Harry Potter, the Coward

xXxAuthor's NotexXx

Sorry for the long wait, and please reread the last chapter. I made some changes in it.

Note: I'm just giving thanks to Krysania for helping me with one of the scenes of this chapter.

2Note: Sep 3, this chapter has been betaed by AnnHarrisForever.

xXxChapter IIIxXx

xXxDaily Prophet NewspaperxXx

The Boy Who Lived, A Coward?

By Rita Skeeter

You may currently be surprised after reading such a title, but I'm sure that most of you would start to wonder and ask the same question after reading of the shocking developments that occurred during the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. The challenge for the first task was to retrieve a golden egg from the nest of a mother dragon. The three champions: Mr Krum, Mr Diggory, and Miss Delacour all went against there selected dragons as planned, although only the first two managed to complete the task. Nevertheless that's not news; the real news unexpectedly came when the turn of the fourth, and last remaining, champion arrived. After Mr Potter's name was called, and the curtains of the Challenger's Tent were magically opened, no fourth champion came out.

The crowd and I were surprised by this, but we were all sure that this was just the boy playing with us and that Mr Potter would soon appear and walk out of that tent with the next call, but no such thing happened. After the tenth call, Mr Bagman, one of the organizers and judges of the tournament, began to reassure the public that the current happenings were just a misunderstanding and that they would soon be sorted out. Meanwhile the Headmaster, followed by a few others like our respected Minister and Mr Crouch Sr, another of the judges selected for the tournament, were seen entering the tent. Mr Crouch Sr was seen again, a few minutes later, as he let the public know that Mr Potter was no longer inside the tent or anywhere near it.

The crowd and I, as respectful people that we are, decided to wait a bit longer so that the missing champion could be found, as we all agreed on something: Mr Potter couldn't have possibly decided to run away, so he wouldn't take part in the Tournament. Not including the fact that this has never been done before, this is the Boy Who Lived that we are talking about. The one that actually managed to defeat and survive the strongest Dark Lord ever in existence when he was only just a baby, so he couldn't possibly be scared of a mere dragon. But time showed us that this could possibly be the truth, Harry Potter seems to actually be scared of dragons.

After almost an hour of waiting, the crowds' patience finally broke after a shout of "Coward" was heard; which was soon followed and supported by the rest. Four hours later the arena was practically empty with no Potter to be found, but as a fine reporter that I am I decided to stay and wait until the very end, when the Boy Who Lived was finally found. At 12:36 am, Mr Potter was discovered in the middle of one of Hogsmeades' streets, in an unconscious state, with most of his body invisible, hidden beneath an invisibility cloak. He was later taken to the infirmary at Hogwarts, where the nurse in charge forced me out so I was not able to see the boy further. However, I promise all of you that I will get an interview from him when he finally wakes, and discover the truth behind his disappearance at the tournament.

So what do you think, my faithful readers? Do you agree with the crowd in referring to Mr Potter as a "Coward," or not?

xXxWizengamot CourtroomxXx

"I have some grave news for all of us, I'm afraid that Mr Potter was deprived of his magic," Dumbledore explained to the entire Wizengamot, while he kept his gaze on the Minister. He was also holding a copy of the Daily Prophet, where on the front page, in big letters; the main story of the day was about The Boy Who Lived. He was currently on a mission, a mission that consisted of, trying to change the Ministry's mind in regards to taking the boy away from him, and at the same time convince them that what happened at the first task of the Triwizard Tournament with Potter, was the result of a kidnapping.

"We are sorry to hear that the terms of the tournament's contract actually took effect," the Minister answered after a while, as Dumbledore's statement had immediately caused different reactions from the many witches and wizards present in the courtroom. "This is the first time that something like this has happened. I was honestly hoping that it wouldn't, especially with someone like the boy who lived on the line, but unfortunately it has. How has he taken the news?"

"I'm glad that you have asked about the well-being of the boy; because I have no choice but to lay most of the blame, of the current developments, on your shoulders, Minister."

"This is not the way to speak to the Minister of Magic," Fudge's Senior Undersecretary whimpered scandalized as she continued, "I didn't expected this from you, Chief Warlock. How dare you?"

"Excuse me, Madam Umbridge, but I'm just stating the truth," Dumbledore replied, causing quite a shock around the room.

"I'm honestly very taken aback by your accusations, Albus. I hope you have very good reasons for them."

"He shouldn't have to explain any-"

"I want to know!" Cornelius snapped, silencing the member of the Wizengamot who had spoken.

"I had deep reservations with Mr Bagman's idea of bringing the Triwizard Tournament back. If you had taken the time to listen to me, instead of to that man's careless designs of giving the wizarding Britain some short time of fame, this would have never happened." Dumbledore responded, while pointing at the paper. He had already come prepared with the idea of accusing Mr Bagman, especially after the man had also strangely disappeared a few hours after Potter's missing status was known.

"It's not the Minister's fault that the boy decided to run away from the tournament at the last minute," Madam Umbridge replied.

"The boy never ran away, he was actually forcefully taken out of there," Dumbledore explained, causing the witches and wizards to quieten down in shocked silence. "He was kidnapped from the tournament, in order to strip him of his magical abilities as a result of not taking part in the first task."

"I have not yet been given any evidence that could support your claims, Dumbledore. On what grounds are you basing these allegations?"

"I'm basing them on the fact that Mr Potter immediately informed me of this as soon as he awoke, Madam Bones."

"You understand of course that you're also insulting me with such accusations?" Madam Bones stated, receiving a nod as an answer. As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, she was in charge of making sure that the Triwizard Tournament was perfectly secure with her team of Aurors.

"Don't worry Madam Bones, the boy is obviously lying," Madam Umbridge oily reassured. "I honestly don't understand how our current Warlock could fall for such obvious lies," she continued, starting a heated political battle that lasted for almost an hour, until it was finally stopped by Madam Bones.

"Enough!" Madam Bones exclaimed, as she was getting tired of the endless bickering. "There's only one way to solve this and that's by questioning the boy under the use of Veritaserum." She stated, receiving immediate agreement from the rest of the council.

"In that case, Dumbledore, the Wizengamot council demands for Mr Potter's presence in this courtroom tomorrow so he can be questioned through Veritaserum." The Minister ordered.

"I would gladly do so, but unfortunately Mr Potter is not in any condition to be moved from the Infirmary at the moment. If the council wishes to still follow with the questioning tomorrow, it would have to be at the Hospital Wing in Hogwarts."

"That is understandable; we will make sure that a select few of the wizards and witches are present there tomorrow at 11am," Madam Bones answered.

"My only request," Dumbledore started, "is that should the kidnapping of Mr Potter be proven to be the truth, he stays at Hogwarts and any current demands of the Ministry trying to claim him are immediately suspended. I don't want the life of an indefensible child to fall victim to the hands of the ones that were supposed to protect him, but caused him to lose his magic because of improper protection."

"Fine!" Cornelius answered angrily, "this better be true, Albus, especially after all the accusations that you have made against me."

"I can assure you that it is," Dumbledore replied while developing a huge smile on his mind. His plan had worked. The Veritaserum was part of his plan, as he already knew of the many ways that he could alter it; and just in case, he would also change Harry's memories so they would only show what he wanted them to.

xXxHogwarts Tapestry CorridorxXx

"Here you are, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, as she entered the corridor and noticed him talking to a few others.

"What is it, Hermione? I'm busy right n-," Ron was cut off by a slap across his face, causing the rest of the students to immediately disband and leave the corridor. "Bloody hell, Hermione! What was that for?"

"You know why. Why did you say those things to Harry?"

"So he told you, the bloody coward... I didn't want you to know," he answered, while continuing to rub his reddened cheek.

"He didn't have to tell me anything, you were the one that was screaming like an idiot back there, I could hear everything from outside," she continued, as Ron's face turned sullen. "Why didn't you want me to know? Why didn't you tell me anything? You saw how worried I was about Harry; especially after this morning when Dumbledore said that he had been kidnapped... so why didn't you?"

"Because I knew that you would react like this. No matter what actually happened, you will always be on Harry's side. Beside, you wouldn't have believed me anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"Admit it, Hermione, you wouldn't have believed me if I had told you that I saw Harry actually running away from the tournament, especially with what Dumbledore said."

"Yes, I would."

"Yeah, right."

"I would, Ron. But why did you speak to Harry like that? Why did you call him a coward like everyone else did at the tournament?"

"Because that is what he is, a bloody coward who is hiding behind a wall of lies. He was never kidnapped, Hermione, like I told him. I saw him walking away from the tent, hidden under the invisibility cloak."

"I don't agree with you, Ron. I actually think that he was very brave."

"Brave?"

"He is only fourteen, Ron! There was no way that he would have survived a fight against a huge dragon, especially with a Horntail which is known to be the most aggressive breed. I'm honestly very surprised that for once he actually chose his life, over the rest. Not including the fact that he would have also lost his magic in the process."

"Whatever! Keep defending him, Hermione. I'm sure that in time the truth will be revealed," he answered, before continuing on his way.

xXxEnd of ChapterxXx

I hope you like it.

Anyways here's the three ideas I gave away on the original Author's Note of this chapter:

xXxCrossover idea with JumanjixXx

In the middle of his second year, Harry finds a strange looking game. He had been walking around solo, as he thought back of what had happened during the dueling club. Walking through an empty corridor, he had started to hear a strange noise. Searching for the origin of the noise, he ends up on the seventh floor of Howarts. The noise seem to come from the other side of the walls, but he couldn't find any doors on them, until suddenly this strange looking door appeared out of nowhere. Going inside, he found an empty room, with the exception of an old looking treasure chest.

Anyways, what I had planned so far was for Harry to end up inside the game like Alan Parrish did, and after so many years of gone missing, he is finally summoned back with the help of other curious kids(like in the movie), but in a time were Voldemort is now in control of Howarts and the rest of the British Magical World. He now has to face that problem, while at the same time solve the mystery of the game called Jumanji.

Others notes: I was on a huge debate of actually keeping the animals the same as the movie or changing them for magical ones, but I would leave that for you to decide. If you go for magical, it would be interesting to read a few chapters of when Harry was trapped inside a world (the game) full of magical creatures, (You could even use this to make another crossover with Lord of the Rings, etc; or maybe do it with Tarzan and keep the same animals of the movie) and how he tries to survive it. PM if me if you want to adopt it."

xXxA Harry Potter Mentored by Godric Gryffindor ideaxXx

I was actually planning to write this story, and had most of it planned out, but I never got the time to actually write it. So I decided to give it away.

About the challenge:

This challenge follows the premise of J.K. Rowling jokingly statement that if Godric Gryffindor was still alive, he would be the giant squid of the black lake. This story also takes place in Harry's fourth year. For story plot purposes I arranged the time line to look like as if all of the things that happened before he was selected as the fourth champion occurred throughout the first month of Harry's stay at Hogwarts, and not in October like in the book.

A summary of the story's beginning:

When Harry was sorted out as the fourth champion of the Triwizard Tournament, he starts to spent most of his free time around the Black Lake to avoid his so called "friends" and all of the other students that have started to tease/ignore him, and even more later on with Rita Skitter starting to make false stories about him. At the first visit to the lake he came quietly crying because of other students continued harassment towards him and his "friends" disregard of him after it was learned of his place as the "Fourth Champion" of the tournament. During his stay there the Giant Squid was trying to catch his attention (It noticed Harry current state, so it was now trying to make him laugh) by making some tricks with its arms, and eventually it did managed to accomplish its task, which made Harry confess to it about why he was crying that day. As the time passes, with signs of the bullying never stopping, Harry starts to spend more time with the Squid as he starts to talk about the things he did that day, which much later turning about his adventure in the last three years at Hogwarts and much later on about his childhood life with the Dursleys. Thus shocking Godric (the squid) even more as he learns new things about the happenings and current treatment of the Boy who lived.

Time passes, and is now the month of October with a few days before the first task. Harry arrives very nervous at the lake and while talking to himself that day to sort out his nervousness he confesses to the Squid about Hagrid revealing to him, the night before, about the Dragons been his first task. As Harry continues to talk to himself, the Squid managed to get his attention by soaking him with water, resulting with Harry loosing some of his nervousness. Later on, after Harry managed to pass the first task the pranks, made by the other students suddenly turned into praise and his so called "friends" were suddenly at his side once again. The sudden return of his "friends" at his side, after weeks of them ignoring him or treating him badly in the case of Ron, made Harry go angry in his mind, but he managed to make them think that nothing was wrong, until he also starts to ignore them and spending more time with his newer friends. (AN: I'm leaving you to decide the final pairing for Harry. I also don't mind if the story ends with an heterosexual paring or slash. In the case of slash, I don't mind the pair as long as it's not Gryffindor since I want him to stay as a parent/mentor figure for Harry during the story. The reason I pointing this now is because you can also use the time Harry was ignored/pranked to for Harry to develop the beginnings of another or other friendship(s) besides the Giant Squid so it can later develop as a possible relationship. And for also to use this person as the one used in the second task for Harry to rescue.)

Time passes, and Harry is now in the second task. Harry is about to get drowned by the mermaids as he tries to rescue his new friend and Gabrielle at the same time from under the waters of the black lake. As he gets close to the top, Harry starts to loose faith from ever surviving this as he gets more close to get drowned, and at that moment the Giant Squid arrives as it saves the trio from drowning by scaring the mermaids away without the spectators noticing. During the night, while Harry is currently magically asleep at the infirmary as he recuperates from the day's events, he receives a surprising visit from Godric in his human form. After Godric had managed to rescue Harry from drowning, at that moment Godric decided to trow down his promise to never, once again, make an influence at Hogwarts or the magical world so he can help Harry. After that night, he starts to make secret visits at Hogwarts during the night, and later during the day to spy at Harry and who's ever is close to him. After a week and half of spying, he decides to reveal himself to Harry, in one of Harry's visit at the lake...to be continued?

Anyways, so the major plot of this story is how the next of Harry's years at Hogwarts is affected by Harry been mentored, and maybe later be adopted by Godric Gryffindor. And how this affects the rest of Britain Magical World as this makes the future war be divided in three sides Voldemort, Dumbledore, and Godric/Harry. Notice: This last statement could be changeable as it depends of how you play the story, or to whom you would finally decide to pair Harry with. Dumbledore would still be evil, specially after he learns that he has lost his influence with Harry too Godric, but the side of Voldemort you can decide to be another side to put Harry against or not. What I'm trying to say here is that whatever decision Harry would choose at the end, joining Voldemort, remain neutral (which would be impossible with Dumbledore and Voldemort chasing him), or creating his own side of the war...Godric would still follow Harry. Specially since Godric was born in a time were there wasn't any Dark or Light side, the only thing that he was against the past Slytherin, and would be against Voldemort is the decision of Slytherin/Voldemort been against/torture/dispose of Muggles and Muggleborns. Which can be worked out depending of what you decide at the end.

Well, this is one of many plot bunnies I have. Please reply to me if anyone is interested in adopting this challenge. As you can see this can be adapted into be a very long fic if you choose. I also wanted to remind you all that you don't have to be a 100% accurate with the short summary I gave you, I just wanted to give it to you all so you can have a major idea of what I had planned for this story so far.

xXxHarry Potter and the Mermaids ideaxXx

This uses most of the last idea as a background, specially the second task. Anyways, in here after Harry ignores the warning from the Mermaids and manages to escape them with an extra hostage; the mermaids, especially one of their princesses, whom Harry managed to escape from, felt insulted by this. So the princess decides to swim to the shore, in the middle of the night, and temporary take a human form and manages to kidnap Harry with a mermaid version of the sleeping potion, and brings him to water world as an exchange of Gabrielle.

Anyways, the story could be develop in many ways, but the basic premise is based on how Harry tries to survive the water world; (I was planning for Harry to stay as a human for some time, trapped inside an underwater cave pocket, and later be turned into a water creature like a merman or even something like the famous Loch Ness Monster) while Dumbledore and Voldemort, harshly, look for him.

Another thing to notice for this story: With Harry been turned into a sea creature, I believe that he would no longer have the risk of loosing his magic for not been part of the third task. (Or maybe this could be used as the reason for why Harry is then force to turn into a merman or wathever, with him loosing his magic, he could no longer survive in such a harsh area with poor amount of oxygen to depend on.)