Chapter 7 (ASL)

**September 1st, 1994.**

It was September first once again and Harry was sequestered on the Hogwarts Express with Padma and Susan, avoiding the firsties and other annoying people.

Thankfully they remained undisturbed until they arrived in the Great Hall where after the start-of-term feast Slughorn announced the Triwizard Tournament, to Harry's disapproval. They had been unable to get Hogwarts out of the idiotic tournament.

"Are you gonna try getting past Slughorn's defenses, Harry?" Michael Corner asked.

"No," Harry replied, not seeing the point in the tournament.

"Eternal glory, though. You'd have a real chance of winning that for Ravenclaw." Michael said.

"Name one previous winner of the tournament," Harry replied in amusement.

No one. Literally no one could name one.

"Eternal glory? I don't think so." Harry quipped, amusing those nearby. "Cheating to get in would only get me bad press and these competitions are for the merely above-average to have something meaningful in their meaningless lives so that they can forget that they'll never be remembered like Merlin, Morgana le Fay, the four founders, Gellert Grindelwald, Dumbledore, Nicolas Flamel, or Herpo the Foul." It spoke volumes of the Ravenclaw houses arrogance that none of them realized they were included in that insult.

"Or you," Cho Chang added, looking flirtatiously at Harry and annoying Padma.

"I'm not quite there yet, but I'll be training while everyone is wasting their time watching an idiotic tournament that Hogwarts was unable to get out of."

"Why would Hogwarts need to get out of it?" Cho asked ignorantly.

"Our school had severe deficiencies in its curriculum and is only just beginning its recovery now. Besides, students have died in this tournament quite often and Dumbledore stupidly entered the students into death matches for others entertainment. I really do hope that he burns in Hell. If there actually is a Hell, anyway." Harry said.

Harry and his fellow Ravenclaws would all retire to Ravenclaw Tower and Harry halted the bullying of Luna Lovegood by Cho Chang and her posse.

"Report to Professor Flitwick, all of you," Harry said in disgust, helping Luna up. Harry had forgotten about Luna's bullying in his race to power and making his preparation for killing Tom.

"You're not a teacher! You can't tell us what to do!" Marietta said.

"I own Hogwarts and have the rights of a Headmaster, twice, and I appointed the current Headmaster and the oversight committee. I can expel you all right now and bind your magic. Don't test me you little idiot." Harry said. Harry sent a Patronus message to Flitwick. "He's expecting you all."

Cho and her gang glared at Harry and went to see Flitwick.

**October 30th, 1994.**

The last month had been good for Harry. Cho and her gang had all been given a month of detention after Professor Flitwick spoke with Luna Lovegood. Harry had been actively focused on mastering spells within the Room of Requirement. Harry was enjoying his growing knowledge and power and was teaching Susan and Padma some spells too.

The students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang had just arrived at Hogwarts and everyone was settled in the Great Hall.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and most importantly guests," Slughorn said politely. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."

One of the Beauxbatons girls still clutching a muffler around her head gave what was unmistakably a derisive laugh. Slughorn chose to ignore the appalling behavior and continued.

"The tournament will be officially opened after the feast," Slughorn said. "I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!" He sat down, and Harry watched as Karkaroff leaned forward at once and engaged him in conversation.

Harry focused on eating and people watching; assessing peoples magical power with Magic Sense. Fleur Delacour had beauty, brains, and plenty of power... she was a must for his Lady Slytherin. Harry decided to chat her up some later.

The remainder of the feast passed in relative silence for everyone and Slughorn stood up.

"The moment has come," Slughorn said. "The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket just to clarify the procedure that we will be following this year. But first, let me introduce, for those of you who do not know them, Mr. Bartemious Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation" - there was a smattering of polite applause from the Great Hall- "and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports." Harry rolled his eyes when Bagman was given a much louder applause due to his fame.

Slughorn continued, informing the Hall of all the hard work Crouch and Bagman had done to make the tournament possible, and that Bagman and Crouch would be on the panel of judges.

"The casket please, Mr. Filch," Slughorn finally said, and Filch brought it forward. "There will be three tasks spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways... their magical prowess, their daring, their powers of deduction, and, of course, their ability to cope with danger." At his last word, there was absolute silence...

"Each school shall have one champion, and they will be marked on how well they perform each of the tasks and the champion with the highest total points after the third task will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Fire." Slughorn said, keeping things short and to the point. He drew his wand and magically removed the Goblet of Fire, placing it on top of the casket.

"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as a champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet," Slughorn said. "You have twenty-four hours to do so. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will reveal its choices of the most worthy to represent their schools."

After some final warnings, they were all dismissed.

Harry enjoyed watching people enter themselves, but he wasn't at all impressed by Angelina Johnson from Gryffindor, Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff, or Cassius Warrington from Slytherin. None of them were really anything special and Harry realized that this was why magicals like Dumbledore and Voldemort seemed to be such godlike beings... everyone else was just way weaker. Harry continued reading while everyone else waited the remaining minute for the Goblet to finish up; indifferent to the tournament and it's tasks, which Harry had already realized weren't all that difficult.

Slughorn dimmed the lights and Harry marked his place and closed his book, preparing himself.

Viktor Krum was chosen for Durmstrang.

Fleur Delacour was chosen for Beauxbatons, and Harry applauded politely and whispered congratulations to her, which none of her fellow students had done. Sadly, Harry had been unable to flirt with her since last night and he was hoping that his self-control would draw her in.

Cedric Diggory was chosen for Hogwarts, and Harry merely rolled his eyes. Cedric was exceptional at Charms and above-average at other fields, but he wasn't anything special.

Slughorn began his speech, but soon he and everyone were distracted by the fire in the goblet turning red once more. He caught the parchment with Harry Potter's name on it, eyes widening in surprise, and he called out Harry's name.

"That had better be fucking prank because I'm not wasting my time on this worthless tournament," Harry warned coldly, his glowing green eyes looking directly at Horace.

"Language, Mister Potter!" McGonagall said, getting a look from both Slughorn and Harry.

"Hush, Minerva!" Horace said in exasperation. "This will be resolved, Lord Gryffindor, but until that time you need to join the other champions."

"Give the slip of paper to the Aurors. I want this investigated and contain the goblet for destruction." Harry said, rising from his seat and leaving the room in a huff. Harry sent his godfather a Patronus message once he was out of sight.

"What is it?" Fleur asked. "Do zey want us back in ze hall?"

"No someone put my name in as an attempt to get me killed without even getting their hands dirty. I have to sit through this until my solicitors can review the contract and get me out of it." Harry replied boredly. "It shouldn't be too hard, I didn't enter myself." Bagman came in, tried grabbing Harry by the arm and was telekinetically halted.

"Don't man handle nobility," Harry warned, his eyes flashing green as an intimidation tactic.

"Y-yes," Bagman said in fear, causing Harry to smirk. Bagman then tried explaining that there was no way out for Harry.

"Then you'll have your life ruined to the point where me having you Crucio'd to death would seem like a kindness," Harry warned. "But I'm sure that you'll make the right decision to avoid that... there is no shame in taking a supposedly cowardly way out. Honestly, why bother living? You're a degenerate gambler who's massively in debt and now this. Your life is actually pretty pointless."

The door behind them opened again, and a large group of people came in: Slughorn, McGonagall, Barty Crouch, Snape, Madame Maxime, and Professor Karkaroff.

"Okay. I want to know what protections were around the Goblet of Fire and how someone entered my name..." Harry said coldly.

"Still denying-" Snape began before being disarmed, restrained, and forced to his knees.

"Dumbledore is gone and there is no one here to protect you... remember that next time you mouth off you fucking idiot," Harry said, amusing everyone but McGonagall.

"There was an Age Line, intent-based wards, and several monitoring spells. They were bypassed, which seems to have taken five hours. It caught several cheating attempts, but whoever entered you was very knowledgeable and reasonably powerful." Horace replied nervously. Harry was reasonable but wasn't very tolerant of failure.

"Create three tasks that can be easily completed within a few minutes and once the contract is fulfilled you can reactivate goblet and allow for a re-choosing. This time there will be a guard of my choosing and it won't be forgiving of cheating or any attempts at stealth."

"The Goblet won't reactivate for another three years and you can't destroy it either," Crouch said.

"Oh? The Goblet is the property of Hogwarts and I own Hogwarts. Leave Hogwarts and inform Minister Fudge that you need to be replaced. Bagman, go kill yourself or I'll help the goblins collect the money that you owe them. McGonagall, escort Crouch off of Hogwarts Grounds."

"You can't just fire Ministry employees boy!" Crouch said angrily.

"True, but nobody likes you and Fudge will fire you for any reason that he can. Interfering in property laws is cause enough. Now get lost or be attacked for trespassing... you too Bagman." Crouch and Bagman were both eager to leave and followed McGonagall.

Horace was looking extremely nervous.

"Fail me to this extreme again and you will be replaced," Harry warned.

After having the tasks explained and being told the date, Cedric, Fleur, and Victor left; all firmly believing that Harry didn't enter himself and Cedric would spread that around Hufflepuff. Talk soon turned to how they had managed to enter Harry into the tournament with Harry wishing that he could dispose of Crouch Jr. Crouch had just told everyone how he'd done it and some tests confirmed it.

Before returning to Ravenclaw Tower Harry destroyed the Goblet of Fire with Fiendfyre.

Harry would later confirm that he was trapped in the stupid tournament, but he was infinitely stronger than the Harry that competed in the books and films. Harry anonymously warned Fleur, Krum, and Diggory of the nesting mother dragons to make it more fair. Susan and Padma both believed that Harry hadn't entered himself and Harry was just left to deal with a few idiots who did... Ron Weasley was publically humiliated and sent flying into a wall and when Ron attacked Harry again after being insulted by him, Harry had Ron's wand snapped, him expelled, and his magic permanently bound with a curse that would eventually turn him into a squib. And that was actually legal!

Harry would complete the First Task by telekinetically levitating the egg and pulling it to him. Rita Skeeter had been cowed into submission with threats of being exposed as an illegal Animagus... Harry was very pleased with himself even for such a crude solution. Fudge had cooperated with Harry and Crouch was allowed to remain on-hand as a judge, but both were hopeful that whoever had entered Harry would get rid of Crouch for them. Bagman staying was part of the deal.

The Yule Ball was spent alternating between dancing with Susan and Padma and Harry used magic to make a copy of himself and have sex with the both of them.

In the Second Task Harry would retrieve Susan for himself and Gabrielle for Fleur, winning extra points and putting himself in first place.

It was on May 27th that Bartemius Crouch Senior was murdered and Harry absorbed his soul.

It was eventually time for the Third Task and Harry had allowed Dumbledore to attend as part of his plot for Dumbledore and Voldemort. Harry spent just the minimum amount of time necessary with Dumbledore to advance said plots. Harry gave Lucius a nod before the Third Task began and entered the maze before everyone else due to him being in first place...

Harry powered his way through every obstacle in his way and Crouch Junior didn't even have to interfere due to Harry's power and skill... it was soon just Harry and Cedric.

"Should we share the victory?" Cedric asked.

"I'd really like too, but I've confirmed that the cup is Portkey and will likely take me to whoever is trying to kill me..." Harry said sadly. "We can duel for it or you can surrender because I refuse to risk your life for no reason."

"I'm a Sixth Year student, Harry," Cedric said, not trying to sound boastful but warning Harry.

"I have NEWTs in Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, I'm self-studying for a Mastery in the latter, and I'm routinely defeating an Auror and my own godfather," Harry replied. "Did I win the measuring contest or should I just take it out and show it off?"

Cedric snorted in amusement.

"We'll duel for it. You shouldn't be risking your own life either." Cedric said. "What about Susan or Padma?"

"I won't be dying any time soon, Cedric, don't worry," Harry replied, calling on his full magical power and causing his eyes to glow. "Attack whenever you're ready."

Cedric began with a Stunner but Harry deflected it and hit Cedric with a Banishing Charm that pulverized his hastily erected Shield Charm and then Harry quickly disarmed and Stunned Cedric.

"Not terrible, Cedric, but you'd still be a liability in combat," Harry said before taking the Portkey.

After arriving, Harry allowed himself to be captured and be used in the ritual despite his disdain for it. Harry had learned a lot and Tom could have enhanced his body further by using ingredients from his mother too. It would balance the masculine and feminine energies within Tom and improve his sanity, magical control, slightly boost his power, and stabilize the body further. As it stood, Tom would be weakened by Harry being willing to have his blood used. It would reduce his power and destabilize his body.

"Robe me," Tom commanded after the ritual completed, and having risen from the cauldron.

After callously ignoring Pettigrew's pain, Tom instead pressed his Dark Mark and summoned his Death Eaters.

"So I hear that you claimed House Slytherin and Gaunt from me," Tom asked, his red eyes glowing with malice.

"And removed the Dark Mark from several of your followers and placed them all under the Fidelius Charm. I've been very busy since I gave you some shock therapy. You'll find funding your terrorism is significantly more difficult." Harry said and was rewarded with a dose of the Cruciatus Curse. "Oh and they know about your blood status too."

"I shall reclaim my titles and more when I kill you," Tom replied.

"I actually fathered a few bastards on Muggle girls... you'll have to kill them first. And find them all, which will be difficult for you." A lie, but Harry had taken Tom's Occlumency abilities and built upon them.

"Oh, I don't mind the challenge and the joy of killing your children," Tom returned. "You have given me something that makes it all worth it... you weakened Dumbledore politically and drove him from Hogwarts."

"Yeah. He put me with Muggles who abused me until I learned to fight back. Would you say that his actions helped mold you into the Dark Lord that you are now?"

"Yes..." Tom agreed. "Dumbledore sending me back to the orphanage helped push me into darkness and caused me to hate him even more. I believe that he was hoping that the Muggle's would kill me and do what he could not."

The Carrows, Macnair, and Avery Jr. all arrived. Tom looked around, expecting twice that, or thee times that. Harry had freed himself to avoid being a stationary target.

"Yeah... I'm very persuasive at convincing people to see things my way. These are your remaining most loyal." Harry said, evading Tom's curse and summoning his wand back to him.

Harry and Tom began dueling with Harry shocking Tom at his speed, spell choice, and power... Harry hit Macnair with a piercing curse and then castrated Tom with an irreversible curse and sterilized him during his shock. Tom was sent flying into his followers and Harry summoned the Triwizard Cup and was quickly Portkeyed away.

Harry went through the motions, revealing that Voldemort was back and being led away by Crouch Junior. Harry patiently endured the idiots questions and his gloating and then Stunned him right before Slughorn, Flitwick, and McGonagall entered.

"Barty Crouch Junior impersonated Moody and I'll be creating employment contracts to prevent this from ever happening again," Harry said after they entered the room. Harry freed Moody from his trunk, levitating him out of the trunk and setting him down in a chair and returning his wand to him. "Call Madam Pompfrey for Moody and get some Veritaserum and contact the Auror Department too."

Harry was just going through the motions and soon enough a Dementor entered beside Fudge and quickly kissed Crouch and Fudge had refused to believe that Voldemort was back or that the Carrows, Macnair, or Avery Jr. were all loyal Death Eaters. Harry expected it and met with Lucius in private, with only McGonagall paying attention.

Lucius began his plots at Harry's command... suggesting that Dumbledore had ambushed Harry and toyed with his mind to weaken Harry politically, magically, and mentally in revenge for being removed from most of his positions. Lucius would quickly convince Fudge that Dumbledore was making his move to become the Minister for Magic by weakening him, Harry Potter and his allies, and the Ministry itself. Lucius would offer to donate money to the DMLE to bolster the Auror and Hit Wizard forces with all of the other former Death Eaters also contributing more money. Harry also mentioned employment contracts to Lucius and that he would implement them at Hogwarts, Lucius liked the idea of depriving Tom of recruits while also weakening Dumbledore in the process. Lucius had refused to throw Severus under the bus, but Harry still had his own plans in motion to deal with Snape.

Inevitably, Dumbledore approached Harry.

"Harry..." Dumbledore began.

"It's Lord Potter," Harry returned shortly.

"Lord Potter," Dumbledore corrected with a sigh. "With Tom having returned, it is time for us to put our differences aside and work together to defeat him."

"No. I have my own plans to defeat Tom and you and your useless cult aren't a part of them... except for serving as fodder and a distraction. Him having returned changes nothing between us and you would only be a hindrance with your idealism." Harry replied. "Now, you are hereby banned from Hogwarts Grounds and I'll be activating some nightmarishly powerful wards to cause you unbearable agony and block Fawkes from traveling to and from my school. You may leave now."

Dumbledore gave Harry a disappointed look, but he left without a complaint.

Harry would continue answering questions from Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and Gryffindors about Voldemorts return, but many Slytherin's were overjoyed. His ladies all believed and supported him, but there were many others who believe him didn't yet. Cedric Diggory had put in a good word for him within Hufflepuff though and Harry still had quite a bit of influence in all of the other houses.

Harry had already been preparing the magically binding contracts before this term so he was able to present them to Hogwarts Staff before term ended... but Snape, McGonagall, and Hagrid weren't cooperating.

"I spy for the Order of the Phoenix as you very well know," Snape drawled in explanation.

"I know that you are likely playing both sides and slowly bettering yourself," Harry quipped. "If you were loyal to either Dumbledore or Voldemort then I'd be tempted to give you a mercy killing for being utterly pathetic. Your life expectancy is severely shortened with one of them, but with both? I'd give you five years at most before you die due to their idiocy, your luck running out, or simple malice on Tom's part."

"I'm not betrayin Albus Dumbledore!" Hagrid roared angrily.

"Inside voice, Hagrid," Harry mocked. "And however will we find someone to replace your considerable and unique skills?" Harry paused as Minerva grimaced at Harry's mocking of Hagrid and Severus smirked. "You will sign the contract or will leave Hogwarts Grounds and your current employment. Hogwarts will be fully secured against subversive groups and its staff safeguarded to ensure education of a consistent quality."

"After the war is over all of the students that you teach will help rebuild our world and perhaps even train the next generations after them. Let's be honest, the Order never did anything of use except orphaning children because Dumbledore lacks the balls to kill the enemy. He's an obsolete old man who values his own moral code over the lives of those who follow him." Hagrid, not thinking clearly, moved to attack Harry, but Harry discreetly drew upon the power of Hogwarts to force him back into his chair. "You know, I could legally kill you for that. Now... be a good dog and sit."

Everyone was thoroughly impressed, believing that was all Harry.

McGonagall signed the contract, to the surprise of both Snape and Hagrid.

"I can do more good as a teacher here," Minerva explained. She also wanted to protect the school and the students.

"I refuse," Snape replied.

"Then you'll vacate your office and remove all of your property within the week... house-elves will monitor and help you to ensure that it's only your property that you take," Harry said and Snape nodded grudgingly and left the room. "Hagrid?"

"I quit!" Hagrid yelled before leaving the room and knocking over chairs.

Harry sighed and used his magic to stand the chairs upright.

"Well that concludes the drama for today," Harry commented in humor. "I suggest Andromeda Tonks for the Potions Master and teaching position... she has the skill and would be a target for Moldyshorts' merry band of inbred idiots and need some extra protection." Horace nodded in agreement, he would approach her first.

Harry would depart Hogwarts soon afterward with his fellow students, prepared for a busy summer.