If Only//Harry Potter [4]

16

The four and Hagrid were walking in the Forbidden Forest hours after the Second Task. In Hogwarts, people would still be cheering and celebrating — which is what Harry, Autumn, Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid were doing.

"Now, I remember — I remember when I first met you all. Biggest bunch of misfits I ever set eyes on. Suppose you remind me of meself a little. And here we all are, four years later."

Harry was walking to the side. Even though it was only his friends, he still felt crowded and full of attention; he just wanted to be alone for a bit — to get away for a little while.

"We're still a bunch of misfits."  Ron laughed.

Autumn laughed, agreeing with the statement.

"Well, maybe, but we've all got each other. And Harry, of course. Soon to be the youngest Triwizard champion there's ever been!" Hagrid said happily.

"Hooray! Hogwarts, Hogwarts Hoggy Warty Hogwarts Teach us something, please!" The others sang in the distance.

Autumn stopped singing and the smile wiped off of her face when she noticed Harry leaning against a tree as if it were his only way of standing. She quickly made her way over to him, trying to see if he was okay. "Harry?"

Harry collapsed in pain, holding his scar in his hands, trying to make it feel better.

Autumn tried to hold Harry upwards as she looked at what he was looking at. She nearly dropped Harry at the sight: it was Barty Crouch, lying lifeless on the cold winter's ground. His dead eyes bore into hers, making her want to vomit. 

She was quick to action, calling to her friends and Hagrid to get Dumbledore then get out of the forest, scared the killer was still out and dangerous. 

They obeyed reluctantly, seeing that Harry and Autumn were still in the forest. Harry and Autumn waited with their wands out for Dumbledore to arrive.

>>>

Harry walked up the spiral staircase flooding with fear. The floor seemed to sway under his feet with every step he took.

"A man has died here, Fudge. And he won't be the last. You must take action." Dumbledore's usually calm voice was now stern and tough.

"I will not. In times like these, the wizard world looks to its leaders for strength, Dumbledore!" Fudge argued. 

"Then for once show them some!" Dumbledore retorted.

"The Triwizard Tournament will not be canceled. I will not be seen as a coward!" Fudge said selfishly.

Harry leaned closer to the door, listening to the argument. He didn't want to interrupt, but he also didn't want to leave.

"A true leader does what is right, no matter what others think." Dumbledore stated.

"What did you say to me?" Fudge asked, his voice getting louder.

"Excuse me, gentlemen. It may interest you to know this conversation is no longer private." Moody interrupted.

Harry widened his eyes in surprise, then lifted his hand to knock on the door, trying to make it seem like he had just arrived. The door opened slowly, revealing the characters inside Dumbledore's office.

"Oh, Harry! Harry, how good to see you again."

"I can come back later, professor." 

"Not necessary, Harry." Dumbledore spoke with slight annoyance and slight humor. "The minister and I are done. I'll be back in a moment. Minister, after you." Just as Dumbledore reached the doorway, he turned around. "Oh, Harry, do feel free to indulge in a little Licorice Snap in my absence. But I have to warn you, they're a wee bit sharp." With that, the group left Harry in Dumbledore's office alone.