Close Or Far From The Law

Chapter 35 : 34. Fourth year and tournament

So there's going to be the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts?!

Ron couldn't seem to believe it and from the way his eyes were shining, he could already see himself participating in it even though Harry hadn't even finished his explanation. The brunette looked at his best friend who looked much more worried, as if she was aware that this could only bring them trouble. Harry shook Ron as Neville asked.

-But it's dangerous, right?

-Very dangerous. The Ministry has ensured that only adults can contribute. There were a lot of deaths at the time and that was why it was canceled.

-… But we don’t care about the dead! With what we've already faced with you, we're ready! I want to participate !

-Ron, don't be ridiculous, we wouldn't even know how to defend ourselves against a seventh year student, of course we wouldn't be able to win.

Ron happily ignored the brunette's words, with a dreamy look on his face. Harry shrugged, the redhead would eventually return to earth and it would definitely be sooner rather than later. He continued to explain to them what he knew on the subject, that it would be the French and Slavic students who would come for the competition, that they would live with them at the castle. It seemed that it was also political, although Harry couldn't elaborate on that, because he didn't know everything. Then it was time to guess what tests could well be put in place. Neville wanted to see giant plants like Devil's Snare, Ron hoped there wouldn't be any spiders in this story, Hermione wanted magical riddles, pushing the participants' intellects. Harry had no doubt that there really would be something with a magical creature to contend with. They procrastinated like this until the door to their compartment opened quickly.

Harry would have liked Draco Malfoy not to show up so early in his life when he still felt ill-founded jealousy towards him. Whatever Thomas said, his long absences sometimes agitated Harry when he had nothing else to think about except the dark wizard and what he was planning. The blond man sneered at seeing them together, as if the spectacle was unusual, while he had this ridiculous side of walking with two stupid freaks. Harry stood up, ready to hold Ron especially. Neville and Hermione would have enough sense not to throw themselves at the Slytherin, no matter what he said.

-Still there, you four. Hogwarts won't be any cleaner this year.

-Speak for yourself, Malfoy. Did you miss us so that you came to see us like that? Or do you still think you're superior for no reason?

Harry had understood that he had to beat the blond on the argument first and foremost and as quickly as possible to avoid the magic wands being drawn. Malfoy squeezed his points in anger.

-I am superior to you in every way, Potter, can you hear me? It will always be the case, you dirty orphan.

-You know, you might have to change your lines. If you think that not having parents still affects me this much, you're completely stupid.

-… Stupid?

Hmm, maybe he went a little too hard there. Harry squeezed Ron's shoulder again to hold him in place as Malfoy drew his wand.

-I am not weak. I win a duel against you when I want Potter.

The sparks at the end of the wood proved the Slytherin's anger. Crabbe and Goyle, however, rather than readying their wands, were instead massaging their fists. Harry didn't see how they were going to get out of this situation without a struggle, especially since neither of them could get out of the compartment to warn a prefect. Hermione was paler and determined, Neville was trembling slightly and Ron was almost as red as his hair. Besides, the redhead no longer held out.