always did, he at least had faith that Tamsin would be honest.

The others all offered their support and Kings even confirmed that the aurors saw this as a crime and were looking for evidence, going so far as to seize Hadrian's history report, leaving a copy to be marked. Hadrian was pleased by all this, although he made sure not to let on to much, the last thing he needed was Rita's camera man getting a picture of him looking smug.

With all that done, they were finally free to leave.

November 16, 2004

After dinner a few days later Hadrian decided it was time to go for a walk down by the forbidden forrest to see if the dragons had arrived yet, while also giving him an excuse about how he had known about the task. Hadrian often went for walks on his own, so it wouldn't seem suspicious.

Down just past Hagrid's hut, Hadrian slipped on his invisibility cloak and walked towards the clearing. And they were there. Four large nesting mother dragons. Dumbledore was insane.

But, this was what Hadrian wanted. Walking back out beside the lake, Hadrian called Hedwig. This would be a good excuse to get the others to start working together.

Hadrian tied three small notes to her leg, requesting that each of the other three meet him down by the lake. Giving Hedwig a pet and a treat he let her go about her business. He also requested that they come alone and make sure they weren't followed. Each now had their own little group of stalkers.

Hadrian was sitting, lost in thought when the others arrived.

"Hadrian, what's going on?" Cedric asked as he and the others got close. They were far enough away from the school that they knew they were alone.

Hadrian slipped his map back into his pocket, he had been making sure no one had been followed.

"There was something I wanted to talk to you all about. I know what the first task is. I was thinking that we should work together some. I don't mean we should share everything, but we could brainstorm and study together at least. In spite of what everyone says, about how they understand what we're going through, they really don't. The only ones here that can understand is each of us.

I just think that it would be better if we were here to support each other. I know this is a competition, but that doesn't stop us from working together. Regardless of that we will still have to complete the tasks alone." Hadrian said.

"What's wrong? You seem worried." Cedric said in confusion. He was used to Hadrians little oddities, but this was something new.

"I have no problem with studying together. I actually think it might be fun." Fleur was happy that Hadrian had suggested it. She was finding it really hard to work in the carriage with all the other students in her grade constantly bothering her and giving her their opinions. If she worked with the other three at least she could know that they had the ability to understand her thoughts.

"I'm good with it, but what is the task? And how did you figure it out?" Viktor said.

"I go for walks to clear my head sometimes. I was doing that and heard something. Something I wouldn't subject my worst enemy to. Follow me." Hadrian got up and led the others to the clearing.

All three froze as they saw the dragons. They couldn't even make a sound as the horntail sent a giant jet of fire towards the sky.

Fleur was frozen in fear. Dragons. They wanted her to do something with a dragon. Were they out of their minds? Then, she didn't know what happened. All of a sudden her eyes were drawn away from the dragons.

There was a man. The most beautiful man she had ever seen. He was tall, with long fire red hair tied back, and a fang in his ear. He was walking with another man that looked a bit like him, but she only had eyes for the tall man.

"We need to get out of here." Hadrian said as he saw the trainers leaving their tents heading back to the dragons.

Grabbing the others he started to pull them away, shocking them all into focus. They silently followed him back to the lake.

"What do they expect us to do with dragons?" Cedric asked in a voice that was much higher than normal.

"I don't know, but I think it will involve getting something from them. I overheard some of the handlers complaining earlier. Apparently they were specifically requested to bring nesting mothers. I figure it means it has something to do with the eggs." Hadrian wanted to give the others an idea, but not let them know what was happening. He needed to get them to guess on their own while keeping his story plausible.

"Are they insane?" Viktor questioned. "Mother dragons will rip us apart if we try to get anywhere near their nests."

The four ended up sitting silently at the lake until just before curfew. All caught in their own thoughts. Before heading back to their own dorms they agreed to meet in the library the next day. Cedric knew of a secret study nook on the fourth floor that they could use without being disturbed. Since Hadrian was only a fourth year he could only go up to the fifth level, so they needed to stay below there.

Study Nook - November 21, 2004

Three days before the first task Hadrian sat in the study area Cedric had showed them. Hadrian and Cedric were sitting together going over books on dragons while they waited for Viktor and Fleur.

When Fleur did arrive she was weighed down with books.

"Where did you get all those?" Cedric asked as he looked at the girl. They had already searched the entire library for every book they could find.

"Madame Maxime." Fleur practically groaned in relief as she set down the dozen books her head mistress had just shoved into her arms. "I think this is her way of telling me what the task is."

Fleur held up a book that displayed a nesting dragon on the cover.

"Well, let's get to work." Hadrian said as he grabbed one of the books.

Each of them had been reading different books, making point form notes on anything they found. Then they would make copies of the notes and hand them out so everyone had copies of the information.

Each had only managed to get a few pages in when Viktor came to join them. He had a contemplative look on his face.

"What happened Viktor?" Fleur asked.

"Headmaster Karkaroff has learned about the dragons. He just pulled me aside and told me he found them last night. He suggested that I use a conjunctivitis curse aimed at its eyes." Viktor said.

The others looked thoughtful, but Hadrian looked hesitant. He had just remembered that the last time that had resulted in the destruction of many of the eggs.

"What's wrong Hadrian?" Viktor asked as he sat down to grab one of the books from the pile.

"It's just… Don't you think that would make things worse. I mean, the conjunctivitis curse hurts doesn't it. Wouldn't a blind, angry, in pain dragon be even more dangerous. Then you also risk the eggs getting smashed, which would only anger the dragon more."

All the others looked to Hadrian in shock.

"Yeah, I think that would get you killed." Cedric agreed with Hadrian. He already had his own idea and was just fine tuning it.

"I know, I just can't think of anything." Viktor sighed.

"I just figured you would fly" Hadrian said simply. He had decided that he was just going to use his all speak this time around, so he didn't need to fly. Plus, this time he hadn't gotten a firebolt because his nimbus had never been destroyed. And, as much as he loved his nimbus, he didn't think it could outfly an angry dragon.

"What do you mean?" Viktor asked the younger boy in surprise.

"Well, if you kinda tease the dragon until it gets up you could shoot down and do whatever it is they want us to do quickly, you have a firebolt, don't you? If your quick you should be able to do it fast enough." Hadrian shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly, hoping that Viktor would do as he suggested.

"That's kinda brilliant." Cedric said.

"Yeah, but don't you want to use that technique?" Viktor asked, the boy was already at a disadvantage, he didn't want to make things harder for him.

"I'll be fine. I know what I'm gonna do." Hadrian smiled.

"It's ok if you don't want to say, but can you at least give us a hint about what you're going to do. I really don't want to steal your idea if you might need it. We all promise we won't copy what ever you decide." Viktor said hesitantly.

"It's fine. I honestly don't think any of you could, or would copy. The thing is, I have all speak. I can literally talk to magical creatures." Hadrian explained as the others all looked at him, stunned.

"But how do you know that you can talk to dragons?" Cedric asked.

"I talked to two at my birthday."

"Hadrian, I was at your birthday party. We were in a unicorn field." Cedric said in confusion.

"No, you were in a unicorn field. Fred, George, and I got board so we snuck off to the dragon enclosure. I had a good talk with the two antipodean opaleye's that they have there." Hadrian smiled at Cedric.

"You had a birthday party with unicorns?" Viktor smiled at Hadrian.

Hadrian dropped his head as he shook it. "I let my little sisters decide where the party was held."

"You're saying the girls chose a unicorn field?" Cedric questioned in confusion.

"Well, no. Kali wanted to be with a sphinx, Ari wanted an occamy, Cas chose the griffin, and our cousin Lyra wanted hippogryfs. Lyra's was the most acceptable to our parents, but Aunt Narcissa managed to convince them to accept the unicorns."

"Ok… That sounds a lot more like them." Cedric said with a smirk.

"Would these be the same sisters that dyed you green?" Fleur smiled at him too.

"Yes." Hadrian sighed. "How about we just get back to our books."

The others all laughed, but did as he requested and went back to reading.