Getting back to Hogwarts was a piece of cake with the portkey, that worked two ways it would seem. As he hit the ground, he made sure not to say anything about Tom, Wormtail or Nagini, after all Tom had been right, Dumbledore wasn't who he seemed to a lot of people.
Case in point was the treatment he got after he arrived at the Ministry the summer after third year, they should have at least investigated his claims to be abused, but instead Dumbledore did something to the Ministry and to Madam Bones to make them believe every word he told them – if he spoke of the return of the Dark Lord, he would spin it to his benefit, which Harry didn't want to participate with.
Looking a bit fuzzy and dizzy, he was surrounded by people left and right the moment he touched down again. He gave a small smile.
"I think someone must have messed up the portkey spell, I spend such a long time in the portkey space, not landing anywhere."
Fudge smiled, as did several others standing there.
"You see, Dumbledore, nothing out of the ordinary happened here, Mr. Potter here just had the displeasure of getting taken by a bad portkey. Mystery solved."
Harry could see Dumbledore pursing his lips, but knowing with so many witnesses around, he couldn't really do anything. So, he just nodded, "you must be right, Cornelius, it must be my old mind thinking the worst."
Fudge just hummed, while Harry tried not to roll his eyes.
Getting up, he swayed on his feet for a bit, sitting down again soon after, looking apologetic to everyone around him.
"I think I'll stay seated for a while longer."
Fudge patted his shoulder, "you do that m'boy, you did win the Triwizard Tournament as its youngest competitor. Congratulations on that, anyway."
Harry just smiled and nodded at the minister, staying seated on the grass, only looking up when the other contestants approached to congratulate him. Cedric and Victor apparently shared the number 2 spot, with Fleur coming in last. The part Veela didn't even mind, as she expressed, she had a lot of fun, and was glad someone younger had won, showing them that their age didn't mean anything.
Other people came by to congratulate him after the other champions left, Fred and George finally helping him stand and escort him into the castle when everyone went inside. He thanked both of them for their help, which both waved away.
The final feast was something to be remembered, as Hogwarts seemed to be happy it was one of her champions who had won. The other schools seemed not to mind, leaving it alone, and enjoying their last day in Scotland.
The day after the leaving final feast, the other school would be leaving, with a lot of tears from those who had made friends among those of the other students. Harry had said his goodbyes to the others already, having taken this time to go and pack his trunk.
He had also given the prize money to Fred and George, after he had heard them talking about wanting to start up their own joke shop but didn't have the funds. He didn't have any need for 1000 galleons, but he knew it would be a great starting budget for the twins.
They gaped at him when he gave the pouch to them but shrugged and told them he had several vaults waiting for him, and he could wait on that.
So now, waiting on the train to take him back 'home' he didn't look forward to spending so much time at the Dursley's again, the last summer had been hell, and with his upcoming inheritance, he wished he could stay somewhere else that at Privet Drive, but sadly that hadn't been an option.
Once home, he should have noticed the looks Vernon seemed to give him, greed showing in his eyes, as well as the smirk permanently on his uncle's lips.
With the way that Vernon usually looks at him, he was happy it stayed like that and didn't think to much about it, the man, as well as his aunt and cousin, left him alone most of the time. Giving him more than enough time to spend alone in his room.
