𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 | harry j. potter

ACT ONE ; CHAPTER THREE

"Psst, Harry." Danyi whispers from outside the tent. "Danyi?" He mutters. "Come out here." She reaches in, grabbing him by his shirt collar and dragging him out. She noticed the worry etched on his face and, surprisingly, felt a twinge of empathy. Slytherins were not known for their comforting gestures, but Danyi understood the importance of having a clear-headed champion.

"Potter," she said, her tone was soft, "you look like you're about to pass out. It's just a dragon, you know. Nothing you can't handle."

Harry glanced at her, surprised by the unexpected reassurance. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one facing a fire-breathing monster."

Danyi smirked, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "True, but I do know a thing or two about strategy. If you listen to me, you might just make it through without a scratch."

Despite the pragmatism of her words, there was a sincerity in Danyi's gaze that caught Harry off guard. He nodded, acknowledging the strange alliance they found themselves in. "Alright, what's your advice then?"

Danyi leaned in, lowering her voice. "Dragons are territorial. You need to establish dominance without provoking it too much. I'll show you the weak spots and the best way to approach without getting toasted."

Harry felt a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Thanks, Danyi. I never thought I'd say this, but I appreciate your help."

Danyi gave a dismissive wave. "Save the sentiment for after you survive. Now, let's go over the plan one more time. You're not going to let a dragon get the best of you, Potter."

~~~

Harry is lifting the golden egg, people around him cheering. The Weasley twins have Harry sitting on their shoulders. "We knew you wouldn't die Harry."

"Lose a leg."

"Or an arm."

"Pack it all together."

"NEVER!!!"

"Go on Harry, what's the clue?" Seamus asks, handing Harry the egg. "Who wants me to open it? You want me to open it?" He opens the egg and a loud horrific screech comes out, he closes it again. "What the bloody hell was that?"

Ron appears in the doorway. "Alright everyone, go back to your knitting. This is gonna be uncomfortable enough without all you nosey sods listening in." Fred says.

"I reckon you'd have to be barking mad to put your own name in the goblet of fire." Harry rolls his eyes. "Caught on have you? Took you long enough."

"Wasn't just me who thought you'd done it. Everyone was saying it behind your back."

"Brilliant. That makes me feel loads better."

"At least I warned you about the dragons."

"Hagrid warned me about the dragons."

"Oh no no, I did. Don't you remember? I told Hermione to tell you that Seamus told me that Parvati told Dean that Hagrid was looking for you. Seamus never actually told me anything, so it was really me all along. I thought you'd be alright, you know, after you figured that out."

"Who could possibly figure that out? That's completely mental." Harry scoffs. "Yeah it is isn't it. Suppose I was a bit distraught."

~~~

Harry was gazing at Danyi as notices his gaze, she looks around to see if anyone was looking before winking at him, noticing this, he spills his drink from his mouth.

"Honestly, Harry." Hermione mutters. "Parcel for you Mr. Weasley."

"Thank you Nigel." Nigel is gazing at Harry. "Not now Nigel. Later. Go on." Seemingly disappointed he walks away. "I told him I'd get him Harry's autograph. Oh look mum's sent me something. Mum sent me a dress??"

"Well it does match your eyes? Is there a bonnet?" Harry asks sarcastically. "Ginny these must be for you."

"I'm not wearing that, it's ghastly." She says from across the table, as Hermione laughs. "What are you on about?"

"They're not for Ginny they're for you! Dress robes."

"Dress robes? for what?"

~~~

"The yule ball has been a tradition of the tri-wizard tournament since its inception. On Christmas eve night we and our guests gather in the great hall for well mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward, and I mean this literally because the yule ball is first and foremost...a dance." Professor McGonagall explains. 

Groans emerge from the boys who are listening on. The girls seem a lot more excited. "Silence. The house of Godrick Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you in the course of a single evening besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons." Some people giggle at the tongue twister while others try it themselves. 

"Now to dance is to let the body breathe, inside every girl a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight."

"Something's about to burst out of Hilary but I don't think it's a swan." Ron chuckles. "Inside every boy a lordly lion prepared to prance. Mr. Weasley, will you join me." He stands up in shame as Harry laughs quietly to himself. "Now, place your right hand on my waist."

"Where?" 

"My waist, Mr. Weasley." He does so and a wolf whistle comes from the crowd. "Now bend your arm. Mr. Filch..." The music starts as they dance. "One two three, one two three, one two three." Harry turns towards the twins, "Oi! Never gonna let him forget this are you?" The both shake their heads while saying, "Never!"

"Everybody come together." The girls instantly stand and walk forward, the boys stay seated. "Boys, on your feet."

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