Harry stepped in the medical tent followed by Madam Pomfrey. Cedric was resting on a bed. He 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 had come closer to study him. She arced an eyebrow once she didn't find a single bit of ash or singed clothing.
"I spoke to her." Harry explained.
"You spoke?" Fleur asked.
Ş I'm a parseltongue. Ş He replied.
She stared at him for a moment.
"I didn't know if it would work." Harry shrugged. "It was better to try."
"What was plan b?" Krum asked.
"I hadn't thought that far." Harry rubbed the back of his neck.
Madam Pomfrey glared at him. Harry avoided her gaze.
"Has anyone fiddled with the egg yet?" Harry held up his.
"Non." Fleur shook her head.
Harry examined it. 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 rest." Harry chided.
"Ha." Cedric pointed a hand at Harry. "I don't have a reservation. 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 caught 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.
"Need to get Cedric back." 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. I…" 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 calmly. "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." 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.
"We'll be going." Rita whispered. "Thank you again."
Harry waited until they had left before he turned to the other champions. "Is it possible to share the egg? I promised the dragon I would give the egg back to her."
Fleur and Victor stared at him for a moment.
"I will." Fleur patted the top of her egg.
"Thank you." Harry inclined his head to her.
He cradled the egg under his arm and headed back out toward the arena. The dragon keepers were moving the eggs back into a protective carrier under the watchful eye of the Hungarian Horntail. They hadn't managed to chain her back up.
Ş I'm back. Ş Harry called.
The dragon spared him a quick glance before returning her attention to the nest.
Ş Would you like me to put this with your eggs? Ş Harry asked holding up the gold egg.
Ş Yes. Ş The dragon didn't look at him this time.
Ş Is everything ok? Ş Harry set the gold egg beside one of the others that had already been settled.
Ş This is my first clutch. Ş The dragon glared at the keepers. Ş I will not loose a hatchling to incompetence. It is bad enough I must deal with this weather. Ş
Ş Would you like me to tell them something? Ş Harry moved to stand beside her.
Ş I request the one in green with the orange hair. Ş She nodded. Ş He seems the more skilled. Ş
Harry scanned the area for the wizard she was talking about. After a moment he found Charlie Weasley standing by an opening in the arena. The wizard was watching them moving the eggs with almost as much intensity as the dragon.
"Hey, Charlie." Harry called.
"How's it going, Harry?" Charlie didn't move from his spot.
"She wants you to be the one to move her eggs." Harry made sure his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. "She says you're the one she trusts to do it right."
The other dragon keepers looked from Harry to the dragon and finally to Charlie.
"It would be an honor." Charlie beamed proudly.
The dragon visibly relaxed as the other keepers backed away. She chittered as she watched Charlie begin to handle her eggs.
Ş A guy could get jealous. Ş Harry chuckled.
Ş Hush, hatchling. Ş The dragon snapped, but it lacked any real anger. Ş He is skilled, and I want the best for my eggs. Ş
Ş How did dragons and wizards breed? Ş Harry asked.
The dragon sputtered and shook her head. She looked everywhere except for at him.
Ş Dragons can change their shape. Ş She said, still avoiding looking at him. Ş It takes a considerable amount of power and skill. Ş
Ş Wow. Ş Harry bobbed his head slowly. Ş May I have your name? Ş
Ş I will tell you. You may not have it. Ş The dragon stated.
Ş Thank you. Ş Harry bowed to her.
Ş Sunrise in Mist. Ş The dragon said proudly.
Ş It is nice to meet you, Sunrise in Mist. Ş Harry replied. Ş I am Harry Potter. Ş
Ş It is nice to meet you as well, Harry Potter. Ş She bowed her head to him. Ş Excuse me, I must observe my eggs. Ş
Ş Of course. Ş Harry said. Ş His name is Charlie Weasley. Ş