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 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.
"It's a letter, Ron." Harry said.
"Come off it." 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?"
"Yeah." 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 motioned 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?"
"Give it 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?"
"Probably not fight." 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 last year. Ron would probably be playing if we had a season this year."
Ron blushed.
"Want to fly?" Krum asked Ron.
"I have class." Ron's shoulders slumped.
"You've got an 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."
"Use mine." Harry laughed. "Stay calm. Don't show off too much."
"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." 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."
"Ron." Harry grabbed his friend by the shoulder, turning so they were face to face. "I love you like a brother, mate. You can do this."
"I can do this." Ron nodded.
"Just remember who introduced you two when you need a best man." Harry squeezed his shoulder.
Ron nodded. "Right." He stopped. "What?"
"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. "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." 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.