Chapter 17 – Halloween

Harry was resolutely keeping a diary of when his heart was either going extremely fast, for example during a Quidditch practice, or when it tingled or hurt. It was predictably happening during their Apparition lessons but on one or two other occasions it didn't exactly hurt more distressed Harry. He felt helpless and had a sudden urge to protect fiercely all of the students inside the castle. He didn't mention this fact to Hermione, he wanted to figure it out himself before he admitted to being more abnormal than everybody else.

During the first week back after the holidays Dumbledore announced that because everybody was feeling down due to the attempted poisoning and attacks going on outside Hogwarts, on Halloween he was declaring it a dress up day. Students could dress up as their favourite witch or wizard and he even guaranteed the Professors would be joining in too. The best dressed wizard and witch at dinner that evening would win a prize. Also there would be a competition after dinner on the Monday and the winning house would win something special.

Harry couldn't go anywhere, and that included the library, where he could avoid the topic of what everybody was wearing on Monday. He had done some research to help change his appearance and had already enlisted the help of Hermione, he just needed a few props.

On the Friday before Halloween at breakfast the owls were busy delivering packages of all sizes to their owners. Most were from the dress shops in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade as people had paid for outfits to be made. Parvati and Lavender were going to be coming as the famous sisters from Ireland who invented the common charm of levitation. Ron was coming as Gilderoy Lockhart, which Harry found hilarious as Ron had been accountable for wiping his memory, or at least Ron's wand had. Hermione was coming as a witch who helped Arithmancy develop in Italy during the 15th Century.

'Come on Harry, tell us who you are going to be!' Seamus and Dean had been pleading for days.

'You'll find out on Monday.' Harry replies as he feeds Hedwig bacon, after just landing on his shoulder after dropping a letter on his plate. Harry takes a look at the writing and smiling places it in his bag to read later.

'Ron, you're Harry's best mate, you tell us who he's coming as.' Dean says.

'He hasn't told me mate. Sorry.'

'Hermione?' Seamus pleads. Hermione just smiles and sips her pumpkin juice.

'Ron, tell your girlfriend to answer us.' Dean adds.

'She isn't my girlfriend.' Ron replies. Jaws drop.

'But….but, when did you two split up?' Dean splutters

'Sunday. We decided to just be friends.'

'Harry, why didn't you tell us?' Dean asks insulted.

'It was their choice to tell or not.' Said Harry, who up until now had never heard of their break-up. Lavender and Parvati lean over and console Hermione but the looks Lavender kept throwing Ron meant that she was not that sincere. Luckily the topic of what people were coming as was successfully dropped and Harry could go back to eating in peace.

Next morning in Advanced Potions Justin told them all he was coming as Albus Dumbledore.

'I have the entire outfit now. I'm just trying to convince McGonagall to transfigure my eyes and hair to different colours.'

Snape however wasn't very pleased that they were not concentrating on their potions.

'I have no wish to listen to how much you idolise the Headmaster. Please return to your work.'

He never said another word, however, when Draco joined in the conversation and informed them he was coming as one of his ancestors who had been the first Minister for Magic. Draco had become approachable during advanced lessons but this attitude usually vanished once they had left the classroom.

'So Granger who are you coming as?'

'Griszelda Abercut.' Draco nods in understanding.

'Potter. What about you?'

'That's a secret.' This catches Snapes attention.

'Who?' Snape sneers

'Well I was going to be coming as Godric Gryffindor, but I think a seventh year has already picked that one. Merlin was another but I'm sure I heard that Dumbledore was coming as him. I was thinking of Dumbledore too but I think that was too obvious.'

'Who else?' Draco asks.

'Harry Potter of course.' Grins Harry.

Justin bursts into laughter, whilst Hermione moans and puts her head in her hands.

'Not much out of character is it.'

'At least I won't have to draw a lightening bolt scar on my head.' Harry says.

On Sunday evening the usual teachers meeting started in Dumbledore's office. Only the Headmaster and Heads of Houses were present.

'The Head Boy has been under attack since the beginning of the year. The Head Girl always usurps his authority. This state of affairs cannot continue.' Snape says fiercely.

'Katie is only adding points were they were taken off unfairly by your pupil.' Madam Sprout says to Snape.

'He has never deducted house points unfairly. She is undermining his authority and he is threatening to turn in his badge. This will not do!'

'Katie is in Hufflepuff she would never do anything unfair, however…'

'Are you saying that all Slytherins are unfair!'

Dumbledore intercepts, seeing they are both sitting on the edge of their seats and their hands are edging towards their wands.

'I understand your concern Severus. Ponoma have a word with Head Girl Katie. If the Head Boy takes off any points that she deems are unfair, have her come to me and I will remedy the situation, otherwise I am going to have to elect a new Head Boy and Girl who can get along. Severus, please investigate these rumours and question some of the students involved.' Dumbledore looks at Ponoma and Severus and waits for their nods. 'Now if there is no other topic I haven't covered, Ponoma, Filius, you may leave. I need a word with Severus and Minerva.' Madame Sprout and Professor Flitwick leave silently, Sprout still glaring at Snape. Dumbledore stands up when his door is shut and goes over to the fireplace.

'Poppy has something she wishes to discuss with us.' Dumbledore throws floo powder into the fire and says 'Poppy.' Whilst they are waiting for Poppy to arrive Albus turns to Minerva.

'Have you had chance to mark Harry's second attempt of his essay?' Minerva nods.

'Yes I have and this time he received an E. But honestly Albus, you cannot make that poor boy rewrite a whole essay every time his grade is slightly low!' Minerva scolds. 'His other essay really was adequate.'

'Minerva, you are quite right when you said Harry had to learn to keep up his grades as well as come to his extra lessons, so Harry has been warned to work harder.' Minerva huffs but doesn't fight back. A few moments later Poppy comes through the fire indicating she had been waiting. 'Please sit down Poppy. Lemon drop?' Poppy shakes her head. Dumbledore sits down behind his desk and takes a lemon drop.

'What is this about Albus?' Minerva asks.

'Harry Potter' Poppy answers before Dumbledore can.

'Oh please. I do not need to be here for this.' Snape sneers and goes to stand up.

'Severus please sit down and listen to what Poppy has to say.' Snape slumps back in his chair, folds his arms and scowls. 'Poppy. Please continue.'

'Thank you Headmaster. I informed you two weeks ago that Mr Potter was having problems with his heart and I had attached a heart monitor to him.'

'Were there any problems with the results Poppy?' Minerva sounds concerned.

'Well no. They're perfect.'

'Then what is the point of this?' Snape sneers.

'If you'll wait a minute Severus I will tell you. I asked Mr Potter to keep a diary of every time his heart hurt or played up during those two weeks. He came up today after his apparition lesson and gave it to me. I used the diary to check against my results I had obtained from the monitor.'

'Please hurry up Poppy, I have sixth year marking to do.' Poppy stiffens as it is common knowledge marking sixth year homework was Snape's most odious task. He even rated it above visiting the Dark Lord.

'Severus.' Dumbledore warns. Severus slumps into his chair looking murderous. 'What were the results Poppy?'

'From a quick look at my readings this morning I could see no sign of problems what so ever.'

'Then why are we still here listening to you go on about Potter?' Snape shouts, finally at the end of his tether.

'Because by looking at Harry's diary he has had pains in his heart 5 times in the past two weeks and nothing registered with the monitor.' Poppy yells. The room goes silent.

'Then your monitor was malfunctioning.' Snape states dismissively.

'Or your potion wasn't working.' Poppy spits back. Snape turns to her eyes glittering dangerously.

'I will not have you blame my Potion making skills to cover up your mistake when attaching the heart monitor.' Snape growls.

'Severus, Poppy! Enough!' Albus says his voice hard. 'Poppy please continue.'

'The machine was checked and it wasn't a problem. What ever is causing harm to Harry is not showing up on my instruments. I can therefore not treat it.' More silence. McGonagall speaks as though she really doesn't want the answer

'Does he have to give up Quidditch?'

'If I had my way yes I would have Harry give up Quidditch, but I know I will never get him out of my office until he whines enough for me to give in and let him play again. Therefore for the moment he is still allowed to play.' Minerva sighs in relief and then turns to smugly smile at Severus. Poppy turns back to Dumbledore. 'I have no idea what to do Albus, or what to tell Harry, I said I would have the results tomorrow morning before breakfast.' Poppy looks frustrated. Dumbledore entwines his fingers and looks over them at the teachers in front of him.

'I feel I must add something to this conversation.' The other three turn to him eager to listen. 'When Sirius died at the end of last year, I was worried how much it would affect Harry. I paid a private visit to Harry, before his accident over the summer and decided he was becoming depressed. I was making a decision of what to do with him before his accident and you Severus took care of the rest. That greatly improved his mood I think. Therefore I could put off my decision until it was time for Harry to come back to school again this year.'

'What has this to do with Harry's condition?' Poppy asks confused.

'Please bear with me Poppy. The day before Harry returned to school I finally came to my decision. I raised a ward around the school to help keep out negative thoughts and to keep negative thoughts inside the barrier to a minimum. You must all have observed the Gryffindor, Slytherin war has been milder this year.' They all nod. 'This has had the effect of keeping Harry feeling happy and has given him time to move on past Sirius' death. Unfortunately, Harry's reaction to the barrier is to repress all negative emotions. He hasn't had one dream about Voldemort, or Sirius or even Cedric Diggory whilst he has been back.'

'You think these heart pains could be related to this?' McGonagall asks confused.

'In my attempt to help Harry, I have made his magic respond differently to negative thoughts. I believe the over stimulation of positive thoughts on his magic are making his body respond by hurting the part of Harry that always hurts when his negative thoughts hurt him.'

'His heart.' Poppy confirms.

'Harry's love for his friends and surrogate family are showing themselves as pain when he feels them to be threatened.'

'How do we fix it?' Snape asks. Dumbledore has the audacity to look embarrassed.

'We cannot. Harry's magic has already grown under the stress of Voldemort as we have seen by him being able to perform a Corporal Patronus in his third year. Now under my mistake Harry's magic has grown again in a completely different manner. I feel that the best way to handle this is to keep observing his heart Poppy. Tell him that your tests were showing a hereditary problem that has flared up due to the advancing of his magic and that you want to keep an eye on it. We all must watch over him closely and make sure there are no other side-effects of my attempt to help Harry.' They all sit there in silence absorbing this.

Snape was still thinking about the meeting he had had with Poppy, Minerva and Albus, when Harry entered the classroom and without being told shut and locked the door, raised a silencing ward and then nearly managed a mild repelling ward that would make sure they would be left alone.

'You forgot to define the area of the ward.' Severus says as he watches Harry try again. This time he manages it and walks over dropping his wand on his desk and stood ready.

'Okay. Show me how it would feel if Vol… the Dark Lord tried to enter my mind.'

'Are you positive you want to experience this?'

'I need to. When I face the Dark Lord again I have to make sure I can withstand his attacks.' Severus nods and stands up coming around his desk, pulling out his wand and stands opposite Harry. 'Take a few calming breaths ready.' Severus patiently waits until Harry has taken a few deep breaths and then nods his consent. 'Legilimens.'

Harry drops screaming in pain but manages to push Severus out. Panting Harry scratches his scar which is now a livid red against the whiteness of his skin.

'Harry?'

'I'm fine.' Harry gets back to his feet and looks determinedly at Severus. 'Again.' Severus nods.

'Legilimens.' Harry drops to his knees in pain biting his bottom lip to prevent him from shouting out. Suddenly Severus finds himself standing in pitch blackness with Harry a few paces away bathed in white light. 'Well done.' Severus says before pulling out of Harry's mind. When he can see the classroom again, he notices Harry is still kneeling on the floor. Grabbing Harry's arm he pulls him up and pushes him onto a nearby stool.

'Ouch.' Harry says. 'You put up with that every time he reads your mind.'

'The Dark Lord does not understand subtlety.'

'I've guessed. At least I am now more prepared for the future.'

'I believe we should call this a night. Your scar is livid and you obviously have a headache and I do not wish for Madam Pomfrey to come after me if you land back in the hospital wing from this lesson.' Harry nods rubbing his forehead. Severus goes back to his desk and pulls out a vial containing a dark blue liquid. 'Take this pain reliever.' Harry smiles gratefully and pours the potion down his throat trying not to taste it.

'Thank you, sir.'

'Good night Harry.' Severus takes down the wards and opens the door allowing Harry to leave.

On Monday morning Ron and Hermione were waiting for Harry to arrive at breakfast. Ron is dressed in deep blue robes and has a blue hat to match perched on a head of golden curls. Hermione is wearing a wimple and veil in green with green robes and a brown rope belt around her waist showing off her slender figure. The Great Hall is awash with colour as other people are wearing robes of very vibrant colours and much chatting is going on.

'You don't think he's ill do you? Do you think they'll keep him off the Quidditch team?' Ron says holding back a sleeve on his blue robe to pick up some bacon.

'Honestly Ron, no I do not think Harry is seriously ill. I do not think that anybody could keep him from Quidditch, it's the only time he relaxes nowadays and he enjoys playing it with you.'

Ron nods. Neville sits down next to Ron wearing a bright red robe and a long beard to rival Dumbledore's.

'Did you two finish that essay that had to be in for charms this afternoon?' Neville asks worriedly.

'Nah. I'll finish it in my frees today.' Ron says flippantly. Hermione frowns at him but turns and smiles at Neville.

'Yes. Do you have a problem?'

'Yeah. Do you have a free to help me?'

'We both have our first period free whilst Ron and Harry go to Magical Creatures.' Neville smiles at her reassured. Conversation stops as a menacing tall figure stalks into the hall wearing a dark green robe and hat. The figure has a black cape over their shoulder that has a sweep to rival anything that Snape could produce. On the robes is also the clear symbol of Slytherin and a snake motif in silver thread is depicted on the clothes. The tall figure has shoulder length black hair tied neatly back in a leather strap and has a small beard that is neatly trimmed.

Seemingly oblivious to all eyes that follow his determined movements through the hall in awe. There is mass confusion when the figure drops into a seat at the Gryffindor table. Neville stutters.

'H… H… Harry?' Harry nods and gasps echo around the room before whispers start.

'What's up mate?' Ron asks warily. In response Harry pulls back his robe and green shirt revealing the monitor attached to his chest. 'How long for this time?' Harry glares at him. Ron raises his hands in self defence 'Just asking.'

'Madam Pomfrey took leave to inform me that my ancestors all had a heart condition that only flared up when the individual had very strong magic. Therefore I will be wearing this monitor for the foreseeable future.' Harry growls picking up an apple and stabs it with a knife, tearing off a piece and crunching it loudly trying to vent his frustration.

A red haired witch dressed in deep maroon walks past on the arm of a wizard wearing lavender robes and a pointed hat with peacocks strutting around on it fluttering their large tails. Ron frowns as his eyes follow them out of the hall.

'Is that Ginny and Dean?' Harry asks Ron. Ron nods. 'I thought they had broken up?'

'They really shouldn't be flaunting their relationship like that. People might get the wrong idea about her.' Ron gets up and follows them out. Harry turns and looks at Hermione confused.

'They got back together.' Hermione explains. They watch as Ron catches up with them and grabs Ginny's arm spinning her around to face him. Harry sighs.

'I should go stop him but I can't be bothered.'

'You still not sleeping Harry?' Neville asks. Hermione looks surprised.

'I thought you were not getting any nightmares?'

'I'm not. I just don't seem to need any sleep. It's how I'm on top of all my work, even the extra Arithmancy. I'm doing extra work just to stop from getting bored!'

'Perhaps you should tell Madam Pomfrey.' Instantly Hermione realises this was a mistake.

'No thanks Hermione, I'm already stuck with a heart monitor I do not think I want her monitoring my sleep as well.' Harry stands up stiffly and nods to Neville. 'I'll see you in Herbology later Neville. See you in an hour.' He nods at Hermione and leaves.

'When did Harry get that scary?' Neville leans over and whispers to Hermione. Hermione just shrugs.

'Perhaps when he started dressing like Salazar Slytherin and just fooled the school, including the Slytherins, into believing he really was Salazar back from the grave.'

Although Harry didn't catch Ron to stop him making a fool of himself arguing with his sister, he did catch him whilst he was still sore from losing the argument and therefore had to put up with his comments all the way to Magical Creatures.

Harry was too busy listening to Ron rant on about his sister, Dean, his sister and hormonal boys, that when Ron suddenly stopped in front of him he walked into his back. The reason for the sudden stop became apparent immediately. On a table in front of them was a large snake with three heads patterned with orange and black stripes. Hagrid is standing next to the table smiling. Halloween.

'Now. Dumbledore said I had to make this lesson based on the Pagan celebration of Sahmain. Or you guys might know it as Halloween. So I decided on an animal that muggles associate with the devil, as they believe Sahmain is the time for the devil to walk the world. So can anybody tell me what this animal is called?'

Before he can stop himself Harry says 'Which head?' People turn to look at him making him realise he said it out loud.

'No, no Harry. What's the name of the animal.' Hagrid grins.

'Oh. It's a Runespoor.' Harry blushes, he had been reading the book of snakes Hermione had gotten him for his 16th birthday.

'Good. Can anybody tell me anything about Runespoors?'

A Hufflepuff puts up their hand and says they come from Burkina Faso, which is in Africa. Justin speaks next.

'The left head is the planner, the middle the dreamer and the right the critic.'

'Good. Now Harry seen as you are dressed so appropriately perhaps you could tell us their names?' Everybody eyes Harry suspiciously.

Damn, thought Harry, this was only supposed to annoy the Slytherins.

'The left is called Sacarish, the middle is Serce and the right is Serefin.' Hagrid is smiling as thought Christmas has come early making Harry feel better about his strange ability.

'What's the most important thing about a Runespoors eggs?'

'Their eggs can be used in potions to stimulate mental agility.' A Ravenclaw who Harry didn't recognise answers looking at Harry smugly.

'Well done. Now who wants to come stroke it?'

'Go on Harry. It wont bite you.' Ron laughs pushing Harry forward. Harry sighs and walks over to the snake. The others close in close around him to watch. The snake turns towards Harry.

'Look one of the giants is coming close.' The left head says.

'I am not a giant, I am a human'

'You speak our language.' The rights head answers this time. The middle head just looks into the distance obviously dreaming.

'Of course. These other humans would like to stroke you.'

'Why?' Left head.

'To kill us of course.' Right head.

'No. They have never touched a Runespoor before and they just wish to see what your skin feels like.' The heads look to be weighing this up.

'Okay, slowly and only one at a time. Any sudden movements and we will attack.' The left head says and the right head nods in agreement for once. Harry looks around at the others fascinated faces and clears his throat.

'They say they will allow you to stroke them but one at a time and not too quickly. They hate fast movement. I also think that everybody should move back and come forward one at a time.' The class obeys quickly. Ron stays next to Harry.

'You positive it won't attack me.'

'Positive.' Ron breathes in and then slowly reaches out his hand and touches the tail end of the snake and stokes it. He smiles and breathes out before moving away.

'I expected it to be slimy. It's actually really smooth and dry.'

The lesson is soon over and people are walking back up to school for their next lessons. Harry makes his way as quickly as possible to the dungeons, well as quickly as his close fitting robes will allow. As he sweeps in Snape sneers at him clearly not impressed with his choice of wizard. Snape lectures on the importance of Runespoor eggs in potion making clearly continuing Hagrid's train of thought that snakes are associated with evil. Once finished Harry goes up to the Gryffindor common room and drops into his usual seat were Ron is doing his charms essay. Ron looks up and shudders.

'Sorry mate, I know it's you, but seeing Salazar Slytherin sitting in this common room is kind of freaky.' Harry just laughs and picks up Leo, who having been living with Crookshanks in the girls dorms he hadn't seen for a while.

'Where has Crookshanks been hiding you Leo? I haven't seen you in weeks.'

Leo makes a funny squeak and cuddles close to Harry's new beard, trying to eat it.

'Naughty Puffskein.' Harry slowly prises his beard out of the Puffskeins mouth and rests it on his lap. Ron pushes his essay towards Harry.

'Anything glaringly wrong? I'd ask Hermione but she is in Arithmancy.' Harry nods and picks it up reading it quickly.

'Nothing major. A few spelling mistakes. I think you have it all but I'd let Hermione check it over.' Ron nods taking it back and rolling it up.

'I'll hand it in as it is then. I can't be bothered to do anymore on it and I know if Mione reads it I'll never get rid of it.' Ron stuffs it into his bag then leans back resting his palms on the floor behind him.

'What do you think the competition is going to involve?'

'Dunno. Can't be too hard though as all the years can take part apparently. And it's supposed to be fun.' Harry shrugs.

The afternoon lessons had been really entertaining. Madam Sprout and Professor Flitwick had made sure that their lessons were interesting. Sprout had explained to them all that in the Medieval Period people used to refer to plants by animal parts. For example Bat's Wing referred to holly leaf and Skin of Man actually referred to a fern. In charms Flitwick had shown them two spells, one that could cause mist and the other that would let you howl like a wolf, presumably used to scare muggles.

The Great Hall at dinnertime was decorated with flying bats, skeletons stuck on the walls and large pumpkins with scary faces carved into them placed along the tables. Everybody was talking about their lessons and wondering when Dumbledore would let them do this again. At the end of dinner Dumbledore stood up and motioned for silence.

'First I am going to hand out the prize for the best-dressed witch and wizard. The teachers have all discussed this and have come to a decision. Minerva if you would…' Dumbledore sits down as McGonagall stands up.

'The best dressed wizard goes to Sebastian Hayworth for his marvellous costume for Merlin.' Everybody claps as Sebastian Hayworth makes his way up to McGonagall, tripping over the long hem of his grey robe, and collects a large bar of Honeydukes chocolate. 'The best dressed witch is Cho Chang for her imitation of Helga Hufflepuff.' Cho now dressed in a blue robe with long blonde curly hair walks quickly to the front and collects her chocolate too. McGonagall sits back down and Dumbledore stands up.

'Congratulations Ms Chang and Mr Hayworth. Now I assume you are all eager to hear about our little competition.' The room goes silent and Dumbledore now has the undivided attention of all the students. 'Yes. I thought you would. Each house will choose four students to represent them. These four students must then complete a challenge each. All of the challenges for each house are the same or it wouldn't be fair. The four challenges are designed to represent the attributes of each house. Bravery for Gryffindor, logic for Ravenclaw, determination for Hufflepuff and trickery for Slytherin. You have 2 minutes for the designated student to complete their challenge. If they complete it within the time limit they will win something to represent the house. At the end of the four challenges the house who won the most challenges will win 100 points for their house.' Cheering starts.

'I think the rest can be explained once we get down to the Quidditch pitch where this has been set up. I recommend you all go back up to your houses and dress up warm. You will have half an hour to pick your four champions, on the bell everybody but the champions will make their way down to the pitch, then the heads of houses will collect the remaining four from the house common room. Off you all go then.'

The students rise and begin chattering. Once in Gryffindor tower all of the students gather around and the eldest male stands up and gets everyone's attention.

'Okay. We need to pick somebody for each aspect. Le's start with logic. Who wants to do that?' Nobody volunteers. 'Come on. Who's the most intelligent person in the room?' They all turn and look at Hermione who blushes. 'Granger, fancy giving it a go?' Hermione looks desperately at Ron and Harry who nod encouragingly. She nods.

'Okay. Next is trickery. Who volunteers for that one?' A male Harry recognises as a seventh year raises his hand. 'Okay McClaggen you can do that one. Next is bravery.' Students turn and look at Harry who shakes his head. A small fifth year puts his hand up.

'What about Alex?' He says turning to his friend next to him who starts to blush. 'He stuck up for me in potions and told Snape where to shove his cauldron last week.' This causes the seventh year to smile.

'Well I think that qualifies as bravery. Last is determination. Personally I think Potter should do it. What do you say Harry?'

'What makes you think I'm determined?'

'Well you've done a lot of things that could have gotten you killed. I say that means you're determined to survive. And you still keep up Potions, which also means you're determined to take your NEWT no matter what Snape does' Harry nods.

'Okay. I don't suppose it'll be as bad as having Snape breathing down my neck all the time.' This causes the house to laugh. A bell goes. 'Well come on everybody quickly get your cloaks and lets go down to the pitch. The four champions might as well sit down and wait.' Harry, Hermione, McClaggen and Alex sit down on chairs near the fire. Ron waves goodbye to them and makes his way out of the tower.

'I'm glad I'm a champion. Those Slytherins do not stand a chance now. You nervous Alex?' McClaggen gloats. Harry and Hermione exchange looks.

'A bit.'

'Sure you are. Me, I'm not, but then I've nearly finished school and I doubt it'll be too hard for me, where as you are only just starting your fifth year. Bound to be loads you haven't learnt yet.' Hermione watches Alex's face turn white.

'I don't think anything will be too difficult. It's only for a bit of fun.' Hermione says.

'Nothing like the Triwizard Tournament. I doubt Dumbledore will make us face off against Dragons and Merpeople for this. Don't you agree Harry?'

'Sure.' Harry says trying to shake the urge to hit McClaggen for being an idiot and not seeing that Alex is about to faint.

McGonagall walks in, thankfully before McClaggen can open his mouth again.

'Right. Before we go, there...' McGonagall waves her wand over them and they are now dressed in grey trouser outfits and a grey cloak with the Gryffindor crest over their left breasts. 'Who is doing the Hufflepuff or Determination Challenge?' Harry raises his hand. 'Okay the rest of you hand over your wands. Only Harry will need his tonight.' The other three reluctantly hand over their wands. 'All ready? Let's go down then.' McGonagall leads them down to the Entrance Hall where the other three house contestants are waiting with their Head of House.

All together they make their way down a path lit by lamps floating in the air above them down towards the Quidditch Pitch. As they get closer to the pitch they can hear people cheering and can see the school sitting in the stands looking down at a set of high walls growing out of the grass. The Heads of Houses take their four champions to a set of steps for each house and indicate for them to climb up. McClaggen goes first followed by Hermione, then Alex and finally Harry. Harry looks down and sees the first challenge below them.

Long posts are growing out of the grass. Except there is no grass just an eternal drop. On the other side of the room is another set of steps to climb up and another platform like the one they are standing on. Dumbledore's voice suddenly sounds over the cheers.

'Welcome to Hogwarts Challenge. The first challenge is Bravery for Gryffindor. Would the challenger picked for this climb down and wait on the starting platform. The other three please remain where you are. After the two minutes a bridge will allow you to walk over the challenge to the next platform.' Alex throws a worried glance at the other three before climbing down another set of ladders, when he gets to the bottom they vanish and he starts to shake nervously. 'You have two minutes to get to the other side and collect the Gryffindor symbol that you should be able to see sitting in the opposite wall.' Harry looks closely and sees that the symbol is sitting on a shelf sticking out next to the other ladders. Ernie McMillan takes over the commentary.

'Hello school!' He pauses waiting for the cheers that had started to finish. 'Right this first task should be easy for Gryffindor as they are the bravest of the lot, but let's not forget the inventiveness of the Ravenclaws. Dumbledore's about to start the timer. Remember contestants you only have 2 minutes to reach the other side.' A loud roar startles them all. 'There goes the start of the challenge. Look at Hufflepuff contestant Cho. She's flying across those posts. Just don't fall Cho, doesn't look like you'll land anytime soon if you do. What is Miss Weathervane doing for Ravenclaw? Oh, she's testing each post first. She's not the only one having problems, the Gryffindors haven't started yet and there seems to be an argument between the contestant and McClaggen on the platform. Slytherin is doing better even though you can tell they're shaking like a leaf.' The Slytherins boo.

On the Gryffindor platform McClaggen is shouting down to Alex.

'Just step on one! If it falls jump to the next one. What's wrong?' Alex is just shaking, and hesitantly steps onto the first post.

'Well Cho's finished and climbing up the opposite ladder. Half the time has gone too. Looks like Gryffindor are going to lose their own task.' Ernie commentates.

Harry pushes McClaggen to the side and kneels down.

'Alex.' Alex turns around and faces him. He is white and looks about to faint. 'They are just 1 metre posts stuck into the grass. It's an illusion, that's all. Remember in DA I taught the fifth years about an illusion that imitates a dark spell on a cursed object?' Alex nods. 'Do you remember what an illusion was?'

'A distorted sense of perception of an objects nature.'

'That's what the floor is. It's distorted, it makes you think the ground is not there when really it is right there.' Alex smiles.

'What you on about Harry, you can see it falls into eternity. Are you blind or something.' McClaggen yells. Harry turns to face him and says viciously.

'Be quiet.' He turns back to Alex whilst McClaggen stands their speechless. 'Alex, do you really think Dumbledore is going to let you fall all that way?' Alex shakes his head and looks slightly better. 'You stuck up for your friend against Snape. Not many Gryffindors can do that, so if you can beat Snape are you going to let an illusion make you fail?' Alex shakes his head.

'Only 30 seconds left contestants. It seems Harry's talking to the Gryffindor contestant. A bit too late Harry! Leave it. Slytherin and Ravenclaw finished now too.'

Alex turns and looks at the other side of the room and then sets off sprinting.

'It looks like Harry said something Alex understood. Good lord look at him go. The Gryffindor contestant is running across the posts I've never seen somebody run so fast. That could be dangerous, but Gryffindors don't seem to be scared of everything'

'10 seconds left, 9 seconds, look at that boy go…' The whole school starts counting down. 5…4…3…2…1. Alex grabs the symbol just as the timer runs out and the roar sounds again.

'Gryffindor pull it off!' The stands erupt as Gryffindor stands up and cheers. In front of the contestants on the platforms a pale white bridge spans across the top and they quickly walk across and look down into the next room. Looking down they see a sphinx on a sand floor. Harry pats Alex on the back when he joins them.

'Well I guess this is you Hermione.' Hermione takes a deep breath and climbs down into the room below and walks up to the sphinx.

'This time the contestants must answer the puzzle the sphinx gives them. If they get the riddle right the Ravenclaw symbol will be given to them. Okay here we go.' A roar bounces around the stadium. Hermione looks up as the sphinx's eyes open and look at her

'I take it you want my riddle, child.' The sphinx's voice is dusty and hoarse.

'Yes, please.'

'What walks on four legs in a morning, but by lunchtime is walking on two. In the evening it walks on 3 legs and by midnight walks on none.'

Hermione grins.

'I read this one in a book Ginny brought back with her from Egypt. It's a man.' The sphinx nods and the Ravenclaw badge materialises at the sphinx's feet.

'It seems, Gryffindor finish this one first. That Hermione is too smart for her own good.' Ernie grumbles. 'Come on Ravenclaw, you can't have anybody else beating you. Look at Maelstrom from Slytherin he is completely stumped. He's now having a tantrum and threatening the sphinx.' The crowd start booing. Hermione climbs up the other ladder and turns and smiles at the rest of her team. 'Oh yes the Ravenclaws have figured it out. Hufflepuff is not far behind either. The Slytherins are still trying to threaten the sphinx that looks like it has gone back to sleep.'

Soon the school is counting down to zero followed by the roar.

'Shame really. The Slytherins didn't get the symbol. Now onto the next challenge. This is the Determination for Hufflepuff challenge. The box on the pedestal is locked and cursed. Inside is the Hufflepuff symbol which you have to retrieve. Well this should be easy for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw; we have been doing this in DA meetings. Looks like Slytherin are going to lose again.' Slytherins boo loudly. 'Look the challengers are climbing down and it's almost time to begin.'

Harry walks over to the box and walks around it. It has large iron hinges a large iron lock and is made of oak.

'Get ready everybody.' The roar sounds. 'Look Harry is waving his wand over the box and it's changing colours. Not surprising as he gave us the cursed box challenges. Oh look he's opened it and is now climbing out. This is a big surprise, the Slytherin champion Nott is also climbing out. Harry you have some competition.' Harry and Nott look across the game and glare at each other. 'It's taking a bit longer for the other two houses. Ravenclaw seem to be trying to think what spells could possibly be used instead of just countering any they think of. That seems to be the tactic of the Hufflepuffs though. Methodically countering each curse as they think of it. Half the time has gone Champions. Oh yes Hufflepuff have got it too. They're doing well for once.' The Hufflepuffs cheer. 'Ravenclaw you have 30 seconds left and counting….20….10…5…4…3…2…1…no, the Ravenclaws fail to open the box.'

Hermione, Alex and McClaggen join Harry. He looks over and sees Malfoy getting ready to go down into the maze beyond them.

'A maze! Is that it! Easy peasy!' Snorts McClaggen cockily.

'It's for Slytherin, so there's obviously a trick to it. Like every left or right turn or left, right, left, right.' McClaggen waves his hand at Hermione to shut her up.

'Nah. I'll just wing it. I'll run and just test all the paths.'

'This is Slytherin house we're talking about. When do they ever just wing it? You need a strategy.' Harry says.

'You're wrong Harry. I'll be fine' He gets cut off as he climbs down the ladders. Harry looks at Hermione.

'Well he can't say we didn't warn him. Malfoy's smirking so he obviously gets it.' Harry says shrugging.

'This task is Trickery for Slytherin. I hope you all have a plan ready, you'll need it. Oh look there's the roar and the teams are all off. Yup, Malfoy's figured it out he's already half way. How he knew there was that short cut is beyond me. Hufflepuff are doing every left turn. Seems to be working. Ravenclaws got the same idea too. Everybody knows it's every left turn to get you out of a maze. Gryffindor doesn't seem to get it though. McClaggen seems to be testing every path. Just remember you only have 1 and a half minutes left mate.'

Hermione and Harry share resigned looks and shrug. Alex comes up close behind them whispering.

'Why isn't he listening to advice?'

Because he believes he's always right.'

'Malfoy has finished.' This pulls the three Gryffindors attention back to the contest, although they all sigh when they realise McClaggen is at another dead end. 'He just appeared right next to the exit. Yup it was definitely a trick.' Ernie sounds amazed. The crowd is cheering on their teams shouting encouragement. 'Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw finish together, but McClaggen has just ended back near the entrance. He seems to be yelling at Granger, oh he's off again but he's still got it wrong. He obviously ignored her. You only have 30 seconds left McClaggen. I'm afraid he wont finish now he can't get past the halfway mark. Shame, the Gryffindor team were doing so well until then. 5…4…3…2…1…Time to finish!'

McClaggen kicks a hedge next to him, as the other three walk over the bridge above him. The maze gradually recedes until the room is empty and McClaggen walks up to the ladders on the other side.

'That was exciting.' Ernie says breathlessly. 'Professor Dumbledore now wants to address you all. Here, you go Professor.'

'Hello again Ladies and Gentlemen' Dumbledore's voice booms around the Quidditch Pitch. 'I believe, as the only house to collect all four house symbols, that Hufflepuff is the winner tonight.' Hufflepuff start cheering and jumping around. The team of four all hug each other. 'Congratulations. 100 points to Hufflepuff.' Dumbledore calmly waits as the entire school cheers and claps. 'Now I believe I should tell Hufflepuff their prize.' The Hufflepuffs stop cheering and look interested. 'Well on Friday night after dinner at 7pm Hufflepuff are to come down to the Entrance Hall wrapped up warm in their cloaks. We are going to have a firework display and bonfire. Only Hufflepuff are allowed to come outside, all the other houses will have to watch from the castle. I also heard that the Heads of Houses will be providing refreshments down by the bonfire too and a few games are going to be played.' Hufflepuff cheer. The groups of contestants climb down and shake hands. Except Slytherin they just turn away and head back to their house mates.

'Good job Cho.' Harry congratulates. 'Good strategy on those posts.' Cho bursts out laughing and replies between gasping breathes.

'Are you kidding. I just closed my eyes and ran for it. I was petrified.' Harry joins in her laughter.