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Chapter Text

Dear Rory,

The last few days of the school year have felt weird without you by my side. I keep going to tell you something or hold your hand only to remember you're not there. Daphne and Malfoy seem pretty down too. Daphne was excited to hear that we became official though! Until she realized it was coming out of my mouth and not yours. Don't be surprised if you get a strongly worded howler from her. You should've seen her face. It was the color of Ron's hair (and when Malfoy pointed it out, it only got darker). I regret to inform you that nothing has changed between Ron and Daphne. They're still dancing around their feelings for each other. Hermione and Malfoy are taking baby steps in the right direction, however. Malfoy has even started calling Hermione by name. . . I suppose I should do the same, shouldn't I? This is why I need you here. You know how to be the voice of reason alongside 'Mione. 

Speaking of, 'Mione's telling me I should let you know you passed all your classes and that Gryffindor won the House Cup. Dumbledore told us (told me, really) that he was sending your marks over to Beauxbaton so they don't hold you back a term. He did mention something about Beauxbaton teaching at a faster pace than Hogwarts. Does that mean you might have fallen behind because you came here? Or did you already know most of what we went over? I suppose it doesn't matter. Beauxbaton would be able to catch you up and then you'll be back at their speed in no time. I wouldn't be surprised if you've been studying on your own now that you're home. 

How's Sirius doing, by the way? Do you know? Has he found somewhere safe to hide while we work on clearing his name? I've been trying to talk to Professor McGonagall about it in secret but she hasn't been very forthcoming with answers. I was hoping you might know something about how we should go about clearing his name. 

Hermione is telling me I'm rambling and should cut the letter here. So. I suppose this is the end of my letter. 

I miss you. 

- Harry

P.S Ron wants me to tell you Gryffindor also won the Quidditch Cup but Slytherin was a very close second.

~~~

Dear Harry,

I'd like to start this letter by prefacing that Hedwig has not gotten lost so don't fret. Da and I don't have an owl of our own so please forgive me for holding Hedwig hostage while I write you back. She's a clever little thing, that one is. She knew immediately which window was mine as opposed to Da's. She also knew immediately where I hide the snacks in my room and took it upon herself to empty my bag of crisps. I will be billing you accordingly, I'll have you know.

I'm really sorry, Harry. I wish I could've spent the last few days with you. I would've loved to lounge around the lawn with you in the sun or sneak into Hogsmeade a few more times. But I just couldn't stay at Hogwarts a second longer. Not knowing how everything went down. I don't think I could've shown my face in the Slytherin common room with the whispers about my fathers. And after my talk with Dumbledore. . .

Daphne did send me a howler. It came while we were eating dinner the other night. It made Da's ears turn a vibrant shade of red when he heard the choice words Daphne used. Needless to say, she's our number one fan and the next time we do anything remotely romantic, she should be the first to know (she wasn't too pleased that Hermione found out first either). I think I've smoothed everything out with her though. It did take quite a lot of convincing--I may or may not have agreed to doing her homework for the first month of school? I don't think she quite thought that through. Or she forgot I was returning to France. You'll have to let me know if anything changes between them at the start of the next term. My bet is on Daphne making the first move.

Don't feel pressured to call Draco anything. If you still don't trust him like you do Hermione and Ron--and I'm not judging you, I know he's done some horrible stuff to the three of you--then continue calling him Malfoy. But. You don't usually go around making friends by calling each other by their last name. It's entirely up to you, love.

Yes, Da was thrilled when we got my marks back! And yes, Beauxbaton does teach at an accelerated rate compared to Hogwarts. Don't worry, though, I was already ahead of my class before transferring so I'm sure I'll still be ahead when I get back. (Perhaps I have been studying a bit, what are you going to do about it?)

Sirius is doing wonderfully, thank you for asking. I do, in fact, know where Sirius is. He's being protected by the guard wolf in the room beside mine (wink). I'll let both of them know you wish them well when they're not being disgustingly sweet. I swear, it's like they have twelve years to make up for or something. Some days they can't even be bothered to get out of bed. Da and I have been drafting our own agenda to clear Dad's name but it might have to wait until this all dies down. The last thing we need is the Ministry being up our arse. I appreciate you roping Minnie into this. I'm sure Dad will too. 

XO Rory

P.S The next time Hermione is reading over your shoulder and thinks you're rambling, tell her I love your rambling. And then show her the length of my letter.

~~~

Dear Rory, 

You can keep Hedwig for as long as you need if that means I get a response from you. I miss hearing your voice. I suppose your handwriting is the closest thing I'll get for the time being. I'd be happy to pay for whatever snacks Hedwig eats while she's under your care. I'll send some food for her with this letter to avoid much of that with later letters. 

I'm glad Sirius is safe and doing well. I'm sorry that it's grossing you out. If it makes you feel any better, I'm miserable too. It's always miserable whenever I'm with the Dursleys. They've locked up most of my belongings again. Except, thankfully, Hedwig. I don't know what I'd do if they locked Hedwig up too. And Aunt Petunia has put us all on this diet because Dudley's teachers have said he's too big to fit in their school uniforms. We've been reduced to portions the size of my fist--I've been reduced to even less! Just this morning I got a quarter of a grapefruit while Dudley got the remaining portion. I don't know how I'm going to survive this summer. 

. . .

Not to put more on your plate, but, do you, by any chance, know when I might be able to visit? Sirius had mentioned something when we first left the Shack but I understand if the three of you want some time to yourselves. It must be nice to finally have your dad back. I hope Remus is letting you spend some time with him in between being his guard wolf. 

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Harry

~~~

Dear Harry, 

Hedwig is more than welcome to all my snacks whenever she wants but thank you for the food. Dad caught wind of me keeping her in my room and took it upon himself to buy an owl so Hedwig will be coming back to you empty handed from now on. Two actually. He sent one to Ron to replace the rat. I'll keep Hedwig with me until I've finished this letter so you don't get the idea I'm ignoring you. Plus this new owl will need help finding you. She's awfully young. I don't know who cleared her for sending letters but she's eager to get the job done. Be careful when taking the letter from her. She likes to nip your fingers. I've named her Athena.

My parents don't have anything nice to say about Petunia--though they've had the luxury of never meeting your uncle Vernon. I'm sorry that you have to suffer because Dudley is overweight. Dad said that he'll send you some treats shortly. Once Athena knows where you live. Andromeda--I've told you about Andromeda, right? She's Sirius' cousin but my birth mother. Anyway, Andromeda offered to make you a few homemade treats so be on the lookout for that owl. I don't know if you've told Hermione or Ron either so I wrote them each a letter. I'm waiting for a reply.

I'll. . . have to let you know about coming over. Da's looking into moving back into the wizarding side of London now that Dad's living with us again. It's awfully hard hiding a hippogriff on the roof after all. We'd all love to have you over! Don't feel like we're ignoring or neglecting you. I miss you as much as you miss me so I'd love to see you in person again. It's just been a lot lately.

From the desk of Aurora A. Black

P.S It's nice to finally have access to our vault. It means Da has no excuse when I ask for fancier items. Like this parchment with my name already on it.

~~~

Dear Rory, 

Athena is adorable! She definitely tried to eat my fingertips when I reached for the letter. I think she believes it's a game. I'll send you the brief care of owls letter they gave me when Hagrid bought Hedwig (not that I'm accusing you of not knowing what you're doing). Thank you for the heads up. Hedwig feels like she's being replaced though. You'll have to feed her an extra treat or two to get back on her good side.

I've gotten all the treats from you, Andromeda, the Weasleys, and Hermione. Thank you so much for letting everyone know about my predicament. Andromeda and Misses Weasley even said they'll send me cake for my birthday. Hedwig's food was starting to look tastier and tastier by the minute. Was the Sirius chocolate an inside joke from Sirius himself? So far, it's been my favorite from what I've tried. Aside from the meals Andromeda and Misses Weasley have prepared for me. I'm keeping everything under a loose floorboard in my room so Aunt Petunia or Uncle Vernon don't find it. 

You're moving? That sounds exciting. What's the difference between muggle London and wizarding London? Sorry if that's a stupid question. You've kept Buckbeak? How's he doing? How have you managed to keep him on the roof this long? Give him a nice pat on the back for me. 

I understand the feeling. Sometimes I forget how much I have in my vault until it's time to shop for school supplies. The parchment is beautiful. Is it scented too or is that your ink? This letter smells vaguely of lavender and I know it's not coming from Dudley's room. 

Missing you, 

Harry

~~~

Dear Harry,

Sorry for the delayed response. Dad surprised us with a trip to Paris for my birthday! I know, I know. I go to France for school, why would I be so excited about visiting Paris? Well. I'll have you know that I haven't visited the city much because the school is in the south of France. Plus it was nice going as a family. I don't remember the last time Da and I went somewhere together just to have fun. It was nice. Dad spent way too much money on croissants and pastries, though. It was so bad that Da started giving him a daily budget. I'll have to tell you more about it in person. There's too much to say in a letter. My hand would start cramping halfway through. 

Oh, cakes from Andy are delicious! She made my birthday cake this year before we left for France. Chocolate with raspberry jam between the layers and fudge icing. My favorite. I hope you enjoy your cake from her. And the one from Misses Weasley; I'm sure hers are just as lovely. 

The Sirius chocolate was actually from Da. They're, ironically, his favorite chocolates. He thought you'd get a kick out of it.

The lavender scent you’re getting is my new ink. Dad bought me a few but so far the lavender one has been my favorite. Da thinks he’s gotten a little carried away with buying me new things but I’m not about to say no. Maybe Daphne and Hermione would appreciate scented ink. I’ll have to write to them about it.

Don’t get me started on Buckbeak. We’ve obliviated the poor muggles enough whenever they go onto the roof. It’s a good thing we left when we did otherwise no one would remember anything. Now Buckbeak has ample room to roam around and stretch his wings. You’ll definitely have to visit at some point, Harry. We got the wide-open space I dreamed of. I can see every star in the night sky.

Thank you for my birthday present. It's the first thing I've hung up in my new room. It's across from my piano so I see it every time I play. It's a beautiful portrait of me. 

You'll be getting your present from me shortly. Hope you enjoy!

From the desk of Aurora A. Black

P.S Apparently my uncle used to sign letters with his initials--R.A.B. Dad let that slip when we came home. Should I start signing letters that way? XO A.A.B

Chapter Text

"The boy is everything! It cannot be done without him. And it will be done. Exactly as I said."

"I will not disappoint you, my Lord."

"Good. First, gather our old comrades. Send them a sign. Nagini tells me the old Muggle caretaker. . . is standing just outside the door. Step aside, Wormtail, so I can give our guest a proper greeting. Avada Kedavra!"

Harry startles awake, thrashing about the bed. There's a loud whistling in his ears--like a tea kettle that's more than ready--and he can feel someone shaking him awake. There's a dim light, too, shining in his eyes. It almost sounds like someone is talking to him but he can't make anything out over the tea kettle in his ears. He winces in pain as he struggles to wake up, his hand flying to his scar. His forehead has never burned this much before. Not even when Quirrell was at Hogwarts and had Voldemort on the back of his head. He has half a mind to draft a letter to Rory or her parents but that thought quickly diminishes when he finally manages to open his eyes and Hermione is standing above him. A somewhat cross Hermione.

"Harry," she states to earn his attention. He groans and turns to face her. She shoves Harry in the shoulder. "Harry!" she exclaims. Harry's breath catches as he tries to force himself up. She eases him into a sitting position after setting the candle down so she doesn't burn him. "Are you all right?"

"Hermione," he greets as he lets out a breath. She forces a smile. He reaches over and grabs his glasses off the spare bedside table Ron has in his room at the burrow. "Bad dream," he mumbles, wiping at his eyes under his glasses. "When did you get here?"

"Just now." Now that Harry's perfectly fine--or as fine as Harry can manage--Hermione crosses the room and starts nudging Ron awake. "You?" she calls over her shoulder.

Harry smiles and stretches as he watches Hermione poke and prod Ron to get up, earning a groan every time. He's shared a dorm room and sometimes an actual room with him for the past three--going-on four--years. If Harry knows anything about Ron, it's that Ron is not an early riser. 

"Last night," Harry makes out over a yawn. He starts chuckling softly as he recalls the events of last night. "Oh, 'Mione, you should've been there. Fred and George have made these sweets that get your tongue to grow and they slipped one Dudley's way!" He leans back against his pillow as he continues laughing. Hermione glances over her shoulder with a faint smile. "You should've seen the looks on Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon's faces!" Hermione's smile grows. "They were not happy." Harry's smile fades slightly. "Suppose I'll have to hear all about it when I get back in the summer." Hermione's smile fades too.

"Can't you stay with Rory? Hasn't she properly moved into their new place?"

He shrugs. "The last I heard from her, she was getting back from Paris and was sending me my birthday present." A dreamy look washes over Hermione's face. Harry shrugs again. "That was a few days ago and I haven't gotten anything since. I don't want to bother her with that kind of stuff," he mumbles. "She knows. . ." He turns slightly and looks away. 

"She's your girlfriend, Harry," Hermione reminds. "She'd drop anything if you needed her."

He lets out a breath. "I know," he whispers. "I just don't like bringing my aunt and uncle up when I'm with her. And she just got Sirius back too. She's allowed to want him all to herself."

Hermione offers him a small, reassuring smile before pulling the pillow out from under Ron and smacking him with it. "For Merlin's sake, Ronald, WAKE UP!" 

Ron jumps, pulling the blanket up with him. "Bloody hell!" he exclaims. Hermione just rolls her eyes and doubles back beside Harry to get the candle back. "Where the hell did you come from?" Hermione just glares at him. Ron looks to Harry for help but Harry only shrugs. "Merlin's beard, woman, you can't just appear out of nowhere in a boy's room. What if we were--"

"What if you were what, Ronald?" Hermione asks, spinning on her heel and setting her hands on her hips. She raises an eyebrow as she waits for Ron to respond. He just stares at her, opening and closing his mouth like a fish. She rolls her eyes. "Honestly, get dressed. And don't go back to sleep. Come on, Ron! Your mother says breakfast's ready!" She storms out of the room. The boys share a look before they both lay back down with a groan. 

"She's bloody mental, that one is. Remind me again why I had a crush on her before--" Ron cuts himself off abruptly.

Harry smirks and raises an eyebrow. "Before what Ron?"

Ron takes one look at Harry before turning the same shade as his hair. "Oh, shove off, Harry." 

He grabs the discarded pillow Hermione left behind and chucks it at Harry. Harry laughs and swats at it before throwing his own pillow. The boys toss the pillows around a few more times before Hermione comes storming back into the room. They scramble to their feet and start putting clothes on. 

~~~

After breakfast, all of the Weasley kids--including Bill and Charlie who've come in for the World Cup--plus Harry and Hermione set off into the woods with camping supplies and an overnight bag. While the end destination is the World Cup, no one has really told Harry how they plan on getting there. Or what all the camping stuff is for. Even Hermione seems to be at a loss for once.

Harry leans closer to Ron's side and asks softly, "Ron, where are we actually going?"

Ron shrugs. "Dunno. Hey, Dad. Where are we going?"

"Haven't the foggiest," responds Arthur cheerfully. "Keep up!" Ron and Harry exchange a look before simultaneously rolling their eyes. That provided no information whatsoever and it's not exactly like they can ask Hermione because she's just as in the dark as they are. "Just a bit further," Arthur promises. "No need to get your knickers in a twist." Arthur elbows Bill who's walking alongside him while laughing. Bill lets out a small chuckle as he shakes his head at his father's antics. Charlie springs forward and drapes his arm around Bill's shoulders, almost tackling the older boy to the ground. Now they're all really laughing. "Boys," Arthur starts in a tone that's almost a warning. "If your mother finds out you were wrestling each other. . ." Arthur lets out a breath. "Just don't tell her, alright?"

"Wouldn't dream of it, Dad," Charlie promises before Bill takes him out. 

Harry laughs in between Ron and Hermione and, for a moment , he nearly considers turning towards Rory to see how she's enjoying the spectacle. Something inside Harry's chest wilts when he remembers that she's not there with them. He doesn't know when the next time he'll see her is. Now that summer is almost over and she'll be going back to Beauxbaton. He'll just have to keep writing to her and updating her on everything going on with their friend group. 

Ron pulls him into a side hug when he notices Harry's collapsed stance. Harry offers a small smile in return as Hermione wraps an arm around him as well. Rory or no Rory, he'll always have Hermione and Ron.

~~~

It takes them longer to find where they're going than anyone would've liked at the crack of dawn. The sun has nearly fully risen by the time they get to a small clearing in the woods. But they're not the only ones either. 

"Arthur!" someone exclaims in the same cheerful tone Arthur had ages ago. "It’s about time, son."

"Sorry, Amos. Some of us had a bit of a sleepy start." He turns his attention on Harry and Ron over his shoulder. Ron yawns whereas Harry at least has the decency to look apologetic. "This is Amos Diggory, everyone." Amos smiles as the group slowly comes to a stop. "Works with me at the Ministry." Someone drops down beside Amos. Harry recognizes him immediately. He's only been playing Quidditch against him for the past three years. "And this strapping young lad must be Cedric, am I right?"

"Yes, sir." He smiles at Arthur and extends his hand. Arthur takes it but instead of shaking his hand, yanks him in for a hug. Cedric laughs as he pats Arthur on the back. "This way," he tells the group with a small jerk of his head. Hermione and Ginny share a knowing look as Cedric turns around and starts walking ahead of them.

"Merlin's beard!" Amos exclaims as Harry begins walking past him. "You must be Harry Potter." Amos takes his hand and shakes it. "Great, great pleasure."

"Pleasure to meet you too, sir," Harry replies, his eyes a bit wider than usual. He joins the rest of the group in walking up the hill to an even bigger clearing. And a boot?

"Yes, it's just over there," Amos declares.

"Shall we?" Arthur asks and the conversation becomes entirely between the two of them.

"Oh, yeah." 

"We don't wanna be late." 

"Come on. Nearly there now. Get yourself into a good position," he orders the group. Ginny, Hermione, Cedric, and the older Weasley boys form a circle around the boot.

Harry pulls Ron to the side and asks, "Why are they all standing around that manky old boot?"

"That isn't just any manky old boot," Fred corrects.

"It’s a Portkey," George supplies.

"A what?"

"Time to go!" Arthur cheers.

"What's a Portkey?"

Hermione turns to answer but Amos asks if they're ready. "There isn't time to explain, Harry. Just put your hand on it." Harry's eyebrows shoot upwards. She gestures for him to kneel down like everyone else. He does so and reluctantly puts his hand on the boot.

"After three. One, two, three!"

Suddenly the world around Harry is spinning. But at least he isn't the only one? Everyone holding onto the boot seems to be spinning and lifting into the air. Harry does his best not to look down. Flying on a broom is one thing. Doing whatever this is? Sometimes he wished people actually took the time to explain wizarding things to him before thrusting them on him. 

After a moment of endless spinning, Arthur orders, "Let go, kids!"

"What?!" Hermione shrieks. 

"Let go!" 

Because they trust Arthur and he'd never do anything to intentionally hurt them, they do. The world stops spinning but it starts sucking them in. They all start shouting as they begin to fall. They land haphazardly in a different large clearing where the sun is brighter. Harry glances around, expecting everyone to be laying on the ground, but catches Arthur, Amos, and Cedric floating to the ground instead. He stares at them with both curiosity and embarrassment. Maybe he should be glad Rory isn't with him. She probably would've known what a Portkey is and how to work one and she would've laughed the whole time he fell.

On second thought, hearing her laugh is one of the best sounds Harry's ever heard so her not being here is back to being the worst thing in the world.

"I’ll bet that cleared your sinuses, eh?" Arthur quips.

"Total shambles, as per usual," Amos comments as he offers Harry his hand.

Harry studies it for a moment before taking it. "Thanks." 

Amos helps him up and they both join the rest of the group trekking up another small hill. When they make it up the hill, they're welcomed with Irish music and flying saucers whizzing about. Pretty much the whole wizarding population is standing before them with tents that go as far as the eye can see. There are Irish flags billowing in the breeze alongside some Bulgarian ones further down. Harry can't help but smile as he takes it all in.

"Go on, look at that! Well, kids, welcome to the Quidditch World Cup!" Fireworks start going off as they make their way through the crowd to find a place they can pitch up their tent. "Stay together! Keep up, girls! Look! Come on! Keep up, girls! Blimey!"

Amos pats him on the shoulder. "Parting of the ways, I think, old chap."

"See you at the match." They shake hands before Arthur pats Cedric's shoulder. "See you." 

"Ced, come on." 

"See you later, Cedric!" one of the twins cheers as Amos and Cedric start walking away. 

Arthur gathers up his group and starts leading them down a different direction. They snake through more tents and more people donning the Irish colors and handing out trinkets of all kinds as souvenirs. Harry doesn't know where to look! There's hats of all different shapes and colors for each team and flags of all kind. Little action figures of some of the players. These binocular looking things that apparently can manipulate time. It's amazing what wizards have come up with. 

Harry lets out a breath. With a small shake of his head, he returns his attention to where Arthur is leading them. There's a small sign with their name on it and Bill immediately hands Arthur the bag with the tent. Harry's just about to offer to help when he hears something off to his left. Someone's laugh. But not just any someone. . .

Harry spins around to find a familiar young girl with dazzling grey eyes standing there talking with Daphne Greengrass and Draco Malfoy. She's talking with her hands which means she's excited about whatever she's saying. Wrapped around one of her hands is a bright red leash. Brows furrowed, Harry trails down to find a healthy looking black dog sitting attentive at her side, head bobbing along with her conversation. Warmth spreads through Harry's chest and he starts walking over without even realizing it. 

"I swear, it's like he's never seen a croissant before!" she exclaims as he comes up behind her. Daphne and Draco spot him immediately but Rory is none the wiser with her back to him. He holds a finger to his lips as he stops. Daphne discreetly nods while Draco looks away. "He started rankin' them everywhere we went. He kept a runnin' tally." The dog barks at her side and starts pawing at her ankle. She looks down with a raised eyebrow. "I'm only tellin' the truth," she argues. "Yer the one that lost yer mind." He whines and continues pawing at her ankle. "Aww," she coos, "it's cute how you think your eyes are gonna work on me." The dog stops whining immediately and glares at her. "Da taught me well." The dog tilts his head to the side. She lets out a breath. "Alright, fine, I taught myself well." The dog starts barking again but it almost sounds like a laugh this time. Rory rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "Idiot," she mutters. 

"Hey, that's my dog father you're talking about!" Harry complains. 

Rory whips around to face him, eyes wide. Padfoot starts jumping around at her side and licking at Harry's ankles. Harry chuckles as he pulls Rory in for a hug. She wraps her arms around him before planting a kiss on his lips. Padfoot growls but Rory nudges him with her foot. He yelps and staggers back, glaring at her the whole time. She rolls her eyes before focusing her attention on Harry. 

"Harry," she breathes, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck.

He keeps his arms around her waist. "Rory," he whispers. 

Draco and Daphne share a look before Daphne loops her arm around Draco's. "If you need us, Ro, we'll be in Draco's tent."

"Mhm, yeah, whatever," she mumbles, waving her hand at them. Daphne and Draco share another look before giggling and walking off. "Hi," she greets, her eyes twinkling like the stars her family was named after. "He's actually my dog father," she corrects lightly. "He's your god father."

Harry smiles warmly as he takes her in. She's wearing the glasses she stole from him. It surprises him more that she can actually see out of them than it does she's wearing them. Not that he's going to complain. She looks adorable in them--they perfectly compliment the freckles she's got over the bridge of her nose--and he'll be getting them back. The scratches over her face have healed nicely. There's still a scar--similar to the ones Remus has--but they don't look like they hurt anymore. Which is good. He would hate to see her in pain. He runs a hand through her hair before cupping her face. She tilts her head back. An open invitation. 

But Padfoot starts making puking noises and they pull away. 

"Oi!" she shouts, pointing a finger in Padfoot's face. Padfoot's ears perk up as he tilts his head. "I've put up with you two all bloody summer!" she complains. Padfoot lowers his head and wipes at his nose. "Exactly. If you don't like it then go run off somewhere." She shoos him off but he doesn't go anywhere. She glares at him for a moment before rolling her eyes. "Whatever. I don't want to hear it from you." He barks and shakes his head. She sticks her tongue out before returning her attention to Harry. "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

They share a smile.

"Happy belated birthday," they both say. They stare at each other for a second before laughing. "Thank you," they say in unison again which brings on more giggles. 

"I see you got my present all right," Rory points out, her cheeks a light pink. 

Harry's brow furrows. "What do you mean?" 

She gestures around them but Harry's brow only furrows further. She giggles as she takes his hand in hers. "Come for a walk with me?" He glances over his shoulder. Hermione is on the ground with Arthur helping him put up the tent. He nods. Rory starts leading him away from the Weasley tent and towards her own. Padfoot follows behind them, giving them some space. "Let's start at the beginning. Have I ever told you my grandda worked for the Ministry?"

Harry's eyes widen. "No."

She nods slowly. "Yup." Harry watches her but she continues staring straight ahead. "It's what got Da into. . ." She exhales. He nudges her slightly before kissing her temple. She manages a small smile. "Anyway. Yes. He used to work for the Ministry. He's a fantastic potioneer too." Harry nods slowly. Rory giggles. "You really are oblivious sometimes, Potter, did you know that?"

"Yes, in fact I did. My girlfriend loves telling me that." She scrunches her nose and pulls a face. Harry pulls a face back before kissing her nose. "Continue."

"Well, Grandda still has friends that work for the Ministry and he loves making potions in his free time now that he's retired." 

Harry's eyes narrow briefly as they step out of the way as two people clearly supporting Bulgaria come running past. 

"What does this have to do with Mister Weasley getting tickets to the World Cup?"

Rory rolls her eyes as she lets out a breath. "C'mon, Harry, seriously?" Padfoot barks behind them and Rory rolls her eyes again. "Look. If Grandda happened to make a batch of Felix Felicis and it just so happened to be handed off to one of his friends who still works in the Ministry. . ." She waits for him to get it but he never does. "And one of those friends happened to invite Mister Weasley out for a morning cuppa. . ." Harry shrugs and encourages her to continue. Rory glances around before whispering, "Merlin's beard, Harry, my Grandda had someone slip Felix Felicis into Arthur's tea one morning." 

Harry's eyes widen before narrowing in on her once more. "What's Felix Felicis?"

Rory groans and runs her hands down her face. "You really know a whole lot of nothing, don't you?" she mutters. 

Harry shrugs. "It's not my fault no one tells me things," he mumbles. 

Rory's expression softens immediately before she pulls him in for a kiss. "No. It's not and I have to remember that." They share a smile. " We have to remember that," she corrects, nodding towards Padfoot behind them. "So we can loop you into everything." Harry's smile grows. She kisses him once more before explaining, "Felix Felicis is liquid luck. Gives anyone who drinks it the best of luck for a limited amount of time. In this case, someone had a bit of a lawnmower accident, called Arthur in for his help, and just so happened to have the perfect amount of top box tickets to the World Cup for the whole Weasley clan plus you and Hermione." Harry's mouth slowly forms a small 'o'. Rory nods as she attempts to hide her giggles. "Yeah," she agrees. "Magic is wonderful and all but there's an awful lot of you." 

Harry starts laughing. She smiles at him over her shoulder as she holds the tent flap open for him. He thanks her with a nod as he steps inside. Lyall is standing over a small stove on one side of the tent while Remus is curled up at the table with a book. Harry's smile grows as he feels a weight lift off his shoulders. Not a second after they've entered the tent, Sirius is standing behind him, running his fingers through his hair. Rory laces their fingers together and brings him further into the tent. 

"Dad wanted to just buy you the ticket and we'd have picked you up," she continues explaining. 

Harry raises an eyebrow. "What changed?" he asks before waving at Remus once he's looked up from his book. Lyall glances over his shoulder and offers him a polite smile. Harry smiles back. 

Rory shrugs. "Da didn't want to spend our entire vault," she counters as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then the more we thought about it, the more none of us should've been showin’ up at the Dursley's uninvited." Harry raises an eyebrow. "Petunia vaguely knows who Da is. I don't know if the same can be said about Dad." Harry shrugs. "And then with this. . ." she gestures to her face before shrinking in on herself. "We just didn't think it wise to pop in unannounced. And, besides, as much fun as it would've been just the two of us. . ." Her expression softens as she meets his gaze. "You wouldn't have had as much fun without Ron and 'Mione at your side." 

Harry glances over at Sirius and Remus, who are both engaged with each other, before wrapping his arms around Rory's waist. "I love y--" Harry stops abruptly, his eyes widening. Rory's breath hitches as her eyes widen too. "Qudditch," he blurts out. "I love Quidditch." 

"Mm, mhm." 

Harry nods slowly. "Yup. I love Quidditch," he agrees. 

"Right. Quidditch." He nods again. "Um." She takes a small step back. "Anyway." Harry rubs the back of his neck. "I also wrote you a piece on the harp." His brows shoot up. Rory bites her lip. "I, uh, obviously don't have my harp with me but, um. . ."

"I'm sure it's beautiful."

She's smiling once again. "Christmas," she promises. "You'll hear it over Christmas."

"Rory--"

"I'm serious--"

"No, you're Aurora," both Remus and Lyall say in the same dull tone as soon as Sirius opens his mouth. He's pouting immediately and glaring at Remus who doesn't even bother looking up from his book. 

Rory rolls her eyes. "You can visit for Christmas. Unless you'd rather go back to the Burrow with Ron."

"Are you kidding? I would've been sharing a room with him for four months. Ron's my best mate but sometimes I do enjoy seeing other people." Rory giggles. "Christmas," he agrees, holding out his pinkie.

Rory's eyes light up as she links pinkies with him. "Christmas." 

"Alright, well, it's only August now so would you two lovebirds like to eat or wait 'til Christmas?" Lyall asks as he starts plating up the pancakes he was making. Rory and Harry share a look before they start laughing. They join Remus, who's put his book away, and Sirius at the table. "Wise choice. You would've made an excellent Ravenclaw, Ro."

She shrugs. "I'm starting to like the green." Lyall winks at her over his shoulder. She smirks. "Speaking of green," she says slowly before turning to face Harry. "You are rootin' for Ireland, correct?" Harry's brow furrows which is quite possibly the worst reaction he could've had in Rory's eyes. "Harry," she warns. "You are rootin' for Ireland , right?" she asks again, stressing each word. Harry's never heard her accent that heavy before. He nods, at a complete loss for words. Rory calms instantly. "Good." She picks at her nails as Lyall starts handing out the plates. "Otherwise you would've been walkin' outta here a single man." Harry swallows thickly. 

"She's kidding," Sirius offers. 

"No, she's not," Remus clarifies. They glance at one another. Remus raises an eyebrow and Sirius looks away. Remus nods, victorious. "It's lovely to see you again, Harry," Remus says with a warm smile. 

Harry matches his expression. "It's great to see you again, Remus. The both of you," he tacks on quickly when Sirius' expression shifts. Rory takes a bite of her pancakes before drinking some of her orange juice as Harry turns to her. "It's great to see everyone again," he whispers. Rory rolls her eyes as she finishes chewing. 

"You're starting to sound like your father," Sirius points out, earning Harry's attention. "He was always so smitten with Lily." Harry's cheeks turn a bright red as he focuses on his plate. Sirius just smiles. "Take care of her, Harry." 

Rory rolls her eyes again. "I think I can take care of myself," she argues. 

Sirius lets out a breath. "You know what I meant, Aurora." She sticks her tongue out. He sticks his out in retaliation. Remus rolls his eyes at both of them as he nudges Sirius under the table. Sirius glares at him but it doesn't last long. "Alright. Enough of this small talk. Everyone eat so we can join the celebrations before the game begins."

Harry's eyes widen as he straightens in his seat. "I didn't tell anyone where I was going!"

Rory giggles softly before placing her hand over his. "Hermione knew," she reassures. He collapses in on himself and takes a bite of pancakes. "I'm sure she passed the message along." 

"I lo--" He clears his throat. "You're amazing."

Rory smirks. "I know." Harry lets out a gentle laugh. "Now eat so we can go have fun."

Chapter Text

By the time Rory and Harry finish eating, the Weasleys are still attempting to put up their tent when they get back. Rory furrows her brow as she watches Arthur and Bill struggle at keeping the tent up right. Harry bites his lip and scratches the back of his neck as he stands beside her. She glances at him, an eyebrow raised. His cheeks turn a light pink as he shrugs and shakes his head. 

"We've been gone, what, twenty minutes?" she whispers. 

"Has to be longer than that," Harry counters. "Maybe half an hour?" 

She frowns. "And no one thought to just. . .?" She points at the tent before jerking her finger up. It springs to life and fully assembles itself. Harry's eyes widen as he angles his body closer to her. She shrugs. "I was an only child to an ostracized single father living in the muggle side of London. Books were all I had," she offers. "Why do you think I can play so many instruments?" He contemplates his answer for a moment before shrugging. She smirks. "I can do a lot more than just that too." A ring of yellow tinges her eyes. Harry lets out a breathy laugh. "And the Ministry can't stop me when we're surrounded by adult wizards. They can't pinpoint who did what; just that magic was used. And if I don't use my wand. . ." She leans in and winks. 

"Do you have a habit of finding every loophole, Lupin?" Fred asks as he drapes his arms around their shoulders. Rory and Harry both turn to face him. Fred starts smiling brightly. "Aye, Loophole Lupin certainly has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" He cranes his neck to spot George. "Hey, Georgie! What do you think about the nickname Loophole Lupin?" George turns around with a raised eyebrow. Fred nods his head in Rory's direction who's now giggling and shaking her head at the boys. 

"Rory!" George cheers before approaching her, his arms outstretched. Fred pulls away so she can give George a proper hug before she's turning towards Fred to do the same. Harry takes an awkward step to the right to get out of their way. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Did ya think I'd miss somethin' like this?" she teases, gesturing around them. George and Fred share a laugh. "Never." 

"Rory?" Ron echoes as he spins around trying to find her. Hermione giggles at his side, watching as he somehow misses Rory each time. After about three spins of coming up empty, Hermione grabs him by the arms and helps him look in the proper direction. Rory winks at Hermione before wiggling her fingers at Ron. "Rory!" he cheers. He starts to walk towards her before thinking against it. He rubs the back of his neck and toes the gravel underneath them. "Does that mean Daphne's here with you?" he mumbles. 

Rory raises an eyebrow. "With me? No." Ron frowns, his shoulders sagging. "I came with my da and grandda." She smirks as she says, "But--" Ron perks up. "--that doesn't mean Daph's not here."

"Where is she?!" Ron clears his throat when everyone stares at him in bewilderment. "I mean, where might one find her?"

Harry presses his face into Rory's shoulder to keep from laughing. Rory, however, does not provide Ron with the same sentiment and laughs out loud alongside Fred and George. "She's in the Malfoy's tent with Draco." Ron's expression falls flat. "It's the one with the peacocks out front if you want to join her." Ron sticks his hands in his pockets and huffs, looking away from Rory. She raises an eyebrow. "Or not," she mutters. 

Harry kisses her cheek. "Don't take it personally," he whispers. "Ron gets jealous easily and he's already not a huge fan of Malfoy." Rory hums. Harry kisses her again. 

"Someone should really tell him Draco's not interested in Daph then," she murmurs. Harry's brow furrows. She shrugs with a small smirk. "I didn't say I was goin' to," she clarifies. "Just that someone should." 

Harry laughs as he pulls her closer. "You are evil."

She giggles before kissing him. "Nah. You three are just easy to mess with. And it helps that I know things you don't." She ruffles his hair and blows him a kiss before taking a few steps closer to Arthur. "Hi, Mister Weasley, I don't think we've properly met yet," she points out as she extends her hand. Arthur's immediately smiling at her and shaking her hand. "I'm Aurora Black but everyone just calls me Rory." 

"Ah, yes. Ron's told us a lot about you. You made quite the impression on our boys." Rory's gaze flickers over to Harry but he's not paying attention to their conversation. "Please, call me Arthur."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly--"

He waves her off. "Nonsense. Any friend of my sons' is a friend of mine." Rory offers him a heartfelt smile in return as she nods. "Was this your doing?" He asks, gesturing to the tent. She nods. He whistles as he looks it over. "Impressive. Thank you. Don't know how long we'd be standing here if Bill, Charlie, and I continued trying." He glances around them before taking a step closer. She tilts her head to the side. "Now. I don't know if anyone's told you, but I do work for the Ministry. I could have you reported for underage magic." Rory just stares at him. It doesn't process as a threat until Arthur's slapping her on the back and doubling over in laughter. "But why on Earth would I do that?" Rory starts laughing with him, blinking out of her daze. "Don't tell Molly but I've let the boys cast a few spells here and there to help around the house," he offers conspiratorially. 

Rory continues to laugh as she offers, "My grandda used to work for the Ministry too and used to threaten Da and I all the time. We both knew he didn't have the backbone when it came to me and eventually he just learned to roll with it." The corner of Arthur's eyes crinkle the longer he laughs. She shrugs. "I wasn't hurtin' anyone."

"Precisely my point. I think the whole thing is stupid. It's just a way to get those living near muggles to keep our secret. If you ask me, I think the Trace is a load of rubbish." Rory smiles. He claps her on the back before squeezing her shoulder. "You've got a nice head on your shoulders, Rory. Your mother and father should be proud." Rory's eyes widen slightly as she's caught off guard. Apparently Ron didn't feel it necessary to tell the Weasley family her whole life story. She quickly adjusts her expression when Arthur straightens and focuses his attention back on her. "Who's your grandfather? I might know the old man."

"Lyall Lupin." 

"Oh, Lyall Lupin, yes. He worked in. . ." He trails off, eyes widening a bit. " Oh ." Arthur lets go of Rory immediately and takes a small step back. Rory lets out a breath and waits for him to finish processing. "Oh, um. . . Yes. I know of your grandfather. Nice man. Hard worker." Rory nods. He clears his throat. "Your father was the DADA professor this past school year, yes?" She nods. "I see."

"Mister Weasley?" she murmurs. He nods for her to continue. "I'm not one," she assures, "if that's what you're worried about." Arthur studies her for a moment before realizing what he's done. He offers her a warm smile as he takes a step forward and gingerly rests his hand on her shoulder. 

"Of course not, my dear." They lock eyes for a moment before he squeezes her shoulder again. "Now, come. Let's head inside and eat something before the match starts." Arthur leads Rory inside first while the rest of the Weasleys plus Harry and Hermione fill in behind them. 

"Harry and I already ate something in my tent," she offers kindly. "So that's two less mouths you have to feed."

"Nonsense. You're here now. No empty bellies today!" Arthur does a quick look around the tent before dropping his things on one of the sofas. He lets out a content sigh as he starts barking out orders. "All to the bath before eating. Better wash up from that hike. Girls, choose a bunk and unpack. Rory, my dear, you're more than welcome to stay with us too if you'd like." Warmth spreads in her chest as she nods. He squeezes her shoulder one last time before heading towards the kitchen inside their tent. "Ron, get out of the kitchen. We're all hungry." 

Rory smiles faintly as the Weasleys walk past her and each claim a spot in the tent. Bill, Charlie, and Percy go wash up like Arthur instructed whereas Ron lingers in the kitchen and the twins take up space on the table. Hermione and Ginny race to the beds to claim theirs before the boys get to it. Rory wraps an arm around herself. Harry takes the spot Arthur was just standing in and wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her close. 

"Do people do that a lot?" he whispers, disguising it as a kiss to her temple. "Automatically assume you're a werewolf?"

Rory sighs as she glances to the floor. She nudges the toe of his sneakers which gets Harry laughing. "'Fraid so," she mumbles. Harry holds onto her tighter. "Just remember what happened at the end of last year." Harry presses his lips together. "Doesn't matter that I showed up to every Astronomy class or went around places I shouldn't have been when the full moon was bright; Draco and Daph still thought I was a werewolf when Snape let slip about Da." Rory shrugs half heartedly as she pivots to better face Harry. "No one really knows how lycanthropy works genetically. If it can be passed down at all. Not many people have tested it." She offers him half a smile. "After all, who can love a werewolf enough to reproduce with one?" Harry squeezes her hip. She shrugs again. "It's just par for the course at this point." She brushes a few strands of hair out of Harry's eyes. "The important people know what I am," she tells him, dropping her gaze to meet his eyes. "That's all I care about." She kisses him gently before taking his hand and leading him to the table with the twins. 

"Yeah, get out of the kitchen, Ron!" the twins chirp.

"Feet off the table!" Arthur chastises. 

"Feet off the table!" the twins echo as they take their legs off the table. As soon as Arthur walks away, they rest their legs back on the table. Rory giggles as she takes a seat. Harry sits down beside her with a content sigh.

"I love magic," he breathes out, going back to taking in the size of the tent and the furniture inside. 

After what Rory told him about Sirius buying everything in his power, it didn't surprise Harry that much that their tent had a working stove or somehow had large windows to let in plenty of natural light. It somehow made sense to him. But this for the Weasleys is something else. Did this come with the Felix Felicis Rory was talking about? If that's the case, how can he get some?  

Rory smirks as she side-eyes him. "Magic and Quidditch, huh?" she teases. Harry lowers his gaze to her, his brow furrowed. "Those are the only two things you love?" His eyes widen and her smirk grows. "That's a pretty short list."

"Well, um, uh, I. . ."

She tilts her head back. "Yeah?"

"Um. . ."

The twins share a look before snickering. 

Rory starts laughing. "It's almost too easy sometimes." She ruffles his hair and kisses his cheek (which leaves Harry as red as the Weasleys' hair) before leaning back in her seat. 

Fred practically throws himself at her. "Oh, please come back to Hogwarts!" he begs. "We'd make a perfect trio!" She raises an eyebrow as she glances at George. He shrugs but nods. "You, us, and the map!" Rory giggles. "Hogwarts wouldn't know what hit 'em." 

"We'd be unstoppable," George adds. "Especially if you talk your boyfriend into borrowing the invisibility cloak."

Harry's eyes widen as he leans back in his seat. "Hey, wait! I don't even let Hermione use it unsupervised. What makes you think I'd give it to the three of you?" Rory leans into his chest and bats her eyelashes up at him. Harry's mouth runs dry as his heart tries to beat out of his chest. "I see your point," he mumbles. She giggles as she kisses him. 

"Very temptin' offer, boys. But I'm afraid I've already said yes to Beauxbaton this year." The twins pout and cross their arms as they lean back in their seats. 

"Seriously, boys, feet off the table," Arthur orders as he makes his way past them again. 

"Feet off the table," they parrot and do just as they did before.

~~~

"How many top box seats are there anyway?" Draco mutters as he attempts to keep up with Daphne. She pays him no attention as they climb their way to the top. Narcissa, Lucius, and her parents should already be up there and Rory and her family should be along shortly. "I mean, really. The Minister, people from Ireland and Bulgaria, us, Rory, and then the whole Weasley clan?" Draco lists off, attempting to count on his fingers until he runs out of them and loses track. "That's an awful lot of people. Is the box even that big?"

Daphne hums as she comes to a slow halt with the rest of the people trying to find their seats. "I heard Barty Crouch requested three tickets," she muses. 

"Three?" Draco echoes, throwing his arms up. Daphne nods. "What does he need three tickets for?"

"I'm not entirely sure." Daphne taps her fingers against the railing as she waits for the line to continue moving. She huffs, blowing on a strand of hair. This is the one thing she hates about events like these while being underage. She could just apparate into the box if she knew how. Stupid Ministry and putting age limits on magic. "Something about a house elf if I heard Mother correctly." Her face pinches as she turns to face Draco. "But that's only two tickets." She tilts her head to the side. "Who could the third possibly be for?"

"Probably his imaginary girlfriend," Rory chirps as she approaches from below, Padfoot's leash wrapped tightly around her hand once more. Remus remains in the tent, consumed by his book, and Lyall left for his lower level seat ages before Rory and the Weasleys left for theirs. Sirius offered to buy a box seat for Lyall as a way to gain his father-in-law's trust back but Lyall politely declined, claiming he had already bought his ticket. "Or he requested the third so it didn't look like he was takin' his house elf out on a date." The three start laughing with Padfoot's barks cutting in and out. Rory leans closer to Daphne, resting her free hand on Daphne's arm. "Ron's lookin' for you by the way." 

Daphne perks up immediately and starts searching for him. "Where is he?"

Rory and Draco share a look before suppressing their giggles. She tilts her head back. "They're comin' up. We all left together but Padfoot has a mind of his own." He leans back on his hind legs and stares up at her, head tilted. She raises an eyebrow. "Ya do," she counters. He whines. Rory rolls her eyes. 

Draco chuckles. "Trouble in paradise?"

"I wish. I'm beyond thankful that my new room is nowhere near theirs." Padfoot paws at her leg but Rory doesn't respond. Draco raises an eyebrow. Rory shrugs. "I'm beyond grateful that I have him back, don't get me wrong." Padfoot stops immediately and starts paying attention to what she has to say. "It would just be easier if I was walkin' the dog and not the other way around." He nips at her ankle. She rears back and goes to swat him when she catches herself. Padfoot stands up on his hind legs so he's almost as tall as Rory. She lowers her hands and narrows her eyes at him. He slowly falls back down too. "The day he's a free man can't come soon enough," she grumbles. 

"We're working on it," Daphne assures, squeezing her arm. Rory lets out a short breath. "I promise."

Draco nods along. "I've never seen Mother this invested in something before." Padfoot paws at Draco's leg. Draco, without thinking, crouches down and starts petting him. "It'll definitely help that two members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight are trying to clear his name." Rory presses her lips together as she gets lost in thought. 

Daphne squeezes her arm again, sensing where her mind is turning. "Hey," she whispers, "let's not worry about this today." The corners of Rory's lips faintly turn up as she nods. "Today's about Quidditch." Daphne offers her a gentle smile before pulling her hand away. Rory nods again. 

Just as their conversation wraps up, Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys turn the corner on the stairs and pile up behind Rory. Harry's immediately behind Rory, snaking an arm around her waist. She leans into his touch with a small purr. Daphne and Draco share a look before miming puking. Rory rolls her eyes as she shakes her head and crosses her arms. Daphne and Draco giggle before Ron pushes his way up the stairs to find her. Daphne's suddenly singing a different tune now. 

"Ron!" she exclaims as she leans in for a hug. 

"Daphne!" Ron cheers as he holds his arm up for a high five. They both come to an abrupt stop and try switching positions only to still end up doing the opposite. 

"Oh, Merlin," Rory curses under her breath, leaning closer to Harry to hide her face. "This is torture. I'd rather the horde of dementors we faced by the lake last year." 

Harry pinches her side and glares at her but he's trying his best not to laugh either. "You don't mean that," he chastises. Rory stares up at him. He frowns. "I hope you don't mean that." She giggles, burying her face further in his chest. He pulls her close and rests his head on hers. "You know, if someone hadn't said yes to Beauxbaton. . ." he trails off. Rory looks up at him, chin digging into his chest. "We'd be able to play matchmaker." Rory rolls her eyes and pushes him slightly. Harry stumbles back but manages to catch himself on the railing. Rory grabs onto him as an extra precaution. He chuckles as he tucks her hair behind her ear. "I'm just saying." 

Rory rolls her eyes with a smile on her face. "Let's go find our seats," she mutters as she starts leading him up the stairs. 

Draco grabs her other wrist as she passes him. She raises an eyebrow, leaning back on her heels. Draco frowns and glances down the stairs. "Did. . ." He runs his bottom lip between his teeth. "Was Hermione looking for me?" he whispers. 

Rory resists the urge to laugh. "The day Hermione goes lookin' for you is the day I owe Daph ten quid." Padfoot swats at her ankles. 

Draco's expression falls instantly. "You're betting against me?"

"Never." He shoots her an unamused look as he crosses his arms. Rory rolls her eyes and lets out a breath. "Look. I'll try and sort it out that you and 'Mione are sittin' together. 'Kay?" Draco nods and lets her go. Rory hesitates for a moment before clarifying, "I'm not bettin' against you, Draco."

Draco raises an eyebrow and tilts his head up, turning up his nose. "Really? Because that's exactly what it sounds like."

She shakes her head. "Daph and I placed bets on who we think will make the first move." Draco's expression softens. "Hermione likes takin' charge but she's still got a firm head on her shoulders. You've done some unforgivable things in the past." He frowns and glances to the floor. "I don't think she's gonna be runnin' into your arms anytime soon." He nods. "But that doesn't mean I was bettin' against ya. Like I said, if Hermione goes to you, I lose." She pinches shoulder. "Means I've got faith in you, Dray." He gives her a weak half smile in return. She pats his shoulder as her and Harry head up the stairs. 

~~~

It's a cramped box, just like Draco made it out to be, but Rory wouldn't dream of swapping seats. She can see everything from where they are. Both goal posts, the referee, a majority of the field. It's all breathtaking. Padfoot headbutts her hand as she takes it all in. She starts petting him absentmindedly. He closes his eyes and rests his head on her lap. By the time she realizes what she's doing, Padfoot is half asleep in her lap. She smiles softly as she continues petting his soft fur. It was an early morning for everyone; she can't blame him for getting in a power nap before the match starts. Harry takes his place beside her and hands her a pair of binoculars. She raises an eyebrow as she takes them. 

"What're these for?" she asks as she looks them over. "Omnioculars?"

He shrugs. "I saw them on our way up," he explains. "I got us each a pair." He holds up the other pair still in his hand and wiggles it. Her brow furrows. "Consider it a belated birthday present."

"Harry--"

He cuts her off with a kiss. "Nope. I'm not listening." She rolls her eyes but smiles nonetheless. "All I got you was a silly little muggle portrait of yourself--"

"Hey, I love that portrait. You'll have to sign in when you visit for Christmas. I'm the first to have a Harry Potter original."

He chuckles. "Well, whatever your opinion is on the portrait aside , it's nothing compared to what you got me for my birthday." He gestures around them. "You pulled this whole thing off." She blows on a strand of hair in her face. "This is easily worth a million of what I got you. I think I can spare a few galleons for these." He brushes her hair back before kissing her. "Would it make you feel better if I tell you I had always planned on buying you something once I had access to my vault again?" She huffs. 

"I guess." He smiles. "I just don't want you to think you have to buy me things for me to lo--" She stops mid-sentence, her lips still parted. 

Harry raises an eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Uh. . ."

Harry starts smirking. "Yeah?"

"Um. . ." She clears her throat. "You don't have to buy me things," she clarifies. "I'm perfectly content with homemade items. And I'm used to homemade items!"

His eyes soften as he plays with her hair. "I know." She watches him, a small crease in her brow. "But I want to buy you things." Her heart completely melts. "I've never had anyone. . ." He glances over her shoulder where Ron and Daphne are locked in a heated conversation about chess. "Ron doesn't like it when I try to buy things for him and Hermione would rather do it all herself." Rory giggles. "I like finally having someone I can spoil a little." Her cheeks heat up a light pink. "Besides, it's not like I can really make a dent in my vault." They both start laughing. 

"This is true," she agrees as she curls into his side. "Thank you," she whispers as she goes back to inspecting the omnioculars. "What do they do?"

Harry wraps his arm around her before holding his pair out in front of them. She adjusts her chair so she can sit closer to him. "They can rewind whatever you see, fast forward, play it on loop, everything! Think of it as a television remote for real life." Rory lets out a low whistle. "And--get this!--it'll give you live commentary too!" 

Rory giggles. "Harry, we're in the commentator's box ." He frowns down at her. "We'll be able to hear the commentary in real time regardless if we had these."

"Oh." Harry's face turns a pale shade of red. "Right." Rory continues giggling as she reaches up and kisses him. "Well." He clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. "Rewinding and looping and all that sounded pretty cool," he mutters. 

"Really cool," she agrees. She holds the omnioculars up to her eyes. "Wonder why Hogwarts doesn't have something like these for Quidditch matches." Harry hums in thought. "They'd certainly come in handy." She lowers the omnioculars and looks up at Harry. "But then again, someone's bound to abuse them and ruin it for everyone else." Harry lets out a breath as he nods. "Thank you, Harry." He nods in acknowledgment. She curls closer into his side as they wait for the match to start. 

Not long after, there's movement on the field and both Rory and Harry are sitting straight up. Everyone who was lingering about the box quickly files into their seats. Hermione goes to sit on the other side of Harry with Ron beside her, muttering something about them explaining what's going on, which causes Draco's heart to stop in his chest. He snaps to get Rory's attention and then resorts to waving his hands around. Rory lazily glances over in Draco's direction, an eyebrow raised. His eyes dart over to Hermione. Rory huffs and rolls her eyes before turning to face Hermione. 

"Y'know, Hermione," she starts, earning the other girl's attention, " Draco is, like, an expert in Quidditch."

Hermione slowly raises an eyebrow. "Is that so?" Rory nods. "Good for him." 

She tries to sit down but Rory quickly adds, "So you should go sit next ta him." Hermione's eyebrow raises higher. Rory glances at Draco but he's not much help. "I mean, c'mon. Do you really expect these two ta clue you in to some of the more technical plays?" Hermione frowns. "Ron doesn't play and Harry sometimes doesn't know his arse from a hole in the ground."

"Hey!" 

Rory flashes him an apologetic smile and brushes some hair out of his face. "It's true, dear." He pouts but doesn't argue further. "So, really, 'Mione, you should go sit next to Draco." She adds a small nod and bright smile to really seal the deal. Hermione stares at her for a long time--long enough that Rory's afraid the match will start without her looking--before she eventually turns and heads towards where Draco's sitting. Rory watches her go before letting out a long sigh of relief and relaxing into Harry's side. "Merlin's beard," she curses under her breath. "I thought she was never gonna leave." 

Harry chuckles. "That was impressive." Rory smiles. "I didn't think you had it in you." Rory quickly stops smiling and glares at Harry instead. His only saving grace is that Cornelius Fudge comes flying into the box and kicks the match off. 

A group of players decked out in green whiz past and do a quick lap around the field, making sure to wave and smile at everyone they pass. Rory jumps to her feet which startles Padfoot awake. She clutches her hands over her chest as she watches green, orange, and white smoke blow out of their broomsticks. Harry smiles warmly as he watches her, pure adoration in his eyes. He's never seen her more excited and she's absolutely stunning. She bounces on her feet before pressing her hands against the glass windows as the team flies past the commentator's box. One of the players catches her attention and winks before blowing a kiss as they fly by. Rory nearly faints. Harry's too busy watching her to care that another Quidditch player just hit on his girlfriend. 

"It's the Irish!" Rory cheers, spinning around to face Harry. He chuckles and nods, his smile growing. 

Fred gasps as he stands from his seat. "There's Troy!"

"And Mullet!" George tacks on.

"And Moran!" Rory breathes as she turns back around to catch the last of the team flying past. 

Harry lets her have her moment before grabbing her wrist and gently pulling her back into her seat. She smiles sheepishly and tucks into his side. He chuckles softly as he rubs her arm. 

"Here come the Bulgarians!" Fred shouts as a bunch of players in bright red uniforms fly onto the match and take the spotlight from the Irish. Rory's immediately frowning.

Harry nudges her. "Huh. Red and green," he points out. "Remind you of anything?" 

She giggles as she leans up and kisses him. "Those must be the only two colors in the Wizarding World." He laughs against her lips. 

"Who's that?" Ginny asks, pointing to the member doing tricks on their broom.

"That, sis, is the best seeker in the world," George tells her. 

The crowd starts cheering: "Krum! Krum! Krum! Krum!"

"Good evening! As Minister for Magic it gives me great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to the final of the 422nd Quidditch World Cup! Let the match. . . begin!"

The referee releases the balls one at a time before releasing the Snitch. Once it's in the air, everyone takes off and the match officially begins.

Chapter Text

Harry smiles in thanks as Remus hands him a mug of hot chocolate. Remus smiles back and offers a small nod. Rory clinks her mug against his before they both take a sip. Fred, George, and Ginny are skipping around the tent singing and laughing along. Loud booms sound outside from nearby tents. Rory almost spills her hot chocolate as she jumps in her seat to face where the noise is coming from. They can just barely make out the bright colors of the fireworks Ireland is setting off. Rory lets out a soft sigh as she leans into Harry's chest. He instinctively wraps an arm around her waist and twists in his seat so she's probably up against him. He rests his chin on the top of her head as they both watch the fireworks display through the cloth tent. Hermione and Daphne are giggling with Ron and Draco over at the table behind them and Bill, Charlie, and, surprisingly, Percy seem to be in a heated discussion about everything that happened during the match. Padfoot jumps up onto the bench across from Harry and Rory, turning in circles a few times before plopping down, as Remus sits down across from them as well with his own mug of hot chocolate. Lyall and Arthur are tucked away in the corner discussing things involving the Ministry and Hogwarts. 

Rory lets out another content sigh as she leans her head back to look at Harry. He raises an eyebrow but doesn't take his eyes off the fireworks display outside. She smiles softly as she watches him concentrate. She reaches behind her and cups his cheeks. That seems to earn his attention. He peers down at her with a lopsided grin. He presses a kiss to her nose as he waits for her to say something. 

"Do you want to come stay with us until school starts?" she asks softly but Remus and Padfoot overhear her. They share a knowing glance before turning their attention to Harry for an answer. Harry frowns faintly. Rory shifts in her seat so she can properly face him; she doesn't like that look on his face. "Or not," she counters quietly. "You don't have to." Her smile fades as her expression grows serious. She rests her hand atop one of Harry's that's sitting on the table and loops their pinkies together. Remus glances down at Padfoot again before jerking his head in the direction of Lyall and Arthur. They split off and go join the other fathers. "I just thought. . ." She shrugs. "Now's probably the last time we'll see each other now that school's startin' back up and we're. . ."

She presses her lips together to stop herself from finishing her sentence. She's well aware she's the reason they won't be seeing each other anymore during the school year but she couldn't last another second with Dumbledore. And she knows how much Hogwarts means to Harry; she could never ask him to transfer to Beauxbaton just for her. She knows he would and she'd never forgive herself. He needs to stay at Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione. That's where he belongs. 

With a shake of her head, Rory adds, "It was a stupid offer." She stands to go join Daphne and Hermione but Harry quickly grabs her wrist. She stops but doesn't turn around until Harry's tugging her back. She raises an eyebrow at him but her expression otherwise remains blank. 

"Under any other circumstances, I would've said yes." Rory's eyebrow raises higher. Harry lets out a breath, his shoulders sagging. "But my stuff is already at the Weasleys'." Rory presses her lips together as she nods. Harry gently pulls her back down until she's sitting on his lap. She curls into his chest, pressing her ear to his heart. He starts rubbing circles into her back. "It just seems like a hassle to go back and grab my stuff just to go back with you. And then getting to the train. . ." She nods as he runs the back of his hand down her cheek. He kisses her forehead. "Christmas," he promises.

She nods. "Christmas," she mumbles into his chest. "I'm gonna miss you, Harry."

He lets out a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I'm going to miss you too, Ro." They share a kiss. "I got so used to having you beside me."

She giggles as she leans back on the bench. "I'm gonna have a normal school year," she complains which gets Harry laughing. "No Harry Potter over there doin' dangerous things. I'll be forced to learn ."

"Hey! I didn't do anything dangerous last year."

Rory raises an eyebrow. "You fought off a horde of Dementors." Harry opens his mouth to protest but then thinks better of it. Rory smirks. "That's what I thought." They share another laugh. Harry pulls her closer again and holds her tight as Ron stands from the table. They turn their attention to him. 

"There's no one like Krum," Ron admits with a dreamy expression on his face, earning everyone's attention. Rory scrunches her nose which causes Harry to pinch her side. She giggles as she swats at him. 

"Krum?" Fred asks.

"Dumb Krum?" George clarifies.

"He's like a bird, the way he rides the wind." The twins share a look before they begin flapping their arms like wings and squawking Krum's name like birds. "He's more than an athlete!" Ron defends.

"Dumb Krum," they squawk.

"He's an artist!"

"l think you're in love, Ron," Ginny teases as she comes up beside him. She offers him a playful smile before heading over to join Daphne and Hermione. She pays no attention to Draco.

"Shut up."

Harry and Rory share a look before catching the attention of the twins. A silent message passes between them before they're all nodding.

"Viktor, I love you," they all start singing. "Viktor, I do. When we're apart my heart beats only for you."

More bangs and shouts of excitement sound from outside. The twins, Harry, and Rory all giggle as they finish their song. Rory smiles cheerfully at Harry before kissing his cheek and resting her head on his shoulder. 

"Sounds like the Irish have got their pride on," Fred points out as George and Ron start swatting at each other. 

"As they should!" Rory adds, cupping her hands around her mouth to project her voice. "We won fair and square." Fred and George cheer alongside her. "There's no stoppin' us for a while!"

Arthur and Remus come charging back inside with matching serious (and frightened) expressions. Arthur makes a beeline for George and Ron to break them apart. "Stop! Stop it!" Rory frowns. What did she just say? "It's not the Irish. We've gotta get out of here. Now!" 

Rory turns her attention to her father who nods, expression grim. With a death grip on his wand, Arthur flicks it around and sends all of their belongings back into the bags they came in. Padfoot bounds over to Rory and shoves his leash into her hand. She grabs onto it tightly. Remus approaches them and hugs Rory like she's about to disappear. 

"Sirius, take Rory and go!" he barks. Padfoot whines and paws at his leg. Remus shakes his head. "We don't have time. Take her and go!" 

Within seconds, Sirius is standing behind Rory and Harry with a hand on each of their shoulders. Sirius and Remus share a knowing glance, a blown kiss, and a nod before Remus is rushing back outside of the tent. Sirius tightens his grip on their shoulders as he starts leading them out of the tent as well. Arthur's got ahold of Ginny's hand as he follows behind them with the rest of the Weasleys. 

"Dad, what's goin' on?" Rory asks, her voice wobbling. 

"I don't know, sweetheart, but we're sticking together this time." 

"Get out, it's the Death Eaters!" someone shouts as they run past their group. 

Rory's and Sirius' blood runs cold. Draco and Daphne slip their way through Arthur and his gaggle of redheaded ducks to join Sirius, Rory, and Harry at the front. 

"Rory, what do we do?" Daphne whispers, getting as close to her as physically possible. Rory remains silent but Draco's paler pigment does not go unnoticed. Sirius pulls both Daphne and Draco closer to him before pulling out his wand. Daphne stumbles and nearly falls onto Rory. "Sorry, sorry." Rory waves her off. Daphne glances up at Sirius, her eyes widening slightly. "Has he always been this handsome?"

Rory rolls her eyes and sticks out her tongue. "C'mon, Daph. First my da and now my dad?"

Daphne shrugs. "I can't help that both of your parents are attractive." She mock-frowns. "It's a shame that you didn't inherit any of it." 

Rory shoves her slightly. "Watch it or I'll feed ya to the Death Eaters." Daphne sticks her tongue out but doesn't step away from their little huddle. 

"Get back to the portkey, everybody, and stick together!" Arthur orders, sharing a nod with Sirius. Arthur turns to the twins as Sirius turns to Rory. "Fred, George! Ginny is your responsibility. Go!" The twins take hold of Ginny before racing towards the hill they arrived on. 

Sirius hugs all of the kids surrounding him tightly before kissing Rory on the cheek. "You heard him. Do as he says." Rory nods, hands trembling at her sides. Harry takes one of them and Daphne takes the other. "Your dad and I will find you when this is all said and done," he promises. "Stay safe. Stay together." He studies her for a moment, playing with a stray strand of hair, before kissing her forehead one last time and rushing off to find Arthur and Remus, wand in hand. 

"Harry!" Hermione shouts from a little further up than them. She's standing beside Ron who's turned around to find none of their close friends trailing behind them. Hermione gestures for all of them to follow her and Ron. 

A group of masked wizards in long, sleek, black robes start approaching the other side of tents. Harry, Rory, Daphne, and Draco watch on in horror as a handful of the masked wizards make direct eye contact with them. They all join hands, holding onto each other like their lives depend on it, and race after Ron and Hermione. Hermione takes Daphne and Ron, shockingly, takes Draco as their travel companion before turning to the twins for advice. The twins, to the best of their abilities, lead the group towards where the portkey was. But among the panic, Harry and Rory separate from the group, getting caught up in the horde of other wizarding families trying to leave. 

"Harry!" Hermione shouts when she notices them getting swallowed by the crowd. "Rory!" Rory clings to Harry as they fall further back. She's not going to lose him too. "Harry! Rory!" Hermione's shouting does no good as the crowd sweeps her and the Weasleys upstream. 

"Stay with me?" Rory begs as she holds onto Harry as tightly as she can manage. 

Harry wraps an arm around her waist and keeps her pinned against his side. "Wouldn't dream of leaving you." 

He pulls them into a tiny alcove away from the crowd and explosions so they can catch their breath and figure out what to do. More men with masks and long black robes approach, closer this time, and they make a run for it. A few witches and wizards try to run between them but Rory and Harry always manage to regroup. They eventually find a small clearing in the forest and hide behind a large enough rock. Rory pants and Harry's chest heaves as they try to regain their breath. They take turns glancing up and over the rock to catch if anyone's approaching them. 

"Morsmordre!" someone bellows from off to the side--not nearly far enough away for Rory's liking. 

She tugs Harry back down and they press themselves against the rock. After a few seconds pass, Rory slowly lifts her head above the rock to try and catch a glimpse of whoever casted the spell. She spots the silhouette of a man in a long coat staring up at the sky. Occasionally, she'll catch sight of his face when the green light up above casts over him. He isn't someone she's seen before (not that she's actually seen that many people in her life). Brows furrowed, she looks up at the sky, following his line of sight. She lets out a breath and Harry whips around to face her. 

"Rory?" he asks but her focus remains on the sky. "Is everything alright?" He scrambles onto his knees and glances up into the sky. His brow pinches together as he frowns. "What is that?" 

"The Dark Mark," Rory breathes. Harry's frown deepens. She brushes her fingers along her forearm as she explains, "It's kinda like a brand those closest to Voldemort got. A status symbol." Harry grabs her hands and threads their fingers together. Her expression softens. "Practically everyone on the Black side of my family tree had one. They sorta, er, faded when you killed him as a baby." Harry laughs softly and Rory cracks a faint smile. "Harry, I've got a bad feelin' about this," she whispers. "Whoever cast that. . ." She lets out a shaky breath. 

Harry pulls her closer and she buries her face in his chest. "It'll be okay, Ro," he murmurs before kissing the top of her head. "It'll be okay." But they both know he can't promise that.

"Protego," Rory whispers with a small flick of her wand. 

Harry rubs her back and rests his head on hers as they wait for someone to find them.

Chapter Text

Dear Harry,

Dad had wanted to give this to you in person--thought he'd get a better reaction out of you than through the mail--but things got a bit hectic after the match and, well. . . You know the rest. We checked with Minnie before he signed it; she said it'll work. Dad might not have custody of you yet but he definitely cares more than the Dursleys. Da does too but he doesn't want to overstep. It's. . . a complex of some sort or something. He gets that way with me too. Don't take it personal!

Have fun this school year at Hogsmeade. Wish I could sneak out with you but now you don't have to! I'll see you at Christmas.

From the desk of Aurora A. Black

P.S Give Minnie a bit of Marauder's mischief for me? Love you!

Harry runs his thumb over Rory's name as he rereads the letter for the millionth time since it arrived a few days ago. The exaggerated cursive is somehow comforting to him even though Ron's complained about not being able to understand it every time Harry pulls it out. And Harry pulls it out a lot. He almost stashed it in his trunk this morning while they were finishing packing up but at the last minute, decided to stash it in his pocket. He knows it's a bit odd that he's become rather obsessed with this letter but every time he reads it, it's like she's sitting next to him. And then his heart hurts because she's not sitting right next to him. They'll just have to write to each other often until Christmas break. 

Harry lets out a small sigh. He's about to stash the letter away in his pocket again to catch up with Hermione--who went back home after the Quidditch World Cup--while the train pulls out of the station but someone drops down next to him and leans into his shoulder. Brow furrowed, he glances over to find Daphne sitting beside him. His eyes widen as he gasps, causing Daphne to frown slightly. 

"Daphne?" he whispers.

She narrows her eyes. "That's my name, Harry." She tilts her head to the side as she studies him. "Were you expecting someone else?"

He shrugs. "I wasn't really expecting. . . You know Rory isn't here, right?"

She giggles softly and nods. "Yes, I'm aware. But I'm also your friend now. Did you expect us not to see each other at all this school year?" He shrugs. She shakes her head in exasperation before nodding in the direction of the paper. "What do you have there, Harry?" she asks, adjusting her position on the bench to bring her legs up underneath her. When Harry doesn't answer right away, Daphne straightens up and leans over to get a better look. "Oh, is it a letter from Rory?" She clutches her heart. "How sweet," she coos. "Do you two exchange love letters?" She gasps again, eyes wide. "Oh! You two are like star-crossed lovers! Fate brings you together only to rip you apart. Now you can only be pen pals from across the sea." She flutters her lashes before dramatically collapsing against the wall of the compartment. "How romantic," she stresses with a dreamy look on her face. "I wish I had someone who wrote me love letters every day we were apart." She sighs and closes her eyes, picturing the potential poetry written about her. 

Unbeknownst to her, Ron's entire face turns as bright as his hair. Hermione, however, catches it and bumps his shoulder with a knowing smirk. He rolls his eyes and turns his attention to the window. The train's taken off already so all he can really see are trees now that they're out of the station. But it's not Hermione or Daphne and that's all that matters.  

Draco, who had followed her in but decided to sit opposite her and Harry, rolls his eyes. "Oh, come off it, Daph," he pleads. "They're a far cry from Romeo and Juliet."

Hermione perks up at his side, turning away from Ron. "You know Romeo and Juliet?"

Draco shrugs and nods slowly. "Why wouldn't I?" Hermione bites her lip. Draco's face falls. "Oh. Because it's a muggle thing?" She nods. He rolls his eyes again. "Believe it or not, I can appreciate some of the finer things muggles have created." 

Hermione's eyes widen as she glances over in Harry's direction. He's in a similar state of disbelief. 

Daphne's eyes snap open and she jumps into the perfect position to watch them. She even goes as far as swatting Harry's arm with a bright smile. He chuckles and lightly shakes his head. He's not Rory, who he's sure Daphne would be doing this to if she were here, but he'll take the abuse. After all, Rory gave him explicit instructions to help their friends figure out their feelings. After a moment, the swatting stops and he can feel Daphne's gaze on him. He turns to face her, an eyebrow raised. She smiles apologetically but he shakes his head and loops his arm around her. Her eyes widen for a second before she's leaning her head on his shoulder. They'll be the perfect duo to convince Hermione and Draco to get together. 

They're too focused on Draco and Hermione to notice Ron's tuned back into the conversation. And is glaring at Harry. 

Draco tsks and shakes his head. "I'm not an animal," he protests. 

Hermione presses a hand to her mouth to hide her giggles. "We never said you were, Draco," she assures. Daphne narrows her eyes briefly before nudging Harry's shoulder. He nods, a smirk tugging at his lips. She's finally gotten to ' Draco '. "I just wasn't expecting the pinnacle of muggle romance to be something you're knowledgeable in. That's all."

He crosses his arms over his chest and turns up his nose. "I'll have you know, Mother thinks highly of Shakespeare." 

“Really?!” Hermione gasps. 

Draco simply rolls his eyes and ignores her. “Why are we acting like Rory’s dead, anyway? We’ll see her shortly. She’s probably on her way already now that you think about it.”

Harry’s brow furrows. “What do you mean, Draco? She’s already at Beauxbaton. They had to arrive a few days early this year. Rory had no idea why.” Daphne smirks as she tilts her head to watch him. “She has quite the schedule, I’ll tell you. Did you know that Beauxbaton has several classes on how to use magic in music? It’s no wonder she knows so many instruments.” Hermione presses her lips together to keep from giggling. “They also have a dance class! And they teach proper etiquette. Rory was telling me that we have similar ‘core classes’—that’s what they call Charms and Transfiguration and things like that over there—to us with the addition of this etiquette class and one other one. I don’t remember what it was called. But then their electives are different. Did you know that they have an entire wing of their school dedicated to culinary labs? You can study culinary while learning magic! How cool does that sound?!”

Hermione and Daphne lock eyes across the compartment and struggle to keep it together. Draco has to press a hand to his mouth to keep from laughing in his face. But Ron—who’s never shied away from making fun of his best friend—doubles over with laughter, clutching at his stomach. Harry frowns, suddenly aware of all he’s said. 

“What. . . What’s so funny?” 

“Sounds an awful lot like you want to transfer to Beauxbaton, mate,” Ron teases. 

Harry’s ears and cheeks turn bright red and burn to the touch. He turns his attention to the window. Ron’s laughter dies down and Hermione swats at his arm. 

Daphne wraps her arms around Harry’s again and leans into his shoulder. Ron grits his teeth and looks away. “It’s okay, Harry,” she reassures. “I think it’s rather sweet you’ve taken such an interest into Rory’s course work.” Harry cracks a small smile and he turns back to the group. “It really shows how much you care about her.”

“Of course I care. I love—“ Harry’s eyes widen as he cuts himself off abruptly. 

Daphne and Hermione gasp, their hands flying to their mouths. Even Ron and Draco seem to freeze in order to properly take in what Harry almost said. 

“Wait. I didn’t mean to—well of course I do —I should’ve told her—“ Harry groans and buries his face in his hands. “Please don’t tell her I told you lot before I told her,” he pleads, his words getting muffled by his hands. 

Daphne and Hermione share a look and a nod before Daphne’s rubbing soothing circles in between Harry’s shoulder blades. 

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Harry,” she promises. “But does that mean you haven’t told her yourself?” Without looking up, Harry shakes his head. Daphne gasps. “Harry I-don’t-know-your-middle-name Potter!”

“James,” Hermione supplies, leaning forward in her seat slightly. 

“Oh. Cute. I probably should’ve thought of that.” Hermione shrugs and leans back. “I’m named after some very distant relative.” Draco nods along. Daphne smirks and turns her attention to him. “Probably one of yours too,” she teases, sticking her tongue out. Draco rolls her eyes. She winks before turning her attention back on Harry. Ron grumbles under his breath. “But Harry James Potter! How have you not told her you love her yet?!”

He shrugs sheepishly. “It hasn’t come up?” 

She begins swatting at him. “What do you mean it hasn’t come up? This isn’t something that needs to come up organically! You just need to time it perfectly!”

“I’m right on that, Daph. The next time we’re under attack by Voldemort I’ll make sure to tell her how I feel.”

Daphne rolls her eyes. “You know what I mean Harry, don’t be so dramatic.” Harry just shakes his head. Daphne sticks her tongue out again and crosses her arms. "She loves you too, you know."

"She's told you?!" he shrieks, eyes wide.

"She doesn't have to tell me. I can tell by the way she looks at you." Harry tucks his chin into his chest as his cheeks turn pink again. Daphne smiles softly. "In a family of moons and stars, you're her sun." Hermione coos and leans into Draco's side, hands over her heart. Draco instantly tenses up and does his best not to scare her away. 

Ron mimes throwing up before looking out the window again. "Isn't she named after the sun?" he mutters. 

Daphne tsks and rolls her eyes. "Well, technically, yes , but also no. " Ron raises an eyebrow. Daphne waves her hands around. "Her name has more meaning than that. It's a whole thing. Better if she explains it." Ron's eyebrow raises higher. Daphne rolls her eyes. "Names have power, you know. Especially for a member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight."

"But she's--"

"Yes, I'm aware she's not a pureblood." Daphne straightens her back so she's sitting at her full height. "But she's still a member of the Black family. Clearly Professor Lupin and Sirius Black took that into consideration when choosing her name." She gestures to Draco who shrinks back into his seat. "The Black family has a tradition of naming their children after constellations. While Sirius has been disowned from the Black family tree, he still upheld part of the tradition." Ron narrows his eyes briefly before letting the subject drop. "It's really better if you just let Rory explain."

"But she told you?" 

Daphne nods. "We were up late one night and started discussing the meanings behind our names. My sister, Astoria, and I are named after women in Greek myths." Hermione perks up at this. " Astraea was a daughter of Zeus. Daphne was a lover of Apollo." Daphne shrugs. "It's not really important. Just a silly pureblood tradition."

"Are your parents named after Greek myths?" Harry asks, knocking his knee into hers gently. 

She cracks a small smile. "My father's name is Atlas. My mother's is Calliope." Harry matches her smile. "But enough about me. We went on the world's longest tangent." She turns her attention back on Draco. "You were saying something about seeing Rory soon?"

He nods. "Yes! I would imagine she's already on her way to Hogwarts. Along with Durmstrang--the Bulgarian school." Draco frowns when no one seems to understand what he's talking about. "Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament this year," he explains but is still met with blank expressions. "Which means both Beauxbaton and Durmstrang will be staying at the castle?" He narrows his eyes slightly. "Does anyone know what I'm talking about?" No one answers. "Weasley, isn't your father part of the Ministry?" Ron nods. "And he didn't tell you anything?"

"Bill, Charlie, and Percy have all been hinting at something but no one's really come out and said what's happening."

Draco pouts. "Hm. Well. Father told me all about what's happening this year. I suppose he expects me to enter and compete as well but I'd rather just watch. I've done light research on the tournament since he's told me and it seems like there's a history of death involved." He shrugs. "I don't know what Dumbledore's done to convince Fudge into bringing it back but that would explain why Rory needed to go back early. If they're not already there when we arrive at Hogwarts, they'll be arriving shortly after."

"You mean she'll be with us all school year?" Harry asks. 

Draco shrugs again. "I'm not entirely sure. It's a long distance to travel here and back throughout the school year so chances of them staying on property are pretty high." Draco frowns slightly. “Although, once the champions are picked, everyone else could just go back.” Harry pouts as Draco hums in thought. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

“What is the Triwizard Tournament?” Hermione asks. “For those of us who don’t have access to the Malfoy library.”

Daphne snorts. “You can see my library whenever you want, Hermione,” she teases, which gets Hermione laughing. 

Draco rolls his eyes. “I’m sure Dumbledore will explain when we get to school but it’s essentially a tournament where three schools compete—Hogwarts, Beauxbaton, and Durmstrang—in three trials—or tasks as they call them—as a bit of healthy school rivalry. The last tournament hasn’t been played in over a century. The tasks used to be painful. Like I said, most ended in death.” Everyone’s face grows grim. “Here’s to hoping they’ve changed a few rules.”

Ron snorts. “Here’s to hoping they’ve changed a lot, mate.” Draco laughs. 

“Well I certainly don’t plan on competing,” Daphne exclaims, leaning back in her seat with her arms crossed. “I don’t trust anyone in the Ministry enough to ensure my safety.”

Draco narrows his eyes at her. “Doesn’t your father work in the Ministry?”

Daphne counters this with a raised eyebrow and, “Doesn't he work alongside your father?”

He crosses his arms and pouts, grumbling, “Touché,” under his breath. She smirks victoriously. 

“Well, I’m not competing either,” Hermione declares. “I’ve got too much to do already. I can’t throw complicated trials onto my plate.” She straightens slightly in her seat as she perks up. “I’ve started drafting a campaign for House Elf rights. I’ve even made buttons!” She starts reaching for her bag. “And I’ve even appointed you each a role so we can all be a part of this.” 

Ron and Harry exchange grimaces. 

“What if we waited until we’re back in the common room, ‘Mione?” Ron suggests, lightly guiding her hands away from her bag. She pouts but nods. “Competing could be fun,” Ron suggests. “If you eliminate the possibility of death.” Everyone starts laughing. Ron shrugs. “Maybe I’ll enter.”

“Go for it, mate! ‘Bout time you had the spotlight!” Harry cheers and Ron beams. “As for me, if this is optional, I’m opting out. I’ve had enough of possibly life-ending trials.” Hermione and Ron nearly lose it. Daphne giggles at his side while Draco lightly shakes his head. “One normal school year. That’s all I ask for.” 

Daphne pats him on the shoulder. “Never going to happen, love.” He pouts. “You’ll always be Harry Potter. And Harry Potter will always be thrown head first into danger.” 

Harry sighs and hangs his head. “I hate how right you are,” he mumbles. Daphne giggles and pats him on the shoulder again. 

~~~

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Daphne, and Draco walk side by side through the outside corridors of Hogwarts, the rest of the student population filling in the gaps around them. Some of the first years are still trekking across the Black Lake with the guidance of Hagrid. Draco glances out to see if he can spot any of the boats but instead finds a large carriage led by flying horses swooping down onto the grounds. Smirking, Draco nudges Harry's shoulder and then points at the carriage when he has his attention. Harry gasps and steps away from the group to get a better look. But everyone seems to want to get a closer look and he gets swept away in the crowd. Hermione giggles as she rescues him and helps him to a better vantage point. The carriage flies right past them but they can't see who's inside. 

"That's Beauxbaton," Harry murmurs, leaning closer to Hermione so she can hear him. She hums to acknowledge she heard him but her focus remains on the carriage. Draco, Ron, and Daphne catch up to them a second later. "I guess you were right, Draco," Harry teases, elbowing his side playfully. Draco lets out a breathy laugh and shakes his head. 

"Wow, did they time that perfectly," Ron compliments. Daphne nods at his side, wrapping her arms around him to stay close. His face heats up as he pulls her closer. She presses her lips together to hide her smile.  

"Wait!" Hermione exclaims, pointing towards the lake. "What's that?"

Just as the words are leaving her mouth, a giant ship pops up, creating giant waves in the water. Everyone turns their attention to the ship, gasping and pointing just like for the carriage. 

"If that's Beauxbaton, that must be Durmstrang," Draco remarks and everyone starts nodding along. "Father wanted to send me to Durmstrang," he continues. "He knows the Headmaster there. But Mother wanted me closer. Convinced him to send me to Hogwarts." He turns away from the ship to face his friends. "I'm glad I'm here," he whispers. 

It's Hermione who looks away first and smiles softly at him. "We're glad you're here too, Draco," she admits. "Even if it took a while to break you." They share a laugh. 

"Alright, alright! Everyone in the castle! There'll be more to see later!" Hagrid bellows as he starts sweeping the students inside. 

Harry helps Hermione down before they're all laughing and heading inside. Ron pulls up on the other side of Harry as soon as they enter the Great Hall. Harry, without thinking, immediately turns towards the Gryffindor table. Hermione and Ron hesitate for a moment but when Daphne and Draco fill in beside them, they follow. While Daphne and Draco sat with them on the train, they had considered the possibility of Draco and Daphne returning to the Slytherin table. It made the most sense anyway. 

So the five of them watch in modest curiosity as the Sorting Hat sorts the new students. And if Draco and Daphne applaud the new Gryffindors while Harry, Hermione, and Ron cheer on the new Slytherins, no one says a thing. 

Once the sorting is done and McGonagall has put the hat away, Dumbledore steps up to his podium and clears his throat. "Well, now we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement." The doors creak open and Filch comes running down the hall between the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor tables. "This castle will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen. . ." Filch cuts Dumbledore off by murmuring something. "Tell them to wait. Tell them to wait," he pushes. Filch nods before starting down the hall again. "So Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Triwizard Tournament." Students across all four tables start murmuring. "For those of you who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single student is selected to compete. Now let me be clear. If chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when l say, these contests are not for the faint-hearted. But more of that later. For now, please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies and gentleman of the Beauxbaton Academy of Magic and their headmistress, Madame Maxime."

The door creaks open again but this time it's a group of students in baby blue outfits with matching hats. Harry straightens immediately and cranes his neck to make out each individual student. Soft music fills the Great Hall as the students make their way up towards Dumbledore. Every few feet, they'll turn and curtsy at the Hogwarts students. Harry does the quick mental calculations--he'll have to tell Hermione about that later--to figure out if they'll stop in front of them. He's just getting to the answer when one of the students steps slightly out of line and blows a kiss instead of curtsying. Harry's breath catches in his throat. 

"Hello, Harry," Rory whispers before pressing a kiss to his cheek. One of the other girls loops their arm around hers and drags her off. Rory giggles but manages to turn around and wiggle her fingers at him before continuing with their grand entrance. 

Harry's fingertips brush over where she had kissed his cheek as he smiles softly. Ron catches sight of this and chuckles under his breath while rolling his eyes. 

"Mate," he teases. Harry glances away from Rory and over at Ron. "You've got it bad ." Harry blushes and looks away.

When the Beauxbaton students reach the front of the hall, they stop and strike another pose, releasing magical baby blue butterflies that flutter around the tables. The girls stand off to one side while the boys stand off to the other and they all fall into line as they watch their Headmistress walk up to the front. 

"Blimey," Seamus Finnigan blurts out, nudging Ron. "That's one big woman." Ron nods along.

When Madam Maxime has joined her students at the front, they all come back together to one last twirl before taking a bow. The crowd cheers, a few even whistle and applaud. Dumbledore comes down to greet them, offering a kiss to Madame Maxime's hand, and instructs the students where to sit. They scamper off towards the Ravenclaw table. All except one. Madame Maxime moves off to the side by the professors' table.

"And now our friends from the north. Please greet the proud sons and daughters of Durmstrang and their high master, lgor Karkaroff."

Seconds before the door opens again, Rory slips into the space between Harry and Daphne at the Gryffindor table. Harry opens his mouth to speak but Rory presses a finger to his lips and nods towards the doors. The Durmstrang students come charging in with heavy walking sticks that they use to pound on the floor and twirl around. Rory scrunches her nose as she watches. So barbaric. She will compliment them on their use of gymnastics, though, when they reach the end of the hall. The fire-blowing too. 

Ron gasps as two students walk in on either side of Igor Karkaroff. "Oh, its Krum! Blimey, it's him! Viktor Krum!"

Harry and Rory share a look before they start giggling. One of the Durmstrang students blows a large, vicious snake out of the fire to conclude their grand entrance. Karkaroff breaks away from his students and pulls Dumbledore in for a hug.

"Albus," he greets warmly.

"lgor."

Harry turns his attention away from the Durmstrang students and back on Rory. She avoids his gaze but she's got a knowing look in her eyes and a playful smirk on her face. He shakes his head lightly as he wraps his arms around her. She leans into him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. 

"Surprise," she whispers. 

He chuckles and kisses her softly. "Did you know about this?" She pulls away to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "When you sent me my permission slip?"

She shrugs, her smirk growing. "Possibly." He laughs and continues to shake his head. "Had I told you, it wouldn't have been a surprise," she teases. 

"Aura!" someone from the Ravenclaw table whisper-yells. Both Rory and Harry perk up and look over in the direction of the voice. There's a pretty blonde, perhaps a year or so older than them, that's leaning over with a bright smile. "Aura," she coos. Rory's smirk turns into more of a smile as she nods and pulls Harry closer. He swallows thickly and shifts uncomfortably as the blonde's piercing blue eyes focus on him. "Ah, Harry," she continues to coo. "So lovely to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you recently." She winks at Rory who rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "Fleur Delacour," she introduces, extending her hand. Harry goes to shake her hand when Rory nudges him. Instead, he takes Fleur's hand in his and presses a quick kiss to her knuckles. Fleur pulls her hand away with a gentle laugh. "He's a sweet one, Aura. Definitely a keeper."

Rory turns a soft gaze on Harry before running her fingers through his hair. "Yeah," she agrees airily. "I don't plan on letting him go anytime soon." Harry chuckles and kisses her cheek. Rory blows a kiss Fleur's way before they turn back towards the table. 

"Should someone tell her I'm a Seeker?" Rory just shakes her head. Harry laughs and presses another kiss to her cheek. "I'm glad you're here," he whispers. 

"Me too." 

She leans back to give him a proper kiss before turning toward Daphne and sparking up a conversation. Harry smiles to himself as he catches snippets of Daphne complimenting the Beauxbaton uniform. Hermione zeroes in on him for a moment before pressing her lips together and shaking her head. Ron raises an eyebrow at her as he shifts to better face her. She just continues shaking her head. Ron glances over at Harry to figure out what Hermione's thinking. 

"He's so smitten," she whispers. 

Ron snorts. "I coulda told you that."

"It's amazing how Rory hasn't picked up on it yet."

Ron nudges her slightly. "'Cause I've never seen him look at her like that when she's looking." Hermione hums in agreement. 

Dumbledore takes his podium again just as something tall and fancy is being placed in front of it. "Your attention, please! I'd like to say a few words. Eternal glory. That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament. But to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks."

Rory's brow furrows. "Should I be concerned that Hogwarts is always tryin' to kill its students?" Harry shakes his head. Rory snorts. "Well I'm not takin' reassurances from you ." His jaw drops but he doesn't argue with her."

"I don't know," George comments, leaning over towards where their little group of fourth years are sitting.

"Sounds wicked to me," Fred adds with a wink Rory's way. She shakes her head with a fond smile.

"For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain all this, we have the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Mister Bartemius Crouch." 

Barty Crouch walks up to the front of the hall, glancing back towards the corner every so often. Just as the focus is on him, the enchanted ceiling starts thundering. Everyone starts shouting and ducks under whatever they can find as if they're sitting in an actual rainstorm. Whoever Barty Crouch was watching leaps out into the Great Hall and casts a spell on the ceiling. The thunder subsides and all is well again.

"Bloody hell," Ron murmurs. 

"It's Mad-Eye Moody," Rory breathes.

"Alastor Moody?" Daphne chirps. 

"The Auror?" Draco asks.

Ron and Rory nod. 

Harry leans closer to Rory and whispers, "Auror?"

"Dark-wizard catcher," she explains. "Half the cells in Azkaban are filled thanks to him. He's supposed to be mad as a hatter, though, these days." She glances over her shoulder at him. "My parents-- our parents--worked with him during the war. They were in the Order of the Phoenix together. Da's told me a lot about him. My sister, Dora, really looks up to him. She's an Auror too. Though Andy doesn't understand why."

"My dear old friend, thanks for coming," Dumbledore greets as Moody approaches his podium.

"Stupid ceiling," he grumbles before glancing over in Harry's direction. His eyes zero in on Rory first before finding Harry behind her.

"Thank you." As Moody steps away, he takes a swig of something from his hip flask.

"After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that, for their own safety, no student under the age of seventeen shall be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament," Barty Crouch declares which immediately has the room erupting in boos. "This decision is final!

"That's rubbish!" Fred and George declare, their hands cupping their mouths to project their voice. "That's rubbish! You don't know what you're doing!"

"Silence!" Dumbledore bellows. He then takes his wand from his pockets to reveal a goblet in the casket beside him. Bright blue flames spark to life. "The Goblet of Fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament, need only write their name upon a piece of parchment, and throw it in the flame before this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly. If chosen, there's no turning back. As from this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun." 

"Looks like you'll get your wish after all, Harry," Daphne teases. 

Rory raises an eyebrow. "Your wish? What wish?"

"For a normal school year," Draco answers for him. 

Rory snorts. "Does he know that's never goin' ta happen?" Harry buries his face in his hands as everyone at the table starts laughing. Rory rubs his back. "Just teasin', deer." She kisses his cheek. 

Daphne gasps and grabs at her arm. "Will you be staying in our dorm again? Your bed is empty."

Rory shakes her head. "I think Ombrelune is staying in the Ravenclaw dormitories. And seein' as I am a Beauxbaton student, I need to stay with my house."

"Ombrelune?" Daphne parrots. "What the bloody hell is an Ombrelune?"

Rory giggles. "It's a house at Beauxbaton. For the curious, logical, ambitious, and cunnin'. It's where I was sorted."

"Hmm, are their colors also green?" 

The girls share a knowing smile but Rory shakes her head. "Blue." Daphne pouts. "Give it a week and I'll sneak back in," she offers with a wink. Daphne starts beaming. "I'm sure my bed will be cozier than wherever I'll be sleepin' in Ravenclaw." They continue laughing. 

"You will be attending regular Hogwarts classes, though, right?" Harry asks. 

Rory smirks and shrugs. "Guess we'll see." Harry doesn't appreciate the way she winks at him and doesn't give a concrete answer.

Chapter Text

There are many things Harry loves about Rory. Truly. It's a long list and really doesn't have a particular order. But if he had to pick just one aspect of Rory Black he loved most, he'd probably say her art of not caring what anyone thinks of her. Harry's spent too much time here at Hogwarts caring what the other students have thought of him and, though he'll never admit it, he's spent enough time back at Privet Drive thinking the same. But in comes Rory who takes up as much space as possible and never apologizes for how loud or incomprehensible her accent is. Who always stands up for what she believes in and will not hesitate to pick a fight. Who will break every rule in the rulebook if necessary for either herself or a loved one. She's so unapologetically herself and Harry can't fall anymore in love with her because of it. 

So when Harry, Ron, and Hermione step inside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom after Charms, Harry's not at all surprised to find Rory already sitting in the desk in front of Daphne and Draco, decked out in her Beauxbaton uniform. She'd be instantly recognizable if Harry hadn't already memorized every aspect of her. In a sea of black, she's the only one in bright blue but she doesn't seem to care at all. 

With a bright smile, Harry takes the empty space beside her and drapes his bag over the chair. Rory immediately tilts her body to better face him as she continues her conversation with Draco and Daphne. Hermione and Ron join them a moment later and take the desk beside them. 

"Looks like you decided to attend Hogwarts' classes after all," Harry teases, nudging her shoulder.

Rory finishes what she's saying to Daphne before turning a soft glare his way. He raises an eyebrow. She rolls her eyes playfully before nudging him back. "Well, it was this or follow the Ravenclaws," she admits. "And I already know my way around a Slytherin schedule." 

"And Dumbledore is okay with this?"

She shrugs. "I'm not Dumbledore's problem this year so it shouldn't really matter." Harry frowns slightly. "I talked it over with Madam Maxime and she said as long as I was getting an education, she didn't care what schedule I followed." She bumps Harry's shoulder again. "She's a bit more lenient with me since I already know my way around." Harry chuckles. "It's really a shame for the Durmstrang bloke. They've got to follow Hufflepuff around." 

Daphne gasps, leaning up and over the desk to swat her arm. "There's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff."

Rory laughs. "I wasn't sayin' there was! You try watchin' those passive Puffs boss around those burly Bulgarian boys. It was pretty funny to watch at breakfast this mornin'." Draco presses a hand to his mouth to keep from laughing as Daphne sinks down in her seat. Rory winks. "Thought so." She turns away from Daphne and Draco, angling more towards Harry. "Them tryin' to break the language barrier was priceless." Harry leans into her as they both start laughing. 

Their laughter doesn't last long before the loud echoing of a wooden leg comes barreling down the stairs leading up to the DADA professor's office. Harry pulls away from Rory immediately as they both turn their attention on Professor Moody. Almost everyone in the room straightens up as they wait for Moody to say something. He glares at all of them as he descends before taking up his spot at the front of the classroom. 

"Alastor Moody," he barks before turning to the chalkboard and writing. "Ex-Auror, Ministry malcontent, and your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. l am here because Dumbledore asked me. End of story, goodbye, the end. Any questions?" He searches the sea of students, each one as pale and queasy looking as the next. All except one. His heart stops in his chest as the student's eyes land on his own. If he didn't know any better he'd say it was. . . "Regulus?" he whispers, voice cracking. The young girl's eyes narrow for a second as she begins pouting. Moody walks over to his desk and rifles around a few papers before finding the class roster. It's all jumbled up thanks to the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students but he finds the right name he's searching for. Right there in Professor McGonagall's familiar script is. "R.A.B?" he calls out. "Do we have an R.A.B in this class?" The class remains silent as everyone looks around. "R.A.B," he repeats. "It's not that complicated of a question. Anyone with the last name Black?"

Rory hesitantly raises her hand. "Um, sorry, Professor, but there isn't an R .A.B in here." Moody frowns. "I'm the closest thing you've got but I'm A.A.B." Moody falls back on his heel as something deflates in his chest. He knew it was impossible. He received the letter acknowledging his death. But the young girl just looks so much like him at that age. "Aurora Aylin Black, sir. But everyone calls me--"

"Rory," he cuts off. She gives a curt nod. "Ah, yes. Rory Black. I've heard a lot about you." Rory's face grows a little pale. "You look an awful lot like your--"

"Father?" She snorts. "Yeah, so I've been told. The Black genes are strong."

Moody shakes his head. "You look like your uncle," he corrects. Rory's expression falls. Moody winks before addressing the rest of the class again. "Now. When it comes to the Dark Arts, l believe in a practical approach. But first, which of you can tell me how many Unforgivable Curses there are?"

It's silent for a moment before Hermione speaks up, "Three, sir."

"And they are so named?" he asks, moving back to the chalkboard to write more down.

"Because they are unforgivable. The use of any one of them will--"

"Will earn you a one-way ticket to Azkaban, correct. The Ministry says you're too young to see what these curses do. l say different! You need to know what you're up against! You need to be prepared. You need to find another place to put your chewing gum besides the underside of your desk, Mr. Finnigan!"

Everyone turns around to find Seamus attempting to stick his gum under the desk. He pulls away instantly.

"No way. The old codger can see out the back of his head."

Moody throws the chalk to the back of the classroom. "And hear across classrooms! So which curse shall we see first? Weasley!"

Ron startles as Moody slams his hand on the desk. "Yes?"

"Stand." Ron obeys. "Give us a curse."

"Well, my dad did tell me about one. The Imperius Curse."

"Oh, yeah, your father would know all about that. Gave the Ministry quite a bit of grief a few years ago. Perhaps this will show you why." He returns to his desk before opening one of the jars littering about to reveal a spider. "Hello. Lovely little beauty." He takes the spider out of the jar before aiming his wand at it. "Engorgio." The spider grows to the size of the palm of his hand. "Imperio!" 

With the tip of his wand still aimed at the spider, he levitates the spider out of his hand and onto Dean's desk. Dean leans back before the spider can touch him. Moody starts laughing. He flings the spider off the desk and onto Crabbe's head. Crabbe starts clawing at his face but the spider jumps over to Parvati's desk. 

"Don't worry. It's completely harmless," Moody tells them. 

The whole classroom starts laughing. Moody takes the spider off Parvati's desk and levitates it over Ron's head. He starts whimpering. Hermione presses her lips together to keep from laughing. Rory and Harry, however, don't succeed. Rory leans into Harry's side as she clutches her stomach. 

"If she bites, she's lethal!" Rory laughs harder. Moody turns his attention on her but spots Draco behind her cackling away. "What are you laughing at?" 

Draco jumps in his seat as the spider lands on his nose. "Get off!" he shrieks. 

Rory slides down in her seat as tears start streaking her face. Harry wraps an arm around her to keep her up but he's laughing so hard too, it's hard to keep them both upright. Daphne has to, at one point, reach over and lift Harry up. Draco pouts, his arms crossed over his chest, when the spider leaves his face. 

"I can't believe you three."

"It's funny!" Rory wheezes but Draco isn't listening.

"Talented, isn't she?" Moody asks through his own laughter. "What should l have her do next? Jump out the window?" He sends her flying towards the window. "Drown herself?" The spider falls, hovering over a bucket of water. It struggles against the spell, not wanting to succumb to the water, but Moody brings the spider back over before anything can happen. He keeps the spider close in his hand. "Scores of witches and wizards have claimed that they only did You-Know-Who's bidding under the influence of the Imperius Curse. But here's the rub: How do we sort out the liars? Another, another." Students raise their hands but he's already hovering over Neville. "Up, up. Come on. Longbottom, is it? Up." Neville stands up. "Professor Sprout tells me you have an aptitude for herbology."

"There's the, um. . . the Cruciatus Curse."

"Correct, correct. Come, come. Particularly nasty." Neville walks up to the front of the classroom with Moody. "The torture curse. Crucio!"

Neville grimaces the longer the spider struggles. After long enough, Neville has to look away.

Rory flies to her feet. "Stop it!" she barks, startling Moody. He takes a step back, easing up his control on the spider. "Can't you see it's bothering him?" Moody's one good eye narrows. "Stop it!"

Moody nods and drops his wand. It takes Neville a moment to open his eyes again and return to his seat. Moody scoops the spider up and sets it down in front of Rory.

Clearing his throat, he asks, "Perhaps you could give us the last Unforgivable Curse, Miss Black?" She stares up at him, jaw set in defiance. He raises an eyebrow. "No?" He glances over at Harry who's sitting up straight with his back pressed to the seat. "You should know all about that one." He nudges the toe of Harry's shoe with his own. "Isn't that right, Mister Potter?" Harry's face pales as he sneaks a look Rory's way. Moody returns his attention to her. "What do you say, Miss Black?" He twirls his wand around and hands it to her. "Why don't you give it a try?" She doesn't move. He nudges her with the end of his wand. "Come on," he coaxes before doing something weird with his tongue. "You've got it in you," he whispers. "Give it a try." He forces the wand into her hand and makes sure she's holding it firmly before stepping back. "You know the spell, I know you do. There isn't a Black alive that doesn't know that spell." 

Rory swallows thickly but tightens her grip on the wand. "Avada--"

"Louder! For those in the back."

Rory glares up at him. He nods towards the spider. She sucks in a deep breath, relaxes her shoulders, and points the tip of the wand at the spider. "Avada Kedavra!" she shouts. The spider keels over instantly. Rory swallows thickly as she sets the wand on the desk, shoving it out of her way. Harry pulls her into his side immediately. 

Moody takes the wand back with a sick smile. "The Killing Curse!" he informs the class, gesturing towards the dead spider. "Takes a special something in a person to successfully cast this spell." Rory pales so drastically she almost looks green. "Only one person is known to have survived it, and he's sitting in this room." Moody stares Harry down but doesn't say anything. Harry glares back at him, daring him to say anything. After a moment, Moody pulls a flask out of his jacket pocket and walks away while taking a sip.

With his back turned to her, Rory hesitantly reaches out and brushes her fingers along the legs of the spider. It doesn't twitch at all. It remains as frozen as a statue. She pulls her fingers away and buries her head in Harry's chest. He wraps his arms around her tightly and presses a kiss to the top of her head.  

~~~

"What the hell was that?" Daphne asks. "Never in Hogwarts history has a professor ordered a student to perform an Unforgivable Curse." Daphne purses her lips before shrugging. "Well. Maybe now that they're illegal."

"But still!" Hermione agrees. "It was bad enough he kept torturing the spider in front of Neville when he was clearly affected by it but to force Rory to perform one. . . And that one of all curses!" Hermione shivers before pulling a disgusted look. Rory leans into Harry's side as he wraps an arm around her. He presses a kiss to her hair. "We should tell Dumbledore."

"Tell Dumbledore what, Hermione?" Rory murmurs, all trace of a fight wiped from her. She seems almost hollow. "That the DADA professor was teaching us the Unforgivables? Isn't that his job?" Hermione presses her lips together as her hands find her hips. "We can't protect ourselves if we don't know what we're protecting against."

"But to force you into casting it !" she continues before shaking her head. "I just think Dumbledore should be notified. What if the Ministry comes barreling down the doors?"

Harry snorts. "Like they have the past two years?" Hermione frowns. 

Rory pulls away from Harry to grab Hermione's hands. "'Mione, it's fine." She squeezes her hands when Hermione's frown deepens. "I'm fine." Rory offers her a small smile. "I used his wand anyway. If the Ministry comes knockin' down the door, they'll arrest him. They can't prove it was me unless they ask everyone in the class." Rory leans her head back with a raised eyebrow. "Are you gonna send me to Azkaban, 'Mione?"

Hermione's eyes widen. "Absolutely not, Rory!" 

Rory giggles. "Then stop worrin', mkay?"

Hermione nods and Rory returns to Harry's side. "I still think we should alert Dumbledore," Hermione mutters and Ron nods at her side. 

Rory rolls her eyes with a fond smile as they all begin their descent down the stairs. She stays close to Harry's side but she can feel Daphne and Draco behind her. She can hear them murmuring to each other but can't quite make out what either one is saying. She tries her best to tune them out but Harry can sense her discomfort so he lets her go with a kiss to her cheek. Smiling, she lets him join up with Hermione and Ron as she falls back with Daphne and Draco.

"Rory," Draco starts carefully. She raises an eyebrow. "What Moody said about casting the spells. . ." Rory wraps her arms around her tightly as Draco's expression softens. "You're not like them," he declares. Rory blinks a few times, her breath catching in her throat. Draco pulls her close and helps her down the stairs. "You're not like them," he repeats. Rory licks her lips and nods, hands shaking. "Isn't that what you told me?"

She giggles softly. "Some version of it, yeah," she agrees. He pulls her closer and ruffles her hair. She starts groaning and swatting his hands away so she can fix it herself. "Thanks, Dray." 

He nods. "Anytime, Ro." She leans her head on his shoulder for a moment and he returns the gesture. "Mother told me all about how Aunt Andromeda and Sirius stuck together growing up." Rory leans away with a raised eyebrow. "Perhaps we can do the same." 

Rory giggles and shakes her head. "If we have it our way, Dray, we won't need to stick together." They share a smile and a nod. Rory yanks Daphne in to form an awkward group hug. They all start laughing as they continue walking down the stairs joined together. 

They're halfway down the stairs when the door to the DADA classroom flies open. All the students remaining on the stairs--including the Golden and Diamond Trio--turn around expectantly. Moody's standing at the top of the stairs, glaring down at everyone. It takes him a moment to find Rory but when he does, they lock eyes and he gestures for her to come up the stairs. She almost doesn't at first. She almost plants her heels into the stairs and refuses to go in either direction. But he gestures for her to come up a second time and she's walking back up the stairs before she can process what she's doing. 

"Rory?" Harry whispers, reaching out for her hand. 

She smiles at him and blows him a kiss. "Go on. I'll be fine. I'll catch you up." His brow furrows but she just nods. "I promise." He nods too and lets her go. Draco and Daphne each step to the side to let her up. She sends one last glance down at her group before slipping back into the DADA classroom. "You wanted to see me, Professor?" she asks, voice cool and level. She leaves the door cracked open behind her as she fully enters the room.

"I wanted to apologize if I startled you in class earlier," Moody starts, locking the door. Rory spins around, her fingers hovering over the moonstone at the end of her wand. "I only want to see my students succeed," he continues. Rory watches him carefully as he walks away from the door and over to his desk. "You should be impressed that you could successfully cast the spell. Not everyone can."

"Yes. You mentioned that." 

She narrows her eyes for a moment as Moody slips into his seat behind his desk. He gestures for her to take a seat but she remains planted in place. He raises an eyebrow. She stands taller in response. 

"You're a lot like your uncle, did you know that?" Rory falters. Moody smirks. "What do you know about Regulus Black?"

"Not much," she mutters. "He was a loyal Death Eater until the day he died." Moody's expression shifts briefly. Rory raises an eyebrow. "Do you know something I don't, Professor?"

"Your uncle was more complex than that." Rory's eyebrow raises higher. "He didn't always believe in what his parents--your grandparents--had to say. He was a fierce protector of those he loved. I'd know." Rory crosses her arms over her chest, forgetting about her wand. "He disobeyed the Dark Lord's orders during his last few days. Bet you didn't know that." Rory remains silent. Moody gestures again for her to take a seat but she doesn't move. "Tell me, Miss Black, what house were you sorted into last year when you spent some time as a transfer student?"

"Slytherin."

Moody leans back in his seat as he looks her over approvingly. "The best house," he hums. Rory shrugs. "You'd make for an excellent champion in the Tournament, Miss Black."

She shakes her head lightly. "I'm not old enough."

Moody chuckles. "The Goblet doesn't care." She lets out a breath. "If you can get past Dumbledore's age line. . ." He lets out a breath himself as he looks away from her. Rory lowers her gaze to her shoes in thought. Moody smirks as he watches her out of the corner of his eye. "Just think about it, Miss Black. What's the worst that can happen?" 

Rory nods, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "Is there anything else you need from me, sir?"

He shakes his head. "No, Miss Black. That'll be all." 

She nods and turns to leave the classroom when she spots something sitting on her desk. She pauses, watching it out of the corner of her eye. Something fuzzy twitches on the desk before jumping up and scurrying around. Rory gasps, taking a step back. She almost bumps into the desk behind her but she doesn't seem to care. Moody watches her carefully with one eye while the other is trained on the spider Rory had killed. 

"How. . ." she breathes. She tears her gaze from the spider to find Moody still watching her. Her fingers wrap around the hilt of her wand tightly. "Professor." He raises an eyebrow. "How many spiders do you have?"

"Just the one," he replies with a sick smirk. 

"Where did that one. . ." Moody leans forward, watching her. "That can't possibly be the same spider." Moody doesn't say anything. "It can't be," she argues but he remains silent. "Nothing can survive the Killing Curse."

"Try telling that to your boyfriend." Rory presses her lips together. "That will be all, Miss Black. You're free to go." Rory nods but doesn't move right away. She's too busy watching as the spider jumps off her desk and lands on Moody's. "That will be all, Miss Black," he encourages. "Think about what I said." She nods again, her fingers relaxing against her wand. Moody watches as she walks away.

Chapter Text

"You know, with the amount of canine running in your blood, you'd think you'd act a bit more dog-like," Daphne teases from across the Slytherin dorm room, slowly kicking her legs back and forth as she skims one of the textbooks for Charms this year to help with her essay. 

Rory rolls her eyes as she uncurls herself from the ball she was in on Harry's lap but the way she stretches doesn't help her case. Harry chuckles softly as he pulls his parchment and ink out of arm's way the second he sees her back arch. Hermione glances up from her textbook with a raised brow but quickly starts giggling as she spots Cinnamon mimic Rory stretching. She nudges Ron with her foot who's instantly looking up from his parchment and laughing along. Rory frowns, pulling herself onto her knees, and crosses her arms. That's the breaking point for Daphne who rolls onto Draco's lap, clutching her sides. Rory rolls her eyes and shakes her head, running her fingers through her hair a few times to fluff it up. 

"Y'all can fuck off," she says with a fake politeness in her voice and a cheery smile on her face. She flips them off for added measure, making sure to emphasize each gesture. Harry kicks her calf. She turns her attention on him before the smile becomes sincere. "Except you, darlin'," she clarifies. He raises an eyebrow. With a small giggle to herself, Rory leans over and cups his face in her hands. "You can do a different kind of fuckin'," she whispers against his lips before kissing him. He stops breathing, eyes widening. 

"Aurora!" Daphne shouts as she throws a pillow her way. It knocks into Rory's side but she falls onto Harry which doesn't do Daphne any good. Harry catches her quickly and they both start laughing. Daphne shakes her head. "What would your parents say if they heard you talk like that?"

Rory leans back up on her knees again and rolls her eyes, her hands finding her hips. "I highly doubt Dad would have anythin' to say on the matter. And Da has no room to talk." Daphne starts glaring at her, her own hands finding her hips. Rory rolls her eyes again. "I'm just teasin', Daph," she promises. "You need a bed to do that." 

"You actually don't," Ron protests. All eyes land on him and he goes pink. "I mean. . ." he attempts, clearing his throat. "I've just heard. . ." He scratches the back of his neck as the pink in his face turns red. "Y'know. . ."

"Talkin' from experience, are ya, Weasley?" Rory asks, barely managing to get it out through another round of giggles. 

Ron shakes his head, his face now the same shade as his hair. "No, no! I've just. . ." Rory wolf-whistles. Ron picks up one of the pillows Hermione's been resting against and tosses it her way. Rory laughs and catches it, tossing it Harry's way. "Bill's told me things," he mumbles. "That's all. He and his Hogwarts girlfriend used to do it in the Quidditch supplies closet all the time, apparently." 

Draco's face scrunches up and he sticks his tongue out. "Is this something siblings just tell one another?" he asks. Harry, Rory, and Hermione all shrug or murmur their indifference. Daphne and Ron make eye contact before they're both blushing and looking away. Draco narrows his eyes at her as she scrambles off his lap. "Daphne?" She turns to him, completely doe-eyed. "Do you and Astoria--"

Daphne gasps, eyes widening. "Absolutely not!" she shouts. Rory starts laughing as she curls into Harry's side. He pulls her close and presses a kiss to the top of her head. "Tori is not old enough to even hold hands with a boy!" 

"Yeah, c'mon, Dray. Obviously ," Rory teases. Draco rolls his eyes and lamely tosses another pillow her way. Rory swats it away before it hits her and it falls to the floor. "Is it throw pillows at Rory day?"

"Yes," everyone answers. 

Rory twists around to glare at Harry. He laughs softly as he brushes a hand through her hair. "Only teasing, Ro," he promises before kissing her. She melts into his touch and he takes that as his apology being accepted. "I haven't thrown a pillow at you," he points out.

"Yet." He laughs as he buries his face in the side of hers. She smiles and pats his cheek. " Anyway . As I was sayin', Draco. Astoria is probably betrothed to some rich pureblood so what good does it do her if she plays the field now? Sets her up for disappointment, if you ask me." Daphne glares at Rory who only starts smirking. Rory pretends to not notice Daphne's gaze as she starts inspecting her nails. "You'd know, Draco, wouldn't you? How disappointing some rich pureblood men can be?" 

Draco's cheeks turn a light pink. "I'm not entirely sure what you're accusing me of." Her smirk grows. Draco glances around the room to find that everyone has taken a sudden interest in him. "I haven't. . . I'm not. . . How would you know anything?" he accuses.

She shrugs. "Pansy talks in her sleep," she replies in the most innocent tone she can muster. "Wasn't it you, yourself, that told me the two of you are betrothed?"

"You're betrothed?" Hermione asks softly. "To Pansy Parkinson?"

"Well, I mean. . ." Draco bites his lip. "She's not my first choice."

"Wait," Ron starts, sitting up straight and holding a hand out. "You're not betrothed to Daphne?"

Daphne and Draco share a look before he's shaking his head. "No? Why would you assume I'm betrothed to Daphne?"

Rory leans back on what used to be her bed (and if you ask Daphne, still is), propping her head up with her arms, and watches as the room dissolves into Hermione, Draco, Ron, and Daphne bantering back and forth. Harry watches them like a tennis match for a while before leaning back with Rory. She stretches her arm out and he's immediately curling into her side. She listens to him breathing as she slowly strokes his arm with the back of her hand. He caps his ink and sets it aside before wrapping an arm loosely around her waist. 

"I think I'm goin' to enter the Tournament," she admits quietly. 

Harry lifts his head to look up at her properly, an eyebrow raised. "You're not old enough," he points out.

She lets out a breath and nods. "I know." He begins to frown as he props himself up to be eye level with her. "But if I can get around the age-line. . ." She bites her lip. Harry's brow furrows. She shrugs. "I don't know. It's probably stupid." He leans up and kisses her. 

"Nothing you do is stupid." She manages a small smile. "If you want to enter, I'll support you." Her smile grows. "And if, by some miracle, you get chosen, I'll help you however I can." She giggles. Harry falters for a second. "Okay, maybe I'll enlist Hermione to help you." She continues laughing. "You know what I mean." 

She leans down and kisses him. "I do," she promises. "Thank you." He nods and matches her smile. "I don't know," she whispers, running her fingers through his hair. "Professor Moody suggested I enter."

Harry's expression twists into something she's never seen. It's almost anger mixed with something else. "Is that what he called you back for?" Rory shrugs. "To tell you to enter?" She shrugs again. Harry sits up now. "Rory," he warns. 

"Harry," she teases. 

"This is the same professor that made you cast the Killing Curse during class," he points out. She nods. "Should we really be listening to him?" 

She shrugs. "He doesn't seem so bad."

"Rory."

"He doesn't! He's just. . . a bit unconventional." Harry rolls his eyes. "Your last DADA professor was a werewolf," she points out. 

Harry rolls his eyes again. "Who's your father. They're not the same thing." 

Rory presses her lips together. "He knows a lot about my uncle," she whispers after a moment of silence.

Harry raises an eyebrow again. "Your uncle?"

She nods. "Regulus." Harry twists so he's sitting beside her, their shoulders touching. "Dad doesn't talk about him and Da didn't know him very well from what I've gathered. But Moody seems to know an awful lot." 

"And is that something you want?" he asks softly. "To know him?"

Rory's silent for a moment before shrugging. "I'm not really sure." Harry laces their fingers together and gives her hand a squeeze. "My whole life, I was told one thing about my father," she begins. Harry nods. "That he was a terrible man who sold his best friend out to Voldemort." Harry squeezes her hand again. "But last year everything changed and now I know the truth. What if it's like that with Regulus?" Harry doesn't say anything as he waits for her to continue. "Moody said something about him defying Voldemort before he died. What if we've got the story all wrong? What if someone is feeding us the same lies I was fed about my dad?"

"And you think entering the Tournament will help?"

She shrugs. "I think it's a start." She shimmies down in the bed so she can rest her head on Harry's shoulder. "I think no matter what, if I get close to Professor Moody, I'll be a step closer to learning who my uncle really was." 

Harry nods. "If that's what you want, Ro, then I support you all the way." He kisses her temple. She lets out a soft sigh as she curls into his side. 

~~~

The day before the deadline, the room with the Goblet is packed at all hours of the day. Students from all houses linger about as they contemplate throwing their name into the ring. The younger students watch as the older ones dare to enter. Members of Beauxbaton and Durmstrang file in and out of the room. They don't stay to watch. If they're entering, they toss their name in and leave. Some of the Slytherin and Ravenclaws that are watching turn their nose up at the Beauxbaton girls that prance into the room, enter their name, and leave without so much as looking any of the Hogwarts students in the eye. Two fifth year Ravenclaw girls murmur back and forth about spells to ruin their silk blue skirts. Rory, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Daphne, and Draco sit at one of the tables as they half pay attention, half do their school work. Rory gnaws at her bottom lip as she considers putting her name in. She doesn't have much if she's going to enter but she doesn't like how crowded the room is either. She should've done it in the dead of night where no one could make fun of her if her name didn't go over the age line.

The room falls silent as soon as Cedric enters. 

"Come on, Cedric. Put it in!" a Hufflepuff cheers.

Cedric, with a little help from his friends, walks up to the Goblet, easily surpassing the age line. He watches his friends for a moment. They're all smiles as they nod encouragingly. He nods to himself before tossing his name in. The blue fire crackles to life as it accepts Cedric's name. 

"Eternal glory," Ron breathes, eyes trained on the Goblet. Hermione continues diligently working at his side. "Be brilliant, wouldn't it? Three years from now, when we're old enough to be chosen."

Harry scoffs. "Yeah, rather you than me." Rory leans back with a smirk as she nudges his leg to get his attention. He's instantly smiling and blows her a kiss. 

They all turn to find Fred and George running into the room when they hear a loud cheer mixed with applause. They're smiling brightly and even take the time to high-five some of the younger Gryffindor students. 

"Thank you, thank you. Well, lads, we've done it," George says, holding up a small vial. 

"Cooked it up just this morning," Fred adds. 

"It's not going to work," Hermione sing-songs as she places a bookmark in her textbook.

"Oh, yeah?" Fred asks as he plops down beside her, placing his head on her shoulder. "And why is that, Granger?"

"You see this?" She points at the age line. "This is an age line. Dumbledore drew it himself."

"So?"

" So a genius like Dumbledore couldn't possibly be fooled by a dodge as pathetically dimwitted as an aging potion."

"But that's why it's so brilliant," George counters. 

"Because it's so pathetically dimwitted." 

They stand up with the aging potion. 

"Ready, Fred?" 

"Ready, George." 

"Bottoms up," they say together as they loop their arms around to drink the potion together. 

They climb onto one of the benches and leap off into the age line. Students start applauding when nothing happens. Even Fred and George start to cheer them on. Together, they submit their names into the Goblet. The fire takes a second to acknowledge the names before spitting them back out, shooting embers around the room. Two perfectly blue beams hit Fred and George square in the chest and they go flying back. When they sit up, they're both sporting long, white beards.

"You said!" 

"You said!" They begin to fight. "Oh, right, you want a piece of me?!" 

"I'll tear your ears off!" Fred shouts. 

"Now you're making me laugh. Take this! Come on!"

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" the students shout. 

Fred and George continue to roll around on the floor. Seizing the opportunity of everyone being distracted, Rory scribbles her name onto a spare piece of parchment with Beauxbaton written underneath her name. She folds it up and sets it down to pull her wand out. Casting a quiet 'Wingardium Leviosa' , Rory carefully levitates the spare piece of parchment up and over the age line and into the Goblet. She watches with bated breath as the fire crackles and spits but it seems to accept her name. Harry, who had been watching her the whole time, nudges her side with an approving smile. She smiles back, her shoulders relaxing as she continues to breathe. She's in. The Goblet accepted her name. They'll just have to wait to see how the rest of the Tournament plays out. 

"How'd you do that?" Fred asks, eyes wide. Rory spins around to face him, her eyes just as wide. "How'd you get your name in?"

"Just levitated it," she mumbles with a small shrug. 

George snorts. "'Course. Why didn't we think of that."

"Oh wait," Fred adds. "We did." Rory raises an eyebrow. "Flitwick told us it wouldn't work."

"Clearly he was wrong."

George narrows his eyes. "How come you're not sporting a bright white beard like us?" he asks as he strokes said beard.

She shrugs. "I didn't cross the age line." 

Fred smirks. "We can change that for you right now."

Rory has barely any time to register what Fred's said before they're pushing her over the line. She stumbles back, just barely managing to catch herself before completely falling over. The fire behind her flares up and a few blue embers spit out but the longer Rory remains within the circle, the calmer it gets. Rory frowns as she watches the Goblet simmer down. Fred and George frown too but not for the same reason. She lasts far longer than the twins did and doesn't seem to be moving anytime soon. If it weren't for Harry yanking her back, she would've continued standing within the age line, completely mesmerized by the blue flame. 

"So much for doing it while everyone was distracted," Harry whispers in her ear. Her frown deepens. "Everyone's watching you now."

"I don't know how I did it," she quickly points out.

He kisses her softly. "I'm not looking for an explanation. You're safe. That's all I care about." Rory curls in on herself as she tucks into Harry's chest. He wraps a protective arm around her before helping her over to where their belongings are. 

"I don't know how I did it," she repeats, eyes wide.

He reaches over and kisses her. "It's okay. We'll figure it out together." She lets out a breath before nodding. Harry collects all their things before gently ushering her towards the door. Fred and George watch, interests piqued, as their beards slowly start to disappear.

Chapter Text

Rory flattens her skirt, brushing tiny flecks of dust off it, before adjusting her hat as she waits for her group of friends to join her at the table. She had gotten out of Muggle Studies early and had decided to keep to herself in the Ravenclaw common room, investigating their library and studying the many maps of stars they have. Harry didn't seem to mind when she told him she'd be doing some exploring and Daphne was adamant on setting a time to meet for dinner. Rory frowns slightly. Did Daphne expect Rory to climb the Gryffindor Tower so they could all enter together? She glances around the mostly empty Great Hall. The only people already here seem to be either Beauxbaton or Durmstrang students. She chews the inside of her cheek as she reconsiders waiting here. 

"You excited for tonight, Aura?" someone asks as they sit down beside Rory. She twists in her seat and lets out a content sigh when she takes in Fleur's familiar blue eyes and calming aura. "They're going to announce ze Triwizard Champions!" Rory lets out another breath, blowing on a loose strand of hair, and glances towards her lap, her fingers occupying themselves by fiddling with the hem of her skirt. "You don't look very excited," Fleur points out.

Rory manages a small smile and a shrug as she lifts her gaze to meet Fleur's again. "I don't know, Fleur," she whispers. "I managed to enter my name--"

Fleur's eyes widen. "Zhat is great news, Aura!" She pulls her in for a hug. Rory tenses for a second before hugging back. "I, too, entered my name," she replies, almost as if it were a secret,

"You're sure to get it, Fleur." 

Fleur shakes her head. "You undermine yourself and your skills, petite étoile." Rory raises an eyebrow. "I have never met anyone more skilled than you." Rory's cheeks heat up and take on a light pink color. "And I am three years your senior." Rory looks away to hide her blush. Fleur smiles brightly. "I have never seen anyone be more of a natural at magic than you."

"Oh, stop," she coos, waving Fleur off.

"I'm being serious. You can put us all to shame." Rory's cheeks turn a bright pink. "Did you put your name in for Beauxbaton or Hogwarts?"

Rory snorts. "Beauxbaton. I am no champion of Dumbledore's."

Fleur smirks. "If you get picked, there will be no one better than you to bring honor to Beauxbaton."

"Except you."

Fleur shakes her head before cupping Rory's face in her hands. "You are blinded sometimes, Aura, by our age gap." Rory raises an eyebrow. "I might be the top of my class for my year but you are at the top for the school . Why else do you think Madam Maxime brought you here?" Rory frowns. "Look around, my sweet lumière des étoiles." Rory does but there still aren't that many students and now Durmstrang is outweighing them. "Madam Maxime only brought those of age and you ." Rory's eyes widen as she focuses her attention back on Fleur. Fleur nods. "We all believe in you, Aura." Fleur kisses her forehead before standing up. 

"May the best witch win," Rory whispers. 

Fleur smiles brightly as she nods. "She will." Something akin to pride blossoms in Rory's chest as Fleur winks at her. "I'm looking forward to cheering you on, lumière des étoiles." 

Fleur doesn't give Rory any time to protest before leaving the Gryffindor table and joining her friends at the Ravenclaw table. Rory glances to her lap as she replays the conversation in her mind. Does she really have a shot at this? She has no idea what she's getting into if she's picked. She wraps her arms around her stomach as it begins to churn. Maybe she should've consulted her parents before entering an extremely dangerous contest. Her expression falters. On second thought, perhaps it's for the better that she didn't consult them. Remus would've told Andromeda and they both would've told her off whereas she's sure Ted and Sirius would've encouraged it. A faint smile reappears as imagines the arguments those four would have. 

"Hey, you okay?" Harry whispers, placing a warm hand on her back. 

Rory's mind instantly silences as she turns to face him with a small smile. He's frowning as he takes the spot on her other side, letting Daphne take the spot Fleur was just sitting. She nods and leans into him.  

"I'm fine now," she murmurs. Harry loops his arm around her shoulders instead of keeping it on her back. She shimmies closer so she can properly set her head on his shoulder. "How was class?"

Harry shrugs. "Same old, same old."

"Trelawny predicted his death again," Ron adds as he sits across from Rory.

Rory frowns. "When does she not?" They all start laughing. 

"She's absolutely nuts," Hermione comments. "I don't understand why Dumbledore keeps her on the payroll." 

Ron and Harry exchange mischievous looks across the table.

"Probably for the same reason he hired Gilderoy Lockhart our second year, 'Mione," Ron teases. Hermione's face falls instantly as she crosses her arms over her chest and looks away from the boys. 

Rory frowns. "Gilderoy Lockhart?" she asks. Daphne and Draco nod. "Isn't that the bloke who wrote all those books about adventures he never went on?" Everyone nods except Hermione who makes it a point not to look at anyone as she chews her bottom lip. Rory's frown deepens. "He was a professor here?" Daphne nods. "I'm afraid to ask but what did he teach?"

"DADA," Draco answers. Rory's eyes widen. 

"The year before your dad," Daphne adds. 

"It was the worst year so far," Harry agrees.

"Really?" Ron asks. "Worse than Quirrell?" Harry shrugs. 

"He tried to kill you, Harry," Hermione points out as she reenters the conversation. 

Rory perks up immediately. " Kill you?!" she shrieks. "What does she mean ' kill you '?!"

"He kinda had. . ." He gestures to the back of his head. "Voldemort controlling him."

Rory stares at him for a long time. "And this Lockhart fellow was worse ?"

Harry shrugs again. "Well, I mean, Quirrell actually taught," he argues. Rory lets out a breath. "Lockhart just sorta gloated." 

"He made every lesson about himself," Draco adds. 

Ron nods emphatically. "He gave us a test on the first day that was all about him ." 

Rory snorts. "I assume you all failed?" All eyes slowly land on Hermione. Rory's face falls. "Hermione," she coos. Hermione's cheeks heat up as she glances away. "Please tell me you at least got an average grade?" Hermione doesn't say anything but the darkening color of her cheeks speaks for her. Rory sighs. "Hermione," she scolds. 

"He was very handsome!" she protests. Everyone starts laughing. "We got a better DADA professor the next year," she mumbles. "It all worked out."

Rory snorts. "I'll write Da first thing in the morning that he was a better professor than Lockhart." Hermione's eyes widen as she turns her attention on Rory. She holds a hand out. "I'm kidding, 'Mione." Hermione lets out a sigh. "I'll leave out the Lockhart part. I'll let him know that you think he's the best professor so far." Hermione nods, a small smile on her face. 

"Hey, you never know. We might be able to clear your father's name in time for him to be our professor next year," Draco points out.

Rory laughs. "I don't think you want to see Dad be a professor." 

"Favoritism at its finest?" Daphne asks. 

"Something like that, yeah." They share a smile.

Just as their conversation begins to die down, the rest of the Great Hall is flooded with students. Dumbledore waits for everyone to settle down some before taking the podium. 

"Sit down. Please," he requests. Those that hadn't yet sat down do so, smiling apologetically up at Dumbledore. He winks back. "Now the moment you've all been waiting for: the champion selection." He dims the fires around the Great Hall with his hand before stepping up to the Goblet. He gently places his hands on the Goblet and murmurs a spell before taking a step back. It takes a second for the spell to take effect. As it gets ready to spit out the first contestant, the blue flame turns bright red. In a puff of smoke, a piece of parchment spits out of the fire and softly lands in Dumbledore's hands. "The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum." The students cheer as Viktor stands up and makes his way to the front of the hall. Dumbledore congratulates him before directing him into a small chamber located behind the professors' table. The Goblet wastes no time in spitting out another name and school. But Dumbledore is always prepared and catches it. "The champion for Beauxbaton is. . ." He glances up, eyes a bit wide. "Aurora Lupin-Black." Rory's blood runs cold. She can vaguely hear as her fellow Beauxbaton students cheer and applaud her. Fleur whistling and calling her name snaps her out of her daze. 

"Is that the name you put on the parchment?" Harry whispers.

She shakes her head. "Dumbledore is too stubborn to call me anything but Lupin. I suppose that was his work around." 

Harry frowns for a moment before kissing her cheek. "Congratulations." 

She manages a weak smile as she stands and makes her way over to Dumbledore. He seems to be lost in a trance as well but manages to congratulate her before showing her where to go. She stiffens as she passes the professors' table. It doesn't take a genius to know McGonagall is watching her. But she knows if she makes eye contact with her grandmother, she'll completely fall apart.

Dumbledore catches the last name right as Rory enters the chamber. "The Hogwarts champion: Cedric Diggory!" Hogwarts students cheer and applaud as Cedric stands up as well. Dumbledore smiles brightly as he congratulates him. "Excellent! We now have our three champions. But in the end, only one will go down in history. Only one will hoist this chalice of champions, this vessel of victory, the Triwizard Cup!" With a flare for the dramatics, Dumbledore unveils the cup. Everyone 'ooh's and 'aah's as it gleams in the moonlight. The moment is cut short by Snape, eyes narrowed, walking forward. Dumbledore catches his attention and follows his gaze. Snape's staring at the Goblet. And the Goblet is red again. Dumbledore barely gets there in time to catch what should definitely be the last slip of parchment. On there, clear as day, is one name he didn't expect at all when he agreed to hosting and the new age limit. "Harry Potter," he mutters. "Harry Potter?"

Students gasp and glance around to find where Harry's sitting. Harry, in turn, turns stark white as he slouches in his seat. Daphne scoots back to shield him from onlookers. Hermione and Draco are wearing similar shocked expressions but Ron seems to be gritting his teeth, his fists balled in his lap. It was one thing to watch Rory enter her name and manage to get picked. But Harry too?

"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore bellows.

Hermione nudges him under the table. "Go on, Harry." Harry doesn't move. He's not entirely sure he can; he's lost feeling in most of his body. Is his heart even still working? 

"Harry, for goodness sake," Daphne mutters before helping him to his feet. She nudges him in the right direction with a curt nod.

Harry slowly makes his way up to Dumbledore. He's vaguely aware that the Great Hall as a whole is watching his every move. He can feel every pair of eyes on him. Dumbledore watches him too, mouth split ever-so slightly apart. He's holding out the piece of parchment with Harry's name on it as if it'll catch fire again. Perhaps it will--stranger things have happened during Harry's four years at Hogwarts. But when Harry takes it from him, nothing happens. It remains a piece of charred parchment. He glances down to find his name scrawled across the tiny thing. In his handwriting too. But he doesn't remember putting his name in. There's no way he could've put his name in! 

It takes Dumbledore a moment before he's nodding in the direction of the chamber where the other three champions have entered. 

Harry's blood runs colder as the realization hits him on his way there. He'll have to face Rory. Rory who properly managed to enter her name. Rory who deserves to be a champion. Rory, who the Goblet decided was the best student at Beauxbaton. And he'll have to face Cedric: the rightful Hogwarts champion. He'll have to explain to them--somehow--that he's not trying to steal their spotlight. That he has no idea how any of this--

"He's a cheat!" someone shouts as he passes them. "He's not even seventeen yet!"

Harry's heart sinks. 

"Neither is Beauxbaton's but we're keeping her!" he hears someone fire back. He glances around the Great Hall. Daphne is dropping her hands into her lap as he spots her. They share a smile before Harry disappears into the chamber. 

It's a long hallway that he's let into. A little intimidating too as things flutter about and old gates creak open. But he recognizes this place immediately as the trophy room. He's spent enough detentions in here to know. He slinks inside to find Rory, Cedric, and Viktor huddled by the roaring fire. They're exchanging a hushed conversation--perhaps about what they've gotten themselves into--while they wait for their headmasters to join them back here and give them their next set of instructions. Harry tries to remain on the outskirts of the room, as quiet as can be, as he makes his way over to the fireplace. 

He underestimates Rory's canine hearing. 

She glances over in Harry's direction as Cedric whispers something in her ear. She holds up a finger and takes a step away from the group. Viktor frowns as he crosses his arms and watches her. Harry freezes in place but it's too late. Rory's already heard him. She can probably smell him too. Which means she can see him. 

"Harry?" she murmurs just before Madam Maxime and Karkaroff come bursting into the room.

"It's wrong, l tell you!" Maxime yells. 

"You French tart," Karkaroff fires back. "Everything is a conspiracy theory with you!" 

"Quiet!" Dumbledore shouts, pushing past them so he can be the first down the stairs. All four students glance up at the entrance to find all three headmasters along with Moody, McGonagall, and Snape. "l can't think!"

"Everything is a conspiracy theory!"

"l protest." 

"Harry." 

"l protest!"

Dumbledore runs down the remaining stairs and grabs Harry by the shoulders. Harry attempts to escape but Dumbledore is faster. "Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?" Dumbledore asks (calmly). 

Harry collides with a table and knocks something over. "No, sir."

"Did you ask one of the older students to do it for you?"

"No, sir."

"You're absolutely sure?"

"Yes. Yes, sir."

"You didn't somehow get Miss Lupin to enter your name as well?" 

Rory scoffs and crosses her arms. Cedric takes a side-step closer to her. She smiles faintly, appreciating the gesture. 

"But of course he is lying!" Maxime argues. 

"The hell he is!" Moody counters. "The Goblet of Fire is an exceptionally powerful magical object. Only an exceptionally powerful Confundus Charm could've hoodwinked it. Magic way beyond the talents of a fourth year." 

Rory takes a tiny step back so she can blend in with the fireplace. It doesn't succeed. All eyes land on her. She swallows thickly. Cedric takes a step forward, blocking part of her off. Something in Harry's heart twists for a second before he's shaking his head. 

"We'd have to get rid of your champion too," Moody adds as his magical eye zeros in on Rory. She swallows thickly a second time. There's something about that eye--about the way he peers into her soul--that sets her on edge. Something isn't right about him. She just doesn't know what. "After all, I believe Miss Black isn't of age either." Cedric angles his body again so more of Rory is hidden. Harry shuffles over to the rest of the champions. He brushes his fingers against Rory's. "Either they're both in or they're both out."

"But that isn't how the Tri wizard Tournament operates!" Maxime shrieks. "The Goblet chose my champion. The Goblet does not care that she is too young. She is the best witch at my school." Rory stands a bit straighter, puffing her chest out. "But this Potter boy is not Hogwarts' best student. This Diggory boy is." She gestures to Cedric who also stands a bit taller. "Potter is out."

"Potter stays," Moody growls. "Or Black is out."

Rory laces their fingers together and squeezes his hand. He squeezes back. 

"And why are you so determined to see the boy compete, eh, Mad-Eye?" Karkaroff asks. "Almost sounds like you had something to do with this."

Moody rolls his eyes. "It was once my job to think as dark wizards do, Karkaroff. Perhaps you remember." Karkaroff scowls. "There are rules to this Tournament. We can't start chucking them aside for a little thing called fairness ." 

Maxime scoffs. "Fairness?" she repeats, a shrill in her voice. "What is this 'fairness'? I don't see how this is fair." She throws her hands up in the air. "The Triwizard Tournament is supposed to have three competitors. Not four ."

"Yet somehow the Goblet spat out Potter's name." Moody points out. "Whatever's happened has happened. We can't change anything."

Dumbledore, who has remained relatively silent throughout this exchange, lets out a breath as he turns his attention on Barty Crouch. "Barty?" Barty straightens upon hearing his name. "This is your call. Do we let Potter participate?"

It takes Barty a second before he's nodding apologetically. "Moody is right. The rules are absolute. The Goblet of Fire constitutes a binding magical contract." He turns around to face Harry. "Mister Potter has no choice. He is, as of tonight, a Triwizard champion." He squeezes Rory's hand as the adults in the room turn their attention back on him. She squeezes back. She might've signed up for this but Harry certainly didn't. This isn't fair. Barty looks over the other three champions. "You all should be honored that the Goblet chose you for such a task. You each will make your school proud." Cedric and Viktor shuffle closer to Harry and Rory so they're all together. "We will let you know more about the first task tomorrow. You're all dismissed."

Cedric, Viktor, Rory, and Harry all remain planted in place for a moment longer than necessary. Barty shoos them out of the room so he can discuss further with the headmasters. They begin to shuffle around after that. Viktor takes off first with a snooty confidence in his stride, followed by Cedric who seems to have an added pep in his step. Rory and Harry linger for an additional moment longer before McGonagall brushes her fingers along Rory's free hand. Rory turns her attention to her favorite professor (now that Remus is no longer here), a small furrow in her brow. 

"It's alright, you two," she murmurs with a soft smile. Rory attempts to match it. "We'll have this all sorted." McGonagall pulls them both in and kisses them each on the forehead. "Off to bed, you two. I shall write your fathers in the morning about all this." Rory nods before leading Harry up the stairs and back towards the Gryffindor tower where she's sure their friends have set up a small party to celebrate their achievements. 

If either one takes a second to consider how McGonagall looped both Rory and Harry under Remus and Sirius' care, neither one chooses to voice this tiny detail.

Chapter Text

As soon as Rory’s eyes open, she knows she’s in for a long day ahead of her. She yanks the blankets closer and curls into a ball as she closes her eyes again. She has to roll around a few times to get the proper angle in which the sun is not beaming in her eyes. That’s probably what she misses most about the Slytherin common room. Being in the dungeons, underneath the Black Lake, meant sunlight was scarce. Some of the older students had shown her how they’ve created artificial sunlight when they need the boost of serotonin—and she used it quite a bit—but there’s no use for it up here. The Ravenclaw Tower gets enough real sunlight for her, thank you very much. 

She lasts about five minutes sprawled about her bed before Cinnamon jumps onto her chest. Rory lets out a small groan. Cinnamon isn’t taking her bullshit this morning it seems. He starts kneading his paws into her chest, claws out. Rory winces and sits up, pulling the blankets up with her to shield herself. Cinnamon slides down and settles between her legs. After assessing if there will be more damage, Rory digs her hands out from under the blankets and starts petting him. He starts purring immediately and curls closer to her. A faint smile appears on her face. 

“I know I can always count on you, Cin,” she whispers. Cinnamon responds with more purrs and nudging her hand for more pets. She giggles and pulls him onto her lap, nestling him right above her stomach. “I thought I could always count on other people too,” she murmurs as she watches her fingers glide over Cinnamon’s soft ginger fur. A sour taste develops in her mouth as she recalls her conversation with Daphne from the previous night. She pulls a face and shakes her head. Cinnamon seems to notice her mood change and perks up. “The nerve of some people,” she remarks with a small shake of her head. “You bend the rules once and suddenly that’s all you’re known for!”

They weren’t far off last night from assuming there’d be a party in their honor when they got back to the Gryffindor common room. They were, however, off on who threw the party. Always looking for a bit of fun, the Weasley twins had snuck into the kitchen and brought back snacks and plenty of bottles of butterbeer to feed an army. The party was in full swing by the time Rory and Harry arrived and no one seemed to pay them any attention when they did. As if they weren’t the guests of honor. Rory had sniffed and went searching for their group of friends to stand by. At least they’d acknowledge them. But she only found Draco and Hermione hiding in the corner, locked in a hushed conversation while observing the party around them. 

“Where’s Daph and Ron?” Rory asked as Harry caught up to her. They settled in front of Draco and Hermione with Harry’s hand on the small of her back. It was beginning to be his favorite spot to place his hand (not that Rory minded). 

Hermione chewed the inside of her cheek as Draco’s expression grew grim. Rory frowned. Never a good sign from either of them. Under different circumstances, though, she’d be relieved that Draco and Hermione were standing this close to each other and seemed to be getting along. Baby steps. 

“‘Mione?” Harry said, his own expression softening and concern started to creep in. 

Hermione glanced at Draco who watched her carefully. 

“I can explain if you can’t,” he offered. 

The corners of Hermione’s mouth quivered but she shook her head and took a deep breath. “Ron’s upstairs in your room, Harry, and Daphne left rather abruptly for the Slytherin dorms.” Both Rory and Harry started frowning. Hermione went back to chewing on her cheek as she shrunk back from the conversation. “Neither one is particularly happy with you,” she offered softly. 

Harry, brows furrowed, glanced between Draco and Hermione before settling on his best friend. “Not happy with us? What do you mean ‘not happy with us’?” 

“Well, Harry, you see, the thing is. . .” Hermione attempted, wringing her hands now. 

Draco reached over and placed a comforting hand on hers. Rory was in such a state of confusion that she hadn’t noticed the way Hermione seemed to relax almost instantaneously. 

“Ron thinks you’ve somehow pulled a fast one on him and actually entered your name in the tournament,” he explained. 

Harry’s eyes widened. “I didn’t!”

Draco nodded. “I know. ‘Mione knows. Deep down, I know Daphne knows. But Ron only saw red. He was furious.”

“Furious? Furious at what? I’m the one who has to compete in this stupid thing!”

“Yes, Harry, but you have to see it from his perspective!” Hermione countered. Harry leant back into his heels, and eyebrow raised. “From his perspective, you’re already the most famous wizard there is—“

“Yeah, because Voldemort killed my parents,” Harry muttered. 

“And an only child—“

“Yeah, because Voldemort killed my parents,” Harry stressed. Rory bit her lip to keep from laughing. 

“So you have no reason to want eternal glory—“

“I don’t. I didn’t sign up for this. Cedric should be the rightful Hogwarts champion.”

“Unlike Ron who’s been in the shadows his whole life.”

“Is he forgetting the time he saved the school by playing a giant game of chess? Helped win us the House Cup?” 

“Harry,” Hermione whined. Harry’s eyebrow raised higher. “Look, I’m not agreeing with him—obviously!—but I can sort of see where he’s coming from.”

“Well unsee it. I didn’t want any of this,” he huffed. “I didn’t put my name in!”

“I know—“

“So he can just get over it!” Harry shouted. A few of the party goers looked over in his direction to find his fists balked at his side and his shoulders tense. “Do you think I ask for this stuff to happen to me? Do you think I want to live my life constantly in danger?” Hermione shook her head slightly. “Does he honestly think I wanted to compete in this stupid tournament?” Harry asked, voice lower this time. Hermione didn’t respond. He shook his head. “And here I thought he was my friend,” he muttered before turning to Rory. “I’m going to bed. I don’t feel like partying anymore.” Rory nodded and leaned in for a kiss. For a split second, Harry smiled. 

“What does that have to do with Daphne though?” Rory asked once Harry was out of earshot. She didn’t like the way Draco seemed to shrink back. “Draco?”

“She’s taking Ron’s side,” he muttered. Rory’s eyes widened. “I tried telling her they were both being ridiculous—“ Draco continued as soon as Rory opened her mouth. “—but she wasn’t listening. She thinks you entered his name so you could compete together.”

Rory balled her fists at her side. “Why would I do that?” Draco opened his mouth to respond but Rory didn’t give him time. “Harry’s said all year that he doesn’t want to compete. He wants a normal school year. She watched me put my name in! Did I put anyone else’s name in?” Draco shrugged slightly. Rory’s nostrils flared. “No! I didn’t! I—“ Rory stopped and took a breath. Smoothing her Beauxbaton outfit, Rory straightened and plastered on a fake smile that might’ve been more fang than teeth. “Where is she now? Slytherin dorms, you said?”

“Yes, but, Rory—“

Rory didn’t let Hermione finish before she was storming out of the Gryffindor common room and practically flying down to the dungeons. Stopping long enough to let out the password, Rory bypassed the common room and went straight to what used to be her shared dormitory. The door opened without a struggle, still acknowledging her as one of its own, and Rory was greeted with a mostly dark room with one tiny light off to her right. Smirking, Rory pulled the curtains back to reveal Daphne curled up in bed with one of their textbooks.

“Black,” she greeted but there was no warmth in her tone. 

“Greengrass,” Rory acknowledged in the same tone. 

Without looking up from her textbook, Daphne asked, “Can I help you?”

Rory leant on one of the bedposts to appear nonchalant. “Yes, actually, I seem to be rather confused at the moment.” Daphne hummed, gaze fixated on her textbook (that Rory knew she was no longer reading), eyebrows raised slightly. “I would like to know where my best friend is.”

“I’d like to know the same thing,” Daphne agreed as she turned the page. 

Rory’s nostrils flared and she had to force herself to keep her palm flat against her thigh. “I didn’t put his name in.”

“And yet you somehow managed to get yours in.”

“You watched me put it in!”

“Did I? I recall you waiting until our attention was directed somewhere else.”

“Daphne!” Rory pleaded (something she’s never particularly done before). “You saw what happened after I put my name in. How the twins pushed me inside the ring. How Harry and I left in a panic. When would I have had time to put Harry’s name in?”

Daphne shrugged. “You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with your fellow Beauxbaton students.” Something unfurled in Rory’s chest as she leaned back on her heels. “You could’ve done it when you were with them. You could’ve had one of them put his name in. For all I know, you wrote both of your names on that slip of parchment and that’s why it picked both of you. What I don’t understand is why you picked your boyfriend over his best friend when Ron clearly wanted to participate and Harry didn’t.”

All the fight left Rory the more she listened to Daphne. Did Daphne seriously think all this? Was Daphne upset that she had been hanging out with her Beauxbaton friends? She was still a Beauxbaton student; she was allowed to hang out with them. And here Rory thought she’d been doing a good job at balancing her life in both schools. Her and Harry have always been attached at the hip. Where they go, Daphne, Ron, Hermione, and Draco follow. The six of them are a team now. Had she been wrong about that all this time?

“Is that what you think of me?” Rory whispered. “That all I do is break the rules?”

Daphne sniffed as she turned another page. “It’s certainly what your family is known for.” Rory took a step back, something stinging her eyes. “Werewolves in Hogwarts, breaking out of Azkaban, sitting at different house tables during meals, putting your name into the Goblet.” She shrugged. “It’s all the same, really.” Rory took another step back. “Your family looks at rules as if they’re merely a suggestion.” Daphne finally looked up to meet Rory’s gaze. “So why wouldn’t I assume you bent some more? That’s all you’ve done since arriving at Hogwarts.”

“Who are you?” Rory asked. “Because you’re certainly not my best friend. Not anymore.” Rory fled from the dorm room before she noticed the way the corners of Daphne’s lips turned downward and she finally put the textbook away. 

Cinnamon pats Rory’s hand once he notices she’s stopped petting him. This seems to snap her out of reliving her former best friend’s harsh words. Rory manages a small smile as she resumes stroking his tiny back. 

“Ridiculous, Cin. Simply ridiculous.” Cinnamon merely rolls over so Rory can rub his stomach. She giggles to herself as she scoops him up so she can lean against her bed-frame. “Though I suppose I should get up at some point,” she murmurs. “There are still classes today.” She wrinkles her nose. “On second thought, maybe I’ll skip double potions today.” She picks Cinnamon up to look him in the face. He lets out a tiny ‘mew’ as he stretches his paws. “You think Grandma Poppy would believe me if I feigned a headache?” 

Cinnamon opens his little mouth again but instead of a meow or a hiss coming out, there’s a gentle tapping sound. Rory’s brow furrows immediately. That’s unusual. Even for magical cats. When it happens again with Cinnamon’s mouth closed, she realizes it wasn’t the cat and is instead coming from the window. She sets him down gently before wrapping the blanket around her as she slips out of bed. There’s something hovering just outside the window. Something about the size of her fist and it seems to be carrying something bright red. 

Rory’s blood runs cold. 

“Bloody hell,” she curses. 

She stands there frozen for a moment, afraid of what will happen when she opens the window. The poor owl taps again and ruffles her feathers. Rory knows then that she can’t ignore it any longer. She won’t subject the innocent owl to her father’s wrath. 

Taking a deep breath, Rory opens the window and lets Athena inside. She happily swoops in and drops the bright red envelope on Rory’s bed. Rory has to nudge her away when she comes swooping back for pets. Athena hoots and ruffles her feathers before settling on the nightstand. Rory closes her eyes as she braces herself for the Howler. 

“Aurora Aylin Black! What the hell do you think you’re doing?! There was an age restriction for a reason! How dare you deliberately disobey Dumble—urg.” Remus takes a breath. “How dare you deliberately disobey the Minis—no, can’t say that either. Your father did that last year.” Remus sighs. “How dare you scare your grandmother like that,” all trace of anger has left his tone and Rory relaxes. “And us! Your father has paced a hole into our brand new rug. He’s worried sick about both of you.” Remus takes in a breath. “Now I know you’d never enter Harry into something like this but do you happen to know who might’ve? Any leads? Harry’s been writing to Sirius about this but neither of them are much help. He thinks Karkaroff but I’m not quite sure. Do what you do best, dear. Your father and I love you very much and will be cheering you on from here! What? Oh. Scratch that, Ro. Minerva has said we can come watch the tournament. See you soon!” The Howler eats itself and disappears. 

Rory relaxes completely. In the grand scheme of things, that could’ve been a lot worse. She turns to Athena who’s cleaning underneath her wing. Rory walks over and scratches the top of her head. Athena stops cleaning herself and leans into the touch, cooing lightly. Rory smiles faintly. 

“I suppose I should get on with my day now, hm?” she asks Athena who stares up at her with wide eyes. Rory giggles softly before turning her attention on Cinnamon. He stretches up her leg, lightly kneading his paws until her calf. She scoops him up and sets him down on the bed. “No matter what anyone says, I chose this for myself at least,” she remarks, straightening her back slightly. “And the Goblet thought I was the best student at Beauxbaton.” Her smile grows as Madame Maxime’s words replay in her head. “Madam Maxime believes in me,” she whispers. “That’s all I need.” 

Rory gathers up her Beauxbaton uniform and anything else she might need for the day. Right before entering the bathroom to change, Rory stops and turns around to face Cinnamon. He looks up from giving himself a bath and tilts his head to the side. 

“Screw Greengrass.” Cinnamon meows in agreement. 

~~~

“Are they really that thickheaded?” Harry whispers in Rory’s ear, his body angled towards hers as he drapes an arm around the back of her chair. She shrugs without looking up from her Potion’s textbook. “I mean, really. Ron was going on about how terrible of a friend I am. As if I had anything to do with this! I don’t know how many times I’ve stressed I don’t want to be in this stupid tournament!” Rory lets out a breath and flexes her hands in a ‘what can I say?’ sort of way. “I mean, look at them!” 

Rory looks up now and over in the direction of Ron and Daphne who are curled up and giggling. They’ve chosen the seats furthest away from them. Rory rolls her eyes. Perhaps if she were in a better mood or perhaps if her best friend wasn’t accusing her of being a cheater, she’d be happy that they’re figuring themselves out. Perhaps she’d even cast a charm on them to keep them stuck there a little longer. But the only “ charms ” she can think of right now are “ curses ” and she won’t be caught dead casting anything on Snape’s home territory. That’ll get her a one way ticket to detention. And she’s going for a clean record, thank you very much. Well. At least a record better than her parents'.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s a blood thing.”

Harry’s eyes widen. “Nooo,” he stresses. “They wouldn’t.”

Rory shrugs. “You don’t see them having an issue with Diggory and Krum,” she mutters. 

“Krum’s a pureblood?”

She shrugs again. “I’m not entirely sure but wouldn’t be surprised.” Harry frowns. “I know Diggory is.” 

Harry eyes her carefully. “How do you know?”

She rolls her shoulder in a nonchalant shrug. “We’ve talked.” Harry’s eyes widen. She giggles as she leans over and kisses him. “You have nothing to worry about, deer,” she adds with a pat on his cheek. Harry relaxes. She kisses him again before returning to her textbook. Snape is running late so she might as well get ahead of the game. 

“Hold on.” Rory raises an eyebrow but doesn’t look up. “Aren’t you a pureblood too? One of the Sacred Thirty-Eight or whatever Parkinson’s constantly going on about?”

Rory laughs as she closes her textbook so she can properly face Harry. “Twenty-eight, Harry,” she corrects softly. His expression falls. She smiles warmly as her hand drops from the desk onto his thigh. He shifts in his seat so their knees are touching. Rory’s smile grows. “And, yes, technically I am through Dad. But Da’s a halfblood which makes me a halfblood.” Harry frowns slightly. Rory shrugs. “Blood purity is stupid and half the time it doesn’t make sense but. . .” She shrugs again. “Like when we have children, they’ll be considered halfblood even though we’re both wizards and are now mixing two pureblood bloodlines.” Something in Harry’s chest warms up at the way she said “ when ” and not “ if ”. “It’s stupid,” she repeats. “Everyone has a little muggle in their blood. Even Draco.”

“Even Draco what?” he asks as he slides into the seat beside Rory just as Hermione slides into the seat beside Harry. Harry and Rory part to give the other two their proper attention as well. 

“Even Draco isn’t as arrogant as Weasley over there,” Rory stresses, nodding her head in the direction of Ron and Daphne. “Have you spoken to her recently?”

Draco lowers his gaze as his cheeks heat up. “We ate breakfast together, yeah,” he mumbles. Rory purses her lips, giving off the impression she’s sucking on a lemon. “Ro—“

“Save it, Draco. I’m not interested in an apology from anyone but her.” Harry moves his arm from around her chair to around her shoulders. “Accusing me of cheating.” She huffs and crosses her arms. 

“You did, in a way,” Hermione points out. 

Rory’s expression goes blank. “If she had a problem with me being champion, it would be one thing, Hermione. It’s the fact that she has a problem with both of us being champions that I don’t like.” Hermione frowns. “Insinuating that Harry was only chosen because of me or vice versa. As if Beauxbaton students aren’t naturally more advanced than you Hogwarts students. As if I didn’t get chosen for Beauxbaton fair and square. I had nothing to do with Harry’s name getting entered. And even if I did, I’d have no idea how to get the Goblet to spit out four names. Or have you all forgotten that Cedric is in this race too?” Hermione turns her attention to her notebook as Draco fiddles with a hangnail. “Perhaps I wouldn’t be as offended if Cedric wasn’t picked first. But he was. He’s the Hogwarts champion just as I am Beauxbaton’s and just as Krum is Durmstrang’s. Perhaps we should be more concerned with who put Harry’s name in than with the fact Harry was entered at all. Or does that not matter simply because Ron wasn't entered at all?” 

The four are silent for a moment as Rory catches her breath. She hasn’t realized how fast she got nor the angrier she got the longer she went on. She takes in a deep breath before letting it out in a sigh. 

"I--"

"You're hot when you're angry," Harry breathes out before he can stop himself. 

Rory takes a second to process his words before she's smirking. She leans over and growls in his ear. A shiver goes down Harry's spine and Rory pulls away with a wink. Draco and Hermione share a look around them before Hermione's sticking her tongue out and Draco's grimacing. 

"You two really need to get a room," Draco points out. Rory laughs as Harry's blood runs cold. 

Neither of them get a chance to say anything else as Snape chooses that moment to walk into the classroom. They all spring to attention to not get in trouble. Even Draco scrambles to gather his supplies out which surprises Rory. But ever since he's started hanging out with them, it seems Snape's started to favor him less and less.

~~~

Halfway through class, a knock at the door sounds. Everyone pauses what they're doing to turn around and face the door. Snape absently waves his wand around to open the door as he peers over Neville's shoulder to inspect the contents of his cauldron. Colin Creevy carefully enters the room. He straightens his posture once he spots Harry and takes a steadying breath. Snape glances away from Neville and glares at Colin as he waits for him to speak. 

"Yes?" Snape says curtly. 

"Please, sir, I'm supposed to take Harry Potter and Aurora Lupin upstairs."

Rory clears her throat. "If Dumbledore has sent you with that name, tell him Aurora Lupin doesn't exist."

"That's already enough out of you, Miss Black," Snape retorts. "Another word out of that muzzle of yours and it'll be points deducted from Slytherin."

Rory leans closer to Harry. "Does he forget I don't technically go here?" she whispers just loud enough for her voice to carry. 

Snape closes his eyes but his expression does not move. "Ten points from Slytherin, Black. Keep talking and I'll make it twenty."

"Hmm, tempting," Rory says, tapping her fingers against her chin. "But I don't quite care, Professor."

" Twenty points ," he seethes from gritted teeth. 

"Instead of the ten or in addition?"

" Forty points ," he corrects. He opens his eyes again, his intense glare finding Rory immediately. " Even ." 

Rory glances around the room, savoring every horrified look on each Slytherin's face, before smirking. "That's really terrible, Professor," she admits. "For you and your house . But you fail to remember, Professor, that I'm currently not a Hogwarts student." The smug look on Snape's face immediately disappears. She gestures to her bright blue uniform. "You'd think the lack of green would tip ya off. Granted! I do look great in green bein' Irish and all. But I currently belong to Beauxbaton and we don't do your silly house point tricks." 

"Forty points to--"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, Professor, but there is a cool down time when it comes to such large quantities of points, right? Professor McGonagall doesn't appreciate it when you take away large quantities just to give them back." She smiles brightly, showing off all her teeth. "Especially this early in the school year."

Snape's glare intensifies but Rory doesn't care. She holds it for longer than he's willing to give. Eventually, he does look away. 

"Potter and Black have another hour of Potions to complete," he says, returning to Colin. "He will come upstairs when this class is finished." 

A faint shade of pink appears in Colin's cheeks as he stumbles out, "Sir - sir, Mr. Bagman wants them. All the champions have got to go, I think they want to take photographs. . ." 

Harry winces as soon as Colin says the 'p' word. Rory purses her lips at Colin, listening intently. Ron and Daphne risk a glance over in their direction with two entirely different emotions on their face. Ron seems furious at the idea of Harry getting his photo taken. Honestly, when is he not getting his picture taken? The bloke saved the Wizarding World as a baby , big deal! He doesn't need pictures. But Daphne's expression is something mixed with pride. Perhaps sadness? She hadn't really meant to say those things to Rory--honest!--she just sort of. . . got wrapped up in the moment. Ron was upset and she was upset for him and--ugh. This whole thing is terrible but she can't apologize until Ron apologizes and it's eating her up alive. But she can still be proud of Rory. That's her girl! The whole Wizarding World is about to know her name! If only she was able to properly cheer her on. 

"Very well, very well," Snape snaps. "Potter, Black, leave your things here, I want you back down here later to test your antidotes." 

"Please, sir, they've got to take their things with them. All the champions--" 

"Very well! Potter, Black, take your bags and get out of my sight!"

"Don't have to tell me twice," Rory mutters under her breath. She catches Snape deducting another ten points before remembering as they slip out the door with Colin. Rory's beaming as the door closes behind him. "Oh, I can't wait to take points from Slytherin all year," she gushes. 

"Slytherin really does suit you," Harry teases. 

She shrugs with a tiny smirk. "What can I say? If the Marauders were Slytherins, they'd be unstoppable." Her smile dips for a moment. "Though. . . If Dad was a Slytherin. . ." She shivers. "Best not think about it." Harry wraps an arm around her and pulls her close. 

"It's amazing, isn't it, Harry?" asks Colin, blissfully unaware of the conversation behind him. Rory turns her attention to him, gaze soft. Harry pulls her closer. "Isn't it, though? You being champion?" 

Rory presses her lips together to keep from laughing. Harry has to restrain himself from rolling his eyes. 

"Yeah, really amazing," Harry mutters under his breath as they set off toward the steps into the entrance hall. He side-eyes Rory before smirking. “Not nearly as amazing as my girlfriend properly being selected.” Rory falters, eyes wide. “I mean, the Goblet chose her as Beauxbaton’s rightful champion. How cool is that? I’m just Hogwarts’ second best. I’m nothing special.” He nudges her shoulder. “She’s where it’s at.” Rory glances away with a faint pink to her cheeks. 

“Oh! Errrr, yeah. Splendid, really,” Colin attempts. “Beauxbaton must be proud, Miss Lupin.”

“Black,” Harry corrects before she can even open her mouth. Colin’s eyes widen slightly. "What do they want photos for, Colin?" 

"The Daily Prophet, I think." 

"Great.” Harry rolls his eyes as Rory presses a hand to her mouth. "Exactly what I need. More publicity." 

"Good luck!" Colin chirps as they reach the right room. 

Harry knocks on the door to alert them of their presence and enters with Rory’s hand in his. It’s a fairly small classroom they’ve decided upon with most of the desks pushed to the back to give them ample space to stand and take pictures. Krum and Cedric were already here and seem to be on opposite sides of the room. Rory watches Harry out of the corner of her eye. He shrugs. If Krum wants to be antisocial, that’s on him. Rory gently leads them over to where Cedric is standing. He perks up immediately upon seeing them. 

“Rory!” She beams. “Harry!” He manages a faint smile. “I never got the chance to congratulate you two yesterday after everything.” Harry’s smile slips. “I’m so proud of you, Rory! You deserve this just as much as the rest of us.” Harry shifts uncomfortably as Cedric pulls her in for a hug. “And, Harry, don’t think I blame you for any of this.” Harry lets out a breath, shoulders relaxing. “None of us know how the Goblet spat out your name and it is incredibly unfair that they’re forcing you to participate.”

“Tha-thank you, Cedric.” Rory nudges him slightly. Harry clears his throat. “Thank you, Cedric,” he tries again. Cedric simply nods. 

"Ah, there they are!” Ludo Bagman cheers once he spots Rory and Harry with Cedric. He flies to his feet and over to where they stand with Cedric. “Champion number three and four! Welcome, welcome. Nothing to worry about, you two, it's just the wand weighing ceremony, the rest of the judges will be here in a moment—" 

"Wand weighing?" Harry squeaks. 

Ludo nods. "We have to check that your wands are fully functional, no problems, you know, as they're your most important tools in the tasks ahead. The expert's upstairs now with Dumbledore. And then there's going to be a little photo shoot. This is Rita Skeeter.” He gestures for an older blonde woman to join them. She does so almost immediately, making sure a notepad is tucked under her arm. Rory narrows her eyes. "She's doing a small piece on the tournament for the Daily Prophet.” 

"Maybe not that small, Ludo," jokes Rita Skeeter, her eyes on Harry. "I wonder if I could have a little word with Harry and Aurora before we start?" she asks Ludo. "The youngest champions, you know. . . to add a bit of color?" Her gaze finally snaps over to Rory. “I’m sure my readers are dying to know how these two are keeping the love alive while competing against each other.”

Rory narrows her eyes further. “How did you—“

"Certainly!" cries Ludo, cutting Rory off. She growls and crosses her arms. This startles both Ludo and Rita and they take a step back. "That is, if these two have no objections?" he attempts. 

Both Rory and Harry open their mouths to speak. 

“Lovely!” Rita cheers with a clap of her hands, cutting them off in the process. She grabs them both by the shoulder and leads them over to a closet for some privacy. “This is cozy.”

“It’s a broom cupboard,” Harry points out. 

“You should feel right at home, then.” Rory’s eyes widen but Harry places a hand on her shoulder. “Don't mind if l use a Quick-Quotes Quill, do you?”

“Uh, no?” 

Rory shrugs, having decided a few moments ago not to give this woman anything. 

“So tell me, Harry. Here you sit, a mere boy of 12–“

“I'm 14.” Rita turns a sharp glare his way. “Sorry.” Rory grimaces and crosses her arms. 

“—about to compete against three students—one of which being your girlfriend! Not only vastly more emotionally mature than yourself, but who have mastered spells that you wouldn't attempt in your dizziest daydreams. Concerned?”

“l don't know. l haven't really thought about it.”

“Just ignore the quill.” Harry’s attention snaps back to her. “Then, of course, you're no ordinary boy of 12, are you?”

“Fourteen,” he corrects again. 

“Your story's legend. Do you think it was the trauma of your past that made you so keen to enter such a dangerous tournament?”

“No, l didn't enter.”

“Of course you didn't. Everyone loves a rebel, Harry.” She laughs dryly before turning her attention to Rory. “But you did.” Rory quirks an eyebrow. “You managed to get your name in fair and square.” Rita leans forward on her knees. “How’d you do it? Spell? Potion? Older student?” She inches closer. “My fans are dying to know.”

Rory glances at Harry, an eyebrow raised. He shrugs. Rory turns her attention back on Rita with a smirk. She leans back slightly and peers down at Rita over her nose to give her the sense of being taller. Rory takes a breath and then opens her mouth to answer. 

Only, when she does speak, it isn’t English coming out of her but French . In the thickest Irish accent Harry’s ever seen her use. Rita’s face falls immediately. The quill, somehow, manages to catch what Rory’s saying and translates it on paper. She watches as the quill catches “top of my class”, “condescending pig”, and “more than just my boyfriend”. Rita struggles to pull herself together. Rory leans forward slightly to watch the quill write. If it can understand her—and it seems to be doing an excellent job at staying accurate unlike when she was talking to Harry—then Rory has a different idea. 

Harry has to keep himself from laughing when he spots “werewolf rights” appear on Rita’s notebook along with “Ministry can kiss my ass” and “my father is innocent”.

Rita glances over at the quill before completely losing her composure. “Scratch that last bit!” she demands, eyes wide. The quill doesn’t move but she’s returned her attention to Harry so she doesn’t notice. She takes a calming breath before moving on. “Why don’t we discuss your parents, hm?” Rory and Harry share matching uncomfortable looks. “Were they alive, how do you think they'd feel? Proud or concerned that your attitude shows, at best, a pathological need for attention, at worst, a psychotic death wish?”

“Were they alive, I’m sure they would’ve talked sense into the Minister,” Rory retorts, swapping her Irish accent for French to continue disguising her words. 

Rita stares at her. “So you do speak English?” Rory just glares back. “Hm.” She leans closer to Harry. “Feisty, that one. No wonder you love her.” 

Harry’s eyes widen. “Oh, I don’t—well, of course I do, but—we haven’t—“

“Who told you we were together?” Rory asks, ignoring Harry point blank. Whether he agrees or not is none of her business. She’s not about to let this cockroach ruin their first ‘I love you’. 

Rita waves her hand around. “Well, you know. . . You hear things when you’re in a position like mine.”

Rory narrows her eyes. “Hear things from who? The fellow students that barely know we’re together? Or the professors that definitely don’t.” 

Rita’s face takes on a light pink color. “I don’t know what you’re insinuating, dear.” She attempts a carefree laugh but it comes out more restrained than anything. “You naturally hear things in my position. It’s not my fault people feel like they can divulge secrets to me.” 

“Harry and I dating isn’t a secret,” she corrects, “it’s just not public knowledge.” She takes Harry’s hand and stands. “We’re done here. Be glad I spoke to you at all.” Rory tugs Harry alongside her and heads towards the door. 

“Miss Lupin—“

Rory closes her eyes and lets out a breath. “It’s Black,” she corrects. When she opens her eyes again, they have a yellow tinge to them. She turns around to face Rita with the beginnings of a snarl on her face. “As in the most ancient and noble house of.” She tilts her head back to peer over her nose. “Put some respect on my name.” 

Rita’s face pales instantly. “Ye-yes, ma’am.” She clears her throat and nods. “Yes, ma’am.” 

Rory smirks and nods to herself, proud of her work. She knows she’ll get an earful if her father ever found out she’s using her last name as a shield but. . . What’s the fun in having such a well-respected last name if she can’t throw it around occasionally? Draco used his all the time! It’s only fair. 

When they reenter the classroom, Dumbledore has made his appearance along with an older wizard only Harry seems to recognize. Rory eyes them both carefully as she takes a step closer to Harry. He smiles and laces their fingers together, offering her a comforting squeeze. 

“Ah, there you two are,” Dumbledore comments when he spots them. He takes a step forward and presses a reassuring hand on Harry’s shoulder, ushering them both forward. “The Weighing of the Wands is about to start, and it cannot take place if two of our champions are hidden in a broom cupboard." Dumbledore gestures for them to take a seat beside both Cedric and Krum. 

Harry leads the way and lets Rory sit down first. She chooses the empty seat beside Cedric, letting Harry have the end, and smiles faintly as she scoops her skirt underneath her to lay properly. Cedric offers a small smile back and squeezes her knee. Harry narrows his eyes for a second before relaxing his shoulders. She's with him, not Cedric. And she proves that by scooting the chair closer to Harry. He drapes his arm around her shoulders and kisses her temple. Now that they're all seated, Dumbledore joins the table opposite the champions, taking his place beside Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Barty Crouch, and Ludo. Rita slips out of the closet and tucks into a corner. Harry frowns as he watches Rita slip a piece of parchment out of her bag, drape it on her lap, and poise the Quick-Quotes Quill over it. Rory rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out. 

"May I introduce Mr. Ollivander?" Rory's eyes land on the man Dumbledore came in with. The man she's never seen before. "He will be checking your wands to ensure that they are in good condition before the tournament."

"Mademoiselle Lupin, could we have you first, please?" Ollivander asks, stepping into the empty space in the middle of the room.

Rory's jaw sets. "It's Black, actually," she corrects, eyes trained on Dumbledore. 

Ollivander glances between them, a smile gracing his face. " Aurora Black?" he asks. Rory nods. Ollivander gestures for her to approach. She does so, smoothing her skirt out along the way. Ollivander's smile grows. "I remember fondly when your parents came into my store," he begins. Rory's expression softens immediately. "They arrived at the same time, did they ever tell you that?" Rory shakes her head. Ollivander's smile turns wistful. "They swapped wands when one didn't work for them. They were quite the pair. Even at a young age." Rory's heart swells as she hands her wand over. Ollivander carefully weighs it in his hand and inspects it. "This one is not of my own creation," he declares.

She shakes her head. "No, I got it in Paris," she murmurs. 

"But it is excellent craftsmanship." He brings the tip of the moonstone up to his eye and inspects. "Ash wood with a phoenix feather core--"

"Phoenix feather?" Harry asks, eyes wide. They both nod.

"Interesting core, that one is. Don't see many phoenix feathers," Ollivander mutters. "Very picky wands too. How many did you have to try before finding this one?"

"Three or four. I don't quite remember." 

Ollivander nods along. "Interesting. Interesting." He attempts to bend the wand. "12 ½ and unbending flexibility. Not bad. The decorations on the wand are quite amusing," he adds more as a whisper to Rory. "Have you ever studied your fathers'?" She shakes her head. Ollivander runs his thumb along the carved stars. "Sirius has markings on his and Remus. . ." His hand moves down to the moonstone. "Had a bulb at the end of his wand similar to this." Rory straightens her back and smiles. Ollivander waves the wand around and silver, shiny stars appear out the tip. He hands it back to Rory with a bright smile. "A fine wand for a fine witch." She beams. "Pass my well wishes to your fathers." 

"I will."

Cedric stands as she returns to her seat and takes her place. Harry scoots closer to Rory as she slips the wand back into her pocket. 

"Phoenix feather?" he whispers. She nods again. "Do you. . ." He lets out a breath. "Did they mention what phoenix they got the feather from when you bought the wand?" She shakes her head. Harry pouts. "Oh."

"Do you have a phoenix feather core?" 

Harry nods. "So does Voldemort," he adds, lowering his voice further. "Same phoenix." Rory's expression softens. Harry shrugs halfheartedly. "Just thought. . . since we're. . . maybe. . ." 

She kisses him softly. "I don't think we have the same core." Harry lets out a breath. "But it would be beautiful if we did." He nods and leans closer to her, resting his head on her shoulder. 

"Mister Krum, if you please." 

Krum swaps spots with Cedric as he makes his way back to his seat. Rory offers him a polite smile. Cedric matches it before shaking his head slightly. The three watch in mild fascination as Ollivander weighs Krum's wand. Once he's done, twittering birds fly out of the tip and out the open window. 

"Good," says Ollivander, handing Krum back his wand. "Which leaves. . . Mister Potter." Harry stands, a bit wobbly on his feet, and swaps places with Krum. Rory smiles reassuringly and waves him off. He takes a deep breath before handing his wand over to Ollivander. "Aaaah, yes. Yes, yes, yes. How well I remember." 

It takes Ollivander longer than the others to examine Harry's wand but eventually he lets out a fountain of wine and returns the wand back to Harry. Harry lets out a relieved sigh as he returns to Rory. She kisses his cheek and keeps her hand on his thigh as he sits down. 

"Thank you all," Dumbledore says, standing up at the judges' table. "You may go back to your lessons now--or perhaps it would be quicker just to go down to dinner, as they are about to end--" 

"Photos, Dumbledore, photos!" Ludo cries excitedly. "All the judges and champions, what do you think, Rita?" 

"Er--yes, let's do those first. And then perhaps some individual shots." 

Rory rolls her eyes as they all stand and gather in the center. It takes a while just to figure out a good setup. They had the hardest time figuring out where to place Madame Maxime where she wasn't casting large shadows over everyone else. Rita was dead set on having Rory and Harry in the center so naturally Rory avoided Harry like he had the plague. Instead, she stood by Cedric who opted for the middle. After playing around some more, the photographer decides to call it quits and snap whatever they can. Rita insists on separate shots of the champions but Rory takes Harry by the hand and sneaks them out of there. 

At long last, they're free to go.

Chapter Text

Rory,

That was quite the article Rita Skeeter wrote about you and Harry. I appreciate all the comments standing up about werewolf rights but that wasn't necessary, darling. I've been dealing with prejudice my whole life--you know this. And you definitely know that it isn't your responsibility to fight for me. . .

Nonetheless, I love you and am beyond proud of how you managed to evade her nasty tricks. You've always made me proud to be your father.

It might seem like the world is turning on you because of this article, though. Know that you'll always have your father and I in your corner to back you up. Grandda, Andy, Ted, and Dora are cheering you on as well. Dora's already been telling everyone she comes in contact with that her sister is Beauxbaton's champion. This'll all die down eventually. I know it will.

Send Harry my warm regards.

Love,

Da.

~~~

Cub,

Brilliant! Bloody brilliant, you are! I would've never thought to use my knowledge of French against that crazed woman! And your accent too! Oh, your father and I are just so proud. Over the moon in fact--see what I did there? Of course you did, you're a genius, you are! Pure Marauder potential. James would've inducted you on the spot! ...of course, your father might not want that. Guess we'll never truly know.

Enough of this sob story, the point of me writing to you is to say that I'm beyond proud of you for using your voice like that. You might want to teach Harry a few pointers, there. Sounds like he was a bumbling mess.

Keep your father and I updated about the tournament.

Love,

Dad.

~~~

Who do you think you are dating Harry Potter? Didn't your father kill his parents? Surely sets the mood in terms of romance, doesn't it? Are you there comforting him every time he's crying about his parents? Sick. Just sick! Harry deserves someone better. Literally anyone would be better than you!

- Anonymous

~~~

Hogwarts AND Beauxbaton having underage champions? AND they're dating each other? I don't know, seems pretty rigged to me. Seems like you've both planned this to be in the spotlight. Hasn't Harry gotten enough? He is the Boy Who Lived, you know. How does Beauxbaton feel about having a filthy cheat as their champion? I hope you lose and bring dishonor to your school. Beauxbaton deserves better.

- Anonymous

~~~

"Excuse me," a light, almost sing-songy voice whispers in Rory's ear. She attempts to swat the voice away as she rolls over onto her other side, pulling the blankets with her. After a few seconds of silence, Rory lets herself relax in an attempt to fall back asleep. Just as she's about to slip back, there's something poking her side and the voice comes back. "Excuse me," they attempt again. Rory can vaguely make out that the voice is a girl. Not that it matters. She groans and buries her head in her pillow. "Excuse me? Miss Black?"

"What?!" Rory snaps, shooting up in bed, her eyes a light yellow. The girl steps away, clutching something close to her chest. Rory's chest rises and falls quickly as she recollects herself. After a few seconds, Rory runs her fingers through her hair in a way to smooth it out. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for," she murmurs. She blinks a few times to get her eyes back to normal before focusing on the pale blonde at her side. She attempts a soft smile. "I'm sorry," she apologizes again. "What is it that ya need?" 

"You've got another stack of letters, Miss," she says timidly, holding out said stack. 

Rory's gaze drops to her hands. A colorful assortment of letters are in her hands. Lots of them. Rory frowns and resists the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she forces a smile that shows off her teeth (after making sure her fangs haven't popped out) and takes the letters. 

"You're awfully popular as of late," she points out.

Rory's shoulders collapse as she heavily exhales. "Yeah, all thanks to the latest article in the Daily Prophet," she grumbles. 

She flicks through the letters, scanning the return addresses if there are any. None are in her parents' handwriting that she can tell. She's about to rip them all in half when one in particular stands out to her. Not her parents handwriting but still familiar. She runs her fingernail along the top of the envelope and glances over Daphne's pristine handwriting. Her jaw sets as she crumples the letter in her fist.  

"The Daily Prophet?"

Rory hums. "Read all about it, did you? Got somethin' to say to me?" She looks up and turns a sharp glare at the blonde girl. But there's just confusion painting her face and something. . . off about her. Rory narrows her eyes. "You don't know what I'm talkin' about, do you?"

She shakes her head. "I don't read the Daily Prophet."

Rory snorts. "That makes two of us, now." 

"My father is in charge of the Quibbler. I could get you a copy of the next one, if you'd like." 

Rory narrows her eyes again for a brief second before nodding. "Sure, I'd love that. Anythin' that isn't Rita Skeeter's writin' is a new personal favorite of mine." 

The blonde beams. 

Rory tosses the ripped up envelopes into the fireplace as she stands from the couch. A few of her joints pop as she begins to stretch. She doesn't remember falling asleep in the common room nor does she remember having a blanket with her when she was doing homework but she'll be the first to tell you that Hogwarts works in mysterious ways. She folds the blanket up and places it back in the bin the Ravenclaws keep in the common room before collecting her stuff. 

"You and Harry seem like a lovely couple, by the way," she adds.

Rory glances over her shoulder at the blonde and smiles faintly. "Thank you." She stands, her miscellaneous belongings clutched to her chest. Rory pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. "I'm sorry, I don't think I got your name."

"Luna Lovegood," she introduces, sticking her hand out. Rory glances at it, holding her stuff closer to her chest. Luna drops her hand. "But everyone calls me Loony."

Rory frowns. "That's not very nice." Luna shrugs. Rory straightens her back slightly. "Well, Luna, the next time someone calls you Loony, send them my way. People used to call my father loony and learned the hard way not to mess with a Black." Luna smiles, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "You've got me in your corner now. Don't forget that." With a curt nod, Rory heads towards the room she's temporarily staying in to discard her stuff and get ready for the day. 

If Luna's delivering her mail, that can only mean one thing. . .

~~~

"Remind me to wring that cockroach's neck the next time I see her," Rory states as she collapses onto the bench beside Harry in the Great Hall. She's not at all surprised to see them all still sitting at the table enjoying their breakfast. Harry immediately scoots over to make enough room for her, sliding food items he stashed on his plate for her onto hers now that she's here. She flashes him a smile before turning her attention on Hermione and Draco. "I've gotten hundreds of letters from 'Harry's biggest fan's claimin' I'm a skank or only datin' him because he's 'the Boy Who Lived' or some other bullshit. This one psycho said she hopes I lose the tournament and bring dishonor to Beauxbaton. This other one was a bunch of death threats claimin' she'd make a better girlfriend for you, Harry." Rory huffs and shakes her head before shoving half a pumpkin muffin into her mouth. "Some don't appreciate that Dad supposedly killed your parents. A lot of people don't, actually. They think I'm tryin' to play the long game into finishin' the job for him." Rory shakes her head before turning to face Harry. "Why I'd trick you into lovin' me just to kill ya is beyond me." Harry's cheeks heat up and he has to look away. Rory turns to face Hermione once more and in doing so, catches sight of the Slytherin table across the hall. She drops the remaining half of the muffin--Harry manages to catch it and sets it back on her plate before it hits the ground--as her jaw drops. "That son of a bitch!" she shouts. 

"Rory!" Hermione scolds, glancing around them. "There are Prefects present," she hisses. 

"Hell if I care. Has anyone taken notice as to where Greengrass and Weasley are sittin'?"

"Some other part of the Gryffindor table, I'd assume," Harry grumbles as he picks up his goblet. 

"Guess again," Rory deadpans as she lifts her pointer finger in the direction of the Slytherin table. All heads turn to follow where she's pointing. "Who do they think they are? Sitting at a different table."

Draco slowly looks back to where Rory sits across from him. "Um, Ro?" Rory raises an eyebrow but her gaze remains locked on Daphne and Ron as they sit next to each other, laughing about something while sharing morning pastries. "We're both sitting at different tables."

"I'm not a Hogwarts student," she corrects immediately. "I don't count." Draco and Hermione share a look. Rory frowns and snaps her attention their way. "What?" she spits. Harry's hand is immediately on her back as he starts rubbing soothing circles between her shoulder-blades. 

"Nothing!" Hermione is quick to defend, throwing her hands in the air. "It's just. . ." She bites her bottom lip. "Well. . ."

"Out with it, Hermione!"

"Don't you think you're being a little hypocritical?" she rushes out. Rory straightens her posture immediately. "I just mean. . . Well. . . Okay, fine, you're not a Hogwarts student this year but you were last year and you rarely--if ever--sat at the Slytherin table so shouldn't Daphne and Ron be allowed to sit wherever they want?" Harry squeezes Rory's shoulder as she lets a low growl slip out, eyes narrowing on Hermione. "I just think that you and Harry need to talk--"

"Oh, I did talk with her. I'm done talking with her. I'm done talking with anyone who thinks I orchestrated this whole thing!" Rory slams her fist down on the table, earning the attention of everyone in her nearby vicinity. 

"Rory--"

"No, Hermione, I'm not done talking! You know how incredibly demeaning this whole thing has been? Everyone insinuating that I don't deserve to be champion or that the only reason I am is because Harry is as well! Or better yet! That I'm incapable of doing anything without him! Do you know how many letters I've gotten from people all over the world who read this stupid article? Do you know how many people have an opinion on mine and Harry's relationship? On my life?!" Rory rises to her feet, her eyes a bright yellow. "You were all there! You all saw me enter my name! Yes, I flew my name over the age-line but if I'm remembering correctly, the twins pushed me over the line and the Goblet didn't kick me out! I am Beauxbaton's rightful champion because age restriction or not, the Goblet thought I was the best witch at the school. It spat my name out fair and square. And if any one of you--" She jabs her finger in Hermione and Draco's direction. "--don't agree with that then I'm done talking with you too!" Her nostrils flare as she sucks in a deep breath. "Maybe we should all focus on who put Harry's name in the goblet and figure out why. Or did we all forget that this is the Triwizard Tournament and there are four champions?" she suggests, projecting her voice to be heard across the Great Hall. Daphne and Ron flinch but don't turn around. "So if you want to go around callin' me a cheat, go right ahead!" she shouts, gaze fixated on Daphne and Ron once again. Daphne's posture straightens as Ron ducks his head. "A rule-breaker. A hypocrite. Backstabber. Double crosser. Take your pick! But if you're gonna go around callin' me names, at least have the decency to say it to my fuckin' face, Greengrass!" she barks. Now she's got the attention of everyone in the Great Hall. Including the professors. "Or did you think I wouldn't recognize your handwritin'?" 

"Rory--" Daphne starts, eyes wide and looking rather pale. 

"It's Aurora to you. You lost the right to call me Rory."

Daphne's bottom lip trembles but she doesn't say anything else. Ron rests a hand on her thigh as the only form of comfort. Daphne attempts to hold Rory's gaze but doesn’t succeed for longer than a few seconds. She knew as soon as she sent the letter that she shouldn’t have but she was just so furious after reading the article that she had to do something. Had she seriously only entered to promote werewolf rights for her father? And Ron was so beside himself because of everything with Harry! Honestly, who do they think they are entering a prestigious competition like this for fun? Maybe she should have disguised her handwriting more. . . or truly not have sent the letter. 

“What happened to loyalty bein’ a Slytherin trait? Or does that only apply to pureblood families, hm? Can only be loyal to yourself, is that it? Screw everyone else!”

“Rory. . .” Daphne whispers, voice on the verge of breaking. Tears have begun pooling in her eyes. 

“Save it for someone who cares, bitch.” 

Rory turns to dramatically leave the Great Hall when Professor Moody stands abruptly from his seat, knocking a few chairs back in the process. This earns the attention of a decent amount of students still left in the Great Hall. Even a few of his neighboring professors. McGonagall included. 

“Miss Black!” he shouts before Rory gets too far. She pauses and turns around to face him, an eyebrow raised. “My office. Now. I’d like a word with you.” His eyes wash over the sea of students. “Back to breakfast!” he orders. Everyone does as he says immediately. 

All the fight drains out of Rory immediately and her shoulders collapse as her eyes widen. She glances over at McGonagall but she can only offer a small shrug and shake of her head as comfort. Rory swallows past the lump forming in her throat as she nods. She drops her gaze to Harry who looks almost apologetic. She offers a small smile and a reassuring nod before turning on her heels and heading out the Great Hall. Just as the doors are about to close behind her, she can just make out the clunking of Moody's wooden leg against the tiled ground. She winces as she heads off in the direction of the DADA office. 

~~~

"Miss Black--" Moody begins as he shuts and locks the office door behind them. 

Rory, who had taken a seat while waiting for him, jumps to her feet, excuses flying out of her mouth before she can even process what she's saying, "Professor, I'm so sorry about my language choices. I've been told I get very irritable around the full moon. Not that I'm a werewolf! Or that there's anything wrong with being a werewolf! You know my dad, I'm sure you'd understand." Rory lets out a quick breath before sucking it back in and continuing, "I'm just simply saying that because of my dad. . . No, that sounds wrong. Because I'm used to transforming at a certain time of the month. . . No, that sounds weird too."

"Miss Black," Moody huffs out as he walks over to his desk. She snaps her mouth shut, eyes wide. "I do understand what you're trying to tell me." She lets out a breath and nods. "McGonagall filled me in and I have been in communication with your father about his teachings last year." Rory nods again. "That's not why I brought you into my office."

"It's not?" she exhales. He shakes his head. "Then. . ." She bites her lip. "Why did you?" she whispers. 

Moody takes a seat at his desk and gestures for her to retake her seat from before. She does so immediately. He smirks as he watches her cross her legs. Prim and proper--the Beauxbaton way. He's noticed her do it a few times in his classes. Really goes to show that you can take the girl out of Beauxbaton but you can't take Beauxbaton out of the girl. Though the thought has crossed his mind quite a few times that she isn't prim and proper because of Beauxbaton at all but because of her Black family lineage. 

After all, Regulus frequently sat with his ankles pressed together and back straight. 

Moody clears his throat and discretely shakes his head. "I brought you in to discuss the first task and your preparations for it."

"I can't necessarily prepare for somethin' when I don't know what I'm preparin' for," she remarks. 

Moody raises an eyebrow. "Don't know what you're preparing for?" She shakes her head. "No one's told you what the first task is?"

"No one's told any of us what the first task is."

Moody leans back in his seat, lips pressed together. "Care for some insider's knowledge?" 

Rory bites the inside of her cheek as she thinks it over. On one hand, she'd be able to write to her parents and ask for help in how to handle the first task--whatever the task may be. But on the other, none of her other champions would know and if anyone found out she knew beforehand. . . A shiver goes down her spine. More than just Greengrass will be calling her a cheat, that's for sure. Would Harry be upset with her for not telling him? Would he ever forgive her?

She swallows the small lump forming in her throat and balls her fists at her sides as she straightens her posture. 

She didn't enter this tournament to play peacekeeper among the schools. She entered this tournament to win. To prove herself to her peers. 

Rory nods and Moody's eyes light up. 

"Dragons," he confesses. "You'll be facing off dragons." 

The air gets knocked out of Rory as she slumps against the back of her chair. "Dragons?" she squeaks. He nods. "And what exactly will I be doing with dragons?"

"You'll be tasked with rescuing an item from within their grasp. Points deducted if you get hit."

Rory runs her fingers through her hair. "Oh. Okay. Steal from a dragon. Don't get hit. Makes perfect sense. Totally doable." She slides a hand down her face. "Dragons," she whispers. 

"You will be allowed your wand," he informs her. "And they can't stop you from using your natural abilities." Her ears perk up slightly at that and her eyes involuntarily flash yellow. He winks at her. "Do with that knowledge as you will, Miss Black. Best of luck. Off you go." 

Rory shakily gets to her feet, nodding. Moody stands with her and follows her to the door. She's completely disoriented now, her mind racing as she scrambles to figure out a plan. Dragons. Really? And they were just going to throw them into the ring without any preparation. 

She turns around to properly thank Professor Moody but the door's already been closed behind her. Instead she lets out a breath and starts down her typical path to Transfiguration. While she's sure McGonagall will understand her tardiness, it's better if she doesn't risk it at all. 

~~~

After a long day of classes Rory was only half paying attention to, she lays awake at night, staring up at the canopy of her four-poster bed. She can't sleep. Her mind is still racing about the dragons. How is she supposed to fight off a dragon without getting attacked? How are any of them supposed to get past a dragon? 

She lets out a breath as she turns onto her side, curling into a ball. 

Of course, if she's having a breakdown over this now. . . How are Cedric and Harry supposed to feel without the same prior knowledge? And Krum, she supposes. Should she tell them and even the playing field? It'll make everything right but then she'll lose the advantage. Can she even consider this an advantage?

With a sharp exhale, Rory reaches for her nightstand and pulls out a small, hand-held mirror along with her parents' map. She climbs out of bed and throws on a robe while slipping into an easy pair of walking shoes. She quietly slips out of the bedroom, carefully closing the door behind her, and makes her way into the common room before opening the map. 

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," she whispers. 

The map springs to life. Rory quickly scans where all the important names are. Dumbledore is in his office, McGonagall and Snape are in their rooms, Moody is in his office, Filch is. . . Well. She doesn't really care where he is. She knows she can evade him. Madam Maxime is in the Beauxbaton carriage. Everyone is accounted for. She folds the map up and sticks it in her pocket before leaving the Ravenclaw tower. 

~~~

Just like last year, Rory manages to completely slip out of the castle and down towards the Whomping Willow, her nose buried in the map. It's easier this year with the map. Means she didn't even need the cloak. Which she supposes is a good thing because Harry probably would've been asleep and she doesn't think she'd be able to properly explain why she needed the cloak anyway. She freezes the tree as she approaches before slipping inside. 

Once she's inside the main part of the shack, she sets the map aside and pulls out her mirror. She glances around the mostly destroyed room. It's deserted--as always. A smirk tugs at her lips as she recalls what went down in this very room earlier this calendar year. 

She sits down and taps on the mirror. It takes a moment before there's tapping back and then the tired face of her father is staring back at her. 

"Rory?" Sirius asks as he wipes the sleep from his eyes. "What's wrong, love?"

"I just wanted to talk to you," she admits softly. "This is the closest we can get to face-to-face while I'm at school." 

Sirius cracks a soft smile. "How are you holding up, kiddo?"

"Fine," she replies immediately, back straightening. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Sirius chuckles. "You don't have to pretend with me, Cub."

"I'm not pretending." Sirius raises an eyebrow as his expression shifts. Rory's posture deflates. "Don't tell Da. He doesn't like it when I put on a brave face for him."

"I know, sweetheart. I know." They sit there in silence for a moment. "Now tell me, honestly, how are you? I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like in your position." Rory lets out a breath. "Daphne and Ron still causing you trouble?" She scoffs and rolls her eyes. Sirius chuckles. "I'll take that as a yes. And the other students?"

She shrugs. "Mixed reactions. Everyone at Beauxbaton is more than pleased that I'm their champion. But Hogwarts. . ." She shakes her head. "Everyone thinks Harry and I are a packaged deal now. I. . ." She looks to her lap. "I don't know, Dad. I feel like this whole thing blew up in my face." 

Sirius nods slowly. "I see." He licks his lips before asking, "And why did you do it, exactly? Why did you enter?"

She shrugs. "I don't know anymore."

"Aurora."

She lets out a breath and rolls her eyes. "To prove that I'm as good a witch as I believe myself to be. To show the schools that I'm as powerful as everyone thinks I am." She toes at a section where the floor is peeling. "Professor Moody thought it would be a good idea," she admits softly. "After. . ." She bites her lip. "After we made me cast the Killing Curse in class."

"He did what?!"

"With his wand!" she clarifies quickly. 

"Aurora! Why didn't you tell us?"

"What was I supposed to say? That the DADA professor is teaching us the worst spells out there so we can protect ourselves?" Sirius huffs. "I killed a spider," she admits. "Only. . . Maybe I didn't?" Sirius raises an eyebrow. She shrugs. "I dunno. He was impressed that I was able to cast the spell. Said it takes a special somethin' in someone to cast it properly. That's when he said I'd make an excellent champion. After class, that is. He called me back into his office. That's when I found the spider still alive. So maybe I didn't have that special somethin' in me after all. Maybe he was wrong about me. Maybe I shouldn't have entered."

Sirius' blood runs cold. "You said the spider was alive the second time you saw it?"

She nods. "Skittering around the desks. Like nothing even happened."

"Did you. . ." He glances over his shoulder. "Did you happen to touch the spider after casting the curse?"

She nods again. "To see if it was really dead." Sirius grows pale. "I thought it was." She shrugs. "Guess it really wasn't. But it's too late now. I've already entered this stupid tournament. Can't back out now."

"Rory, I want you to listen to me when I tell you this: you are an incredible witch and are one of the most powerful witches I've met your age. You and Hermione both. The Goblet wouldn't have picked you if it didn't see you as the best of Beauxbaton. Everyone around you believes in you. All that's left is to believe in yourself."

Rory manages a small smile. "Thanks, Dad."

"Now tell me, what's the real reason you pulled the mirror out?" Rory giggles. "I love talking to you, Cub, believe me. There's nothing I'd love more to do after spending so much time out of your life. But we both know this wasn't your intention. At least not this late at night."

Rory lets out a breath as she tries to figure out a way to explain it. "If you and Da were in some sort of competition together--but not together! Well, you are together but you're not in the competition together. Uh. . ."

Sirius chuckles. "We're dating but competing against each other. Got it, Ro."

She nods. "Yeah. That. If you and Da were in that position and you were told information about the competition that would be useful for Da as well. . ." She bites her bottom lip. "Would you tell Da?" Sirius begins nodding slowly as the pieces in his brain click into place. "Better yet, would you tell all your competitors? To even the playing field? Or would you keep that to yourself?"

"What do you know about the tournament?" he asks instead. 

She smiles sheepishly. "Professor Moody told me what the first task is." Sirius nods for her to continue. "But everyone else in charge has been very secretive about the task. I don't think they planned on telling us at all. So either I tell everyone and admit to cheating--"

"Is it really considered cheating?"

"Professor Moody asked if I wanted to know. I could've said no."

Sirius shrugs. "They don't need to know that. For all they know, Moody told you against your will."

Rory cracks a small smile. "Alright. Well. Regardless, I still know." Sirius nods. "And, Dad. . . It's bad." Sirius raises an eyebrow. "Like, had I known this would've been the first task, maybe I wouldn't have entered."

"What is it?"

"Dragons." Sirius' eyes almost bulge out of his head. Rory nods. "I know. Like I said, it's bad. So part of me wants to tell everyone. They deserve to know. I don't know what I would've done if I showed up the day of the first task without any prior knowledge. I still don't know what I'm gonna do. But I'm competing against them not with them so--"

"If Harry knew and you didn't, do you think he would keep it from you?"

Rory closes her eyes and hangs her head. "No," she whispers. 

"I think you at least owe it to Harry. You have to remember that he didn't choose to be in this. And he didn't grow up in the Wizarding community. He doesn't know everything you do." She nods along. "If Moony and I were in your position and Moony didn't know as much as I did, I think I would tell him. I think I'd tell him regardless. Your father is my best friend--always has been--and I've always been able to tell him everything. The one time I didn't. . . Well. Look where that got me." Rory giggles softly. "So, yes, I would tell him. Maybe not the other competitors. They can figure it out for themselves. But I'd definitely tell Remus."

"Even if James and Pe--" She stops herself, the word getting caught in her throat. "Wor--" She presses her lips together. Can't say that either. "Even if James and Lily were going around the school saying you're incapable of doing anything by yourself? That you're only in the competition because you're both in the competition?"

"I would stick by your father no matter what, Cub." She sighs and nods. "Tell me, do you love Harry?"

"I. . ." She hangs her head but her cheeks are bright pink. "I haven't told him yet."

Sirius laughs softly. "But you do?" She nods. "Then always remember that. Friends come and go and sometimes people you thought were your friends turn out to be the worst people ever." Rory giggles. "But love is forever. How do you think Remus was able to forgive me so easily?"

She rolls her eyes but smiles. "Because he loves you."

"Because he loves me," he agrees. "Try to forget about whatever Daphne and Ron are saying. They'll figure themselves out. You just focus on staying true to yourself. And that includes being able to tell Harry everything." She nods. "Did any of this help?"

Her smile grows. "Yeah. It did. Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime, kiddo. That's why I gave you the mirror." He smiles too. "Now. Where are you calling me from?"

"The Shrieking Shack." Sirius raises an eyebrow. "I wanted some place private. This was the first place I thought of." His smile grows. "It makes me feel closer to you two in a way," she admits as she starts looking around the room. "It's almost comforting."

"Aw, Cub. Always remember you can talk to us whenever you want." She nods. "We're just an owl away. Or we can always apparate to Hogsmeade if you need to see us in person."

"Thanks, Dad."

"And Rory?" She nods. "You've got this." Her smile softens. "Your father and I will be cheering you on from the stands." She giggles. "Now get some sleep. I'll let Remus know in the morning about the dragon nonsense. We'll draft something up for the two of you in the morning."

"Actually, Dad, I think I might have something in mind."

Sirius raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"

She nods. "Yeah. Coming down here was a good idea." His expression softens. "Got me thinking. But you're right. I should head back inside. Goodnight, Dad. Looking forward to hearing from you and Da soon." Sirius blows her a kiss before disappearing from the mirror. Rory takes on last look around the shack before smirking to herself. "All I need is a distraction. I can do that."