Is The Dark All Dark?

Chapter 10: First Task

Harry took a deep breath as he looked up at the giant dragon, glancing around the rocky arena that had been made for the tournament. He could barely make out the shimmer of the wards that surrounded each stand, intending to keep the students and visitors safe from anything that could possibly cause them harm.

"Our last champion is Harry Potter of Hogwarts facing off against the Hungarian Horntail. Now everyone this is going to be quite a match. We've seen some brilliant spell work today so one must wonder just what Mr. Potter has planned." Mr. Crouch announced, a grin on his face. Harry turned to face the dragon, debating on just what his options were. He'd been working on the summoning spell with both Daphne and Remus, having the plan in his head to try to out fly and out maneuver it but wanted to use that tactic as a backup.

"Come on Harry. Don't just stand there, do something." Daphne whispered, biting her lip when the dragon finally seemed to notice the teen wizard standing in the arena with it. Draco grabbed the railing when the Horntail suddenly released a loud, ear-splitting roar before blowing a stream of fire at Harry. His heart hammered harder in his chest as he raised his arm feeling the heat.

Narcissa grabbed her husband's arm as she attempted to hold her composure, watching her youngest child cast a shield.

"Lucius there has to be something we can do! Harry hasn't had nearly as much training as the rest of the champions. He doesn't stand a chance against that dragon!" she whispered, glancing at him for a brief moment.

"My hands are tied right now. He was entered into the tournament and drawn, his magic is under a binding oath just like the other champions. He has to give it his best shot." He explained, a scowl on his face, never taking his attention from the arena. His cane was gripped tightly in his hand, forcing himself to refrain from pulling his wand.

"Come on Harry!" Draco yelled, ignoring the looks he received from his fellow house mates as he gripped the railing tighter.

Harry faltered for a moment when he heard his name, briefly glancing at the spectators. It was easy to make out Draco's hair among the other students, locating him at the very front of the stands. Even from a distance he could somewhat make out the concerned expression on his face. The younger twin quickly summoned another shield, dodging out of the way of another stream of flames.

"Accio Firebolt!" he yelled, rolling behind one of the large stones. He hoped that he managed to successfully use the spell, watching and listening for any signs of his broom. Thankfully he'd had the thought to have Sirius keep it close to them incase he had ended up needing to use it. A breathe of relief escaped his lips once he caught sight of the broom racing towards him, running to the edge of the raised platform. A gasp ran through the crowd when he jumped, easily landing on it, quickly gaining control.

Draco watched in amazement as his twin maneuvered through the air with ease, still astonished at the natural control he had of the broom. A cheer rippled through the crowd once the golden egg was in Harry's hands, hovering just out of the range of the dragon. His chest heaved with each breath his took, the adrenaline coursing through his system. He clutched the egg tight under his arm as he waited for the Dragon handlers to remove the Horntail from the arena. The clear sound of a chain breaking echoed through the suddenly quiet stadium, no sound being made as the dragon flew higher than before, the chain dangling from around its neck.

"No no no no no! Harry get out of there!" Daphne whispered; her eyes wide as she raised her hands to cover her mouth. Blaise quickly moved from his seat to catch Draco before he did something stupid, jumping and dodging around panicking students. He wrapped his arms around his best friend's waist, pulling him down the steps away from the crowd, ignoring him as he fought back.

"Let me go this instant Blaise! Harry is in trouble!" Draco sneered, his elbow catching his friend in the jaw. Blaise released a grunt of pain but refused to loosen his grip.

"Draco get ahold of yourself! Potter has shown that he can out fly that dragon! The professors, aurors and dragon handlers will get everything under control. There is nothing you can do at the moment other than try to put yourself at risk in your attempt to help!" Blaise snapped, hoping he would manage to get through the blonde's thick brain.

Nearly an hour later Harry sat in the champion's tent alone, the golden egg resting his lap. Madam Pomfrey had already applied a salve and bandaged the burn that ran along his arm as well as taken care of the other cuts and bruises he had attained. His mind was still reeling from having to duck and dodge the Horntail on his broom while the adults attempted to gain some control of the situation.

"Harry are you alright?" a voice questioned, suddenly gaining his attention. Daphne stepped into the tent, walked straight for him. He couldn't help but smile slightly at the concerned and worried look on her face as he managed a small nod.

"You had us so worried. I cannot believe that chain broke. It should have been charmed or something!" she breathed, shaking her head as she reached out to touch the cut that ran along his cheek.

"It was tampered with Miss Greengrass. Something that the dragon handlers have discovered and the aurors are going to be looking into." Remus stated as he stepped into the tent, Padfoot walking at his side. Harry didn't miss the furious look on his face, figuring they had been having a discussion with the judges.

"It amazes me that something like that could have been overlooked." Tonks muttered under breath, crossing her arms, her hair flashing a bright red for a moment.

"I completely agree Miss Tonks. Something I will personally be bringing up with the minister and the headmaster. If something like that is so easily overlooked what other things are happening that Headmaster Dumbledore is letting slide." Lucius voice stated, catching everyone off guard. Harry frowned as the Malfoys walked into the tent. Draco instantly left his father's side, practically running to his twin's side. He looked between Remus and Tonks, hoping for either of them to say something or offer some type of advice.

"Perhaps that is something I could go with you Lord Malfoy." Remus stated, causing all three students to stare at him. Daphne and Draco shared a look of surprise, not expecting their ex-Defense Professor to speak up with Lord Malfoy. Harry couldn't help but frown, figuring Mr. Malfoy was only offering because he thought it would help make up for everything that had happened between them over the last two years.

"Perhaps...this be something could be continued in Master Harry's private tent? It be warded against anyone wanting to enter or listen?" Izzy questioned, suddenly popping into view. The Potter house elf glanced between each of the adults occupying the Champions tent before she began fretting over her young charge. Harry couldn't help but blush at the house elf's mother henning, remaining quiet as she stressed over each injury.

"I think that would be an excellent idea. Perhaps we could...discuss a few things over lunch?" Narcissa questioned, looking at her youngest. Harry frowned for a moment, his mind instantly going to their last several 'discussions' and felt his stomach drop at the thought of another one.

"Nothing serious. I just...need to know that you're ok after that drastic performance I was forced to endure. My heart is still racing so please just give me this one time." She pleaded. Harry couldn't help frowning, looking back down at the egg as he thought.