Last First Kiss {HP Next Generation}

Chapter Thirty Five

"Don't you two even think about it, do you hear me?!"

Hope and Henry looked up at Remus, Nixie and Sirius who loomed over the two as the Welcoming Feast had come to an end. Remus was the first to warn them that if they were even considering joining the Triwizard Tournament, that there would be hell to pay.

"Too late, Grandpa Rem Rem." Hope replied. "Already thought about it."

"Hope, this isn't even remotely funny." Remus looked down at her with a stern expression comparable to McGonagall's.

"I didn't claim it to be funny." Hope said. "I was just stating that I already thought about it."

"How could you?" Remus said with a bewildered expression as he looked down at his granddaughter. "After knowing what happened the last time the tournament was held."

"But Grandpa, they said they changed a whole bunch of it to make it safer. It's not the same as the last tournament-"

"Hope, that's what they said the last time!" Remus argued with her. The girl made a face while her grandfather turned away from her in frustration, Nixie was the next up.

"Look, I know it sounds horribly tempting, because I know you two love adventure and challenges, but this is not the one for you."

"What's the point of having the competition then?" Hope countered. "Why did Hogwarts agree to join in again? Beauxbatons dropped out. Proffesor McGonagall was around when the last one happened too and she's headmistress now. She had say whether we would participate or not. If she had her doubts, would she allow it back? I don't think so. I rest my case."

She folded her arms over her chest and looked away from the adults.

"The fact that Beauxbatons dropped out should be enough to deter you."Nixie said. "The fact that your dear friend Elliot may not have been here because his father almost lost his life in the last tournament, and you are actually considering it."

Hope remained silent looking down at the table while Henry glanced over at her before turning to his mother.

"But he didn't, Cedric didn't lose his life and it's because of Hope's mother and the knitting. The war was won, Harry defeated Voldemort and people lived because they were protected by the love placed in the knitted clothing. That's the other half of the story. Without those elements, this is the regular Triwizard Tournament. It's not being rigged in anyone's favor and the Chosen One is not a part of it. It's a fresh new start since people are trying to move on and not live in the past, maybe you all should try it. Come on, Hope!"

He took hold of the girl's hand and led her out of the Great Hall.

The adults stood around for a moment before Nixie sighed and Remus shook his head.

"I can't believe these two." Remus said before looking to Sirius, realizing he was the only one who hadn't said anything to the two teens. "And since when are you so quiet?"

"Since um...well...you know..." Sirius scratched the back of his head.

Nixie gave him a look. "You actually agree with them, don't you?"

"Now I didn't say that. Not fully at least but...."

"SIRIUS!"

"Hey, don't let them get you down." Henry said bumping his hip against Hope's lightly trying to cheer her up.

"It's whatever, I mean, it's not like we'll be old enough to join. Last time, the Tournament was bumped up to seventeen. I'm not older enough to even stick my name in the Goblet, and from what Mum told me, Dad and Uncle George couldn't even fool it the last time. I don't think I'll be able to."

"Maybe not alone." Henry told her.

She glanced over at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, alone neither one of us are very skillful or successful with our pranks, but together....you and I, we make one hell of a team, don't we?"

A small smile appeared on her face.

"That we do, Henry. That we do."

"I'm sorry about this summer, I know I made things weird and awkward between us. But I really missed you, DopeyHopey."

He heard her laugh which brought him to smile. "I missed you too, GuppyPuppy."

"So, are we staying up late plotting how we're going to enter this thing?" He asked.

"Of course. Unless you have something else better to do....or someone else to hang out with?"

Henry peered over at her, to see her eyeing the floor.

"I'm all yours." He responded before coming to a stop. 

Hope walked a few feet further before turning to him with a confused look. "What are you doing?"

"All aboard?' He offered, turning his back to him. She laughed again before running over and leaping onto his back.

When he didn't move, Hope looked down at him. 

"What's the magic word?" He asked.

"Accio?"

"No!" He chuckled. "Come on, you know this one...."

"Oh....MOO BUBBLE BUBBLE!"

"That is correct!"

Hope smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck to hold on, but suddenly stopped herself.

Henry was confused as she suddenly climbed off.

"Hope?" He turned to her. "Wh-"

"I...I think I'll just walk." She said.

"Are you sure?"

"Y-yeah."