Chapter 7

He heard the screaming before he realized what was happening. He had begun jogging to an area nearby when he heard the spell fire. This made his jog turn to a full fledged run when he heard his brother shouting spells, and it turned to a sprint when he heard the agonizing cries for help.

Peter Pettigrew. The man that gave up his family to Voldemort. The man that turned on his father and the other Marauders was standing with a gleeful look pointing his wand at his brother with clear intent to finish what he started in Godric's Hollow all those years ago. Snapping something inside of the young man he roared out, summoning his wand to his hand and flinging spells faster than he had ever dreamt of. Spells of all different colors, shapes, and sizes were pouring from his wand. The very world around him was being transfigured and attacking the rat animagus as the man screamed in surprise. The duel had begun when Pettigrew tried to slip a killing curse into the Potter heir's defenses, but Harry easily dodged it, and continued his non-stop assault. The duel would last less than a minute when Harry stood over the man who was now begging for his life.

"Are you okay, Justin?" Harry asked not taking his eyes off the man.

"Help me, Harry..." The boy called back weakly.

The young man looked at the pathetic creature before him who hadn't stopped begging for his life since he lost his wand. He couldn't risk losing Pettigrew, but he had to help his brother. This was the man that stole his childhood from him. The reason the Dark Lord was able to get into his home and mark his little brother with the killing curse. This was the reason his parents had neglected him, and why they never had time for him. This man killed his childhood.

Harry choked out, "Why did you do it, Peter? Why did you turn on your family? I know the Marauders loved you...why? Why did you do this to us?"

"Harry, please. You have no idea what he's like. You have no idea what his power is like. Please don't kill me."

Harry grunted, "You cost me everything. A normal life. A loving childhood. You cost me all of it, and you expect mercy?"

This made the man cry out in despair, and Harry's eyes flitted back to Justin who was on the ground still shaking very badly. No signs of Ron or Hermione, who Harry knew must be around somewhere, but he didn't have time to dwell on this as he felt the body below him hit him in his waist hard. The larger fat man rolled with Harry as they struggled down a hill attempting to gain dominance, but Harry wandlessly banished the man, and jumped to his feet. Pettigrew now had a knife in his hand as he attempted to do the same and possibly throw the knife, but Harry roared out, "Avada Kedavra!"

The green light struck the man so fast it sent him reeling backwards making the man land on his back, eyes stuck in the sky lifeless and cold.

Harry shot up from his bed in a cold sweat crying out in surprise and remorse. He felt his wand fly to his hand on instinct, but as he looked around, he realized he was reliving the same dream he had many times before. It was one of the worst days of his life, but it had some of the greatest repercussions he could have imagined.

As he rolled out of bed he flexed his shoulders and began waving his hands around summoning things to him, and grabbing levitated clothes out of his drawers. Looking back on it he remembered himself differently. Colder to everyone, very few friends in the world besides maybe Padfoot and Moony. Things had certainly changed. When he had gotten on the Hogwarts Express that year, he thought he only had to endure one more summer with his parent's and then he would be able to go off on his own and start a new life. He had even considered renouncing his title on the Potter name and asking Sirius to let him be a Black. It was after all Sirius who cared for him most of his life. His parents were too busy trying to prepare Justin for his doomsday prophecy.

At one point it was Harry's plan to run away when he graduated Hogwarts. To enter the Muggle World and send a letter to the prophet on his way out telling the world of the prophecy and how his brother survived the darkest curse in history, but that all changed after he killed Pettigrew in defense of his brother.

Harry stared at the body of Pettigrew for several moments. He had taken a life in his brother's defense. He had taken the life of a man that had taken everything from him... "Harry. Help..."

This turned Harry's brain back on as he saw his shaking brother on the ground. He ran over to him and picked him up as he hit with a wandless featherweight charm, and began running back towards the castle, "Justin, stay with me. Where are Ron and Hermione? Are they okay?"

"Alive...In the Shrieking Shack....Bound and Unconscious...Alive..."

Harry let out a breath as he hit the castle entrance courtyard. He was running as fast as his legs would carry him when Dumbledore came sweeping out of the castle, his wand out, "Harry, what has happened?"

"Pettigrew attacked him. Weasley and Granger...unconscious in the Shrieking Shack...Justin hit by the cruciatus multiple times."

Professor Mcgonagall and Flitwick came spilling out of the castle as the Headmaster with ease took Justin out of Harry's arms and apparated away. Harry fell to his knees as Professor Flitwick rushed to his side, "Harry, are you hurt?"

"No, Professor."

"Do you need medical attention?"

"Pettigrew..."

Both professors looked at the boy sharply. McGonagall asked, "Peter Pettigrew? What about him?"

"I killed him."

Neither professor said anything to that. McGonagall flicked her wand out, summoning a patronus. Harry didn't hear what she said, but he just stared back at the grounds where he had come from. Where Pettigrew still lay dead. He wasn't sure how much time passed. He knew Professor Snape arrived and followed McGonagall out towards the grounds, undoubtedly to look for Hermione and Ron, but all Harry did was stare.

Flitwick grabbed the boy's arm, "You did it to protect your brother, Harry. No one can hurt him now. He is safe with the Headmaster."

"He took everything from me...I wanted to kill him...It's not like Quirrell..."

Flitwick was Harry's head of house, and of course knew about the incident with the Sorcerer's Stone. He also knew all about Harry's neglect growing up, but only heard about it from secondhand sources like Sirius Black, "It's only natural, Harry. He took a lot from you. He was trying to kill your brother. He would've tried to kill you."

"He threw a killing curse at me."

The man inhaled sharply at that revelation before saying, "Even more of a reason it was self-defense then."

Neither man said another word for several moments. The next person he remembered seeing was James Potter running across the bridge at full speed towards Harry. It took Harry a moment to realize the man had tears in his eyes, and when he reached his oldest son, he pulled him for a hug, "Harry, Thank God. I thought we lost you boys. We had been on Peter's tail for days. We lost him in Dufftown just a few days ago. Thank God you're okay."

The man's arms went around his son for the first time in memory, and Harry didn't hug him back. He just stared numbly out across the grounds still, "I killed him."

James tensed up and separated from his son, "What?"

"I killed Peter. He was torturing Justin." The boy said robotically.

"You're sure he is dead?"

"Yes."

Silence. Then another hug. This one surprised Harry even more. The trembling in the man's shoulders did as well. It was the first thing that snapped Harry out of his trance, "Dad...are you crying?"

This caused the shaking to increase, and Harry felt a cold pit in his stomach freeze even more, "I'm sorry dad...I know he was your friend, but-"

"HE WASN'T MY FRIEND!"

The two separated, but James kept his hands on his son's shoulder, "That bastard was not my friend, and hasn't been for 15 years. He tried to take you boys away from me. He tried to hurt your mother. He killed my mother. Son, you just rid the world of one of the Potter's greatest enemies. You did a great service to our family, and as my heir I could not be prouder of you for defending your brother with whatever it took. God damnit, Harry, I am so proud of you."

The words stunned the sixteen-year-old boy. His father was proud of him for killing a man. No, his father was proud that he rid the world of a monster. A monster that cost his family dearly. He wasn't sure his father had ever said that he was proud of his son before, and combining that fact with what had happened mere minutes ago Harry felt his legs crumble, and he began to cry for the first time in many years.

Shaking his head from the memory, Harry realized what followed was the best Summer of his life. He had become closer with his parents and brother than he ever had before. He traveled with his family, he laughed with his family, and for the first time he felt like he was part of the family. He wished his master could see it. Of course, the man predicted that it would happen one day. Harry just didn't believe him, not that he was ever wrong.

Thinking of the man that made him who he was, he walked over to his desk to see that Hedwig had delivered a paper and a letter. Realizing who the letter was from he quickly ignored the provocative front page article and tore into the letter:

Harry,

I am sorry this letter will not reach you in time, but I must offer my congratulations on being selected in the Triwizard tournament. I wish I had been at Durmstrang when the competition was being held, but alas, it seems I will have to live vicariously through my apprentice. I will contact you tonight at midnight. Then we will speak more on what I have seen, and what we may be able to do to stop it.

Your Friend,

GG

PS. Ignore the idiots in the prophet. I could wipe Ms Skeeter and the rest of her line off the face of the Earth if you so desire.

Putting down the letter with a slight dread building up in his mind he turned towards the newspaper:

Dark Lord Potter

Good morning rabid readers. I have quite the controversial story that unfolded on the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that needs to be shared with our great country. The legendary TriWizard Tournament was supposed to be hosted this year here in England, and only three champions were supposed to emerge as champions, but my dear readers that is not what happened.

At first the Goblet of Fire, the magical artifact that selects champions, seemed to be functioning just fine. It selected Bulgarian Quidditch Superstar Viktor Krum (18), to be the representative of Durmstrang, and a stunning veela French girl, Fleur Delacour (17), to be the representative of Beauxbatons. This is where things however went awry. Harry Potter (17) was selected as the Hogwarts Champion. Many may remember that I did a front page exclusive on this student just five months ago on the murder of Peter Pettigrew, by the very same Harry Potter. For those who don't know, Peter Pettigrew, the accused Death Eater who sold the Potter's out to he-who-must-not-be-named at the end of the last Blood War, was killed on the grounds of Hogwarts by the Potter Heir. Harry Potter was of course cleared of all charges by his own father, Head Auror of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, James Potter, without even conducting a proper investigation! Not only that, my dear readers, but Hogwarts' illustrious Headmaster, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, supported Mr Potter and claimed it was self-defense, and that the ever evasive Death Eater was guaranteed the Dementor's Kiss upon capture either way.

Let this not stray you from the facts of this case. Sixteen-year-old Harry Potter is capable of murder, whether in self defense or not, it hardly matters. That alone makes it questionable at best whether to allow the brother of the boy-who-lived to enter this tournament.

Speaking of the Boy-Who-Lived, the plot thickened when, within five minutes of Harry Potter's name coming out, who claimed to have not voluntarily entered the tournament, his own brother's name came out of the Goblet of Fire. That's right, readers, not three champions, but four. Reliable witnesses say, however, that Justin Potter, (14), swore a magically binding oath that he had nothing to do with his name being placed in the Goblet, nor did he have any knowledge of his entrance into the contest. This could only mean one thing. Harry Potter must have entered both himself and his brother into the Goblet of Fire. This is a clear case of Harry Potter trying to prove that he is capable of the same great feats of magic that his own brother is capable of.

Justin Potter of course is famous for surviving the killing curse, and now his brother wishes to prove just which of them is the greater wizard in this magical contest. Does this show the mental instability of an heir to one of Britain's oldest families as he goes out of control? Is a showdown between the Potter brothers going to turn deadly as early as the first task? These are questions we must all ask ourselves, and I for one would like all my loyal readers to pray that the youngest Potter Brother will not be attacked by the rising Dark Lord in his own family. Stay tuned for more information on the Triwizard tournament, and history of the Potter family.

The young Potter wanted to bang his head on his desk, but decided that if the people wanted to believe he was a Dark Lord then there was really nothing he could do about it. He fit the description well enough and couldn't do much to help the sheep that believed anything they read. Looking over the article again he had to roll his eyes multiple times over the prophet lying on even the most basic of things. They didn't even cover the other two champions.

Shaking his head in disgust he incinerated the paper with his hands and threw the small fireball into his fireproof bin. Walking out of his room and down the stairs he knew no one in his common room would be awake yet. They threw a small party in celebration for him, but admittedly he shook as few hands as possible, and arrived late enough in the party, that they excused him after basic greetings. It was one of the few things about Ravenclaw he loved. The party scene wasn't something that his housemates really focused on. Of course there were the celebrations that followed the end of year exams, and when they won the Quidditch Cup every year, but as far as weekend debauchery? It didn't really exist in house Ravenclaw. Therefore most stayed off his war path when he returned to the Common Room. Even Penny knew that Harry was not going to want to talk, and left him alone after a hug, and a promise that they would talk later.

He easily made it down to the grounds without interruption. His brother was waiting for him and they began their daily workout starting with his basic running cardio that went faster than usual due to some pent up anger the boys were holding in. Ten kilometers in forty-five minutes was nothing impressive, but they did it to keep in shape, and when they were done, the two brothers were sitting on their knees on the beach. They were breathing heavily and began to practice their occlumency exercises silently. It wasn't much longer however before Justin broke the silence. "What are we going to do? Have you seen what the prophet said?"

"Unfortunately I did. I can't say I am surprised though. The simple-minded are always easy to be led astray. You remember when half the school turned on you during the Chamber of Secrets for being a parselmouth? It's kind of like that, but on a bigger level. The good news is at least if half the country turns on us we don't have to face them every day."

This caused the younger Potter brother to grin slightly, "So, no masterful plan, I have to say I am slightly surprised. I almost expected you wouldn't have slept last night, and by the time I came down you would know all three tasks, and begin drilling us on how we were going to complete each one right away."

"And take away all the suspense and fun in watching you panic a little bit? Not a chance."

This caused both brothers to chuckle at their shared misfortune. The two stared out at the water and Harry asked, "Are you ready to really begin your training?"

Justin looked at his brother in surprise, "You mean we've been holding back?"

This caused Harry to grin, "Only in variety, but I think if you really want to survive this tournament you are going to have to let me teach you everything that runs through my head."

"I trust you, Harry." Justin said confidently.

"Even though you know I am well trained in the Dark Arts?" Harry asked carefully.

"You've only used it to save my life so far. Mum's as well. Fleur's too if we want to be technical. I think I am starting to learn that magic isn't as light or dark as I was raised to believe. It's all about intent right? I think you have proven that to me over the last few years."

Harry grinned looking at the rising sun, "You are ready then. You are absolutely right about what you said though. At least I believe you are...What will you do if dad finds out and questions where you learned it all from?"

"I don't care."

This surprised Harry, "What?"

"I don't care. I don't want to have to rely on you to save my life every time something goes wrong. You used your life debts over me to keep me from telling everyone what you've done, and I am tired of getting in these situations, and being knocked out for most of it. First Quirrell, Then the Chamber... Pettigrew was the final straw. It's why I pushed myself so hard this summer. Whatever you want to teach me, Harry, I am willing to learn."

Harry stared at the young boy before him and thought how much he'd changed from the boy he saved in his fourth year, Justin's first. When Harry saved him from Quirrell, he made Justin swear that he wouldn't tell a soul, even Dumbledore, about what really happened. Of course, Justin was unconscious, so he didn't see Harry grab the man's face causing the man to dissolve. It was no wonder he wouldn't shake hands with anyone afterwards. Harry had told Justin what happened when he woke up, and then told him the version of events he wanted the world to know. Since the life debt was working against him he had no choice but to accept.

The Chamber of Secrets had been even stickier. Harry had saved his brother's life from Tom Riddle, and he convinced Justin to tell Dumbledore