Red dragon

55

Harry woke up at the usual time for his morning run, and saw Neville sitting up on his bed staring at Ron.

"Are you okay, Neville?"

"Oh Harry." He spoke sadly. "Trevor has never been in one place so long before."

"What do you mean?"

"Ron's water thing. Trevor's just sitting by it." Harry looked into the mister. It was a glass bowl; the size of a goldfish bowl. When in it the toads got a blast of cold water as mist to keep the animals moist. It looked quite high tech but was run on magic.

"I see. He must like it in there." Harry didn't see the problem.

"I forgot he needed water." Neville broke down. "He must have been so uncomfortable. Its al my fault."

"Oh Neville Trevor won't blame you." Harry tried to comfort him. "Maybe he just has a crush on Mandy. You don't know."

Neville didn't seem convinced. "I mess up everything."

"Of course you don't. You're the best at Herbology, and one of the bravest people I know." Harry told him. "I promise."

"What happened?" Dean sat up at the noise.

"Nothing; we're just getting ready. Its half past."

"Oh, alright." Dean swung out of bed to get ready.

A few of the older students were missing from the run, as everyone suspected where they would be. For this reason, most people stalled and left early. Harry didn't want to. He had to actually be dragged by his friends so that he actually had something to eat.

Harry spent his day in a state of mild agitation. Zana wouldn't let Hermione leave Harry's side. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Draco spent most of the day planning for the DAC. Harry decided they were going to have a month dedicated to Herbology and Potions. They just had to persuade Neville to speak. That was not going to be easy.

Fleur waved at Harry every time she saw him. If they got close she would wave at Mandy too. Fleur had taken a shine to the rare, blue, 'frog'.

The whole room turned to the bright orange flames. The great hall was rarely this silent. Barley the sound of breathing.

"The Champion for Drumstrang. Viktor Krum." The whole room applauded. Viktor Krum was famous after all.

"The Champion for Beauxbaton. Fleur Decolour." The Veela girl stood up; smiled at her school and then gave Harry a little wave.

"The Champion for Hogwarts." Harry closed his eyes. "Cedric Diggory." He let the applause move on around him. He then turned to pet Zana on his lap, she could sense his tension.

The silence and Harry knew what was coming. "Harry Potter." He took a breath and then looked up.

"Yes?" There was a laugh across the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables.

"Harry Potter, come up here please." McGonagall requested.

"What?"

"Come up here, Mr Potter."

"It's Evans-Potter Professor." Harry stopped at the stage, Zana right behind him. "Is that really what it says?"

"Harry Potter." Dumbledore held out the piece of paper. "No school."

"Sir, I never put my name in." The headmaster just looked down at the piece of paper.

"Yeah." One of the older students shouted. "He hates the name Potter." There was a murmur of agreement.