Let's Try That Again - Chapter 15

• Note
  This is a bridge chapter. It covers the First Task and there are a couple of changes. I hope you enjoy

Harry watched as Hedwig landed before him. She held out her leg and gave it a little shake. He smiled as he untied the letter. The stack of bacon on his plate was pillaged the moment her leg was free. He read the note from Rita, then slipped it into his pocket.

"Harry," Ron yelped.

He looked over at his friend. Ron's hands shook as he held up a letter.

"Sweet Merlin!" Harry said. "It's a letter."

"Fuck off." Ron scoffed. "It's from my brother, Charlie."

"Is everything alright with Norbert?" Harry asked.

"Should be," Ron shrugged. "Hagrid writes him at least a week to check up." He shook his head. "Not important. Charlie mentioned you."

"That's odd," Harry shook his head.

"He says you had better read up on dragons," Ron whispered. "I think he means that the first task has something to do with them."

Harry paused. That made sense. Ron hadn't told him about the letter last time. A wide smile crossed his face.

"Why are you smiling?" Ron smacked his shoulder. "Did you hear me?"

"Yes, I did," Harry turned the smile to Ron. "I'm just glad you're my friend."

Ron blushed.

"Do you mind if I tell the others?" Harry asked.

"Of course not," Ron shook his head. "Rather not have them get cooked because I didn't share a letter."

Harry patted his friend on the shoulder. He pulled out a short sheet of parchment.

Meet in courtyard in ten minutes
Important ~ Harry

He tapped the sheet. The text copied itself two more times. He tore it into thirds, then tapped each one. They folded up into the shape of an airplane before taking off.

"Come on," Harry stood up from the table.

"But…" Ron looked down at his plate.

"Snag a piece of toast," Harry sighed.

The two of them hurried out while Ron chomped on his piece of toast. They made it outside with a couple of minutes to spare.

"What are we doing?" Ron asked.

"We're going to talk to the others," Harry replied.

"Why am I here, then?" Ron asked.

"Because you're the one who told me," Harry said motioning to the letter. "You deserve the credit."

"Oh," Ron blinked. A goofy smile crossed his face. "Thanks."

"Hey Harry," Cedric called as he walked over. "What's this about?"

"Let's wait a moment," Harry replied. "The others need to get here."

"Harry," Krum nodded as he approached. "You said important?"

Ron stared at Krum, frozen in place.

"Victor, this is my friend Ron," Harry patted his friend on the shoulder. "He's a big fan. Give him a moment and his brain will start working again."

"Hey!" Ron glared at him.

"Monsieur Potter?" Fleur was flanked by two other ladies from Beauxbatons.

He didn't recognize them, but he had been a little busy last time around.

"This is my friend, Ron Weasley," Harry introduced the ginger. "His brother Charlie wrote him a letter today."

"That's nice," Cedric said slowly.

"He works at a dragon preserve," Ron added. "His note says that Harry should brush up on dragons."

"Merde," Fleur grumbled.

"Da," Krum nodded.

"Dragons?" Cedric asked. "We're going to have to fight dragons?"

"No, definitely not fight one," Ron offered. "Especially if Charlie is working with them. Dragons are a protected species."

"Plus, deadly," Krum added.

"They can shrug off stunners and most offensive spells," Harry said. "I'm going to plan for distraction and whatever defense from fire I can find."

The other champions nodded.

"What about eyes?" Krum suggested.

"Bad idea," Ron shook his head. "That would only work if you had a few others with you. It usually takes at least five wizards to subdue a dragon."

Krum nodded thoughtfully.

"Thanks for the heads up," Cedric sighed. "And here I was thinking I wouldn't have to study so much this year."

The Hufflepuff waved to the group before heading back inside. Fleur was speaking in rapid-fire French to her friends. Krum looked from the trio to Ron and Harry.

"Like Quidditch?" Krum asked.

"Of course!" Ron laughed. "You're bloody brilliant."

"Wanted to be Keeper," Krum shrugged.

"Really?" Ron stared at Victor for a long moment.

"Ron's a pretty good keeper," Harry offered. "He's not on the house team. Our usual Keeper graduated, and Ron would probably be playing if we had a season this year."

Ron blushed.

"Want fly together?" Krum asked Ron.

"I do," Ron's shoulders slumped. "But I have class."

"He's got a free hour before dinner," Harry suggested. "Right?"

Ron nodded happily.

"Good," Krum smiled. "See you then."

Krum walked away. Ron tried to speak but his words came out in a jumble. He turned to Harry; his eyes were wide.

"I don't have a broom," He croaked. "The school ones are horrible. I'll look like a moron."

"You can use mine," Harry laughed. "Stay calm. You've got this."

"Why did you tell him I was a Keeper?" Ron squeaked.

"Because you are," Harry smiled at his friend. "Do you think I've forgotten all those games at your house? Look, I'm not saying you're going pro. It's a common interest."

Ron nodded. He took a couple of deep breathes.

"Try to talk about other things than quidditch. He probably gets that from everyone," Harry suggested. "Ask how he likes Hogwarts. What does he miss? That kind of thing."

"Wait," Ron froze. "Is this a date? No, it can't be. He's Victor Krum."

"And you are Ron Weasley," Harry grabbed his friend by the shoulder, turning so they were face to face. "You fought a troll when you were eleven, you drove a flying car, and faced a colony of giant spiders-"

"I try not to remember that one," Ron interrupted.

"Face it, Ron. You're awesome," Harry squeezed his shoulder. "Just remember who introduced you two when you need a best man."

Ron nodded.

"Right, I'm awesome," He stopped. "Wait, what was that last bit?"

"Excuse me, Monsieur Potter," Fleur asked as she moved closer.

"Please, call me Harry," He tried to smile, but his heart ached a bit too much to be genuine.

Fleur studied him for a moment.

"Harry," She continued. "Why tell us this?"

"It's the right thing to do," Harry replied easily. "You would have done the same thing."

"Why would you say that?" She asked.

He could feel the familiar warmth of her allure. Ron was too busy mumbling to himself to notice. Harry met her gaze. He arced an eyebrow.

"You were chosen as a champion for a reason," Harry replied. "Call me a romantic, but I'd like to think the cup considered your character as well as your skill."

"Do we know each other, Harry?" Fleur asked.

"Maybe one day," Harry looked away, trying to hide the growing ache inside. "Excuse me, Miss Delacour, I need to get my friend to his class."

"Please, call me Fleur," She rejoined her friends.

~§~

Harry waited outside of the Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. He wore muggle attire, black silk slacks and a white dress shirt. It was tidy and tasteful. He held back a smile as he watched Rita approach. Her face screwed up in confusion as she looked at the building behind him. She had indeed dressed to impress. Rita wore a shimmering dark green dress that wrapped around her. It looked like it was held on with a single red ruby button.

"I have a table reserved," Harry bowed as she approached.

"How…nice." Rita tried to keep a pleasant expression on her face.

Harry laughed. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help it."

Harry led her along the street to a nicer residential area. She slapped his shoulder playfully.

"That was not funny," She tried to scold him.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She shivered as his breath tickled her neck.

"I will make it up to you," Harry whispered. "You look lovely."

"Thank you," Rita blushed. "You look rather dashing. I'm not usually a fan of muggle clothing."

"Really?" Harry asked. "I find it much more comfortable."

The two walked in companionable silence as he led her to three story building. It was a mixture of Victorian architecture with wizard aesthetics.

"This doesn't look like a restaurant," Rita paused at the door.

"It's not," Harry opened it and motioned for her to enter. "My godfather and I own this building. The bottom floor is split into a study, a dining area, and a kitchen. We each have a floor for living quarters."

Harry led her into the kitchen. It was stocked with professional grade equipment, including stainless steel countertops. A table set for two rested in the center of the closest wall.

"My house elf is a wonderful cook," Harry pulled out a seat for her. "But I wanted something more intimate."

Harry pushed her chair in before moving over to a cabinet. He pulled out two covered plates.

"I cheated a little and cooked this earlier today," Harry placed one in front of her.

He removed the cover, letting a wave of steam rise from the food. Rita looked down at the artfully arranged food.

"I apologize for the lack of wine," Harry sighed. "I know nothing about it and didn't know what would go well with the dish."

"You made this?" She asked.

Harry nodded. He took his seat across from her.

"When you invited me for dinner, I thought you were trying to get me into bed," Rita looked at him like he was on the plate.

"I am," Harry returned her gaze. "I'd be a poor host if I didn't offer you something to eat first."

"So confident?" She asked.

Harry gave her a roguish grin. "You'll find out soon enough."

They ate in silence. Shooting each other smoldering looks between bites. Once he had finished, Harry placed his silverware on his plate. He carefully cleaned his face off just in case. Rita's eyes never left his. She placed her napkin on the table.

He stood, crossed the space between, and offered her his hand. Harry pulled her into a searing kiss. His tongue pressed into her mouth. She moaned as she began to kiss him back. He led her upstairs to his floor. Rita was vaguely aware of a door opening and closing.

Rita found herself pressed against the door. Harry's dexterous fingers undid the gem on her dress. The shimmering green clothe fell to the floor in a spiral exposing her naked form. He paused for a moment to take in her glorious body. Her breasts were bigger than he expected, with only a slight bit of sag. Rita's hips gave her a wonderful hourglass shape that just begged him to grip them.  One of his hands went to her hip while the other found her breast. He caressed her nipple with the pad of this thumb, before rolling it between his fingers. She moaned and leaned into his hand. Rita gasped as she felt his teeth trail across her nipple. Harry grinned. He gently bit her nipples, alternating from one to the other. Slowly pulling them as he withdrew his mouth.

She reached down guiding him to her lower lips. He pushed into her, stretching her tunnel in a wonderous way. He bit down on her shoulder. The contact sent her over the edge. Her body shook against him. Harry began to piston into her faster. Rita moaned, leaning her head back. She lost herself, riding the waves of pleasure. She leaned forward, burying her face in his shoulder.

"Bed," She moaned between thrusts.

They both groaned as he pulled out of her. Harry picked her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to his bed. He yelped as she managed to get him onto his back. She straddled him, capturing his shaft between her lower lips. Her arousal allowed her to glide along his length with ease. She cooed and ground into him each time the head of his cock brushed her clit.

Rita reached between them, angling his member as she rocked forward. They both moaned as his cock slipped into her. The two of them stayed like that for a moment, savoring the feeling. She placed a series of quick kisses along his jaw and down his neck. He groaned as he felt her teeth against his skin.

She pounded down into him, her hips moving as fast as she could. Harry thrust up to meet each downward motion. Rita leaned back; her eyes closed tight as her cunt fluttered around him.

"Cumming. Oh, fuck. I'm cumming," She screamed.

Harry couldn't control himself anymore. He thrust into her as hard and fast as he could. She pulled him into a kiss, sending him over the edge. Harry gripped her hips, grinding her down on him, reaching the deepest he could as he erupted. She started shaking as pulse after pulse began to fill her.

Rita rested atop in. Enjoying the sensation of being filled with his cum. Her eyes drifted closed as she felt her entire body relax. She looked at him with fuck-drunk eyes and shivered. His hands guided her onto her hands and knees.

Harry grabbed ahold of her hips. He thrust forward as he pulled her back. Rita babbled as he began to fuck her again. Harry hammered into her. She lost herself, riding the waves of pleasure. Her body shuddered with a string of small orgasms.

She bucked under him, turning her face back to the bed to muffle her voice. Harry continued on, taking his time to savor her. Much too soon he felt his himself getting close. He sped up, slamming himself into her. She babbled nonsense as he continued on. He pulled her hips back to meet him with each thrust. Harry held her tight against him as he filled her with his cum.

They collapsed on the bed, Harry laying on top of Rita. His cock slowly started to deflate inside her. After a moment it slipped out, followed by a stream of cum. Harry rolled off of her, resting on his side facing Rita. She reached over and ran a hand through his hair.

"Worth the wait?" Harry asked with a smile.

"Ask me in the morning," Rita teased, turning around and wiggling her bum to signal she was ready to be held.

"Gladly," Harry slid closer to her, wrapping an arm around her stomach, and pulling her closer.

~§~

Unfortunately, both he and Rita had other places to be in the morning. Harry had to get back to Hogwarts before too many questions were asked. Rita had a job. While she was covering the tournament, she was also focusing on the impact it had to local and international affairs. Harry was quite pleased with how things were turning out for her this time around.

As much as Harry would have liked to stay around Hogsmeade, he had training. Flitwick and Moody started out working with him separately. Now, they held their training at the same time. Moody teaching him defensive spells and tactics while Flitwick expanded his offensive capabilities. It basically came down to the two professors casting a barrage of spells at him, then telling him what he did wrong as they picked him up.

It wasn't going to help much against a dragon, but it was still a learning experience. Even with his years as an auror he was picking up new tricks. He belonged to them on Saturday, and they worked with him until he could hardly stand, then they pushed him even harder. It was the only time Harry was able to truly let loose his power. He held nothing back and neither did they.

By the time dinnertime rolled around, Harry felt like every muscle in his body was jelly. This was the last weekend before the first task. Instead of a respite, they piled even more onto him.

Sundays he spent with Sirius, training and just being together. His time with his godfather last time around was tragically short. Now, Sirius felt like an actual relative. Not a parent so much as an uncle. While Sirius wasn't as an accomplished duelist as Flitwick, or experienced as Moody, he did have access to the Black Family spells. They had developed some truly scary genius charms. Dozens of ways to disable, kill, or torture and even more strategies on how to do so incredibly fast. Harry was shocked to find that most, if not all, of the charms originated in something seemingly harmless.

A drying charm, something taught to first years and thought to be harmless, had been altered and advanced to a Blood Removal Charm. It literally dried out the plasma portion of the targets blood. Another charm, the Consuming Mist, stemmed from a maintenance charm used in novice enchanting. Originally, It created a fine cloud of mist that removed excess debris for precise detail work. A simple tweak switched focus from wood or stone shavings to skin and bone.

The hard part was learning the spells without being able to cast them on a real target. It was inhumane to use any sort of live creature, or person. They worked with training dummies. Sirius would take him the charm, use the dummy, and then explain what it would do to something that was alive. As gruesome as it was, Harry loved it. No wonder the Black Family had such a fearsome reputation.

Remus wasn't exactly pleased with the training, but that didn't stop him from joining in. Harry hadn't told them he had dealt with Voldemort. That would lead to too many questions. Regardless, they knew there was a conflict on the horizon. Taking on Dumbledore was a more daunting task. The man was crafty, connected, and incredibly powerful. He was overt in a way Riddle could only dream about. Their group had already started to make moves behind the scenes on his political power. Nothing major, just picking away at the edges and probing for weaknesses. They had to move carefully; people followed him with righteous loyalty.

As it turned out, Sirius knew how to play the Pureblood game. He hated it, and bitched about it every time he returned home, but his grandfather had trained him for years on the proper etiquette. The traditional faction was ecstatic to have an old family back, the neutrals hoped to curry his favor, and the so-called progressive faction thought it was obvious that Sirius would back them. It wasn't questioned that Sirius was seen with all three. Deals had to be done somehow.

All of it was a great distraction for the week leading up to the first task. Too soon Harry found himself in the tent with the other champions. None of the group even pretended to be shocked by the announcement of facing a dragon.  They were, however, taken by surprise when it was explained that they had to steal an egg from a nest.

Harry got the Horntail again, of course. The trio of champions weren't nearly as nervous as last time around. They each had their plans and tactics. Harry had managed to talk Krum out of attacking the dragon this time. All four champions were tight-lipped on their strategies. It was a competition after all.

Krum took up residence in a corner of the tent. He was muttering something under his breath in Bulgarian. Fleur was pacing while twirling her wand along her fingers. Harry had to suppress a smile; he had seen her do the same thing many times in his past life. When she didn't have room to pace the twirling would become more intricate.

The memory sent a sharp pain through his being. Had they been in love? Was it a simple dalliance? Stolen kisses for the thrill of it all. They wouldn't be the first to do such a thing. Two restless people in unhappy marriages finding a brief moment of solace in the arms of similar soul. Harry wanted to believe that. It was easier to push away. There was nothing to keep them together after the tournament.

Fleur left at some point. As did Krum. Soon he was alone in the tent. He hadn't even noticed.

"Harry, it's your turn," McGonagall called from the tent exit.

Harry nodded. She stopped him just before he stepped out.

"Be careful," She brushed a stray strand of hair out of his eyes only for it to fall back into place.

"Professor, I'm always careful," He gave her a crooked smile.

"That's what I'm worried about," McGonagall shook her head.

The crowd erupted as he walked into the arena. He could hear the announcer working them up. The title of The Boy Who Lived was tossed out, as well as Lord Potter, and a couple others that he ignored. He watched as a shield circled the raised stands, muffling the crowd to a whisper.

Well. Now or never.

§Great dragon, hear me!§ Harry shouted.

The dragon stared at him. It cocked its head from side to side in confusion. The dragon didn't even try to reply, which he took to mean it wasn't a simple language barrier.

"Of course that wouldn't work," Harry muttered under his breath.

Dragons were very intelligent, but it appeared that they weren't sapient. He continued to loudly ramble on with one hand raised and waving in a flourish. It kept the creature focused on him, and not the subtle wand movements that Harry was making with his lowered hand.

The golden egg wiggled, then dropped out of sight. Harry tried not to flinch when the dragon looked away from him and at the nest. It sniffed at the eggs before turning back to him. The confusion in the creatures' eyes was replaced with a hard edge. It still hadn't charred him where he stood, so he counted that as a good sign.

His entire body tensed as the dragon began to move. It shifted its position so that it was directly on top of the nest. The dragon let out a low, rumbling growl as it settled carefully on the egg. Their wings pulled around in front to hide the next completely. Harry took a step back, lowering his other hand, and concentrating solely on the egg that was currently hidden underground. A small mound of displaced dirt was the only sign that something was happening. The dragon watched the progress with intent, probably expecting some sort of creature to erupt from the ground. Instead, the stretch of disturbed earth led directly to Harry. Another hole opened, this time in front of him, and the golden egg popped out. The dragon roared as it realized it had been tricked. A burst of flame chased after him as he desperately sprinted toward the arena exit with the egg cradled in his arms.

Harry came to a rough stop once he was in the medical tent. Madam Pomfrey was waiting for him. He scanned the area for the others while she looked him over. Cedric was resting on a bed and was the worst of the bunch. Krum was slightly singed, but otherwise looked alright. Fleur was glaring at the edge of her robe that was now charred black.

"What happened?" Harry asked.

"Cedric tried to distract the dragon by transfiguring some stones into dogs," Madam Pomfrey explained. "He did a bit too good of a job and they were afraid of the dragon. They provided just enough of a window for him to grab the egg. It didn't last long enough, and he caught a flash of dragon fire. He's resting now, but I was prepared."

Harry turned to Fleur.

"I sang to it," She waved at her dress. "It snored in its sleep."

Harry smiled at her. "Rather the robe than you."

She inclined her head. Harry looked to Krum.

"Use fireworks as distraction," Victor explained. "Kept dragon busy. Almost broke chains."

Fleur studied him as she moved closer. She arced an eyebrow once she didn't find a single bit of ash or singed clothing.

"I talked to it as a distraction, made a hole under the egg, and pulled it over to me," Harry said shrugging. "I didn't know if it would work, but it was worth a shot."

"What was Plan B?" Krum asked.

"That was Plan B," Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Plan A was asking it nicely."

"You wanted to ask it nicely?" Fleur asked staring at him like he had completely lost his mind.

§I speak Parseltongue,§ Harry replied. "I was hoping dragons were smart enough to hold a conversation."

Madam Pomfrey glared at him. Harry avoided looking at her directly.

"Has anyone taken a closer look at the egg yet?" Harry held up his.

"Non," Fleur shook her head.

Harry examined the egg. He turned it around, pretending to consider how to open it.

"Here," Krum pointed to a latch on the side of the egg.

They all flinched as the egg began to scream. Krum quickly snapped it back closed. Fleur put her egg down and glared at it.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"That is the language of the mer-folk," Fleur had slipped into French without realizing it.

"Do you have a lot of dealings with them?" Harry asked.

She shook her head. "I am Veela. A being of fire and air. We do not do well with water."

"Water puzzle," Krum stared at the egg.

"It sounds like normal stuff when under the water," Cedric chimed in.

His voice was slightly slurred. Harry was shocked to see the young man was even awake.

"You need to rest," Harry chided.

"Ha," Cedric pointed a hand at Harry. "I don't have a bed set aside just for me. Unlike some!"

Fleur and Krum looked from Cedric to Harry.

"Mister Diggory," Madam Pomfrey hurried over to him. "I told you to rest."

Professor McGonagall poked her head into the tent. "They are announcing the scores."

Harry looked over to Cedric who was trying to get to his feet.

"Would you be able to help me?" Harry asked.

He crossed to the bed and helped Cedric stand. Krum took the other side while made sure the way was clear. The four emerged from the tent together. Cedric waved a lazy hand at the crowd as they cheered. It threw off his balance, almost bringing the trio down until Fleur slid into place, adding extra support to Harry's side.

Harry didn't pay attention to the scores. He was focused on how close Fleur was to him. Shutting his eyes tight he tried to catalogue how she felt against him, her smell, and the natural heat of her body. Hidden memories of laughter, soft touches, and shared glances played along the back of his mind. He could recall dancing with her under the stars while she had tears in her eyes.

Desperately, he wished the memories were something more solid. Years upon years of charms and potions had stolen the details.

"Harry," Victor's voice cut into his thoughts.

Harry looked up at him.

"Cedric," Krum motioned to the tent.

Fleur was cursing in French under her breath. She helped guide the trio back into the tent. Fleur turned to him once they had Cedric back in bed.

"That was horrid," Fleur snapped.

"I'm sorry," Harry stuttered.

"Why are you sorry? You are the one who has been wronged!" Fleur interrupted.

"Hm?" Harry replied so eloquently.

"Score," Krum said. "You are last."

"Oh," Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts. "I was busy trying not to drop Cedric."

"I'm not heavy!" Cedric chimed in. "My mom says I'm handsome."

"And you are," Harry said soothing the older wizard. "The rocks were slick, and I was having a hard time keeping balance."

"Da," Under his breath Krum added. "Balance hard when focus on woman."

"Shut it," Harry chuckled.

Fleur laughed as well. Harry tried, and failed miserably, not to blush. The sound of someone politely clearing their throat brought their attention back to the tent flap. Rita Skeeter, her assistant, and her photographer were waiting patiently for them.

"I understand Mister Diggory isn't up for an interview," Rita nodded to where Cedric lay.

"I'm fine," Cedric said, a little too loud.

"The four of you made quite the statement appearing together like that," Rita smiled but continued. "Would it be possible for us to get a photo of the four of you together?"

The trio looked to Madam Pomfrey. She nodded. They got into position around Cedric. A bit of shuffling got everyone in the frame, including Madam Pomfrey. It only took two shots for Rita to be satisfied.

"Thank you," Rita smiled broadly at them. "If you're up for it, I'd love to schedule an interview with each of you."

"I'm ready for it now," Cedric sat up. He visibly tottered to one side before settling back into the bed. "My favorite color is strawberry."

"Cedric," Harry patted him on the shoulder. "Trust me on this. Get some rest."

Cedric looked up at Harry. "Okay."

The Hufflepuff passed out as soon as the words left his mouth.

"We'll be going," Rita whispered. "Thank you again."

~§~

Harry didn't realize how tired he was until he got back to the common room. The victory party was in full swing when he arrived. He lost count of how many people told him he had been robbed with the points. Others finally agreed that parseltongue was an awesome skill to have. Quite a few ladies let him know that they would happily let him practice on them if he needed.

Finally, Harry found his way up to his bunk. He stared at it longingly before he stripped out of his clothes. The elves were amazing, but he didn't want to wake up smelling like this. Harry stumbled into the showers. He let out a loud, long moan as the hot water cascaded over his body.

He couldn't figure out why he was so tired. The task hadn't been anywhere near as physically demanding as last time. In fact, the hardest thing he had done today was help Cedric out of the tent. Talking with the dragon had been stressful at first, but that had faded rather fast.

It hit him all at once. Last time he had Hermione, every step of the way. She had been there when everyone else had turned their back on him. His fellow Gryffindors changed their tunes once he completed the task, but she never wavered.

Harry turned off the shower. He wrapped himself in a towel and began to trudge to his bed. Too late, he noticed he wasn't alone. His hand reached out, summoning his wand, his muscles tensing, waiting for the attack.

"Harry," Angelina spoke from near his bed. "You're safe."

"Angie?" Harry's brain was having whiplash trying to adjust to the new development. "What are you doing here?"

She was dressed in a long T-Shirt with the Harpies logo on it. Her hair hung loosely around her shoulders. She opened her arms to him.

"I don't know what's going on with you," she said softly. "But you need this."

He didn't protest. Harry strode quickly over to her. She wrapped him in a tight hug. Her hands stroked through his hair. She hummed a soft melody as she held him.

"Let's go to bed," Angelina stepped away, leading him to his bed.

Harry dropped his towel, not caring if he was naked. It didn't seem to bother Angelina either. There was a silent understanding that this wasn't about sex. Angelina might have been focused on Quidditch more than her studies, but that didn't mean she was stupid. She had seen plenty of her team on the edge of a breakdown. Hell, she had a couple herself. A physical or mental one, sometimes both, and knew that support was the best thing she could do. She pulled back the covers to let him get in. Once he was settled, she slid in behind him. Harry closed his eyes as he felt her arms wrapped around him.

The warmth, from her being nearby and her care, was too much. He didn't realize he was crying until he took a breath. Angelina began to pet him, gently stroking a hand through his hair. She didn't ask any questions, or offer any empty platitudes, she simply held him.

There was so much he didn't think about, so much he wouldn't allow himself to think about. He hated to admit it, but he missed his old life. Morgana, he missed his kids. He hated that he hadn't thought of them until now. They were gone. Maybe he'd have children in this life, but it wouldn't be them. Not to mention the kids he only recently found out were his.

He missed his friends. He missed his house. He missed the way Ginny would kiss him for luck before each game. He missed the sounds of the family at the weekly dinners.

It made no sense. In the last year alone, he had saved countless lives. Voldemort was dead. Only a few stragglers remaining Death Eaters were still alive.

Albus, Rose, James, Hugo, Teddy, and Lily were gone.

At some point he fell asleep. His dreams were a tangle of memories from a life that no longer was. He was still naked when he woke up. Angelina was gone, but he wasn't alone. Luna had taken her place. She was curled up against his chest, over the blankets.

Her bright blue eyes stared back at him as he woke up.

"When did you get here?" Harry asked.

Luna produced her wand from somewhere. She tapped his lips. He felt something wet and minty swirl around his mouth before fading away.

"I snuck in after Angelina left," She kissed him on the forehead. "I miss them too."

"You've never met them," Harry tilted his head to the side.

"I didn't, but Luna did," She shrugged.

"That makes sense," Harry nodded.

"I always make sense," Luna smiled at him.

"True," Harry sighed. "Thank you for checking on me."

"You haven't checked on me," She grumped.

"I'm sorry," Harry kissed her on the forehead. "I didn't expect the tournament this year."

"The old goat fucker is a crafty one," Luna spoke in such a sweet, dreamy tone that it took a moment for her words to process.

Harry laughed. "You could have warned me."

Luna shook her head. "I can tell you what is and was, sometimes maybe, but not will be."

"Fair enough," Harry sighed. "That means prophecies are junk then?"

Luna rolled her eyes. "You can't lay an egg, that doesn't mean a dragon can't."

Luna snuggled up beside him, using his chest as a pillow. She went silent for a long moment.

"Are you speaking from experience?" Harry asked.

Luna lifted her arm, her fingers twirled in the air. After a moment she placed her hand by her ear. She sat up sharply. Her eyes went to the window.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"She sleeps in the lake." Luna whispered. "She waits." Her bright blue eyes turned to him, they were unfocused, seeming to look right through him. "Your blood calls to her."

Her eyes cleared and she flopped back onto the bed.

"I can lay eggs," Luna wrinkled her nose. "That was not pleasant."

"Sorry, moonbeam," Harry pulled her close. "I'll try not to make you lay any more eggs."

She snuggled back into place. Harry kissed her on the forehead. Luna hummed in contentment. He wasn't sure what time it was. The sun hadn't risen, and his curtains had been pulled closed. Years of late nights doing paperwork had taught him that sleep was precious. He closed his eyes and left his thoughts drift away.