Harry Potter and the Boy Who Lived

Chapter 20: Year 4 Part 2

The First Task
Quidditch Stands, Hogwarts, Nov 22nd

"How are you holding up?" James asked, breaking the hug with his oldest son.

Harry shook his head. He was running on potions at the moment, but he was finally confident that both Viktor and his brother would be all right as long as they stuck to the plan.

"Tired," Harry said truthfully.

Gripping his son's shoulder, James said, "Join the club, Harry. Ever since Albus let us know what happened, your mother and I have been spending a lot of time trying to look out for Nathan."

"Where is Mum?"

"She's up by our seats speaking to Albus about Rita's Article. We've tried preventing her from lying in her work, but the Daily Prophet is a power unto itself."

"I hate that woman," Harry admitted. "Is there nothing we can do? Get them to print a retraction?"

"They did, Harry." James looked particularly annoyed. "The next day, actually. It was a small article in the editorial section saying her piece had certain inaccuracies and that they apologize. Not that anyone saw the damn article, but, legally, they met the minimum requirements."

"Wonderful."

Leading his son up a private staircase, James said, "I know. Your mum hopes Albus can help, but I doubt it. If Albus could stop Rita, I would like to think he would have done it years ago. She has been calling for his retirement practically since she started writing. That woman has issues, Harry."

"You can say that again," Harry muttered, walking out from the staircase into a large private stands overlooking the Quidditch pitch. Spotting his mother speaking with Albus Dumbledore and a blond couple, Harry made his way over to them.

"...couldn't agree more, Lily," Dumbledore said, "but my hands are tied at the moment. Rest assured though. I had a meeting with Roddick Bold the other day and I made it clear he needs to take a closer look at Rita's work. While he was not pleased, I believe he understands my position."

"Stories like this come and go," the blond man interjected jovially. "I'm sure it will die out eventually."

Lily looked ready to disagree, but stopped when she saw her son and husband.

"Harry," Dumbledore said once Lily had released him from her hug, "this is Mr. and Mrs. Diggory, Cedric's parents. Now, I am sorry, but I must go take my position amongst the judges. The task is almost ready to begin."

"Goodbye, sir," Harry said politely before turning to the Diggorys. "Nice to meet you both."

The Diggorys both smiled indulgently, but Harry could tell they weren't really happy to see him. Mr. Diggory practically radiated dissatisfaction while Mrs. Diggory was clearly uncomfortable for whatever reason.

"Amos," James said pleasantly. "Good to see you."

Mr. Diggory shook James' hand. "You as well, James. Hasn't this turned into quite the mess? Lily was just telling us about those interview requests from Rita. Can't imagine having Skeeter targeting your family being a good thing, especially with those whispers of a Potter returning to the Wizengamot once Tiberius retires."

"Those are just rumors, Amos," James waived the man off.

"Of course they are," Amos said, disbelievingly. "And is it just a coincidence that your incredibly famous son is named Triwizard champion, even though he shouldn't have been able to enter? Why that would almost certainly boost your standing among the more traditional members."