#featuring: ludo bagman

[alecctoccarrow]

⭐️ (ludo)

Once, when Alecto couldn't sleep, she hauled herself up to the grounds of Hogwarts, where the Hufflepuff common room peaks up just enough to let light in and the towers of the Quidditch pitch just peaked up enough to be seen. It was that terrible interim between night and day, but she swears she saw Ludo practicing. He was clearly having enough fun that Alecto, after watching him enough, was able to return to bed. (She ended up sleeping through all her morning classes too.)

@ludobxmxn

[alecctoccarrow]

Alecto had spent the majority of this conversation smothering her smile her mouth seemed determined to betray her with, though she was sure that if she permitted it to form it would have turned the smile into a smirk before too long. It was frankly hilarious watching this boy, for he certainly didn't behave much like a man, do his best to pretend to be suave, composed, and entirely not impressed by her. Alecto did so love when people found her impressive, especially when it was someone as transparent about it as Ludo was.

She didn't, of course, give a flying hippogriff turd about muggle culture, much less muggle movies and certainly nothing as inane as Star Wars and the strange mouth noises it seemed required to produce when discussing it. But she did appreciate leverage of any kind and so she pretended to think about the offer he had made to her with a light tap against her cheekbone. "I suppose I will consider watching it," she lied through her teeth, "but I make no promises." Turning her attention away from the concept of a ridiculous movie, Alecto held out her arms and did a small twirl, showing off her costume. "I'm a ghoul. A foul creature of the night known to eat men alive. I found it rather fitting."

ludo freezes up in his place as alecto lectures on, swallowing his words - star wars wasn't stupid to him, but he figures would be stupid to somebody like alecto; somebody who was very outspoken in their views on blood purity and wasn't shy about it. star wars was a fabrication of muggle minds, it wouldn't tickle the likes of alecto carrow, ludo thinks. but he can't really think for very long, because his eyes are focused on the cut of her cheekbones, climbing up to meet pretty brown eyes with a reflection of a lantern above his head dancing in them.

when he realizes she's asking him a question he shakes his head, "sorry, what?" he clears his throat,the buzz of alcohol wrapping itself around his body warmly. "er, y'know." he swings the lightsaber back and forth in slight dramatics, the noise emitting from it slicing through the air. "star wars. it's a uh, muggle film." he swallows, eyes back on the cheekbones, does she do something to make them so...nice, ludo takes a deep breath. "you could come and watch it with me some time," bold, but not unlike him. "what're you supposed to be?" he asks a moment later, keeping his focus on her with a nervous grin.

[wisteria-lodge]

Re Snape and being a spy, I was always so so baffled that after Dumbledore exposed Snape as his spy, Voldemort was arrogant enough to take Snape back.

Because of course he would never. After Voldemort killed Lily, too? Lol. Lmao, even. Snape would have become the first name in the burn book. Undesirable №0.

And if it meant that Voldemort would never ask Snape to come back, that would mean that Dumbledore IS actually merciful, that he does actually understand how grooming works and for real saved Snape, and gave him his second chance. Which of course would make Dumbledore a fundamentally good person, and not like, whatever JKR writes.

I was always very... unsure on what JKR actually thinks good is. Because, well. Sometimes she writes someone being righteous, and doing very, very dubious shit. No one ever said "Hermione, kidnapping is bad" or "Hermione, erasing the memories of your parents is bad", or even "However bad Umbridge was, that scene is written as angry men kidnapping a woman and then her being returned traumatized from,,,,, SOMETHING".

It's fine when Hagrid makes fun of Dudley for being fat, but it's not fine when Draco makes fun of Mrs. Weasley for being fat. It's fine for Arthur to "get off" Ludo Bagman's brother after he gets in trouble, and get 10 expensive top-box tickets out of it. But Fudge doing "favors" for Lucius after he... donates money to St. Mungos... now that's unacceptable.

JKR's view of morality is that there are good people and bad people, and that if you're a good person your actions are by definition good. It's why she's so interested in mechanisms to sort out the good people - the Sorting Hat putting people into Gryffindor, and now the Qilin picking out the most worthy King Wizard. Occasionally a Good person will be tempted off the Good Path because of a Bad influence (ie - Snape falling under the thrall of his pureblood buddies and then snapping back to center, Dumbledore falling in with of Grindelwald and then repenting, Percy becoming enamored with the Ministry... etc.)

JKR also seems to really, really dislike arrogance. Lockhart, Lucius, Draco, Percy... and Voldemort is the most arrogant of them all. Him trusting Snape is definitely an example of him being extremely stupid... but his inflated sense of his own grandeur, his own importance, that's totally been set up. Also, clearly the guy does not have a great understanding of the intricacies of romantic relationships.

“He desired her, that was all,” sneered Voldemort, “but when she had gone, he agreed that there were other women, and of purer blood, worthier of him —”

If I wanted to get psychological about this, I'd say that Voldemort doesn't think about his relationships in terms of love (i mean, dumbledore thinks he loves the snake but that's neither here nor there) but in terms of whether people are WORTHY of him or not. Wormtail is objectively extremely effective... but he's not worthy, based on whatever set of criteria Voldemort has in his head. Voldemort/Bellatrix and Voldemort/Barty jr. (I see it) absolutely feature Bellatrix and Barty doing some very extreme things to prove themselves worthy of him. So it's not surprising that Voldemort lands on that word when talking about Snape's potential rebound.

Especially because Voldemort absolutely has experience with people desiring him, physically. (DEFINITELY Hepzibah Smith, and there's no way she was the first. Tom is playing the part of the Charmer on purpose.) So on some level, I'll buy that he just thinks that's what love is.

Where we get into potential plotholes is with legilimency. Dumbledore and Voldemort can still read minds, and still they both think Snape is working for them. Either Snape is able to construct false memories for them to look at... or maybe if a occulumens is good enough you just can't read their mind, even if they want you too. Except *Harry* can read Snape's mind? Is he just Anakin Skywalker levels of powerful? (I mean, maybe.) But then does that also means that DRACO'S occlumency is good enough to fool Voldemort?

(the biggest sign that JKR just did not really think the whole legilimency/occlumency thing through... is the detail that Bellatrix taught Draco occlumency. Why would she do that? (especially because at that point she's starting not to trust him.) Even if she did want to, why would Bellatrix - who is an enforcer/berserker type, not stealth, not a spy, not good at/inclined to conceal her emotions... why would she be able to conceal her thoughts? Why would she even WANT to, when her main thing is desperately seeking connection with Voldemort?

[billyshakesp]

POC's in Harry Potter

I'm willing to bet that most people do not know who Ludo Bagman is. I did not remember who Ludo Bagman is, though I haven't consumed any Harry Potter content in a good while. Nonetheless, I am fairly confident in saying that most people who aren't dedicated Potterheads do not know who Ludo Bagman is.

To give people like myself a refresher (and I promise this is going somewhere), Ludo Bagman's first appears in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and his most significant role is in that book. The term "most significant role" is relative, since he barely moves the plot forward. He's portrayed as a bit of a shady character in this book, and he mainly serves as a decoy from the bad actors behind the scenes: Barty Crouch Sr., Jr., and Karkaroff. After Goblet of Fire, Bagman is seldom mentioned, and he never plays a significant role in the plot. If you have read up until this point, or if you have skipped ahead, you may wonder why I chose to focus on Ludo Bagman intensely, and focus specifically on why nobody should focus on Ludo Bagman so intensely.

I focus on Ludo Bagman because his name is mentioned more times in the Harry Potter series than any person of colour.

A character who is really only important for one book and whom the producers of the Harry Potter movies didn't even bother casting is mentioned more than any person of colour in JK Rowling's revolutionary, transcendental book series Harry Potter.

Hedwig, the freaking owl, has more mentions in the Harry Potter series than all but two characters of colour: Cho Chang and Dean Thomas. Chang serves as a romantic interest for roughly two books before, presumably, flying off to pine for Edward Cullen. Thomas plays quidditch, and that is the extent of his character. The point is that both of these characters are quite shallow, and JKR even writes the story in a way which the reader is supposed to feel a emotional connection for Hedwig, a literal messenger pigeon; the reader is not led to feel any such connection Chang, and they are led to give at least one-third of a shit about Dean because he is sorted into the good house as opposed to the nerdy house.

Adressing the argument that the lack of POC is because the UK does not have a large population of non-white people: first of all, who gives a shit? I'm not sure if you, my dear reader, are aware of this, but the percentage of the UK population in whom are wizards and witches (And, presumably, another title for all the enbies/otherwise gnc people. What would you like to be called? Sorcerers? Ghaster Blaster Master Casters? Just overall badasses? Please let me know.) is zero! I don't think the story would be significantly hurt by an important person of colour.

Secondly, I did the very basic, not at all difficult math. In 2000, the percentage of people living in the UK whom were white was 91.3%. This means that, given the fact that the Harry Potter series is set around the year 2000, one would expect to see 8-9 not-white characters out of the top 100 characters by times mentioned in Harry Potter. We see 5. Granted, 8 to 5 is not a huge discrepency, but it is a 37.5% decrease. I think what is more important is that none of these characters ever played significant roles in the books. These characters could be replaced with white characters and the story would not change.

Thirdly, I sympathise with JKR's plight. She would write more brown characters, but the people in the place she sets the book are just so white! If only there was some international wizarding event at some point; an event in which a number of schools gather and hold a tournament. It would be so convenient for JKR to write in POC then! Have them compete in this hypothetical tournament, have, say, maybe 3-4, and the winner would get some sort of trophy. A cup, perhaps.

In this hypothetical situation, if JKR was handed this opportunity, it would say a lot if she chose to feature schools whose student bodies were almost exclusively white, right?

This post is, admittedly, a bit dense, and it harps on points that several people have probably already made, but I do think that it is important. If I am incorrect on any facts in this post, please let me know. Thanks for reading.

[saintsenara]

subluxation - a snippet

rodolphus lestrange/percy weasley mature | major character death

and a little snippet from chapter three of subluxation...

featuring a character i've become obsessed with thinking about over the course of planning and writing this story - barty crouch sr. - and a question which has preoccupied me since i first read goblet of fire - did ludo bagman get away with being a death eater?

He lays another piece of parchment in Mr Crouch’s in-tray - a pro-forma reply to Mr Karkaroff about how many delegates they can bring to Hogwarts; a nice change from the fake compensation claims and Howlers about the security at the World Cup, no matter how vociferously Karkaroff will complain that the number is too low - and presses the heels of his hands to his eyes.

He’s exhausted. It’s been all hands on deck.

Or, at least, that’s what he’ll tell mum when he staggers through the Floo at some ungodly hour tonight. The truth is that he probably could have gone home ages ago, that there’s no real reason for him to still be in the office as midnight approaches, save for the fact that he’s worried about Mr Crouch.

There’s been a grey tinge to his skin ever since he laid eyes on the Dark Mark - a hollowness to him - and Percy feels an increasing responsibility to bring him cups of tea, to hide the morning’s Prophet so that Mr Crouch doesn’t see Rita Skeeter’s latest and fall into brooding.

He looks up and sees - through the open door to his office - that Mr Crouch is sitting at his desk with a newspaper spread before him. Percy swears internally at having let one slip through his defences, but he realises, as he steps - clearing his throat nervously - over the threshold that Mr Crouch has called it up from the archive. The paper is yellowing, the newspring fading. It must be at least a decade old.

Mr Bagman - or, Mr Bagman as he was in his prime, muscles rippling beneath his Quidditch jersey, white-toothed grin beaming at the camera - poses in a photograph. The article is a puff piece about an audacious whack he’d given Tunisia’s star chaser. Percy has no idea why it would be of interest to Mr Crouch at a time like this…

‘He was a Death Eater.’

‘I’m sorry, sir?’

‘He was a Death Eater,’ says Mr Crouch, as though he’d read Percy’s mind.

If Percy wasn’t completely sure that Mr Crouch had never told a joke in his life, he would’ve laughed.

‘Mr Bagman? A Death Eater?’

His voice is light. Mr Crouch is clearly just feeling the strain of so much overwork; he’ll get some decent sleep and be appalled that he ever suggested something so absurd. The Death Eaters were monsters - everyone knows that - but they were at least efficient ones. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s tendency to lose his rag if paperwork wasn’t perfect is so widely known that the junior clerks in the office vent their frustration at being asked to edit and re-edit their reports by referring to Mr Crouch as “my lord” behind his back.

Mr Bagman - all cheerful laziness and hearty incompetence; who’d given them prime seats at the World Cup because dad had fixed it so his brother would get off a charge of trading illegally-altered Muggle lawnmowers - would have given the Dark Lord an aneurysm.

But Mr Crouch still doesn’t seem to realise that he’s being ridiculous.

‘Not an important one. Not one that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named took any real interest in. Not like my -’ His hands convulsively rearrange the quills on his desk. The bones of his knuckles protrude sharply; he’s lost a lot of weight since the world cup. ‘But still… a Death Eater is a Death Eater, Weatherby.’

‘Sir -?’

‘Nobody else saw it like that,’ he mutters. ‘Bagnold… Dumbledore… Cut off the head - that’s what they said. Cut off the head. Deprive him of his top men… his generals… Cut off the head and the body cannot function. They didn’t care about the little fish… They didn’t care about the footsoldiers… about the counterfeiters keeping him in forged gold… about the men sitting in pubs up and down the country trading illegal poisons and keeping their eyes peeled for new recruits… “Why not show them some mercy, Barty?” That’s what Dumbledore said… Dumbledore thought he didn’t care a jot for the ordinary man… Dumbledore was a fool…’

There’s a tension building in the square lines of his shoulders, hardening so rapidly that Percy’s sure it must soon snap.

‘I knew better, Weatherby… It could never be enough to just cut off the head. The body needed to be dismembered, the rot cut out piece-by-piece. We had to find the poison where it started… And it started among ordinary people, people who were just wondering if the Death Eaters could really be as bad as they were being painted… I told them… I told them that if we didn’t stamp it out at the source then we’d never eradicate it… I told them… I told Dumbledore that every single person who even thought about offering assistance to the Death Eaters should have been in Azkaban. It doesn’t matter if their only crime was to make the Dark Lord his morning coffee… They are abominations. They can have no place in the Ministry.’

Percy’s familiar - of course - with Mr Crouch’s wartime reputation. It’s one of the reasons he admires him so much, one of the reasons why he feels a twist of resentment in his stomach whenever his father - with his Dumbledore-ish fondness for redemption - calls his conduct harsh or cruel. It’s one of the reasons he feels compelled to protect Mr Crouch from the whispers which still follow him… I know it was his duty, but still… to send his own son to Azkaban…

Mr Crouch is still glaring at the photograph of Mr Bagman. ‘I caught him red-handed rummaging through the filing cabinets in his father’s offices. He’d been at it for years, swiping folders from the Wizengamot records and then toddling along to apprise Augustus Rookwood of their contents. Augustus Rookwood… he was one of the top men, one of the Dark Lord’s greatest favourites… And no wonder, when he could offer his master state secrets like they were the day’s weather report…

‘We tried for years to find the leak… He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named seemed to be a step ahead of us at every turn, it didn’t seem as though we’d ever catch the man who was helping him… And then I did. I caught Rookwood… and Dumbledore persuaded the court to refuse permission for the Kiss… I caught Bagman… and all he had to do was gurn like a simpleton at the Wizengamot and they let him off without so much as a caution…’

His voice is hot with tightly-controlled fury. Percy has never seen him like this.

It’s terrifying.

‘Mr Bagman?’ he says again. Except the suggestion no longer seems quite so amusing. ‘A Death Eater?’

‘The Ministry is crawling with them. They are everywhere, like termites in the woodwork, and I was the only person who ever tried to do anything to stop them bringing this place to its knees… And what did I get for my trouble? The Prophet digging through the dustbins and terrifying my poor wife into an early grave…’

He stares at the wall, eyes dark. Percy wonders whether he knows that he’s not alone.

‘I have to get into lifts with them every day and fight the urge to raise my wand. I have to listen to them as they sit opposite me at conference tables and pretend not to notice that they think it’s funny that I have been reduced to this… That I couldn’t stop them, when I know full well what they did… Every single one of them was right in the inner circle, hand-picked by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named�� And yet all they had to do was jingle their moneybags at the Wizengamot and claim they were under the Imperius Curse and they walked free, no further questions…

‘Corban Yaxley. Gaius Kneebone. Benedict Selwyn. All of them were Death Eaters… They were never under the Imperius Curse… Eadmer Avery, who practically runs Gringotts… Iago Carrow, who got a cushy little ambassadorship because Bagnold believed his lies that I’d falsely accused him… Abraxas Malfoy, who spends his days making the board of St Mungo’s beg him for his largesse… He’s a murderer a hundred times over… His son’s even worse…’

His hand is shaking.

‘Remember this, Weatherby, if you remember nothing else I tell you… If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a Death Eater who walked free.’

[myheadsgonenumb]

50 Random Character Asks: Sirius Edition

This is meant to be one of those things where people send random questions into your DMs and you answer them. But dammit, I want to answer them all - for wolfstar. So...

Sirius Black:

1. Canon I outright reject

That he died - don't waste my time on lies

2. A canon or headcanon hill I will die on

He was not a total Casanova. Girls fancied him because he was so handsome but he did not return the feelings. He was mostly Remus-sexual (an obscure orientation but nevertheless a valid one).

3. Obscure headcanon

He supported the Wimbourne Wasps Quidditch team until Slytherin snot Ludo Bagman started to play for them. Once Bagman started playing for England, Sirius started cheering for Bermuda. Why Bermuda? Why not?

4. Favorite line

"The world is not split into good people and death eaters... I know she's a nasty piece of work, though - you should hear Remus talk about her" (I love the thought of the wolfstar bitching fests going on off page in ootp)

5. Best personality trait

His intense loyalty and desire to help those he loves.

6. Worst personality trait

having empathy which is only limited to those he cares about, a shaky sense of right and wrong and a terrible temper means he lashes out and hurts people (often physically and seriously) and no matter how sorry he is afterwards, he never learns.

7. Age/height/weight headcanon

current age: 63, height: 6' 2", weight: about 12 stone (168lbs/ 76kg)

8. Unpopular opinion about them

Current fanon means my unpopular opinion is that he's tall. But that's actually a fact not an opinion. He doesn't have any tattoos. Also - hanging out in a cave in Hogsmeade and eating rats was a kinda stupid idea that ultimately achieved nothing. Sirius just loves the drama of a noble sacrifice- even a pointless one.

9. Scene that first made me love (or hate) the character

The whole shrieking shack bit - the best few chapters of the whole books series.

10. Best moment on screen (or in the book)

The shrieking shack scenes

11. Faceclaim for the role

I don't like face claims

12. Crack headcanon

once (when he was in bad temper - natch) he turned the whole black lake into custard. It took three days for Hagrid to pump creme anglaise out of the lungs of the mer people.

13. Dumbest thing they’ve ever done

Other than the custard thing? Telling Snape how to get into the Whomping Willow

14. Most heroic moment

Canon Sirius - probably his last moments in the Ministry. But I don't accept he died so: he once jumped in front of Remus to protect him from being hit by a spell which would permanently transform into the wolf. It would have killed Sirius horribly, and he knew that, but by sheer dumb luck he was able to deflect the curse and save the day.

15. Worst thing they’ve ever done

He would say: letting James die.

16. Deepest darkest secret they won’t even admit to themselves

That he is more like Walburga than most people realise, they have the same temperament and the same empathy - limited to those they care about. Sirius just happens to love better people and value more important things. Their focus is different, but their behaviours are the same.

17. Quotes, songs, poems, etc. that I associate with them

I don't really.

18. What they’d go to see a therapist about

He's a British Boomer. He doesn't go to therapy

19. Vices/bad habits

He drinks when he is in a bad mood. When he was a boy - pushing suits of armour on people who annoyed him.

20. Scars

No - even after twelve years in Azkaban his skin is flawless alabaster. It drives Remus wild - both with irritation and lust.

21. Drink of choice (not just alcoholic)

Tea (the English breakfast variety - hot with milk) even on the hottest day of the year. He likes red wine with his evening meal and drinks firewhisky when he's in a bad temper.

22. Best physical feature

All of him is ridiculously gorgeous. He looks like a demi-god, and one feature cannot be chosen above the others.

23. If they were a scented candle, what would they smell like?

Probably sandalwood. I don't know what that smells like, but it sounds manly. And 'wet dog' isn't a candle scent.

24. Most annoying habit

Taking things apart to see how they work - it would be fine but he spreads all the parts out all over the floor, threatens to thump anyone who moves anything, and insists it's so much fun it should be a group activity.

25. 3 things they’d want to take with them if they were dropped off in the middle of nowhere

Remus, Crookshanks and Buckbeak... and maybe some teabags.

26. What they would do if stuck in an elevator with [insert character of your choice from the same fandom] Snape - hex him, obvs.

27. Their guilty pleasure

Remus

28. How they feel about [insert character of your choice from the same fandom] Professor Flitwick ... he quite likes him.

29. Eating habits

Perfectly normal - not ridiculously fastidious, overly refined or disgustingly messy. He's just a person with a knife and fork. He had never tried pasta before he went to Azkaban, though, and he does struggle to eat spaghetti.

30. Sleeping habits

Since Akaban he is a very cuddly sleeper. He enjoys a lie in - but once he is awake he wants everyone else to be awake as well.

31. If the had a tumblr what would it look like?

Probably just pictures of motorbikes.

32. Something guaranteed to make them smile/laugh

memories/ photos of him and James.

33. Something guaranteed to make them cry

He's pretty stoic.

34. How they react when they are feeling X emotion (sad, angry, excited, scared, etc.—can specify as many as you like)

Most negative emotions come out as anger - whether he's sad or scared he lashes out. And his anger is explosive - lots of swearing, and name calling and occasionally violence. But when he is happy he is like distilled sunshine.

35. Their idea of a perfect day

Wake up - not too early - next to Remus, a leisurely breakfast and then outside to see to Buckbeak. Spending the morning tinkering with something he is taking apart and enchanting (while Remus watches and makes wry comments - which Sirius knows is only hiding how impressed Remus is by him), a couple of tea breaks, lunch, a flight on his bike to the seaside, a walk along the beach, transforming into padfoot and chasing seagulls, fish and chips and an ice cream and then home just in time for the crossword and cocoa and then bed.

36. Their favorite season

summer

37. What they really think about themselves

he thinks he's pretty awesome, all things considered.

38. Favorite holiday

Christmas

39. Favorite game

Gobstones

40. Favorite book

He's not much of a reader - though he does enjoy an instruction manual.

41. If they could have lunch with anyone in the world (living or dead, from any fictional universe or the real world), who would it be?

James

42. 3 comfort items

Remus, crookshanks and Buckbeak... and maybe some teabags.

43. 3 favorite foods and 3 they despise

favourite: roast beef, sticky toffee pudding and Remus's homecooked lasagna despise: spotted dick (he thinks the name says it all) limes and oysters (he had them at Narcissa's wedding - v. slimy)

44. Their happiest memory

sledging down the hill at Hogwarts with James and Remus, snowball fights, Mr. Potter giving him his first pet, full moons in the forest and just anything that happened while he was at school. His most complicated happy memory is him washing up on the shore after he escaped prison - and seeing colours and feeling joy for the first time in 12 years.

45. Their favorite celebrity

He is notorious mass murderer, Sirius Black. He is his own favourite celebrity.

46. The person they most admire

James

47. Their dream job

A hippogriffboy - which is a cowboy but for hippogriffs. He fantasises about herding them through the skies on his motorbike.

48. Scariest moment of their life

The flight from Peter's house to James' on Halloween 1981 - knowing something was wrong and praying he wasn't too late.

49. Favorite toy as a child

He stole Walburga's finest tea set and hid it in his room and used it to have tea parties with him and Mr. Pillow and the-man-made-from-socks and the-only-gobstone-he-hadn't-managed-to-lose-yet and Madam Stick from-the-garden. (Walburga didn't really think to buy her children toys, and so Sirius had to improvise).

50. A memory they’ve blocked out

The time Walburga locked him in his room for a week and didn't let him out even to go to the bathroom... and all the times Professor McGonagall caught him and his friends with their todgers out when they tried to see who could wee the highest up the wall. And Azkaban.

[leogichidaa]

I for the ask game :)

I: Do you have a guilty pleasure in fic (reading or writing)?

😳🫣

I read the most depraved smut. The state of my search history...

I read all of it. Everything. The more fucked up the better, honestly. When I find a really well written one with good characterization 😍🥵🤭 I treasure those fics.

I've written a handful of smutty scenes in my published fics, but they're relatively lowkey. I haven't published any of the straight up PWP I've written yet. Maybe some day.

Some of it is relatively normal. A lot of it's real weird.

[cto10121]

Harry Potter Clown Takes Part 2

Featuring shipping whinging, fatphobic fatphobia, and…old-fashioned conservative pearl clutching? Oh, heavy burden. Spoilers, of course

“Glaring Societal Issues”

The “Muggle farmer” in the GOF is actually the camp director, Mr. Roberts, who had been growing suspicious at the number of people (wizards booking tents for the Quidditch World Cup) who are booking tents. The wizards need to keep their existence a secret (that’s, like, the number 1 rule of being a wizard) so they modify his memory. The Obliviator who does this says he needs to do it “ten times a day,” not every few minutes, and carps about wizards (Ludo Bagman in particular) not shutting up about wizard things that draws suspicion.

Wizards in HP can be indeed callous, indifferent, patronizing, and even cruel in their attitudes towards Muggles, but this example really isn’t it. It’s already established that wizards have to use Memory Charms and damage control in order to hide their world from the Muggles. It’s standard protocol.

Yes, because the people in HP that want to change things and make things better for Muggleborns are portrayed as the bad guys and the ones that want the wizarding world to be for wizards only are portrayed as the good guys. Oh, wait.

“Not A Glaring Societal Issue”

Harry and Ginny becoming a couple was foreshadowed as early as the first book, OP, and there were many, many essays back in the day on why they were endgame because of these subtle hints. Ginny had a huge crush with Harry, but I don’t think it reached the level of God worship even in her younger years. Even then she tended to understand Harry’s true nature (his modesty, his aversion to nagging, and resistance to authority) way better than even Hermione.

I agree that Rowling could have set up Hinny better by exploiting Harry and Ginny’s connection of both being victims of Voldemort, perhaps had Ginny aid somehow in the Horcrux mystery (Memory!Riddle canonically “poured some of his secrets into her” so why not?). But of course she was always meant to be Harry’s safe haven, so to speak, untouched by the long shadow of Voldemort. Rowling was also playing the “who will Harry end up with???” shipping game with the fans as the series went on so it behooved her to keep is a tightly wrapped mystery until the last possible moment. Not a good choice in the long-term, frankly, but then HP never really revolved on romance.

As for Harry/Luna, you’re not the only one, OP. My dad shipped them from the movies (Radcliffe and Lynch did look good together)…until he read OotP and found a much quirkier Book Luna than Movie Luna. Nothing wrong with Harry/Luna, but I’m personally fine with Harry/Ginny.

Yes, these never-ending accusations of fatphobia are exhausting. It’s an old one, which Rowling has flatly denied before and fans themselves have argued for and against, over and over.

Suffice to say, both fat and skinny characters are portrayed negatively and positively throughout the the books and their size has nothing to do with their personalities. While Vernon may be fat, he isn’t really described as ugly (he has ugly expressions when he loses it, though). Dudley actually lost weight due to his diet and boxing, but he was still nasty to Harry up until Dementor attack. Neville stopped being comic relief past Book 4/5 and in 7 became a straight-up BAMF (and still chubby!). Hagrid is more than fat—he is literally half giant, so of course he is clumsy and doesn’t fit in much anywhere (he has accommodations). While he has some comic moments, he can’t really be said to be a comic relief character as a whole. Molly Weasley is also described as “plump” (I think Charlie is also described as stocky) and she is one of the most idealized characters in HP. Slughorn was never portrayed a bad guy, just a flawed one, and Fudge’s weight is barely mentioned. Among the truly skinny characters, there is Petunia, Snape, and, er, Voldemort.

If anything, the series is skeptical of (extraordinary) physical beauty and charm in general, sometimes to a fault. Fleur, Sirius, and Cedric aside, there is also Gilderoy Lockhart, Bellatrix Lestrange. And then there is perhaps the hottest, most seductive character of all HP—Tom Riddle, a young Voldemort. HP definitely leans towards the “looks can be deceiving/don’t trust appearances” category in terms of theme.

As for this supposed negative framing revealing Rowling’s supposed IRL fatphobia, years ago she shared a telling anecdote about an old friend she met, who had this to say about her appearance:

I went to the British Book Awards that evening. After the award ceremony I bumped into a woman I hadn't seen for nearly three years. The first thing she said to me? ‘You've lost a lot of weight since the last time I saw you!’

‘Well,’ I said, slightly nonplussed. ‘Last time you saw me I’d just had a baby.’

What I felt like saying was, ‘I've produced my third child and my sixth novel since I last saw you. Aren't either of those things more important, more interesting, than my size?’ But no—my waist looked smaller! Forget the kid and the book: finally, something to celebrate!

And of course this now-famous quote:

Is 'fat' really the worst thing a human being can be? Is 'fat' worse than 'vindictive', 'jealous', 'shallow', 'vain', 'boring' or 'cruel'? Not to me.

“They’re Supposed To Be the Good Guys!!1!!”

You keep saying the phrase “good guys.” I don’t think you know what it means.

So it’s pretty obvious that the injustices and corruption of the wizarding world are deliberately meant to reflect the injustices and corruption of the real world, particularly Britain. But since Rowling is evil now, all depictions of government corruption and the prison-industrial complex are now meant to be endorsements, approved by Rowling herself! After all, it isn’t as if Rowling didn’t confirm that the new generation did make radical changes to the Ministry of Magic (the Auror Department in particular) or the world in general. Perhaps she should have gone more into detail as to the nature of these changes, but that would require another HP book. Honestly, that’s really up to the fanfic writers.

[shipforshippers]

Stop everything NOW, Enter Bill and Charlie...! In the Chapter 5: Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

We meet Bill and Charlie! I will admit that I have a huge crush on Charlie and Billy. Especially Charlie! Charlie is that bad boy that everybody thinks Sirius Black is.

According to Harry's description, Charlie is like Twins are short and stockier than Percy and Ron. Simply speaking, Charlie has muscles!!!! And Harry had a little crush on Bill, I mean who wouldn't? If Charlie is a bad boy archetype then Bill is a guitarist from a Rock band plus he has an ear-ring, a total hottie!

Talking about the appearance, Ron and Percy are supposed to be tall and thin. in fact, Ron is taller than the twins and later in the story, Ron is actually taller than Harry. I like to think Ginny is the combination of all these Weasley's brother's best features!

If I read correct than Harry neither hugged Ron nor Hermione, I find that weird. On other hand, my big brain just realized that Oliver Wood and Percy Weasley were in same year and house!

Pigwideon is such a cute name, good job, Ginny!

Mr. Weasley got tickets because he helped Otto Bagman, brother of Ludo Bagman. Mr. Weasley also got somebody from Ministry to open Floo network in Dursley's house. Hence, let's talk about the Ministry of Magic, and what's up with all the "helping out"? I came to the conclusion from the last book that they are indeed useless. However, how much do they actually do "helping out" to each other? Is that "helping out" even legal? more importantly, how does that "helping out" is paid off? I mean last year Weasley's won the lottery, this year Mr. Weasley got not just 1 but 10 tickets for the world cup, which is very hard to get by. How? In Ministry of Magic, is something happening under the table that we as readers are not privy to?

Unpopular Opinion: Sometimes I think the whole Weasley family is too kind to Harry but they feel more of pity than kindness, especially Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

Honeysuckle and Elderflower wine, Isn't it a muggle things? And Mrs. Weasley wears wrist watch, I find that so weird. First it was Harry than in last book it was Ron. Now its a pureblood witch, who is wearing a wrist watch, that doesn't sit right with me.

Crookshank likes to be around Weasley's, so does her owner!

Does Percy live in Burrow or did he moved out? The twins prank on Percy was funny, not gonna lie!

That's it from me. Thank you for reading!

[velvetthunder1999]

All the time on Earth

Part 5 - Yesterday

Summary: You and the twins open up about your families, also, George hears you singing for the first time

Warnings: None, Fluff

Word count: 2.8K

George Weasley x Reader

Featuring song: The Beatles - Yesterday

Masterlist

- Edited for grammar -

The month of January had passed with great improvements in both cases of your business and your relationship with the Weasley twins. As the first week of February arrived, you had already worked out many ways to sell either their products or your items. After classes you three — sometimes four when Lee chipped in — were sitting in the common room, discussing that week’s orders, trying not to be caught by Prefects in your year. As you were also studying for your O.W.L. exams, business hours got pushed up close to midnight.

Today was no different; Lee had already went to sleep but Fred and George were by the fire trying to finish an order, while next to them you were struggling with your Potions homework.

“Y/N,” said Fred suddenly. “Who do you think the focus should be on when taking promotional pictures?”

“Er — what do you mean?” you asked, suspicious of where this is gonna go.

“He means which one of us is more handsome,” helped out his brother George with a grin. “Is it me or Fred?”

“Excuse me?” you said.

“Y/N,” Fred continued, “I’m the more handsome one, aren’t I? The statue should look like myself.”

“Sure, if you wanna scare people away,” answered George. “Y/N knows what is the right answer, don’t you Y/N?”

He looked at you with such a sweet smile you almost fell for the trap. You snorted and raised an eyebrow.

“You know you’re twins, right? People won’t care whose picture they see,” you dodged the question. Fred was not satisfied.

“C’mon Y/N, that’s not an answer!”

“What statue are you talking about, anyway?” you asked.

“At our joke shop. When we have our own place and everything.”

“You should collect the money first before talking about statues.” you shrugged. The twins looked at you, hurt. You added quickly “Sorry, I meant that you should really finish the list for the orders, I’ve been waiting to check that for three days!”

“Well, we’d have finished it already if we knew when we’re gonna get our money back,” muttered Fred, looking at his brother. George shot a sharp look at him to make him quiet. They had a staring contest, then looked at the parchment in front of them in one motion.

“What is it?” you asked, having no idea what was going on. “What are you two doing?”

The twins locked eyes again, then said in perfect unison, “Nothing.”

You put down the quill and turned to them with your whole body.

“Look, you don’t have to tell me if it’s not my business. But if it affects the orders then I have a right to know, because it’s partly my job to solve our problems.”

Fred and George made the exact same face of deliberation. Then George nodded slightly and Fred took it as a sign to speak.

“Do you know Ludo Bagman who was here watching the first task?”

“Of course I know him,” you said. “He tried to make me place a bet but I said no.”

“Well, good, cause he would’ve scammed you, too,” continued George. “We were at the Quidditch World Cup last summer and bet all of our money. And we won.”

“We said the Irish would win but Krum will catch the snitch,” took over Fred. “We were right, but he paid us fake money. First we thought it was a mistake and talked to him after the first task. He said he’s sorry and that he’d make it right. We’ve been waiting ever since.”

“Wait, what?” you asked, feeling shocked. “Are you telling me he stole your money?”

“Well — ”

“Well, yes!” Fred interrupted his brother. “He stole it and we need to write him a letter about it. Saying we’d take it to the Ministry.”

“I agree, but we can’t be too reckless,” George shook his head. “He’s working at the Ministry, after all!”

“Yeah, will figure out somethin’. Till then, tell us Y/N, how stupid that makes us look.”

He shot a smile at you but there was hardly any joy in it. His tone was just as painful and ashamed as George’s eyes were suggesting. You took a deep breath. You were furious, but also felt sorry for the boys.

“Can’t your father do something about it? He’s working at the Ministry, too.”

“Dad’s not as highly ranked as you might think,” said Fred.

“And we don’t really want to tell him what happened, either,” George casted down his eyes.

“I see,” you said.

Fred suddenly slammed the table so hard it made you jump and your ink bottle fell on the floor.

“I’m so sick of being penniless! Always struggling with money even when we’d win a bag of galleons! I hate all the hand me down books! I hate these fucking old robes! I hate how hard we work and there are no results! Everyone treats us like kids and when we could really do something we’re still being told off!”

He burried his face in his palms, taking deep breaths. George stood up quietly and sat down next to his brother, placing one hand on his shoulder.

“It’s okay, Freddie. We’ll make it, trust me. We just need a little more time.”

“I can’t.”

You watched the two of them sitting together, comforting each other and suddenly loneliness came over you. They reminded you of what a real family looks like. Also, you felt like you just witnessed something not many people do. You had no idea they were struggling this much.

“I’m really sorry,” you said, almost whispering.

Fred looked up, almost as if he just realized that you were still watching. A sad smile appeared on his face.

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”

He let out a dark chuckle.

“We might end up at the Ministry, after all. Cleaning the floors.”

“Mum would be happy we got in,” said George sarcastically, trying to cheer up his brother a bit.

“Sure. Mums and their expectations, am I right Y/N?”

He looked at you, nothing but bitterness in his eyes. If he was waiting for an answer that you didn’t know. Your lip trembled.

You had never talked to anyone about your home, really. No one seemed to notice and you didn’t mind. Your friends… Even Ginny didn’t know the whole story and you had known her for years. You were only with the twins for a little more than a month. Still… something seemed to change. All three of you felt so vulnerable in this moment. You wanted to tell them. You wanted them to know.

“My… my mum hasn’t talked to me in five years.”

You had never said it out loud like this and the realization hit you like a slap in the face. You felt like you were chocking on your own breath. The twins looked at you, stunned. You had told George bits and pieces, but you’d never told him everything. But it wasn’t just George. You wanted Fred to understand, too. You wanted both of them to see. And you wanted to have someone in your life who finally sees the whole picture.

“When I got my letter, my mum was so angry she claimed she no longer had a daughter,” your voice was shaky and filled with pain. You just hoped you wouldn’t cry. “My parents are strongly against everything that’s related to anything unusual. Anything out of ordinary, anything abnormal. So when we realized I’m a witch, and every magic I did before made sense now, she looked at me with so much hate in her eyes… I know I’ll never forget that. She said I am her greatest disappointment and she wished I was never born. Then went silent and whenever I’m home she doesn’t even acknowledge my existense.”

You stared at one of the legs of the table. You realized it was easier to talk that way.

“My father wanted to send me away. Have me fixed. I didn’t agree. I came here instead. I… I read about what muggles did to witches in the past. And whenever I’m home, I… I sleep with my wand and lock the door from the inside because I’m… I’m… I’m scared they’ll… they’ll do something to me.”

You didn’t cry but you were close to it. You swallowed your tears, still looking at the table, scared to look at the twins. You weren’t sure at all, what their reaction would be. Maybe it would be easier, never getting to know it. Maybe you’d just stay here forever, fixating on the leg of the furniture.

“Y/N…” George’s uncertain voice finally made you look up. The twins were just sitting there, obviously having no idea how to express what they’re feeling.

“Holy shit, Y/N” said Fred too.

“I’m sorry if I overshared,” you said with a half smile, mostly to defuse the tension.

George got up again but this time it was you who he sat down next to. His knee almost touched yours as he turned to you and hesitantly looked into your eyes. You carefully leaned closer to him and he welcomed you in his arms. He hugged you softly, almost as if you were going to break. On his robes you felt a nice scent that reminded you of fireworks.

The hug was short but you still felt like it lasted for years. You almost didn’t let go as he pulled away. Fred was still looking at you, quite heartbroken. Then finally, he spoke, more seriously than you had ever heard him talk.

“Y/N, I want you to know that if you need us, we’ll be here for you. Anytime. We mean it. Right, Georgie?”

“Absolutely.” George said, kindly smiling.

“Thank you,” you said. “And I want you to know that I will be helping you with anything you need. I’ll be the best business partner you’ve ever met.”

Your cheerful tone seemed to return but Fred shook his head.

“No, I don’t think we’re business partners anymore,” his smile was also real this time.

You looked at him, confused. George put an arm around your shoulder and pulled you closer.

“We’re friends, Y/N,” said the boy. “You can’t get rid of us now.”

——

George was heading back to the common room with his brother after giving McGonagall’s message to Ron and Hermione. Tomorrow was going be the second task, and they had just finished writing down the bets of a large group of Ravenclaw boys. It was almost curfew and he and Fred didn’t have anything special in mind this time so they decided to head back and see if you’re up to playing a game of Exploding Snap.

You were almost like one of them now, apart from the color of your hair, of course. They loved having you around. You were like the secret third behind everything they did. You didn’t like the spotlight, but planned pranks and orders so brilliantly, the twins were often left speechless.

As George entered the common room with Fred behind him, he automatically searched for you with his eyes and grinned when he saw you sitting at a table. You were clearly busy with your homework so the twins decided to lay low until you would approach them as soon as you finished.

Quite a lot of people were already gone to sleep, but there was still a few kids playing around; a bunch of girls were flipping through the pages of a magazine, some boys were exchanging chocolate frog cards, and George also recognized Dean Thomas not far from you, quietly playing some gentle tunes on his guitar.

He turned back to Fred who was now emptying his pockets, ready to get his quill and write down the bets the Ravenclaws had placed.

“We should do another round tomorrow before the task,” said Fred. “Get as much as possible.”

“All right,” said George, barely paying attention. He was watching you, as you smiled while glancing over to Dean and his guitar.

“Good news is, we almost made double compared to last time.”

“Brilliant,” said George, feeling dizzy.

You started talking to Dean but you were sitting too far away from George to hear what you were talking about. Dean nodded and said something back with a cheerful expression. George furrowed his brows at the sight of you laughing. Was Dean saying something funny to you?

“Anyway, let’s do…”

He wasn’t paying attention to Fred anymore. He even raised his head to see you better, when you sat closer to Dean. You two seemed to be discussing something, then Dean started to play his guitar, this time more loudly and firmly. Then your face completely changed and you started singing the sweetest melody George had ever heard. Yesterday All my troubles seemed so far away Now it looks as though they're here to stay Oh, I believe in yesterday

It felt like as if everything had disappeared from the room and it was only him, you and the song. He had never heard this song before, he still felt as he’d known it his whole life.

Suddenly I'm not half the man I used to be There's a shadow hangin' over me Oh, yesterday came suddenly

No, he’s not the man he used to be. This was a muggle song, this was a song from your previous life and he wanted to know everything about that life and you.

Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday

No, he cannot let you go. Your voice was the only thing keeping him alive. It wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t a well-trained voice, and that made it real. That made it touch his heart.

Yesterday Love was such an easy game to play Now I need a place to hide away Oh, I believe in yesterday

No, it wasn’t an easy game now. Maybe after the ball. But now he had too much to loose.

Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday

He cannot let himself say anything wrong. He cannot ruin this.

Yesterday Love was such an easy game to play Now I need a place to hide away Oh, I believe in yesterday

As you finished the last line, some of the people in the common room started clapping and you smiled at them gratefully. Dean was bowing playfully then continued playing his quiet tunes. George couldn’t take his eyes off you. His heart was so full he didn’t even know how to handle this feeling.

“Oy!”

Fred clapped in front of his face and George jerked awake in a second. He didn’t even realize he zoned out the whole time.

“Wake up George, what’s gotten into you?”

George didn’t say anything. With a lot of effort he turned his head away from your direction and looked at Fred.

“What?”

Fred didn’t answer. He was looking at his twin quite suspiciously. Then looked at the direction George had been looking a second ago. He only saw you, sitting at the table. The he looked at his brother’s dazed face again. George seemed like he was drunk. Then Fred looked at you again. Then something clicked and he turned to George with his whole body, his jaw dropped in shock.

“You like her!”

“W — What?” said George again, this time with his full attention on Fred.

“You like her, you git!” said Fred again, this time laughing.

“W — no, stop —”

“Georgie…!”

“Stop calling me Georgie —“

“I can’t believe you like her!” said Fred happily, hitting his brother’s shoulder.

“Shh! Quiet!” hushed him George while anxiously checking if you heard him or not. “She doesn’t need to know!”

“What?” said Fred in disbelief. “Are you mad? You have to tell her!”

“No, I don’t, and lower your voice, Fred!”

“Why?” now Fred was concerned. “Is there something wrong?”

“No, everything’s peachy,” he answered in a sarcastic tone. “I can’t tell her, she’s my friend!”

“Yeah, and two months ago we didn’t even know her.”

“No — listen. After the ball I might’ve had a chance to ask her out. If she said no it wouldnt’ve mattered. But we promised to be there for her, what if I tell her now and it’ll be awkward afterwards? I don’t wanna ruin this for any of us.

“Also, she’s helping us with the sales.”

“What? Yeah, sure, that, too.”

Fred had a large grin on his face.

“C’mon Georgie. You’re just looking for excuses.”

“Maybe I am.”

“Why?”

“What why, I just told you! I — I don’t wanna risk not having her around anymore because I was a sappy idiot.”

“But if you actually asked her out — ” Fred started but George didn’t let him finish.

“Let’s not talk about this for now, all right? I’m not even sure it’s gonna last. I probably wake up next week, forgetting I ever liked her.”

“Sure, cause that’s how you are,” muttered Fred skeptically.

George didn’t answer, he turned his full attention towards counting the money on the table. He had to force himself not to look in your direction — or not to hit Fred in the face to make him stop grinning.

[virtualrenfaire2020]

Virtual Ren Faire 2020 Calendar

We have activities and themed days, plus we’ve compiled a bunch of livestreams from some fantastic performers to enjoy during our Faire. The calendar is updated daily, so stay tuned for more events!

Saturday, March 28

Opening day!

Join us on Opening Day for a day of faire activities. Share photos, videos, and stories relating to your ren faire experience! 

Submissions will be open starting today for the Costume Contest!

O.W.L. Fest - 7:30 AM PDT

An all-day series of concerts with a wizardly theme. A new artist is live every half hour until 7:00 PM, so tune in anytime! Don’t forget to refresh the page between concerts to listen to the latest stream. The current lineup is: Tonks and the Aurors, Lauren Fairweather, Ashley Hamel, Hawthorn & Holly, Grace Kendall, Kalysta Flame, Pussycat Dolores, The Purebloods, Flitwick and the Charmers, Losing Lara, Muggle Snuggle, Percy and the Prefects, Ludo Bagman and the Trash, Draco and the Malfoys, The Mudbloods, The Lovegoods, Alas Earwax!, The Blibbering Humdingers, Abby Ritter, The Swedish Shortsnouts, Kirstyn Hippe, POTTÖRHEAD, The Arkadian, Karl-Johan, and Toucan Dubh.

Check out the Facebook livestream concerts here.

Ye Banished Privateers Virtual Release Party - 11:00 AM PDT.

“Let’s party like it’s 1720! Borders are closing, people are being forced to shut their doors. Our global world is growing smaller, but Ye Banished Privateers believes in staying connected through the crisis. On march 28th we were planning to throw a big release party for our new album Hostis Humani Generis in our home town Umeå, Sweden, which naturally had to be cancelled due to the corona pandemic. Instead we’ll be hosting a live streamed event, at 19.00 cet 28/3 that will be worthy of an official release concert. We want to try and make this something special and grand . . . let’s stand together in all safe ways possible.”

Check out the Youtube livestream concert here.

Pub Crawl - 1:30 PM PDT. 

We’ll be hosting a BYOB pub crawl. Keep an eye out for the tag vrf2020 pub crawl for more info. Please follow local drinking laws and drink responsibly!

Cyrus Pynn (The Swordsman) - 2:00 PM PDT.

“I am a self taught professional sword swallower who perfected the art at the Coney Island Sideshow School, where I learned to present it in an entertaining and classy manner. Since then I have pushed the limit with this dangerous feat as I have traveled across the United States performing with Carnivals, Festivals and Variety Shows . . . Demonstrating the world's most dangerous stunt in an entertaining, classy manner featuring comedy, audience interaction and, of course, death defiance! ‘Down the Hatch without a Scratch!’“

Check out the Facebook livestream show here.

Andrea Beaton - 4:30 PM PDT.

“Andrea grew up in a musical family in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.  Both the Beaton and MacMaster sides of her family are well known and respected as some of Cape Breton's finest musicians, dancers and composers. She has made 6 solo CDs, a duo album with her father Kinnon, and published 3 books of tunes.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

The CRAIC Show - 5:00 PM PDT.

“The CRAIC Show is an intense & wildly entertaining act, made up of five international travelers who, in 1541AD, were banded together on an ancient battlefield. This unique merging of music from far away lands brings a sound that is unlike any other . . .  Ever-changing and constantly blending styles, The CRAIC Show is always bringing a fresh, high energy blend of World Medieval Music to a modern audience.” 

Check out the Facebook livestream concert here.

Erin Rae - 7:00 PM PDT.

“Gifted with a unique ability to fuse musical genres and influences to craft songs that feel fresh and wholly her own, with her new album Putting On Airs, Erin Rae has thrown down a direct challenge to the stereotype of what a Southern singer should be. Both lyrically and sonically, she strikes a fiercely independent chord, proudly releasing a deeply personal record that reflects her own upbringing in Tennessee, including the prejudices and injustices that she witnessed as a child that continue to impact her life to this day. According to Rae, ‘this album was born out of a need to do some healing work in my personal life, in order to address some fears and patterns of mine to allow my true feelings to come to the surface.’”

Check out the Instagram livestream concert here.

Sunday, March 29

Submissions remain open for the Costume Contest!

Alistair McCulloch - 11:30 AM PDT.

“Alistair is one of Scotland's best known fiddle performers and teachers.  His trio features Aaron Jones of Old Blind Dogs, and former Capercaillie whistle wizard Marc Duff. Alistair has taught a generation of rising stars at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Linda McRae - 1:00 PM PDT.

“Linda’s love of Canadian, American and British music early on in her career resulted in multiple band configurations from roots-rock to punk to folk . . . When Linda steps onto a concert stage, into a recording studio, workshop or mentoring session, there is an effortless passion, a love of what she does and a connection with fans and friendships built and treasured. A multi-instrumentalist Linda works tirelessly as a touring singing songwriter, performing at premiere venues across Canada, the US and Europe while turning out new works.”

Check out the Facebook livestream concert here.

The Glow Bubble Show (Meadow Perry) - 4:00 PM PDT.

“Meadow Perry is a Philadelphia based Magician, Bubble Artist and Actress. Known for her beloved children's character, Meadowlark the Faerie, Meadow has been performing in various genres from the stage to private events for over 15 years. The Bubble Magic of Meadow Perry is a show that takes the visual art of bubbles, theatrical storytelling, enchanting magic, thrilling music, & a touch of sophistication to create a unique and entertaining show that has been described as ‘A mesmerizing, spellbounding experience! Charming and interesting, Meadow takes the rules of bubbles outside the box!’”

Check out the Instagram livestream show here.

Monday, March 30

Submissions remain open for the Costume Contest!

Merchants’ Monday

Show our wonderful shops some extra love today!

Shannon Lay - 12:00 PM PDT.

“There is an entire sub-genre of poetry devoted to rivers and their persistent, meditative flow . . . For transcendent folk-pop artist Shannon Lay, the river is all of the above: It’s the metaphor driving her latest album, the exquisitely uplifting August (Sub Pop Records, out August, 23rd)—which doubles as an aural baptism renewing her purpose for making music. ‘I always picture music as this river. Everyone’s throwing things into this river, it’s a place you can go to and feed off of that energy,’ she says, ‘and feel nourished by the fact that so many people are feeling what you’re feeling. It’s this beautiful exchange.’”

Check out the Instagram livestream concert here.

Jesse Linder, Bard - 5:00 PM PDT.

“. . .'Singer of Songs, Teller of Tales.’ Jesse performs as a solo artist and as a member of 3 Pints Gone, and has been a member of Separated at Birth, CrossRogues, and Tippler's Way. Jesse sings at Renaisance faires, American reenactments, Irish pubs, and coffeehouses throughout the Midwest. He currently has three solo CDs and five group CDs in print.”

Check out the Facebook livestream concert here.

Steven Greenman - 6:00 PM PDT.

“Steven has worked with some of the world’s leading klezmer ensembles, is a founding member of Cleveland’s East European ensemble Harmonia, and has been a guest soloist with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, performing his own arrangements of gypsy and klezmer music.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Tuesday, March 31

Submissions remain open for the Costume Contest!

Time Travel Tuesday

Share your favorite photos and costumes from any time period, from Ancient Greece to 2265. After all, in quarantine, time all feels a little wibbly wobbly!

Jonathan Cannon - 5:30 PM PDT.

“Jonathan has studied klezmer, Romanian, Celtic, and American fiddling, performs regularly, with award-winning Boston klezmer band Ezekiel’s Wheels, and for contra dances.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Wednesday, April 1

Submissions remain open for the Costume Contest!

Anne-Mari Kivimäki & Palomylly - 10:00 AM PDT.

“Anne-Mari Kivimäki & Palomylly is an impressive sound mix with stories, archive recordings, jouhikko, double bass, vocals and accordion. Kivimäki’s music has a hypnotic pulse and it’s made for the love of old stories. Kivimäki has gathered her Palomylly band from the musicians on her successful Lakkautettu Kylä (A Closed-Down Village) album.”

Check out the Facebook livestream concert here.

Troy MacGillivray with Sabra MacGillivray - 4:30 PM PDT.

“Troy is a brilliant fiddler, pianist and stepdancer from Nova Scotia.  He’s been featured at many festivals including Celtic Connections in Scotland, East Coast Music Awards, Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton, the Barbados Celtic Festival and the Edinburgh Fiddle Festival.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Thursday, April 2

Submissions remain open for the Costume Contest!

Cookie Segelstein with Josh Horowitz - 10:00 AM PDT.

“Founder of Veretski Pass, and fiddler with many other top klezmer bands, Cookie has taught workshops round the world, and has been featured in an ABC documentary and a film starring Robert DeNiro.  Josh founded the band Budowitz and has played with Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Theodore Bikel, and accompanied Itzhak Perlman on PBS.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Oshima Brothers - 3:00 PM PDT.

“Raised in a musical family in rural Maine, the brothers have honed a harmony-rich blend of contemporary folk and acoustic pop. On stage, Sean and Jamie create a surprisingly full sound with dynamic vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, octave bass, loops, and percussion. The brothers live in Maine but are often on the road performing, producing music videos, and dancing.”

Check out the Facebook livestream concert here.

Friday, April 3

Submissions remain open for the Costume Contest!

Furry Friends Friday

Ever dressed your pet up for the faire? Show us your photos and costume ideas! Or show us your faire-themed fursuit. You do you.

Let’s Get Traditional (The Minstrel Rav’n) - 4:00 PM PDT.

“The Minstrel Rav'n travels the lands Telling Songs and Singing Stories about Taverns, Pirates and Elven Lasses. Songs of Adventure, Drinking... and things a bit on the Naughty Side!”

Check out the Facebook livestream here.

HST (Ed, Lilly & Neil Pearlman) - 4:30 PM PDT.

“HST (Highland Soles Trio) is 3/5 of a family band, with dancer Laura Scott and Jesse on whistle. HST has toured the US and Scotland with new and old tunes in the Scottish tradition.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Saturday, April 4

Gráinne Brady - 12:30 PM PDT.

“Gráinne is an Irish fiddle player from County Cavan in Ireland and currently based in Glasgow where she leads sessions and plays with Top Floor Taivers, string group The Routes Quartet, and Gaeilge/Gàidhlig supergroup LAS.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Pub Crawl - 1:30 PM PDT.

We’ll be hosting a BYOB pub crawl. Keep an eye out for the tag vrf2020 pub crawl for more info. Please follow local drinking laws and drink responsibly!

Costume Contest Judging - 6:00 PM PDT.

Submissions remain open for the Costume Contest until 6:00. Winners will be chosen between 6:00 and 7:00 PDT.

Sunday, April 5

Jenna Reid - 11:30 AM PDT.

“Jenna is a member of the great fiddle bands Blazin' Fiddles, and RANT.  Born & bred in Shetland, she learned fiddle from the late Willie Hunter. Following her music degree, Jenna performed with Dóchas and Deaf Shepherd before joining her current bands.”

Check out the Zoom livestream concert here.

Closing Day

We’re sad to see you go, but we hope to catch you at an IRL faire next season!

[pulaasul]

The Magic Word and the Triwizard Tournament

Billy covers the entirety of the Triwizard Tournament while he, as Captain Marvel, investigates the mystery behind Harry's inclusion into the said tournament.

Ao3 I FFN

---------

"Very Good Colin."

Colin preened at the praise as he and Harry got inside an empty classroom, desks pushed aside, leaving a big space in the middle apart from the velvet covered black board facing five velvet desks and chairs.

"I try to Mr. Batson sir."

Ludo Bagman stood at one end of the black board talking to a witch in green while Durmstrang's champion sat at the classroom's corner, silent as the grave. Beaxbaton's champion, Fleur Delacour was animatedly talking with Hogwarts's other champion, Cedric Diggory. In another corner, Colin was animatedly discussing things with William Batson, the writer from the Mudblood Magazine.

"Champion number four!" Bagman declared, gaining everyone's attention. "Come on closer Harry, we're here for two things, publicity and the wand weighing ceremony."

"Wand weighing?" Harry questioned.

"Wands are a wizard's or witch's most important tool, is it not?" Bagman grinned. "We're just checking if they're all fully functional," He assured. "The expert's with Headmaster Dumbledore, they will be here soon."

"Not going to introduce me Ludo?" The witch in green outfit prompted.

Viktor, interested at what was going on, stood behind Cedric and Fleur.

"Sorry, this is Rita Skeeter." Bagman introduced.

"I am Rita Skeeter, I write for the Daily Prophet." Skeeter pushed Bagman a little sideways and approached the three champions. "You probably heard of it." She smiled as she shook each champion's hand. "It's you we don't know." She approached the Potter, and dragged him towards the other three champions. "You're the juicy news."

Harry couldn't help but wince at the remark. He's been the 'juicy news' since he was a year old, supposedly killing Voldemort. He'd rather have someone else take the spotlight, someone have eternal glory, thank you very much.

"What quirks lurk beneath those rosy cheek?" Skeeter continued her spiel as she brushed Fleur's cheeks. "What mysteries do the muscles mask?" She squeezed Cedric's and Viktor's respective shoulders. "Does courage lie beneath those curls?" She ruffled Harry's already messy hair. "In short, what makes a champion tick? Me myself and I want to know, not to mention my rabid readers." She chuckled.

"That's all well and good Rita, but would you respect our champions' personal spaces?" William smiled. "Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter we meet again."

"Hello Mr. Batson." Cedric and Harry greeted.

"Because you're an 'oh so established news magazine'." Rita growled.

"We may have struggled for a few months Rita, but our article about Pettigrew and the subsequent articles has since turned out to be such a big hit that we had to reprint for more." William grinned at the witch. "But alas, today's not about us, it's about them." William gestured at the champions.

"For our lovely guests, I am William Joseph Batson, writer and editor-in-chief of the Mudblood." William smiled as he noticed the Bulgarian and Frenchwoman's narrowed eyes. "Yes, I am quite aware that it's a word not used in polite society." He assured the two champions. "However, it is my firm belief that I can turn something bad into something good, just like how we can make stones into a flock of birds."

"I'd like you four to meet my Photographer for this article and the subsequent articles for the Triwizard Tournament, Mr. Colin Creevey."

"You're having a child do an adult's work?"

"A professional starts somewhere Rita, why not have Mr. Creevey start as early as now."

"I really thank you for this opportunity Mr. Batson." Colin expressed his gratitude then flashed a picture of his mentor.

"Please Colin, you can call me William like we agreed to last year." The man simply ruffled Colin's hairs. "The Headmaster is already aware of this, the Triwizard Tournament won't be my article, it'll be nephew's, he's just using the loo."

"And where would you be?" Rita challenged.

"There are a lot of events happening in the Wizarding World Rita, hence we delegate." William smiled. "In any case, my nephew's at the same age as Mr. Diggory, Colin I trust that you take care of my nephew."

"You can count on me William."

"I'll be off now." William exited the room.

Rita was speechless at the man's audacity, trivializing the resurrection of a long time event such as the Triwizard tournament.

Well his loss.

A moment later, a boy entered the classroom, wearing muggle clothes to boot.

"Billy Batson at your service." The boy introduced himself with a salute.

Harry couldn't help himself but snort at the boy's antics. He could tell that he was mocking a lot of shows on the telly.

"Hey Billy, your uncle paired us up again."

"Holy Moley! That true Colin? Neat!"

"Batson sends a child to do his job?" Rita exclaimed. "How unprofessional can he be?!" She stomped her way towards the newcomer. "Aren't you supposed to be in a school young man?"

"Actually no Ms. Skeeter." Billy replied politely. "Uncle William is home schooling me using the things he learned at Ilvermorny, besides I'm already of age, hardly a child don't you think?"

"You're American? He attended Ilvermorny?"

"Born and raised." Billy shrugged. "Enough about me, this day isn't about me, it's about them." He gestured to the champions.

"If you don't mind Ludo, I'd start my interviews with the youngest champion." Rita humphed before she dragged Harry away from the group.

"If you don't mind Mr. Diggory." Billy smiled.

"Sure." Cedric shrugged.

---------

It was right after dinner that the four champions convened with Colin and Billy. The Creevey just got permission to be out past curfew for a magazine interview.

"Did you guys bring with you your garbs for the tournament?" Billy greeted the champions.

"Oui." Fleur frowned. "I still don't know why we need to bring our swimwear."

"Oh that's because we wanted to use stock photos of you in all your possible outfits during the tournament." Billy handed the champions a piece of parchment. "Historically speaking, the Triwizard Tournament features tasks from three of the four elements: air, water, earth and fire."

"I get it!" Colin exclaimed. "Since there's water involved, you think they'd have to be in a swimwear at some point."

"Correct Colin!" Billy grinned. "I would have given points for that answer." He chuckled.

"Vhat avut the dress roves?" Viktor raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing, just wanted to take a picture of the champions in dress robes." Billy shrugged.

"In any case, we'll have your pictures taken now, in lieu of everyone's curfew, which has long passed, my uncle has already talked to the Headmaster and Heads of Houses and has exempted you from the curfew." Billy took out a muggle pen and notepad. "So is Colin actually, but unlike you four, he's not a champion, so he needs to be back into the dorms after taking your pictures."

With everything out of the way, Colin took everyone's pictures with the all the outfits they brought. From their normal athletic wears to their formal garbs. He took the champions photographs individually and as a group.

Harry was about to change back into his Hogwarts's robes when Colin noticed a beetle on the Potter's hair.

"Hey Harry, you have a beetle on your hair."

"Really?!" Billy groaned.

Billy faced the four champions, at Cedric specifically.

"Mr. Diggory, my uncle told me that you are adept in revealing charms, able to undo someone's transfiguration spell, like those of the animagi."

"I won't say 'good' but Mr. Batson did have me use one on the rat that turned out to be Peter Pettigrew." Cedric humbly replied.

"Could you please use one on that flying beetle?" Billy pointed at the beetle that was flying away from the group.

"Revelio."

Soon enough, the beetle turned into Rita Skeeter, writer for the Daily Prophet.

"Holy Moley! William was right, he told me you'd stoop this low Ms. Skeeter, but wow."

"What my rabid readers need are juicy news, not like a child knows about that."

"True, William always told me that we don't really care about the so-called 'juicy news' Ms. Skeeter, we just care about the truth, and apparently you don't."

"This isn't over Batson!" Rita growled as she stomped inside the castle.

"Glad you noticed that Colin before the interview could get started." Billy praised. "That's how the one and only Rita Skeeter gets her scoops, through gossip and exaggerations."

"Just trying to do my best Billy." Colin grinned. "I still can't believe Mr. Batson offered me a spot on his news magazine."

"You have yet to process that? Holy Moley! It's been months!" Billy chuckled. "In any case, there aren't many kids your age able to develop moving pictures Colin," He ruffled the younger boy's hair. "My uncle always say, everyone starts somewhere, it just so happen you started early with us."

Colin preened at the praise, he's been doing that lately. He's been doing a lot of that whenever praises go his way.

Colin wasn't blind to all the things about him. He knows that everyone considers him an annoyance, even his hero, Harry Potter, even his younger brother, Dennis. It hurt sometimes but he still persevered and that got him where he was, as the Mudblood's intern photographer.

"It seems your Head of House has come to collect you." Billy pointed at the approaching Professor Mcgonagall.

After exchanging a few goodbyes, Colin went with Gryffindor's head of house and retired to bed, leaving the Triwizard champions with Billy.

"How'd Colin get in the Mudblood?" Harry was confused.

"Professor Mcgonagall endorsed him actually." Billy admitted. "She admitted to being annoyed at him but she also knew that it was one talent that can be developed."

"Good for him." Harry smiled.

"In any case, let's start with the group interview."

Everyone sat on the ground, waiting for the questions.

"What did you feel when it was revealed that there were four champions?" Billy questioned the four champions.

"Cheated." Cedric, Fleur and Viktor immediately answered.

Harry looked down, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

"Care to elaborate?

"'ogwarts 'aving two champions, is most injust!" Fleur declared.

"I agree!" Viktor nodded. "Headmaster Karkaroof vas very angry. Vhat I vant to know is vhy one of Hogvarts's champions feel cheated."

Everyone looked to Cedric, waiting for him to elaborate his answer.

"House Hufflepuff is stereotyped as an unremarkable house, not brave like Gryffindors, not ambitious like Slytherins, not even intelligent like Ravenclaws." Cedric began. "This was supposed to be a small step towards proving them wrong." He admitted.

"How very Hufflepuff of you, loyal to the core." Billy chuckled. "I guess, the Hufflepuffs' humble nature has its downsides."

"I guess it does." Cedric sighed.

"Although, make no mistake, there are a lot of successful Hufflepuffs." Billy grabbed two pieces of parchment from his pants and gave them to Cedric. "Theseus Scamander, the war hero, is a Hufflepuff, same with the author of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', Newton Scamander. Both brothers were also present during Grindelwald and Dumbledore's fated duel, assisting your current headmaster."

"Were they really?" Cedric asked.

"For both Hufflepuffs, actions speak louder than words." Billy smiled at Cedric's reaction. "Make no mistake Cedric, Hufflepuffs are in no way weak, dumb or lazy, the mere fact that a Hufflepuff is in the tournament is a testament of that."

Harry couldn't help but sink even lower at the words exchanged. He knew of the stereotypes the Hufflepuffs were receiving, even Hagrid said that they were an unremarkable bunch.

"What about you Harry?" Billy turned to the youngest Champion. "What did you feel?"

"Scared." Harry immediately answered.

"That's new, even moreso from a Gryffindor."

"I did not put my name into the cup." Harry immediately followed up. "I'm more inclined to believe that someone set me up to die in this stupid tournament, like Professor Moody suggested."

Fleur gasped at the declaration.

"Who would want to kill a little boy like you?" Fleur questioned.

"I don't know. All I know is that I did not put my name into that stupid cup."

The three other champions looked at the youngest boy in their group. The fear Harry was projecting was very genuine in their opinion.

There was also the issue of the age line, the Weasley twins' aging potion did not even work and immediately expelled the both of them from the age line's premises.

"Okay, moving on." Billy shook his head. "What does everyone expect the tournament to be like?"

All four champions were silent for a moment, mulling over the question.

"Dangerous." Viktor grinned.

"Challenging." Fleur chirped.

"A Spectacle." Cedric nodded.

"Life-threatening, but I have faith in Professor Dumbledore to keep everyone safe."

"You do know that this tournament is infamous for its death toll, right Harry?" Billy questioned.

"I know that, but Professor Dumbledore won't let anyone get killed." Harry nodded.

Billy shook his head at the boy's blind faith on one man, one elderly man.

"So to summarize, the four of you expects the tournament to be a dangerously life threatening spectacle that challenges its participants?"

"Nice way to summarize our answers." Cedric chuckled.

"Looks like this concludes the interview everyone." Billy declared. "Although my uncle wants you four to meet him here tomorrow after dinner, he said about leveling the playing field."

---------

"And another reason why I like the Mudblood over the Daily Prophet." Hermoine declared as she read through two newspapers.

"Really? Why?" Came Dennis's exuberant question.

"They focus on facts over exaggerations." Hermoine shrugged. "Look." She handed Colin both newspapers for everyone in Gryffindor to see.

----------

The Daily Prophet

Hogwarts's Triwizard Champion – Harry Potter.

By: Rita Skeeter

Harry Potter was the name that the Goblet of Fire revealed to be Hogwarts's Triwizard Champion, despite there being an age line drawn by the Headmaster himself, Albus Dumbleddore. He was asked how he managed to pass through the headmaster's age line, he's tight-lipped and said along the lines of secrets being his to keep.

There is no denying you-know-who's killer is a powerful wizard in his own right, and he continues to astound us with his attendance at Hogwarts's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and his participation in the historical Triwizard Tournament.

When asked about the tournament, this was all he had to say. "I suppose I get my strength from my parents. I know they'd be very proud of me if they could see me now...Yes, sometimes at night I still cry about them, I'm not ashamed to admit it...I know nothing will hurt me during the tournament, because they're watching over me..."

On a different note, Harry has at last found love at Hogwarts. His close friend, Colin Creevey, says that Harry is rarely seen out of the company of one Hermione Granger, a stunningly pretty Muggle-born girl who, like Harry, is one of the top students in the school.

Animagus Found Dead in Cell

By: Kikis Trecus

----------

The Mudblood

Four Champions, Triwizard Tournament.

By: Billy Batson

In a recent turn of events, the Goblet of Fire revealed four champions instead of three for the revival of the Triwizard Tournament: Durmstrang's Quidditch Sensation, Viktor Krum; Beaubaxton's Exceptional Witch, Fleur Delacour; Hogwarts's Golden Boy, Cedric Diggory; and The-Boy-Who-Lived himself, Harry Potter.

Investigations are still on going to determine who put Harry Potter's name in the Goblet of Fire. According to various sources, many underage Wizards and Witches attempted to pass through the age line, which Hogwarts's Headmaster drew around the goblet, through various means including aging potions and transfigurations, all of which were reportedly unsuccessful.

Harry Potter claims to not have put his name into the Goblet, making the reveal that he is school's second champion a surprise to him as anyone else's.

When the champions were asked how they felt about the reveal, all of them, felt cheated. Beaubaxton's and Durmstrang's respective champions felt that the Headmaster of Hogwarts himself cheated so that Hogwarts's can have two champions, the same sentiments were also aired by their respective School Heads.

Hogwarts's other champion, Hufflepuff's very own Cedric Diggory, claimed that this tournament may have been a stepping stone towards eliminating the stereotypes that plagued his house, with the addition of Gryffindor's champion, that all went up in smoke along with any chances to stop the stereotype that lingered.

Found Dead: Unlicensed Animagus

By: Frederick Fawcett

---------

"Are you sure-"

"-it's not-"

"-just your-"

"-bias showing?"

The Weasley twins questioned the Granger as they sat next to each other.

"I assure you, it's not my bias." Hermoine hugged. "Seriously, Harry and I have been on our separate ways a lot of times, I'm at the library, actually studying for my lessons and he's out there either playing Quidditch for the team or procrastinating."

"Someone's prickly." The twins chuckled in unison.

"This isn't fair." Colin whined. "I only told Billy that Harry and Hermoine were very close friends!"

"Exhibit number two." Hermoine gestured towards Colin with a raised eyebrow.

"The question is, how was she able to get these information?" Hermoine narrowed her eyes in concentration.

"She turns into a beetle." Colin calmed himself. "I saw Cedric use the revealing charm on a beetle that turned into her, Billy said that was how she got her scoops."

"She's an unregistered animagus?" Hermoine exclaimed.

----------

"I wasn't sure you four would come." William greeted the four champions.

"You said about leveling the playing field." Harry answered.

"Too true, Mr. Potter." William smiled. "I will admit this is for your benefit as you are two or three years younger than the other three champions." He admitted. "To make this a fair game, I'm offering to teach you some spells you may or may not know."

The four champions stood attentively at the offer, of course they were going to use this opportunity to learn new spells.

"Won't this be called cheating?" Cedric voiced his reservations.

"A Hufflepuff indeed," William chuckled. "No it's not, not only am I a third party, no allegiance to any of the participating schools, I am also offering this to all four of you." He smiled. "That and I would like for there to be no casualties in this tournament, known to have killed students much younger than you."

"What about Professor Dumbledore?"

"Your faith in your headmaster is commendable Mr. Potter, but I must say, he can't readily interfere with the tournament." William offered somberly. "You must understand that he's bound to the rules of the tournament as well."

Harry audibly gulped at William's words. If there was one thing that Harry was assured of in this tournament, is that Professor Dumbledore wouldn't let anyone killed in this tournament, but now? He felt like puking his insides.

"What I'm about to teach tonight is one you'll surely be glad to know." William smiled. "Tell me, Mr. Krum, Ms. Delacour and Mr. Diggory, do the three of you know what a bubble head charm is?"

Fleur nodded while Viktor and Cedric shook their heads.

"It will probably be taught as the year progresses, nevertheless, I will be teaching you four how." William smiled. "Point your wands towards your chins and repeat what I am doing."

William demonstrated the wand movement to the four champions and repeated them a few times for everyone to see.

"Now the incantation for this is, aera bulla."

"Aera bulla." The four simultaneously repeated after the news writer.

"Good." William nodded. "Now you four try casting the spell."

All four nodded as they pointed their wands on their respective chins and imitated William's wand movement from earlier.

"Aera bulla"

"Now to know if you correctly cast the spell." William levitated three dungbombs and dropped them near the champions.

The intended reaction came, apart from Fleur, all male champions immediately covered their nose in an attempt to stave off the putrid smell the dung bombs emanated.

"No smell Ms. Delacaour?"

"Non Monsiuer."

"C'est Magnifique!" William praised. "Boys, the only way to stop the smell is to cast the bubble-head charm correctly." He offered.

The boys immediately began their second attempt at casting the charm to varying levels of success. Sooner, the first of the boys to cast the charm correctly was Cedric, followed by Viktor and lastly, Harry.

"You four practice the charm and see if you can properly cast it in a short amount of time." William ordered. "Try using one whenever you use the bathroom… err… the loo."

-----------

The nightly training with William continued on until the week before the first task happened. They started with reviewing all the spells that the four were taught.

"Bubble-head charm." Cedric answered.

"Smoke-screen spell." Fleur added.

"Severing charm." Viktor stated.

"Mending charm." Harry nodded.

"Water making spell." Cedric smiled.

"Aqua Eructo." Harry grinned.

"Eradication spell." Viktor supplied.

"Shield charms." Fleur offered.

"Very good." William smiled. "I guess you four are taking this tournament seriously." He nodded. "This might be the last session we will have, and I will teach you one of the most difficult spells in Wizarding History, the Patronus charm."

"The Patronus charm?" Fleur tilted her head.

"The Patronus charm is known to defend against the Dementors and Lethifolds, both Dark creatures that have no other known defenses." William explained. "To cast it, you must think of the happiest memories of your life."

"Happiest memories?"

"Right!" Harry nodded. "Our happiest memories are what fuels our Patronus, they become our shields against Dementors and other Dark creatures, they will feed on the Patronus rather than feeding on the caster."

"Correct." William nodded. "Do you know the spell Harry?"

"Professor Lupin taught it to me when the Dementors were in the school." Harry admitted.

"Have you successfully conjured a corporeal patronus?"

Harry nodded.

"There are two types of Patronuses, Corporeal and Incorporeal." William stated. "An Incorporeal Patronus forms shapeless silver light from the wand and act as your personal shield from the aforementioned Dark Creatures, a Corporeal Patronus will be in a shape of an animal that best represents you."

"To successfully cast the Patronus charm. You can't use just any happy memory, it has to be the happiest memory." Harry added. "Or at least a memory that makes you very happy, at least that was what it took for me to actually cast an Incorporeal Patronus."

"Aren't the both of them just the same?" Cedric questioned.

"Maybe so, but for me they're different." Harry shrugged.

"Harry what do you say we cast the spell at the same time?"

Harry nodded in agreement.

"Expecto Patronum!"

Two white silvery animals came out of their respective wands, one Stag and a Tiger. Both animals seemed to run around the five of them before running onto the lake, as if playing around.

"A stag." William observed.

"A bloody tiger." Harry exclaimed. "Your patronus is a bloody tiger."

"A Bengal Tiger." William corrected.

"It's still a bloody tiger!"

"Gee whiz! What can I say? I love me some tigers" William grinned.

The other three champions looked at the silvery animals in awe.

Soon, the two patronuses vanished.

"Now I want the three of you to close your eyes and think of your happiest memory to date, lose yourself into those memories before chanting the incantation 'Expecto Patronum'"

The three champions nodded as they each thought up of their happiest memory.

The first one to open their eyes and say the incantation was Viktor. He drew a circle above him and a small white silvery mist appeared at the tip of his wand.

The second one to open their eyes was Fleur. She cast the spell and flicked her wrist, but the results she got were the same as Viktor's.

When Cedric opened his eyes, he first took a deep breath before casting the spell and drew a circle in front of him simultaneously. A silver orb of light appeared at the tip of Cedric's wand before it too died down.

"How come Potter can produce his easily?" Viktor questioned.

"Oui!" Fleur nodded.

"It probably has to do with the fact that the Dementors that seemed to fancy him," Cedric offered. "He lost his Quidditch match against me because the Dementors attacked him and fell unconscious in the middle of the game." He crossed his arms. "For the record, I called for a rematch."

"I agree with my fellow Gryffindors, you won that match fair and square." Harry objected.

"Born out of necessity?" Viktor raised an eyebrow.

"Most likely." Cedric nodded.

"The patronus is one of the most difficult spells to cast," William explained. "Apart from Harry here, I never expected anyone to cast a patronus on their first try, no, I didn't expect anyone to be able to cast the spell on their first try."

"I didn't get it at first either." Harry offered. "I learned this spell like a year ago."

"It is still impressive how you succeeded in producing a full body patronus in a span of a year, most wizards and witches take years to produce one, if at all." William praised.

----------

Time passed and the other three champions barely got any progress in summoning an incorporeal patronus, let alone a corporeal one. None of them were deterred however, they tried countless times to at least summon an incorporeal one.

"Mr. Diggory, Ms. Delacour, Mr. Krum and Mr. Potter, gather around for a moment." William called. "There's another use to the patronus. They can send messages to anyone anywhere."

"Like a telephone?" Harry questioned.

"Telephone?" The other champions.

"A muggle device capable of sending voiced messages to a specific person or location." William explained. "Although, I think it's comparable to a radio."

"Radio?"

"Right, English." William sighed. "I meant wireless, the patronus is comparable to a wireless, minus the animals."

"You mean to say that we can send messages to any one through our patronus?" Harry asked, giddy at the new option for communication.

"I'd simmer that anticipation if I were you Harry, you still have the Trace on you." William shook his head. "But yes, that is indeed the case."

"Brilliant!"

"However, I'm not teaching you four that particular ability just yet, not until you three can produce a corporeal patronus of your own." William stated. "You three are getting the hang of it, you just need to push through." He encouraged. "As for you Harry, I want you to practice that spell without shouting your heart out."

Harry had the decency to blush at the observation.

"Before we end this session, I am telling you of a word that may or may not be of use to you." William used his wand to write in the air.

The letters S, H, A, Z, A, and M appeared.

"Read this word." William instructed.

"Shazam?"

"With more conviction."

"Shazam!"

Suddenly lightning flashed from the sky as thunder roared.

"You may speak that word if you feel like your life is in danger." William stated.

"It's not a spell?" Cedric questioned.

"No it's not, think of it as a Taboo." William shook his head. "Once you utter that word, something or someone will help you in your time of need. It's like a call for help, only it won't be as obvious as shouting 'help me'." He chuckled.

"Why are you telling us this Monsieur Batson?" Fleur questioned.

"The entire World has lost a lot of people Ms. Delacour from the many wars the muggles and the wizards and witches have staged. Grindelwald's war alone cost the lives of many muggles and magical people be it adult or child." He sighed. "I am simply avoiding the worst case scenario."

----------

The tournament continued as scheduled. The first task was against dragons. Cedric was about to be burned by the dragon's fire when he expelled a pressurized jet of water from his wand, just enough for him to escape.

Vikor managed to save the other dragon eggs that would've been squashed by the dragon's stomps by firing off a shield charm above the aforementioned eggs.

After the scores were announced, Viktor and Harry tied in first place with Cedric in close second and Fleur in third.

"Hey Harry!" Billy greeted as he went inside the first aid tent.

"Hey Billy!" Harry waved.

"I just finished interviewing the other three champions and I'm sure Colin's managed to take a picture of each of your and your fellow champions' brilliant moments earlier." He chuckled. "Care to share what you felt?"

"Oh Harry?" One Rita Skeeter intercepted him. "May I have a word?"

"Sure!" Harry smiled. "Good-bye."

Billy snorted at the remark.

"Let's go somewhere Billy."

"Sure thing."

----------

The Mudblood

First Task: Nesting Mothers

By: Billy Batson

The first task for the Triwizard Tournament is getting through dragons. The main objective of the task is to steal a fake egg from a nesting dragon.

Various sources told the Mudblood about how it was dangerous to use dragons for a tournament with student participants.

Newton Scamander, a famed Magizoologist and author of a series bestselling of books 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', has condemned the use of nesting mothers and their eggs in the tournament. The unnecessary danger to the brood and their mother could have been prevented had there been no real eggs used in the task.

He does send his appreciations to Durmstrang's champion, Viktor Krum, for using a shield charm to protect the eggs, instead of letting them get squashed by their very own mother, trying to protect them.

The champions were asked before of what they expected this tournament going to be. The four of them were in agreement that it's "a dangerously life threatening spectacle that challenges its participants". We asked them now if that's what was still on their minds for the second and third task.

The four of them are also in agreement with what they thought of the tournament now. "This goes beyond dangerously life-threatening and challenging, this is survival."

-----------

Days passed and it was time for the Yule Ball.

Billy and Colin were busy with the Ball's attendees with Billy interviewing the guests and Colin taking their photographs.

Soon enough, Billy spotted the champions separately, along with their dates. He waited for the eight of them to converge before he ambushed them with an impromptu interview.

"Hey guys!

"Hello Billy." Cedric and Harry greeted.

Fleur simply nodded at the young journalist while Viktor acknowledged his presence by looking at him with mild interest.

"Could you introduce me to your dates for this lovely night?" Billy prompted.

"My lovely date is one Herm-own-ninny." Viktor introduced as Hermoine gave a bow.

"My date for this night is Cho Chang." Cho mimicked Hermoine's actions and bowed in front of the journalist.

"My date for tonight is Roger Davies." The Ravenclaw smugly nodded at Billy.

"O-oh! M-my date is Parvati Patil." Parvati bowed at the journalist and offered a smile.

"So what do you think of this night?" Billy asked.

"Exciting." Hermoine answered.

"Nervous." Harry offered.

"Come now mate, I'm sure everything will be fine." Cedric assured the Potter.

"Champions over here please!" Came Professor Mcgonagall's voice.

"Looks like the deputy Headmistress is calling for you." Billy grinned. "Colin take a shot of these eight would you."

"Sure thing Billy!"

The four champions and their dates positioned themselves comfortably before Colin took a picture of all eight of them.

---------

The Mudblood

Yule Ball: A Memorable Magical Night

By: Billy Batson

The recently concluded Yule Ball was the first time in centuries that the event has coincided with the Triwizard Tournament. As such Hogwarts has been made a witness to the interschool camaraderie between students from all participating schools. They can invite just about anyone to the school dance provided that they are students of the participating schools.

Durmstrang students can invite students from both Hogwarts and Beauxbaton, as was the case for the school's champion, Viktor Krum, who had the lovely Hermoine Granger as his date.

Beauxbaton's students were also in the same boat as they too can invite, or can be invited, students from Durmstrang and Hogwarts which was true for their champion, Fleur Delacour, who had the dashing Roger Davies as her date.

That is not to say that the respective schools cannot invite someone from the same school as them, like Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory, who had the beautiful Parvati Patil and Cho Chang as their respective dates.

For this one night, Hogwarts's staff, in collaboration with the Department of International Magical Cooperation, transformed the school's Great Hall into a ballroom made of ice. The Hall's enchanted ceiling were dropping snow while tables and chairs have their colors changed from wood brown to snow white and ice blue, giving off the illusion that they were also made of ice.

Icicles clung to the flame-lit and candle-lit chandeliers giving the Hall an atmosphere fit for royalty.

All of the guests in attendance agreed that venue and its ambience was a sight to behold.

The ball was opened by the four Triwizard Champions alongside their dates. The champions themselves were dashing and lovely while their respective dates were beautiful and handsome. The eight of them opened the celebration as they entranced the other attendees with their enchanting dance.

As the ball progressed, many other students and teachers danced. Headmasters Igor Karkaroff and Albus Dumbledore danced with their fellow teachers Professor Antonia Borislava and Professor Minerva Mcgonagall respectively while Headmistress Olympe Maxime danced with Professor Rubeus Hagrid.

The night progressed and the already memorable Yule Ball was graced with the performance of the Weird Sisters, who livened the event.

Both Percy Weasley, assistant to the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Batermius Crouch Sr., and Ludovic Bagman, head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports has agreed that the Yule Ball was huge success. It was declared as soon as the ball concluded.

----------

The Yule Ball just ended, the four champions were just about to retire to their respective beds when a silver Tiger appeared by their bedsides.

"This is one ability of the patronus, sending messages. I would like to meet everyone on New Year's eve and good night."

As soon as the last word was stated, the silver tiger vanished.

----------

It was New Year's Eve, the four champions converged where they had been meeting William by the lake. Cedric and Fleur were talking with each other when Harry had arrived while Viktor simply stood to the side not caring of what was happening at the moment.

"Good you're here." William walked towards the champion. "I'm afraid this is no social call or another teaching session." He continued somberly.

"What happened?" Cedric immediately questioned.

"I have a lead to who put Mr. Potter's name into the goblet," William shook his head. "I'm still following it will go." He added. "Have any of the teachers been giving you 'helpful' hints past the first task?"

"Professor Moody was rather impatient to know if I had figured the clue just yet." Cedric offered.

"Same with me." Harry nodded.

"I see." William clicked his tongue. "I want the both of you to stay vigilant, especially around your teachers." He instructed both Hogwarts's champions.

"Vhat is going on? Vhy are ve suspecting Hogvarts's staff?" Viktro asked.

"Oui."

"If my suspicions are indeed true, this isn't the first time the Dark Lord has had his followers infiltrate the school to kill one Harry Potter." William looked at the youngest champion. "Mr. Potter?"

"Yes." Harry looked at his shoes.

"From what I gathered, Professor Quirrel was possessed by the wraith of the Dark Lord in an attempt to steal the Philosopher's stone." William stated. "Then the Chamber of Secrets, the heir of Slytherin was referring to one Tom Marvolo Riddle."

William wrote the name in the air before flicking his wrist to rearrange the letters to form 'I am Lord Voldemort'

"Voldemort has attended Hogwarts, but I'm going on a tangent." William shook his head. "Just last year, Black's escape from Azkaban and the reveal that Peter Pettigrew was the Weasley's pet rat."

"How, how do you know that?" Harry stared at the man.

"The ghosts here are loose lipped Harry." William knelt down to Harry's height. "I asked and they answered.

"The same thing will happen this year too?" Cedric gasped.

"I can't say for sure, but yes it's a possibility," William nodded. "Mr. Potter's name being revealed as the tournament's fourth champion, despite the precautions put in place fits the pattern."

"What are we to do?" Fleur panicked.

"As I said, I am still following the lead I have, however, I did not call you here simply to inform you."

The four champions narrowed their eyes in curiosity.

"I am here to cast protective charms on you." William gestured towards his wand. "You four might feel some shocks, but that's just my brand of magic."

"Can it block the unforgivable curses?" Harry asked.

"Unfortunately no, alongside the protective charms, I am also casting a compulsion curse on the four of you."

"Wha-no!" The four of them protested.

"It's not the imperious curse." William assured. "Remember the word I had shared to you the week before the first task? If you four are in any life-threating situation, you will be compelled to say the word."

"Wouldn't it be called cheating if we were compelled to say the word in a tournament known to have fatalities?" Cedric questioned.

"Of course, I have already taken that into account, the compulsion only takes effect if you hear the first two syllables of the unforgivable curses." William explained.

"What about ze times where we feel zat we are threatened but ze unforgivable curses weren't cast?"

"You are free to say the word as well."

The four champions looked at each other in contemplation. From William's words, it seemed like this protection would last a lifetime.

"I'll take it!" The four champions voiced out.

"Well then, all four of you surround me." William instructed. "You need to place the tip of your wands and your left hand anywhere on me and close your eyes." He added. "You might feel a bit shocked but don't open your eyes as soon as I tell you to."

The four champions followed the instructions presented and closed their eyes, anticipating whatever would happen.

"Shazam!" William muttered under his breath.

Lightning struck William and shocked the four champions. They persevered however and remained in their places with their eyes closed.

"Shazam!"

Another lightning struck the location where William once stood shocking the four champions unconscious.

----------

The Daily Prophet

Triwizard Champions Found Unconscious

By: Rita Skeeter

In what should have been a happy new year's celebration turned horrifying when yours truly, Rita Skeeter, found the four champions of the Triwizard Tournament by the school's lakeside. Viktor Krum, Fleur Delacour, Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter were all found unconscious.

Headmaster Karkaroff and Headmistress Maxime all expressed disappointment with the school's rather lackluster security. They had a very thorough choice of words to express their disappointment.

According to various sources, it seemed like Mr. Potter had cast a sleep walking curse on his fellow champions as a prank and cast one on himself to avoid suspicion.

Mr. Potter was asked if the theory was true, as usual the boy-who-lived was tight-lipped and remarked about how secrets should stay a secret.

----------

Harry looked at the newspaper that Professor Mcgonagall had given him in her office.

"I swear Professor Mr. Batson had the four of us meet there like we used to." Harry justified.

"I know Mr. Potter, the headmaster and I received his message through a patronus and asked for permission." The Gryffindor's head of house. "I am simply here to discuss how you should address this situation."

"What do you think I should do?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing, you can be reckless and do stupid responses most of the time so I called you in here before you could even retaliate."

Harry had no words to retort with the Professor's logic. He knew it himself that he was tad bit reckless.

---------

Depending on how one looked at things, the weeks that lead up to the second task was either exciting or nerve-wracking.

Cedric had clued Harry in on how to actually get the clue from the golden egg that they had gotten from the first task.

Harry, Hermoine and Ron all worked together on deciphering the clue that he got but they were stuck how to breathe underwater for more or less than an hour.

The day of the second task came, and the champions found out that the clue was about their friends who they need to save from underwater.

Cedric and Fleur all used the bubble-head charm before diving underwater while Krum transfigured himself into an incomplete shark and gave himself gills.

Harry simply downed the gillyweed that Dobby had given him beforehand.

"Tied in first place are Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter! Both Hogwarts's champions!" Bagman announced. "Followed by Mr. Krum and then by Ms. Delacour!"

---------

The Mudblood

Second Task: Underwater Rescue

By: Billy Batson

The second task involved saving one of the champion's loved ones underwater. The champions were in a state of shock as soon as they found out what the second task entailed. Cedric Diggory and Fleur Delacour didn't waste any time and cast the bubble-head charm before diving down the lake, in an effort to save their loved ones who were unconscious underwater.

Viktor Krum transfigured himself into a shark in a bid to breathe underwater and swim faster to save his loved one underwater.

Harry Potter, without using his wand, suddenly gained gills and webbed limbs, both conducive for underwater travel. He immediately dove down the lake to see who his hostage was.

Some sources believed that Mr. Potter ate a gillyweed to turn himself into a sea creature for an hour.

The first one to surface was Fleur Delacour, she was unable to save her hostage, her younger sister Gabrielle Delacour, for she was attacked by a swarm of grindylows.

The next to surface was Cedric Diggory along with his hostage, Cho Chang, his date during the Yule Ball.

After Cedric was Viktor Krum alongside his hostage, Hermoine Granger, his date during the Yule Ball.

Harry Potter was the last to surface, even later than his hostage, Ron Weasley, his best friend, and Fleur's younger sister.

According to the merpeople, Harry had arrived to where the hostages were kept first but didn't surface immediately and waited for the other champions to rescue their hostages.

The second task ended with Potter and Diggory tying in first place, followed by Krum and then by Delacour.

Sirius Black Declared Innocent

By: Mary Atkinson

---------

Time passed and the reveal of the third task came. Viktor, Cedric and Harry were upset as soon as they saw that the Quidditch Pitch was turned into something unrecognizable. Something the three of them so loved was defiled to this degree.

"I assure you Mr. Krum, Mr. Diggory, Mr. Potter you'll have your Quidditch field back to the way it was, as soon as the third task is done." Bagman assured.

"A Maze." Viktor observed.

"Pretty hedges aren't they?" Bagman smiled. "Give it a few months and they'll be 20 feet high." He bragged.

"We seemply 'ave to get through ze maze?" Fleur questioned.

"There'll be obstacles and Professor Hagrid is providing us a number of creatures."

Harry winced at the information, he knew how dangerous some of Hagrid's creatures were.

"The champions with the highest amount of points will get a head start, meaning Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter will start first followed by Mr. Krum and Ms. Delacour." Bagman grinned. "Everyone should have a fighting chance depending on how one passes through the obstacles.

After the information dump for the final task, Harry and Viktor decided to talk for a bit while Fleur and Cedric went back inside the castle.

After walking towards the forest and talked for a bit, one of the judges, Mr. Crouch, turned up looking worse for wear. He was saying something along the lines of warning Dumbledore and it was his fault.

Harry ordered Viktor to stay while he got Professor Dumbledore.

Unfortunately by the time he and Dumbledore they only found Viktor sprawled to the ground and no sign of Crouch.

"What are you doing here gentlemen?" William walked towards the group.

"Harry claims to have seen Barty Crouch here in the forest, looking delirious." Dumbledore informed the journalist. "And Viktor claims that Crouch has attacked him." He continued.

"Appare Vestigium."

Lightning struck the tree that William faced and soon enough a visage of Crouch appeared on the tree alongside a visages Harry and Krum talking to him. After a few moments the Potter's visage vanished and a red circle hit the Krum's visage, before it fell beside the delirious image of Crouch.

A green beam hit Crouch's head before everything disappeared.

Skid marks that of a femur bone replaced the visages that lead towards Hagrid's hut before it disappeared.

Dumbledore pointed his wand at the point where the femoral skid marks stopped and that location exploded, revealing a human femur.

"Revelio"

The bone turned into Barty Crouch senior.

William looked at Hagrid and then at Dumbledore.

"No Hagrid can't be Crouch's killer." The Headmaster shook his head. "Hagrid was expelled from the school in his third year, transfiguring a human to a bone is far too advanced for someone of Hagrid's skill level."

"I'm sorry for that Headmaster, as a former auror, you know I had to scratch names from the list." William apologized.

"It's quite alright my boy." Dumbledore smiled.

"Hagrid, could you fetch Igor Karkaroof, he needs to be informed of this."

"A former auror eh?" Moody.

"Retired." William shrugged. "Now I'm just a journalist."

"Even still, one must exercise CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" Moody exclaimed.

-----------

The Mudblood

Triwizard Tournament Casualty

By: William Joseph Batson

Bartemius Crouch Sr. was found dead at Hogwarts's grounds. People wonder if this was an assault or simply a casualty of the infamous tournament that was recently revived.

It is no secret that the Triwizard Tournament has an infamous death toll. The process of which the champions are chosen is through an ancient magical artifact, the Goblet of Fire. Little is known about this artifact, the Ministry and the School's involved are also in the dark as to what this magical artifact is capable of.

The Ministry claims that the champions selected by the Goblet were bound by a magical contract with failing to adhere to the contract, siphons the person's magic and/or life, hence the approval of Mr. Potter's participation, despite the new rule that underage students being ineligible to participate in the tournament, or at least submit their names to the said magical artifact.

The Department of Magical Law Enforcement are hard at work at figuring out the cause of Mr. Crouch's death, whether it was mere happenstance or his death was part of the tournament altogether.

Despite the tragic passing of the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, the Ministry, by way of Minister Cornelius Fudge, has declared the third and final task to continue and he will take over Mr. Crouch's duties as judge.

--------

The Daily Prophet

HARRY POTTER: "DISTURBED AND DANGEROUS"

By: Rita Skeeter

---------

Witch Weekly

Harry Potter's Secret Heartache

By: Rita Skeeter

--------

The days leading up to the night of the third task was eventful, too eventful if you asked Harry.

Harry had been under Rita Skeeter's libelous attacks at the Daily Prophet ever since he and his fellow champions were found unconscious by the lake during New Year's Eve. During those days, Hermoine was hard at work to catch Rita Skeeter red handed and stop her from obtaining information through means that weren't ethical.

Even Hermoine fell to her libelous attacks and as a result, she was receiving many howlers for more than a day over the article about her supposed love triangle with Harry and Viktor

After the second task, Harry trained with Hermoine and Ron some spells that the Granger discovered in her research: the Impediment Curse and the Reductor Curse. He had even managed to surprise his friends that he already knew of the shield charms, but he was still having trouble with them, which was where they focusing their training most of the time.

"You're doing well considering things." Hermoine praised.

"I don't know." Harry shook his head. "When we champions trained with each other, Cedric's disarming charm could penetrate my shield charm and disarmed me of my wand."

"He is two years ahead of us." Ron offered. "As most of the champions are."

"I suppose."

None of the champions ever met with William after their meeting at during New Year's Eve. He had sent them a patronus to deliver a message, but those were simply well wishes and good lucks for the upcoming task.

In the same vein, the champions haven't met with Billy for an impromptu interview or otherwise. They still saw Colin who was taking photographs everywhere.

The day of the third task came and Harry found himself meeting with Professor Lupin and his godfather, Sirius Black, who was recently exonerated. It was a huge surprise to many to see the man who supposedly murdered his parents acting fatherly towards him. He couldn't bring himself to care because he finally have a family to call his own, one that would care for him.

The Weasleys also came to support Harry, as Molly and Arthur had come to see him as one of their own. Even when Percy was being a big prat, he knew that the former Gryffindor Head Boy, also supported him despite the other Weasley siblings sowing doubt about their brother.

As far as Harry knew, Percy was questioned about Mr. Crouch's death, or Ron claims, as he was doing Mr. Crouch's duties in the man's absence. It was probably a huge blow to him that the Minister of Magic himself has decided to take over Mr. Crouch's duties instead of Percy.

It was a huge miracle that Percy was even allowed to witness the third task altogether.

During his meeting with his godfathers and the Weasleys, Harry met the family members of his fellow champions: Fleur's mother, Viktor's parents and Cedric's parents. He had met Cedric's proud father back when he, Hermoine and the Weasleys watched the Quidditch World Cup alongside Cedric and his father.

Harry may not have shown it, he was a bit jealous of Cedric's relationship with his father. A father proud of his achievements, proud of him.

"Ignore him." Cedric offered. "Dad's been angry since Rita Skeeter's article about the Triwizard Tournament – you know, when she made out you were the only Hogwarts's champion."

"Didn't bother to correct her, though, did he?"

"Hasn't he read The Mudblood?" Harry questioned. "Hermoine says that paper has articles that reflect facts instead of Skeeter's gossips."

"Harry!" Molly admonished. "You know that's not polite."

Harry and Remus began to explain how a certain news magazine came to Hogwarts the year before and revealed Sirius's innocence and Pettigrew's betrayal.

"Remember a few months ago Mum? When Mr. Batson interviewed us?" Percy offered. "He's the owner of that news magazine."

"Really?" Molly's eyes widened. "Well then, he should've chosen a better name." She huffed.

"Can you give me that paper?" Cedric's father stated, not believing the claim until he'd seen it.

"All the students are subscribed." Cedric produced the paper in question, displaying the article about the Triwizard Tournament.

"Do you always carry that everywhere?" Harry elbowed the Hufflepuff.

"I knew something like this would happen, knowing my father." Cedric grinned. "So I made sure to bring my copy of the paper with me."

"Are you sure you're not supposed to be in Slytherin?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"I'm hurt." Cedric playfully clutched his chest. "I've been nothing but a loyal Hufflepuff, I'm not about to leave you in the lion's den."

"I am a lion though." Harry smirked. "Shouldn't I be left in a lion's den?"

"A badger's sett then." Cedric grinned.

"I'm surprised you know about muggle terms." Harry hummed.

"Remember when William first arrived?"

"Yeah?"

"The next few months after were spent learning about animals and what muggles do with them." Cedric informed. "Including what to call a group of them, their life spans, and what to call their homes."

"You're taking muggle studies?"

"I want to work at the ministry like dad, well after becoming a professional Quidditch player." Cedric admitted. "Dad has said that the Ministry had business with the muggle government, I think it'll be good to know how to blend in?"

"Are you sure you're not supposed to be in Slytherin, Cedric?" Harry teased.

"Oh hush you git!" Cedric elbowed the youngest champion.

"Aside from the news magazine's name, I quite like this article." The Diggory Patriarch declared. "I'll get a subscription."

"Later, Amos." Cedric's mother voiced out. "We're here to support our son."

"Right!" Amos nodded. "You'll show him Ced, Beaten him once before, haven't you?"

"That Skeeter woman goes out of her way to cause trouble Amos." Molly huffed. "I would've thought you'd know that, working at the Ministry."

"You know Amos Molly, Cedric is his pride and joy." Mrs. Diggory offered.

"I know that, Aria." Molly sighed. "It's not fair that he'd blame Harry for Skeeter's work, is it?"

"I suppose not." Aria shook her head.

---------

The big night came, everyone came to the Quidditch Pitch to witness the third task. Each student supporting their preferred champion, with Beauxbatons supporting Fleur and Durmstrang supporting Viktor.

Hogwarts's student population however was divided, two major houses supported only one champion, and those were Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors, supporting their respective champions, Cedric and Harry.

Slytherins majorly supported Viktor while a few supported both of Hogwarts's champions Ravenclaws on the other hand weren't united on who to support, some supported Durmstrang, some Beauxbatons, some even supported Hufflepuff's Cedric and some had supported Gryffindor's Harry.

When the signal was given, Harry and Cedric went into the maze at the same time.

Time passed and all the Triwizard Tournament participants were inside the maze. They each navigated the maze on their own using a variety of spells, Wand-Lighting charms and a Four- Point Spell were among the spells cast by all four of them.

As Cedric dodged the Blast-Ended Skrewt's tail when he saw lightning struck one part of the maze. Suddenly, a violent gust of wind threatened to lift him off the ground, he managed to hold unto the maze's hedge but the creature that was blocking his wasn't so lucky as he saw it blown a few feet away.

Cedric converged with Harry to the place where lightning struck and found both Viktor and Fleur unconscious.

"William said, we won't say the word if we're in the tournament." Harry voiced out.

"Do you think an unforgivable curse was used?" Cedric questioned.

"Surely Krum or Delacour wouldn't cast that, would they?" Harry asked.

"I don't know." Cedric frowned. "We've never known them enough."

"Should we send Red sparks?"

"I think we should." Cedric nodded. "We'll know what happened after the task."

Cedric and Harry pointed their wands up and called the spell at the same time.

"Vermillous!"

Soon after, both Cedric and Harry went on their separate ways and continued to navigate through the maze.

The both of them were perplexed at the lightning that struck the maze, they knew the only way to have been forced to say the word during the tournament was if they heard someone say the first two syllables of any of the unforgivable curses.

As time went by, both Hogwarts champions met at a crossroads, with the Triwizard cup gleaming at the end of the corridor of hedges. Cedric was nearer to the cup so the Hufflepuff champion made a mad dash towards the prize.

Harry, never one to quit, immediately chased after Cedric, in the hopes of outrunning him.

That all changed when a huge spider dropped from above.

"Cedric look out!"

The Diggory was able to avoid getting flattened by the large spider and rolled backwards, just in time for Harry to arrive.

Cedric and Harry teamed up and cast jinxes, hexes and charms at the overgrown arachnid for little to no effect. It was so huge or so magical that none of their consecutive attacks were working against it. They wasted much time attacking one after the other that soon after the both of them were separated.

Harry was lifted in the air by the spider's pincers while Cedric continued to fire jinxes and spells at his gigantic enemy.

"Expelliarmus!"

Harry's disarming spell worked but he was now dropped from high up.

"Arresto Momentum!"

Harry found himself suddenly suspended mere inches above the ground before he was unceremoniously dropped with a thud.

The large spider jumped and threatened to land where Cedric and Harry were standing

"Stupefy!"

The combination of both Harry's and Cedric's spells was just enough to throw the overgrown arachnid a few feet away from them, flattening some of the hedges as a result.

"You okay?" Cedric offered a hand towards Harry.

"I'll live." Harry breathed.

That was when both boys saw the gleaming Triwizard cup, and so started the argument of who should take the cup. They each listed reasons on why the other one should get it.

In the end, both of them decided to take the cup together and at the same time.

Cedric and Harry were unceremoniously dropped unto a graveyard as soon as they touched the Triwizard cup.

Said cup was flung away from them as soon as they arrived.

The boys took a small breather as they recuperated from the impromptu teleportation the two of them had been subjected to.

Harry looked at his surroundings, the sense of familiarity immediately hit him but he just can't place where.

"Where are we?" Cedric questioned as he looked around.

"I've been here before." Harry stated as the sense of dread was filling him.

Cedric looked at the cup then at his companion.

"The cup is a Portkey." Cedric informed the Potter. "Where'd you think this sent us?"

"I don't know." Harry shook his head. "I just know I've been here before, in a dream."

"Part of the task then?" Cedric questioned.

"I don't think so." Harry denied. "The tournament is supposed to take place at the school."

"Wands out then?"

"Yeah."

Harry and Cedric let out their respective wands and held them tightly, ready to defend themselves from any possible threat.

"Cedric, get back to the cup!" Harry ordered as he traced his wand on the name engraved on the grave – Tom Riddle.

"Wha-?" Cedric rushed to his companion's side. "What are you talking about?!"

"Get back to the cup!" Harry repeated before crumpling to the ground.

Harry was holding his head, the side where his scar was located, as he screamed in pain.

Cedric tried to help his companion when he saw a figure holding a bundle covered with a single robe getting out from the house he hadn't noticed before.

The figure began to menacingly walk towards both boys.

"Who are you?!" Cedric pointed his wand at the figure. "What do you want?!"

"Kill the spare!" A voice that came from the robed bundle, hoarsely ordered.

"Ava-"

"SHAZAM!"

"-da Kedavra!

Lightning struck the ground a few meters away from Cedric as the green beam of light was expelled from the figure's wand.

"Cedric! No!"

A huge shockwave flung everyone in the area away from where they once stood, barring the unknown figure. The figure was barely able to stand his ground but the hood came off of the figure and revealed his true identity – Wormtail.

Harry was flung to a statue before dropping to the ground, wincing in pain.

Cedric was flung a few feet away before he dropped to the ground, lifeless.

"You!" Harry gasped.

----------

Cedric regained consciousness when he felt someone stepping on his face. He made a small opening on his eyes, just enough to see who was stepping on him but not enough to clue anyone that he had regained consciousness.

He was about to gasp upon seeing Voldemort's face above him, that was when he found out that he couldn't move, apart from his eyes and eyelids.

Suddenly, he remembered that he should be dead. He remembered the killing curse cast, with him as the intended target.

The killing curse somehow paralyzed him.

Cedric was on the verge of panicking when he saw Voldemort's face float away from him on top surviving the killing curse.

The Hufflepuff forced himself to calm down and try to discern the situation he found himself in.

In trying to discern his situation, he briefly got a glimpse of Harry bowing towards the Dark Lord, as if someone was forcing him to bow down.

"Cruci-"

"Shazam!"

-o!"

Cedric could hear thunder roaring and see lightning flashes in the sky as Harry was on the receiving end of the Cruciatus Curse. He could hear the Dark Lord putting Harry under the torture curse multiple times, which would cause Harry to shout the word William had given the four of them via the compulsion charm William placed on them.

Harry was even placed under the Imperious curse from what Cedric could hear.

The Diggory figured that the word that William taught them summoned lightning and wouldn't be of much help if the spell's effect was instantaneous like the Imperious curse or the Cruciatus curse unlike the killing curse where the target has a small window of time to dodge the spell.

A moment later, a lightning storm happened. Continuous flashes of lightning lit up the graveyard before lightning struck a statue near the Dark Lord.

The next thing Cedric knew was Harry dueling against Voldemort, that was when he knew Harry didn't learn much about dueling, considering the incompetent teachers Hogwarts's has had. If the both of them would be able to come out alive from this mess, he swore that he would get Harry up to speed when it comes to dueling.

As Harry and Voldemort dueled, multiple places were struck by lightning, especially near where the Death Eaters were standing. Some graves and statues were even blown to pieces.

The place where lightning struck multiple times was at the center of the dome that was created when Harry's disarming charm collided with Voldemort's killing curse.

The Death Eaters were busy casting some protection charms in the area, which were ultimately useless the lightning continually shattered them.

"Do nothing! Unless I command you!" Voldemort shrieked at them.

Cedric tried to roll but his body still seemed paralyzed, despite that he desperately tried to move his body so that he could assist his fellow Hogwarts's student. Somehow, he managed to roll his body on his stomach and saw what was happening.

Apparently, there was a lot of details that Cedric has missed from his earlier observations. For instance, there were a few gray silhouettes of people.

Ghosts?

The Diggory can clearly make out the apparent ghosts' facial structure and body. He could even see their mouth moving as if talking to Harry, who was responding only with nods.

"Now!" Cedric heard Harry scream and charge towards him.

As Harry zigzagged across the graveyard dodging: curses; spells and; graves, lightning struck the places where Harry had stepped on, intercepting other spells coming the boy's way.

Cedric on the other hand, despite his paralyzed state, wanted to make things a bit easier for Harry, he desperately rolled himself on his back towards Harry's direction.

Harry threw himself on Cedric's body then pointed his wand at the Triwizard cup.

"Accio"

Cedric felt something bumped the back of his head when he heard an applause. It seemed like he and Harry arrived back at the school.

He was then lulled back to unconsciousness.

----------

"Harry!"

Cedric screamed as he immediately sat up on his bed.

"Relax my boy." The Headmaster announced his presence. "I don't think Madame Pomfrey would appreciate her patients getting disturbed." He offered.

"Headmaster!"

"Good Evening Mr. Diggory." Dumbledore greeted.

"You have to warn everyone! He's back!" Cedric scampered to the Headmaster, stumbling a bit. "You-know-who's back!"

"Calm down Mr. Diggory." Dumbledore ordered. "Shouting and panicking will only lead to rash decisions."

Cedric took calming breaths. He agreed with the Headmaster's words that panicking would lead to irrational actions.

The Hufflepuff just couldn't help the guilt that he essentially let Harry battle the Dark Lord all on his own. He was supposed to be older than the boy-who-lived, someone with experience and he just lied on the ground and watched Potter battle you-know-who.

"If it's not too much to ask, my boy, would you consent to giving us your version of the story?" Dumbledore asked. "Harry claimed that you've been hit by the killing curse."

"The boy just woke up!" Madame Pomfrey growled. "You're already questioning him?!"

"I'm afraid it is necessary Poppy." Dumbledore sighed. "It is of utmost necessity that we include someone else's testimony, seeing as Fudge got Crouch Jr. kissed by a dementor."

"Another Dementor inside the school." Madame Pomfrey seethed.

Cedric could only stare at the two adults in the room. As far as he can put together, it seemed like Harry has already warned everyone who were at the Quidditch field of you-know-who's return but the Headmaster just implied that the ministry won't believe it.

"Crouch jr.?"

"Polyjuice potion." Dumbledore answered the Hufflepuff. "He was teaching as Professor Moody in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Someone impersonated one of the Headmaster's closest friends?

Cedric knew that Mad-eye Moody and the Headmaster were close friends by way of his father. Amos had commented about that during his conversation alone with his parents before the third task. The Diggory patriarch even remarked that there was no better teacher for the Defense Against the Dark Arts than Alastor Moody.

"Harry already told you his version of the story."

"Yes," Dumbledore nodded. "What we want to know is how you survived the killing curse, Harry was convinced that you had actually died."

"I don't know myself Professor." Cedric admitted. "I knew that a hooded figure aimed the killing curse at me. I felt myself getting blown away from the hit, then I blacked out."

"Felt getting blown away?"

"Yes!" Cedric nodded. "The next thing I knew was you-know-who stepping on my face."

"Were there anything else that happened during when the killing curse was cast?"

"There was lightning." Cedric admitted. "At the same time that the killing curse was cast, lightning struck the grass a small distance in front of me."

"Curious, quite curious." Dumbledore smiled.

"Sir, what about you-know-who?"

"Would you be willing to corroborate your story with Harry?"

"Of course sir!" Cedric nodded.

"I must warn you, the minister does not believe what you saw was real, Skeeter's article paints Potter as delusional."

"The Daily Prophet's rubbish anyway, and so is she." Cedric growled. "Her articles only serve to divide us."

"Ah yes, her articles are enchantingly nasty." Dumbledore nodded. "You know what this entails right Mr. Diggory?"

"Smear campaign against me, or my parents would strongly suggest to denounce what Harry stated?" Cedric questioned.

Hufflepuffs had the reputation of being naïve, weak, dumb and everything in-between. Cedric can say without a doubt that the students he met in his house weren't what their house's reputation seemed to imply, he certainly wasn't.

If there's one thing anyone can describe Cedric, it's that he's loyal. He is not about to leave Harry in the air just like that. He knew his name would be tarnished if he would side with the Gryffindor Triwizard champion, but he doesn't care about that, what he cares is that Harry would have someone to support him, to be there for him in times of need.

It's only fair.

After having Harry duel against the Dark Lord in the graveyard, it's the least he could do.

His reputation can recover, but life can't be.

"Yes." Dumbledore nodded.

"Then I will tell everyone what I saw and corroborate with Harry's story."

----------

The morning after, Cedric was still bedridden. He can certainly stand, walk and run but Madame Pomfrey insisted that he stay for a few days.

Apparently, William had given Madam Pomfrey some theories of Cedric's unconsciousness and his apparent paralysis. She certainly wasn't shocked when the Diggory told her and the Headmaster of his predicament at the graveyard.

"You're alive." Cedric's parents sobbed on him in relief. "My boy's alive!"

"Happy to be dad, mum." Cedric smiled.

"I didn't know that Harry Potter wanted to win the Triwizard Tournament that he'd use the killing curse." Amos growled. "I will have him arrested."

"Amos!" Aria called out. "That was Rita Skeeter's speculation, we shouldn't be believing her words."

"What if it's true Aria?!" Amos countered. "He has the gall to blame it on someone dead like you-know-who."

"He really has risen dad." Cedric somberly admitted. "I was there, Harry was almost killed."

"Why're you defending your killer Cedric?" Amos asked.

"I don't know how I survived the killing curse, but it wasn't Harry who cast it dad." Cedric assured his father. "I heard Harry thought I was dead, wasn't it enough that he brought me back to Hogwarts, to prove his innocence?"

"Your son has a point Amos." Aria offered. "Had Potter actually tried to kill our son, he wouldn't have brought incriminating evidence against him."

"I… I guess you have a point." Amos conceded. "I… I was this close to losing our son Aria, I don't know what I would do if we really had lost him."

"Everything will be fine dad, mum." Cedric assured. "Since I'm of age already, I can practice magic back home."

"I'll be bring home some Auror friends to get you up to speed."

"Thanks dad."

----------

"Before we begin our end of year feast, I have some announcements to make." Dumbledore stood somberly in front of the Hogwarts's student body and staff. "As you know, the Triwizard Tournament was held over the course of this year, its aim was to further and promote international magical understanding.

During the third task of the tournament, both Cedric Diggory's and Harry Potter's lives were endangered when they were portkeyed out of Hogwarts's premises by way of the Triwizard Cup. It is fortunate that both boys were able to return to the school alive."

Dumbledore looked at his audience and noted their reactions. Some were looking down and some were nodding.

"The ministry would strongly discourage what I am about to tell you, I believe it is for the greater good, that everyone present, be informed of what Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter witnessed while away from Hogwarts."

Dumbledore noticed that Diggory and Potter were gulping, anticipating the information.

"Lord Voldemort has returned."

The occupants of the great hall gasped. Panicked whispers filled the Great Hall as they tried to process what the Headmaster has just stated.

"As stated, The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so – either because they do not believe of Voldemort's return or they think that I should not tell you, as young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is preferable to lies and to say otherwise would be an insult to the sacrifices people have done to this day."

Harry and Cedric had their heads bowed as they remembered what they experienced at the graveyard.

"Every guest in this Hall will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again – in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.

It is my belief – and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken - that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, we almost lost two students from our midst.

Remember the fallen. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to the people who were good, and kind, and brave, because they strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember the fallen."

Dumbledore ended his spiel and observed everyone's reactions.

Predictably, the panicked whispers did not cease nor did the fear in everyone's eyes fade. It was a natural reaction for students, who didn't know the horrors of the previous war, to react in such a way.

Dumbledore saw some Slytherin students roll their eyes and continued chatting with their peers.

"Yes, we all have a reason to be fearful that doesn't mean that our lives as we know it will cease." Dumbledore shouted. "We also have cause to celebrate, one of which is the conclusion of the Triwizard Tournament with no champion casualty."

The great hall clapped at the declaration.

"Another cause of celebration, is the awarding of victors to the Triwizard Tournament!" Dumbledore proclaimed. "Would the champions please join me here for the awarding?" The Headmaster called. "Would Beauxbaton's Headmistress join me please?"

With the Hogwarts's Headmaster's cue Cedric, Harry, Fleur and Viktor joined the staff and faced everyone in the great hall as Headmistress Maxime stood beside Dumbledore.

"To help me in awarding the house cup, please welcome Mr. Percy Ignatius Weasley!" Dumbledore announced.

Percy stood up from his table and joined Dumbledore and the Triwizard champions as the people in the great hall clapped.

With the absence of Durmstrang's Headmaster, Dumbledore and Maxime were left to award the prizes for the tournament's participants. They had awarded Fleur in third place and Viktor in second place.

"Before I proceed, Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter, the both of you touched the Triwizard cup at the same time." Dumbledore stated. "There's only one cup and two of you, how should we continue?"

"If I may headmaster, why don't we settle the tie with a duel?" Professor Snape suggested.

"What do you say Diggory? Potter?" Dumbledore asked.

"I refuse." Cedric declined the offer, to everyone's shock. "It wouldn't be fair to duel Harry as he is two or three years younger than me." He looked at the Potions master's eyes.

"According to your statement, you saw Potter duel you-know-who, wouldn't it be a fair assessment that he can hold his own against you?" Professor Snape offered.

"I'm afraid not Professor." Cedric shook his head. "Due to his inexperience, from what I witnessed, Harry's style of dueling is sloppy at best." He offered his assessment. "No offense." Cedric immediately added, facing Harry.

"None taken." Harry smiled.

"Considering the past three years of Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers we have had, two of which were incompetent and from what I heard from my fellow Hufflepuffs, Professor Lockheart's approach to dueling wasn't ideal." He offered his assessment.

"How so Mr. Diggory?" Professor Mcgonagall questioned.

"People told me that Professor Lockheart failed to teach them how to block unfriendly spells." Cedric relayed. "From what I have seen Harry do, I can't help but agree with that assessment."

"I see." Professor Snape sat down.

"Magnificent Diggory!" Professor Flitwick praised. "Yes I remember, you were your year's most talented duelist, no doubt your parent's influence."

"I try my best Professor." Cedric blushed.

"That still leaves the matter of the winner." Dumbledore pointed out. "There is one cup and two of you."

"Professor, if I may." Cedric offered.

"Yes Mr. Diggory?"

"Why don't Harry and I tie in for first place?"

"Are you sure you want to split your victory?" Dumbledore questioned. "Glory cannot be split, you both will share that, however there's the prize."

"Brilliant!" Harry exclaimed. "We can also split the prize between the two of us."

"Glad to know you agree with me mate, you're a good bloke." Cedric ruffled Harry's hair. "But yes Professor, we can split the prize." He nodded at the headmaster.

"Very well then." Dumbledore nodded.

Hogwarts's Headmaster urged the boys to take a few steps forward and raised and handed the boys the Triwizard Cup.

"I present you the Triwizard Tournament Winners: Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter!" Dumbledore declared.

The declaration earned a round of applause from the people present in the Great Hall from students – except from the Slytherin students –, teachers, staff and guests.

"On that note, let the feast begin!"

---------

"In a few hours, our guests from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be returning to their homes." Dumbledore announced. "As a special treat, why don't we show them our yearly tradition of awarding the house cup?"

Every Hogwarts student stood up and cheered.

"The current point standing are: In fourth place, Ravenclaw with 390 points; third place, Slytherin with 406 points; in second place, Gryffindor with 439 points; and in first place, with 445 points, Hufflepuff house."

Every Hufflepuff, from the students to the staff, cheered loudly. Some had even lifted their Triwizard champion and hoisted him in the air in pure glee.

"Congratulations Hufflepuff! You win the house cup!" Dumbledore declared.

The Headmaster clasped his hands together and raised them towards the banners that hung from the ceiling of the Great Hall. The Gryffindor banners were now replaced by Hufflepuff colors and insignia.

Every student in Hufflepuff threw their hats in the air in celebration, and those that were carrying Cedric, they opted to jump up high with glee.

---------

The Mudblood

Triwizard Tournament Winners

By: Billy Batson

Unforeseen events during the Triwizard Tournament has left Wizarding Britain holding their breaths as they waited for the announcement of the winners for the much acclaimed contest between schools. The sudden kidnapping of both Hogwarts's champions and the disappearance of Durmstrang's Headmaster has forced the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magical Games and Sports to postpone the announcement of the tournament's winners.

During today's End of year feast, Hogwarts's Headmaster has officially declared that both Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter winners of the Triwizard Tournament, a first since the tournament's creation. Various sources say that Professor Snape offered to have duel between the two participants' as tie breaker.

In true Hufflepuff fashion, Hufflepuff's champion, offered that both he and Gryffindor's champion be declared winners as the rules stated that whosoever touched the cup first shall be the winner of the tournament, and the both of them did touch the Triwizard cup at the same time.

It is unclear whether the recently concluded Triwizard Tournament signals the full revival of said competition as the champion's selection was rigged to gather four champions instead of three and the use of dangerous beasts, nesting ones, have been rather controversial.

We here at the Mudblood offer our sincerest congratulations to the participants of the Triwizard tournament and its winners Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars LXIX (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I’m so pissed bc last chapter came out in September 1st and I just ignored it??? I’m such an idiot?? Physically I’m on quarantine, spiritually I’m wherever these losers are -Danny

Words: 4,499

Warnings: None!

Series’ Masterilst

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Chapter Four: Bagman and Crouch.

"Morning, Basil," Mr. Weasley picked up the boot and handed it to the wizard.

"Really, why can't wizards just use cars?" Mel grumbled from the ground.

Two hands reach out for her and she found Fred and Harry standing side by side. The first one had an innocent and amused expression. Harry, however, glanced at the boy beside him with slight annoyance.

"Thank you boys," She said, quickly holding onto both hands and standing up.

"Told you," Fred chuckled.

"Is apparating just as uncomfortable as this?"

"Wouldn't know," He shrugged. "Never done it."

She brushed the dirt off her clothes, a little startled at the way Harry grabbed her bag and eagerly handed it back to her, still glaring at Fred in a strange way while the twin pretended not to notice, a sly smile on his face as he walked back to where his twin was.

"Hello there, Arthur," said Basil. "Not on duty, eh? It's all right for some... We've been here all night... You'd better get out of the way, we've got a big party coming in from the Black Forest at five-fifteen. Hang on, I'll find your campsite... Weasley... Weasley..."

"I'm sorry about my dad," Said a voice she wasn't familiar with. It was Cedric. "He's one of those who doesn't think twice before talking, but he's not a bad man..."

"It's okay," Mel grinned. "I'm one of those who does not think twice before snapping at someone. Bet you've heard..."

Cedric scrunched up his nose in a way that Mel considered adorable.

"Might have, once or twice."

"I'm also nice, I promise," She reached out a hand for him to shake, which he did almost immediately.

"It's a pleasure to oficially meet, then," He nodded, wearing his best smile.

"–About a quarter of a mile's walk over there, first field you come to. Site manager's called Mr. Roberts." Mr. Weasley's friend told them out loud. "Diggory... second field... ask for Mr. Payne."

"Thanks, Basil," said Mr. Weasley, and everyone followed him.

"So this is your last year at Hogwarts?" She asked the boy, considering a bit awkward to just walk in silence.

"Yeah," He shrugged. "I'm not sure of what I'll do once I'm done, but I think I might travel a bit before working."

"Any place in particular?" Cedric pondered, taking her question very seriously.

"Some place warm."

She nodded, thinking of anything else she could add, however, Cedric talked first.

"Is it true that Dumbledore gives you extra lessons?"

"Yes," She smiled. "It's sort of a family thing, and since my dad isn't around to teach me..."

It wasn't entirely true, but Dumbledore had admitted that her abilities were a thing women in their family had, so it wasn't a lie either.

"That's cool," Cedric replied. "Is he good at teaching?"

"The best," Mel continued eagerly. "He knows ever so many things about almost everything! I'd love to be like him once I'm older."

"Well, you're a Dumbledore," The boy raised his eyebrows. "I'm sure the brains must be part of the family as well." She laughed at this, not sure of how to answer. Instead, she casually changed the subject to Quidditch.

"So are you a Bulgaria, or Ireland supporter?"

Cedric quickly perked up at this, seemengly happy to talk about something so normal that had nothing to do with families.

"Ireland, I think... but my dad's with Rumania, so I have to support a little quieter..." They laughed discretely at his words.

Next fifteen minutes past rather quickly, Cedric was nice and social enough to keep the conversation flowing, Mel felt a little guilty of how everyone at school perceived him as just as pretty face with no brains or goals. She made a mental note to never let any of her friends make any negative comments about Cedric ever again.

When the time came that they had to part, Cedric waved at her joyfully and she returned it, hoping to see him again soon. She felt someone nudged her arm and turned to look at Harry, who pointed at the group that was already moving forward.

"Sorry," She said with a small smile. "Won't stay behind again, promise."

"Boys have been awfully nice to you lately..." He grumbled, looking back at Cedric over his shoulder.

"It certainly does feel better than to be chasen down a street while they threw rocks at you, you know?"

Harry's eyes widened, cheeks flushing at her words.

"Yeah, you're... you're right," He cleared his throat.

"Morning!" said Mr. Weasley, waving at a man standing near.

"Morning," the man (a muggle, for the looks of it) answered.

"Would you be Mr. Roberts?"

"Aye, I would," said Mr. Roberts. "And who're you?"

"Weasley — two tents, booked a couple of days ago?"

"Aye," said Mr. Roberts, consulting a list tacked to the door. "You've got a space up by the wood there. Just the one night?"

"That's it," said Mr. Weasley.

"You'll be paying now, then?" said Mr. Roberts.

"Ah — right — certainly —" said Mr. Weasley. He retreated a short distance from the cottage and beckoned Harry toward him. "Help me, Harry," he muttered, pulling a roll of Muggle money from his pocket and starting to peel the notes apart. "This one's a — a — a ten? Ah yes, I see the little number on it now. . . . So this is a five?"

"A twenty," Harry threw a desperate look her way, probably nervous about the man who was listening closely to their conversation.

"Ah yes, so it is... I don't know, these little bits of paper..." Mr. Weasley grumbled.

"You foreign?" said Mr. Roberts.

"Foreign?"

"You're not the first one who's had trouble with money. I had two try and pay me with great gold coins the size of hubcaps ten minutes ago."

"Did you really?"

"Never been this crowded... Hundreds of pre-bookings. People usually just turn up..."

"Is that right?" said Mr. Weasley, insisting for the man to take the money he was holding out but failing to succeed.

"Aye– People from all over. Loads of for- eigners. And not just foreigners. Weirdos, you know? There's a bloke walking 'round in a kilt and a poncho."

"Shouldn't he?" asked Mr. Weasley nervously.

"It's like some sort of... I dunno... like some sort of rally... They all seem to know each other. Like a big party."

"Obliviate!" A second man exclaimed, pointing his wand at Mr. Roberts.

"A map of the campsite for you," Mr. Roberts said after a moment of quiet change on his features. "And your change."

"Thanks very much," said Mr. Weasley.

The wizard who had charmed the muggle accompanied them to the door.

"Been having a lot of trouble with him. Needs a Memory Charm ten times a day to keep him happy. And Ludo Bagman's not helping. Trotting around talking about Bludgers and Quaffles at the top of his voice, not a worry about anti-Muggle security. Blimey, I'll be glad when this is over. See you later, Arthur." And with that, he disapparated.

"I thought Mr. Bagman was Head of Magical Games and Sports," said Ginny. "He should know better than to talk about Bludgers near Muggles, shouldn't he?"

"He should," said Mr. Weasley. "but Ludo's always been a bit... well... lax about security. You couldn't wish for a more enthusiastic head of the sports department though. He played Quidditch for England himself, you know. And he was the best Beater the Wimbourne Wasps ever had."

Halfway up the field stood an extravagant confection of striped silk like a miniature palace, with several live peacocks tethered at the entrance. A little farther on they passed a tent that had three floors and several turrets; and a short way beyond that was a tent that had a front garden attached, complete with birdbath, sundial, and fountain.

"Always the same," said Mr. Weasley, smiling. "We can't resist showing off when we get together. Ah, here we are, look, this is us." They had reached the very edge of the wood at the top of the field, and here was an empty space, with a small sign hammered into the ground that read weezly.

"Couldn't have a better spot!" said Mr. Weasley happily. "The field is just on the other side of the wood there, we're as close as we could be." He hoisted his backpack from his shoulders. "Right," he said excitedly, "no magic allowed, strictly speaking, not when we're out in these numbers on Muggle land. We'll be putting these tents up by hand! Shouldn't be too difficult. . . . Muggles do it all the time. . . . Here, Harry, where do you reckon we should start?"

"Harry has never gone camping before," Mel told him gently. "But I used to put up a tent for when we camped outside my house, remember Harry? I can help, don't worry..."

However, Harry insisting on helping anyway. Soon Emily, Mel, Harry, and Hermione had the tents ready. The problem was that there was only two and they were too small for all the people in their group, she turned to inform her mother about this when Mr. Weasley spoke up.

"We'll be a bit cramped, but I think we'll all squeeze in. Come and have a look."

She turned to her mother fully now, a quizzical look on her face while the woman chuckled, pushing her further.

"You'll love this..." Was all she commented.

And love it she did. Inside it looked like she had entered an actual flat, it had three rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. It was impressive, but Mel thought it took out a little of the charm, camping wasn't supposed to be this comfortable, or so she'd thought before.

"You want to come with us on an adventure?" Ron asked, suddenly appearing at the entrance.

"Where to?" She asked, leaving her backpack on a chair.

He showed her the kettle he kept on his hands.

"To get water."

Everything around them invited her to give up on the no-magic rule and explore, so many different people, of all ages, colors and sizes!

She allowed herself to imagine a great deal, the homes and cities and comunities these wizards and witches may lived on, their families and background. A much more larger world for her to see...

Cedric's idea about traveling before settling down made complete sense to her, and she remembered the talk she'd had with Harry a few years prior, about them traveling the world together, sending postcards to their friends and family from all around the globe.

A fuzzy feeling made its way through her chest at this, picturing the endless adventures she could have with her best friend as adults and free from school.

"Er — is it my eyes, or has everything gone green?" asked Ron, bringing her back to the present.

It wasn't just Ron's eyes. They had walked into a patch of tents that were all covered with a thick growth of shamrocks, so that it looked as though small, oddly shaped hillocks had sprouted out of the earth. Grinning faces could be seen under those that had their flaps open. Then, from behind them, they heard their names.

"Harry! Mel! Ron! Hermione!"

Seamus Finnigan was sitting in front of his own tent, with a woman that had to be his mother,  Dean Thomas was also there.

"Like the decorations?" said Seamus. "The Ministry's not too happy."

"Ah, why shouldn't we show our colors?" said the woman. "You should see what the Bulgarians have got dangling all over their tents. You'll be supporting Ireland, of course?"

"Sure..."

"Of course!"

"Like we'd say anything else surrounded by that lot." Ron said under his breath once they left Finnigan's tent to keep going on their quest. Mel snorted, just nodding as a reply.

"I wonder what the Bulgarians have got dangling all over their tents?" said Hermione.

"Let's go and have a look," said Harry.

The tents here had not been bedecked with plant life, but each and every one of them had the same poster attached to it, a poster of a very surly face with heavy black eyebrows. The picture was, of course, moving, but all it did was blink and scowl.

"Krum," said Ron quietly.

"What?" said Hermione.

"Krum!" said Ron. "Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian Seeker!"

"He looks really grumpy," said Hermione, looking around at the many Krums blinking and scowling at them.

" 'Really grumpy '?" Ron raised his eyes to the heavens. "Who cares what he looks like? He's unbelievable. He's really young too. Only just eighteen or something. He's a genius, you wait until tonight, you'll see."

"I hardly believe that being a good seeker makes you a genius," Mel commented.

"Thanks," Harry replied grumpily.

"I didn't say you were stupid," She grinned. "Though coming to think about it, you've done some foolish things throughout the years..."

"You're one to talk!" He teased.

"I am, actually," Mel smiled. "I remember when we were ten and you tried to escape your Aunt Marge's dog..."

"Don't say it–"

"And you ended up on top of a tree until midnight because she just wouldn't call her dog," Mel giggled. "Which was very rude of her, but come on– you climbed a tree instead of running to my house!"

"I was ten!" He exclaimed over Ron's cackles. "Oh, bugger off..."

There was a line for the tap. Harry, Mel, Ron, and Hermione joined it, behind a pair of men who were arguing. One of them was wearing a nightgown. The other was a Ministry wizard a holding a pair of trousers and beyond exasperated.

"Just put them on, Archie, there's a good chap. You can't walk around like that, the Muggle at the gate's already getting suspicious —"

"I bought this in a Muggle shop," said the old wizard stubbornly. "Muggles wear them."

"Muggle women wear them, Archie, not the men, they wear these," said the Ministry wizard, and he brandished the pinstriped trousers.

"I'm not putting them on," said old Archie in indignation. "I like a healthy breeze 'round my privates, thanks."

Hermione was overcome with such a strong fit of the giggles at this point that she had to duck out of the queue and only returned when Archie had collected his water and moved away.

Walking more slowly now, because of the weight of the water, they made their way back through the campsite. Here and there, they saw more familiar faces: other Hogwarts students with their families. Oliver Wood, the old captain of Harry's House Quidditch team, who had just left Hogwarts, dragged Harry over to his parents' tent to introduce him, and told him excitedly that he had just been signed to the Puddlemere United reserve team. Next they were hailed by Ernie Macmillan, a Hufflepuff fourth year, and a little farther on they saw Cho Chang, a very pretty girl who played Seeker on the Ravenclaw team. She waved and smiled at Harry, who slopped quite a lot of water down his front as he waved back.

Now, Mel wasn't going to admit that the huff that came out of her mouth right at that moment was because of the boy's reaction, but Ron definitely made sure to tease both of them relentlessly until Harry found the perfect excuse, pointing at some tent at his left.

"Who d'you reckon they are? They don't go to Hogwarts, do they?"

" 'Spect they go to some foreign school," said Ron. "I know there are others. Never met anyone who went to one, though. Bill had a penfriend at a school in Brazil... this was years and years ago... and he wanted to go on an exchange trip but Mum and Dad couldn't afford it. His penfriend got all offended when he said he wasn't going and sent him a cursed hat. It made his ears shrivel up."

"That's awful," Mel said over Harry's laughter. "Might been silly, but I never stopped to think about other Schools... I was too excited about being admitted into one that it went right over my head..."

"Me neither," Harry admitted. "I'd love to know a bit about them, though."

"You've been gone ages," George groaned as they entered the boys' tent.

"You're welcome," Mel replied, lightly slapping his head as she walked past.

"Met a few people," said Ron. "You not got that fire started yet?"

"Dad's having fun with the matches," Fred pointed towards the entrance with a stern face.

Mr. Weasley was having no success at all in lighting the fire, but it wasn't for lack of trying. Splintered matches littered the ground around him, but he looked as though he was having the time of his life.

"Oops!" he said as he managed to light a match and promptly dropped it in surprise.

"Come here, Mr. Weasley," said Hermione kindly, taking the box from him, and showing him how to do it properly.

At last they got the fire lit, though it was at least another hour before it was hot enough to cook anything. There was plenty to watch while they waited, however. Their tent seemed to be pitched right alongside a kind of thoroughfare to the field, and Ministry members kept hurrying up and down it, greeting Mr. Weasley cordially as they passed.

"That was Cuthbert Mockridge, Head of the Goblin Liaison Office... Here comes Gilbert Wimple; he's with the Committee on Experimental Charms; he's had those horns for a while now... Hello, Arnie . . . Arnold Peasegood, he's an Obliviator — member of the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, you know... and that's Bode and Croaker... they're Unspeakables..."

"They're what?"

"From the Department of Mysteries, top secret, no idea what they get up to..."

Mel's eyes lingered on the people Mr. Weasley had mentioned. Something about the circumstances of their job and the name gave her a thrill, imagining all the things they may see on a daily basis.

At last, the fire was ready, and they had just started cooking eggs and sausages when Bill, Charlie, and Percy came strolling out of the woods toward them.

"Just Apparated, Dad," said Percy loudly. "Ah, excellent, lunch!"

They were halfway through their plates of eggs and sausages when Mr. Weasley jumped to his feet, waving and grinning at a man who was striding toward them.

"Aha!" he said. "The man of the moment! Ludo!"

"Ahoy there! Arthur, old man, What a day, eh? What a day! Could we have asked for more perfect weather? A cloudless night coming... and hardly a hiccough in the arrangements... Not much for me to do!"

Behind him, a group of haggard-looking Ministry wizards rushed past, pointing at the distant evidence of some sort of a magical fire that was sending violet sparks twenty feet into the air.

Percy hurried forward with his hand outstretched. Apparently his disapproval of the way Ludo Bagman ran his department did not prevent him from wanting to make a good impression.

"Ah — yes, this is my son Percy. He's just started at the Ministry — and this is Fred — no, George, sorry — that's Fred — Bill, Charlie, Ron — my daughter, Ginny — this is Emily Sultens, mother of one of Ron's friends and Ron's friends, Hermione Granger, Mel Dumbledore and Harry Potter."

Mel smiled politely at the man, noticing how his eyes traveled from Harry's scar and settled on her face for a brief second, before returning to Mr. Weasley.

"Everyone, this is Ludo Bagman, you know who he is, it's thanks to him we've got such good tickets —"

"Fancy a flutter on the match, Arthur?" The man asked. "I've already got Roddy Pontner betting me Bulgaria will score first — I offered him nice odds, considering Ireland's front three are the strongest I've seen in years — and little Agatha Timms has put up half shares in her eel farm on a week-long match."

"Oh... go on then," said Mr. Weasley. "Let's see... a Galleon on Ireland to win?"

"A Galleon? Very well, very well... any other takers?"

"They're a bit young to be gambling," said Mr. Weasley. "Molly wouldn't like —"

"We'll bet thirty-seven Galleons, fifteen Sickles, three Knuts," said Fred, and he and his brother pulled out all the money they had. "that Ireland wins — but Viktor Krum gets the Snitch. Oh and we'll throw in a fake wand."

"You don't want to go showing Mr. Bagman rubbish like that —" Percy hissed, but Bagman didn't seem to think the wand was rubbish at all; on the contrary, his boyish face shone with excitement as he took it from Fred, and when the wand gave a loud squawk and turned into a rubber chicken, Bagman roared with laughter.

"Excellent! I haven't seen one that convincing in years! I'd pay five Galleons for that!"

Percy froze in an attitude of stunned disapproval.

"Boys," said Mr. Weasley under his breath, "I don't want you betting... That's all your savings... Your mother —"

"Don't be a spoilsport, Arthur!" boomed Ludo Bagman, rattling his pockets excitedly. "They're old enough to know what they want! You reckon Ireland will win but Krum'll get the Snitch? Not a chance, boys, not a chance... I'll give you excellent odds on that one... We'll add five Galleons for the funny wand, then, shall we..."

Mr. Weasley looked on helplessly as Ludo Bagman whipped out a notebook and quill and began jotting down the twins' names.

"Cheers," said George, taking the slip of parchment Bagman handed him and tucking it away carefully. Bagman turned most cheerfully back to Mr. Weasley.

"You shouldn't have," Mel told them worryingly. "What will you do if you lose?"

"We'll worry about that, Lady Dumbledore," Fred told her carelessly. "Don't fuss over it just yet."

"But if your mum finds out–"

"Mum's done enough for us already," George replied hastily.

"Couldn't do me a brew, I suppose? I'm keeping an eye out for Barty Crouch. My Bulgarian opposite number's making difficulties, and I can't understand a word he's saying. Barty'll be able to sort it out. He speaks about a hundred and fifty languages."

"Mr. Crouch?" said Percy, suddenly abandoning his look of poker-stiff disapproval and positively writhing with excitement. "He speaks over two hundred! Mermish and Gobbledegook and Troll..."

"Anyone can speak Troll," said Fred dismissively. "All you have to do is point and grunt."

Percy threw Fred an extremely nasty look and stoked the fire vigorously to bring the kettle back to the boil.

"Any news of Bertha Jorkins yet, Ludo?" Mr. Weasley asked as Bagman settled himself down on the grass beside them all.

"Not a dicky bird," said Bagman comfortably. "But she'll turn up. Poor old Bertha... memory like a leaky cauldron and no sense of direction. Lost, you take my word for it. She'll wander back into the office sometime in October, thinking it's still July."

"You don't think it might be time to send someone to look for her?" Mr. Weasley suggested tentatively as Percy handed Bagman his tea.

"Barty Crouch keeps saying that," said Bagman, his round eyes widening innocently, "but we really can't spare anyone at the moment. Oh — talk of the devil! Barty!"

A wizard had just Apparated at their fireside, and he could not have made more of a contrast with Ludo Bagman, sprawled on the grass in his old Wasp robes. Barty Crouch was a stiff, upright, elderly man, dressed in an impeccably crisp suit and tie. The parting in his short gray hair was almost unnaturally straight, and his narrow toothbrush mustache looked as though he trimmed it using a slide rule. His shoes were very highly polished.

"Pull up a bit of grass, Barty," said Ludo.

"No thank you, Ludo," Crouch replied. "I've been looking for you everywhere. The Bulgarians are insisting we add another twelve seats to the Top Box."

"Oh is that what they're after?" said Bagman. "I thought the chap was asking to borrow a pair of tweezers. Bit of a strong accent."

"Mr. Crouch!" Percy sort of gasped. "Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Oh," Mr. Crouch, looked over at Percy. "Yes — thank you, Weatherby"

Fred, George, and Mel had to drained their chuckles into their cups. She didn't want to make fun of him, but it was just his luck...

"Oh and I've been wanting a word with you too, Arthur," said Mr. Crouch. "Ali Bashir's on the warpath. He wants a word with you about your embargo on flying carpets."

"I sent him an owl about that just last week. If I've told him once I've told him a hundred times: Carpets are defined as a Muggle Artifact by the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects, but will he listen?"

"I doubt it. He's desperate to export here." Mr. Crouch took the tea, silently thanking Percy.

"Well, they'll never replace brooms in Britain, will they?" asked Bagman.

"Ali thinks there's a niche in the market for a family vehicle," said Mr. Crouch. "I remember my grandfather had an Axminster that could seat twelve — but that was before carpets were banned, of course."

Mel was elated with the conversation. It sounded like a day-to-day coming from the men in front of her, but everything sounded so fantastical she didn't have any problems to keep up with the conversation.

"So, been keeping busy, Barty?" said Bagman.

"Fairly. Organizing Portkeys across five continents is no mean feat, Ludo."

"I expect you'll both be glad when this is over?" said Mr. Weasley.

"Glad! Don't know when I've had more fun... Still, it's not as though we haven't got anything to look forward to, eh, Barty? Eh? Plenty left to organize, eh?"

"We agreed not to make the announcement until all the details —"

"Oh details!" said Bagman. "They've signed, haven't they? They've agreed, haven't they? I bet you anything these kids'll know soon enough anyway. I mean, it's happening at Hogwarts —"

"Ludo, we need to meet the Bulgarians, you know," Mr. Crouch replied sharply. "Thank you for the tea, Weatherby."

"See you all later!" Bagman said once he got up. "You'll be up in the Top Box with me — I'm commentating!"

"What's happening at Hogwarts, Dad?" said Fred. "What were they talking about?"

"You'll find out soon enough," said Mr.Weasley, a knowing smile.

"It's classified information, until such time as the Ministry decides to release it," said Percy, clearly dying to talk about it. "Mr. Crouch was quite right not to disclose it."

"Oh shut up, Weatherby," Fred rolled his eyes.

"Mum, do you know?" Mel asked.

"Molly mentioned it a few days back," Emily sighed. "Clearly, I'll keep it a secret. I won't be the one who ruins the surprise. However, I assure you I'm not entirely happy about it."

"Why's that?"

Emily just shook her head.

"You'll find out soon enough," She insisted, taking a sip of her tea.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@tiphareth2018​ @vampiregirl1797​ @siriuslysirius1107​ @stardusthigh​ @vernon-dursley​ @kylosleftbuttcheek​ @tomshollandz​ @bloodorangemoonlight​ @thesuitelifeofafangirl​ @reverse-hxlland​ @omiwashere​

[huffle-buff]

Basics:

Name: Ludovic “Ludo” Bagman Birthday: November 19th Age: Eighteen Pronouns: He/Him Sexuality: Heterosexual (Aggressively straight according to Otto) Siblings: Otto Bagman (Younger brother) Other Family: Samuel Bagman (Father) Allura Bagman (Mother)

Wizard Fun:

Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff Year: Seventh Clubs: Duelling Club, Care of Magical Creatures Club, Nap Club Favorite Class(es): Defense Against the Dark Arts. Charms Least Favorite Class(es): Pretty much all of them Pet: None Blood Status: Halfblood Species: Human Patronus: Golden retriever Boggart: Dying alone Wand type: 13" Elder Wood, Dragon Heartstring Affiliation: Neutral

Appearance:

Height: 6′3″ Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Green Typical Hair Style: Short and messy Fashion Style: Jock Distinguishing Features: His size, muscles and ravishing good looks

Personality:

Positive Traits: Engaging, Captivating, Skilled Negative Traits: Egotistical, Compulsive, Irresponsible

[thatdarkdivide]

otto bagman intro / task 011.

Basics:

Name: otto bagman  Nicknames: human canon ball Birthday: 21 march  Age: sixteen  Pronouns: he/him Sexuality: “don’t ask me” shrugging Siblings: ludovic (older brotheer) Other Family: samuel bagman (father), allura bagman (mother) 

Wizard Fun:

Hogwarts House: ravenclaw  Year: sixth  Clubs: nap club Favorite Class(es): history of magic, astronomy, ancient studies/ancient runes Least Favorite Class(es): herbology, care of magical creatures, potions  Pet: goober Blood Status: halfblood Species: human  Patronus: fox Boggart: his family hurt  Wand type: dogwood, unicorn, supple Affiliation: neutral 

Appearance:

Height: 6′1″ Hair Color: brown    Eye Color: hazel  Typical Hair Style: he keeps it sort of lengthy.  Fashion Style: his sense of fashion is pretty much jeans and a tee-shirt, paired with converse Distinguishing Features: he’s pretty tall

Biography:

The Bagman family was never a family of much notoriety in the wizarding society. Samuel Bagman, though a pureblood, ended up marrying a halfblood witch. The family had never been one for blood supremacy, nor cared much about the pairing, as long as it made them happy. They were a relatively happy and normal family. They weren’t very rich, but Samuel made his money through wizarding technology and his wife was a mediwitch. Eventually, they had their first child, Ludovic and a year later a second child, Otto. From the moment he was born, Otto was going to be trouble. As a toddler, he followed his brother around, asking questions about everything that was around him until Ludo would storm off to escape, in which Otto would go bother someone else. It was a cycle of him needing to know the answer to every question that he asked, even if it made him an obnoxious child. It wasn’t until he was six did that find a solution to his overactive, constantly curious mind: puzzles. If it was challenging enough of a puzzle, it could keep him occupied for days. Otto became super focused on the task in front of him; the jigsaw, mechanical, or logic puzzles would at least allow the rest of the family to breathe for a moment. It was clear to his parents that he was going to be a bit of a handful.

From a very young age, magic was a large part of his life. As a family of four, with two working parents, he was used to seeing magic help his parents around the house. Wizarding London was normal London to him. He was nine the first time he found himself in Muggle London and it was a mistake. A wrong turn lead him into a completely different and foreign world. He became lost nearly instantly, walking around seeing all the different technologies. Televisions, cars, lawn mowers, and telephones. Otto was fascinated by it all. These people had no magic, which of course he knew that there were people without magic, but it was an entirely new thing for him. He didn’t want to leave, but eventually his parents found him, sitting on a bench in the park watching the non magic people scurry around in a hurry instead of just appearing where they needed to be. Though he was scolded for it, Otto regularly found himself back in Muggle London and thus begun his secret obsession of muggle objects.

He watched his older brother go off to Hogwarts at ten and followed a year later. Otto expected to be sorted into Hufflepuff, like Ludo, or Gryffindor, for his chaotic behavior. The hat considered those for a brief moment before calling out something that surprised him: Ravenclaw. Otto didn’t seem to have a love of learning like the rest of his new house, but it was his curiosity and love of academic challenges that got him sorted into his house. Hogwarts was an adjustment for him. The school had more strict rules than he was used to and he struggled at first finding a way to quell his wild behavior and still have fun. After several detentions however, he decided that it was time he learn the rules. Otto sat down and memorized every single rule Hogwarts had in place, so he could learn exactly how he could break them. That’s when he discovered two things: the reason he was sorted into the house he was in and how little effort it took him to memorize something. Otto figured that could become a very useful skill.

Second year, however, was the most important year of all because that’s when he met his best friend. He’d learned that the thing with people was that not many people were interesting; even if he was friendly and outgoing to most people, they didn’t hold his fascination for very long. Declan, however, was someone that Otto just felt a magnetic attachment to. Only twelve, Otto decided that this Hufflepuff was his person, his best friend. And anyway, why wouldn’t he want to befriend the boy with a pet weasel? Though, Otto tends to socialize with all sorts of people, Declan is the one constant in his life.

Although Otto had always been an intelligent boy, he was also incredibly lazy. His reputation among the castle is not as positive as his parents believe it should be. Otto has the ability to do better and be better, however, he rarely applied himself in classes. That statement continued to show up in reports from his teachers. While Otto does well in classes which required him to read large portions of text, he struggled in some of the more hands on subjects. Even though Otto is now in sixth year and realistically is aware he should be doing better in all his subjects, he continues goofing off. At some point he knows that he’s going to have to make a decision on exactly what he wants to do with the rest of his life and focus on his actual education, but he refuses to acknowledge that his behavior is problematic. Otto, unlike most every other student at the school, isn’t focused as much on the future as he is on the current moment.

[fanonical]

i wanna see a wizarding version of would i lie to you featuring dumbledore, snape, mcgonagall, fudge, sirius, and flitwick, as hosted by ludo bagman