Disclaimer: I own nothing and don't make a profit off anything.
Harry blankly stared at the half eaten piece of toast in front of him. His stomach quivered slightly from hunger before the threat of escaping butterflies ruined his appetite. Harry slid the plate away, as he began reflecting back to the last time he felt this nervous, siting on this very bench. He smirked as he remembered attempting to eat the same meal before his first Quidditch game. A small smile creeped upon his face as he recalled his teammate supporting him with their confidence.
The smile however disappeared as quickly as it appeared, as Harry quickly threw the thought from his mind. This time was different, there was no one to supporting him. No teammates to provide comforting words or patting his back in understanding. No friends reassuring him that every thing would end well. He was alone for the first time since he joined the magical world.
Hearing the shuffle of feet, Harry snapped around to witness a first year Hufflepuff stumbling into the Great Hall. Harry slowly glanced around, noticing their weren't many students in the Great Hall yet, but then again it was early Saturday morning. It would be a while before the students showed up in there usual herds. Harry frowned slightly as he made note to leave the Great Hall before the herds arrived. He preferred the quiet of an early breakfast in the Great Hall, it mean who could get peace from the badges. Though the recent weeks made him numb towards the "Potter Stinks" message that these badges scrolled.
Finishing his inspection of the Great Hall, Harry turned back around and return to the task at had. Today was he was required to participate in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, to handle a some great, unknown situation. But with this thought Harry smirked at this revelations, he knew what the first task was, well at least vaguely.
He had figured out the task over a week ago while running near the Forbidden Forest during his nightly exercises. Harry was a few meters away from finishing his final lap, when a out of place roar echoed out of the forest. Halting in mid run, Harry glance towards the source of noise just in time to a fireball erupt towards the heavens. Grabbing his wand from his holster, Harry made a b-line into the Forbidden Forrest until the chatter of voices met his ear. Crouching behind a tree, he snuck up to the clearing in front of him.
Lining the far corner, he could make out the rigid frames of four metallic cages, each containing a dragon eagerly attempting to make its escape. Immediately everything clicked in Harry's mind. This was the first task in some form or fashion, Harry silently made his way back out of the forest and jogged back towards the castle. The halls ways blurred past him as his determination drove him towards the library. Stepping into the holy territory of Hermione, he quickly sought out the magical beast section and began reading everything he could concerning dragons.
Harry felt the butterflies fluttering around his stomach. He was terrified, anyone in the right mind would be terrified knowing that they would be encountering a dragon in the next few hours. He ground his teeth together as he grimaced with determination, not to win but to survive this stupid competition, even if he had to do it alone. His eyes glazed over as he recalled the events over the past few month that lead to this moment.
Harry Potter applauded loudly with the rest of the students as Dumbledore called out the final Champion. Harry smiled as he realized this might be the first year at Hogwarts where nothing happened to him. This year would be the year where he could just relax and be a normal student with Ron and Hermione. He was smiling at the mischief that he could find himself into this year, when he saw Hermione's jaw drop. Panicked and faint, he slowly turned his head towards the Goblet of Fire where he saw the blue flame erupting from the top as it came back to life.
Time seemed to stop as he watched a small scratch of paper shot out of the goblet into the air. The student body sat in silence as the parchment slowly drifted its way down into the hand of Headmaster Dumbledore. Harry felt his stomach drop as Dumbledore slowly read the name off the paper.
"Harry Potter"
Harry wanted to run. To Stand up and bolt out the Great Hall. He pictured himself puzzling his way up to the Gryffindor Common Room, bolting through the portrait, and up the stairs to his bedroom where he would find his Firebolt was currently sitting in his trunk. He could grab the fireboat and leap from the window and out into the sunset. He quickly pictured himself riding out into the darkness, joining Sirius Black on his adventures.
Harry was shaken from his escape plan as he heard Dumbledore call out his name again louder. Realizing he had no choice in the mater, Harry slowly stood up and made his way towards the front of the Great Hall. The heads of hundreds of students followed him as he walked forwards, footsteps echoing though out the silent hall. Their glares looked as if they were attempting to pierce though Harry's soul, hoping he would drop dead. Harry reached the front of the Great Hall where Dumbledore sans twinkle pointed him towards the portrait chamber to the side, stating "Well… through the door Harry"
Harry hoped that his entrance into the side chamber would go unnoticed, but these dreams where quickly thrown by the wayside when immediately the three champions halted their chit chat. As he closed the door behind him, the three champions looked up at him curiously. Cedric responded first with a bit of confusion in his voice, "Do they need us back outside Harry?"
All Harry could do as was shake his head no as he made his way towards the center of the room to join the other champions. They held a questioning look, but before they had a chance to ask another question door slammed opened as Professor Dumbledore entered into the chamber with Snape and Professor McGonagall in tow. Behind them came an excited Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch Sr. and the angry Headmistress of Beauxbatons, Madam Olympe, and the High Master of Durmstrang, Igor Karkaroff.
"Extraordinary!" Ludo Bagman said a bit too excitedly, "Absolutely extraordinary! Ladies and Gentleman, May I introduce, as strange of a situation as this is, the Fourth Triwizard Champion"
The three champions straightened up in shock, there faces betraying their true emotions showing disgust. Fleur Delacour recovered first with a question tone she quipped, "Izn't zis ze TriWizard tournament, how can there be four champions. Zis little boy can't compete"
Harry's head snapped up as anger began to arise for the shock, how could she call him a little boy. The things he had seen in his short life would make most grown wizards tremble in there feet and flee like a first year. How dare they. In his anger, he found it hard to concentrate on the bickering amongst the adults and the other champions. Over the course of the next ten minutes Harry remember answering to Dumbledores question concerning the Goblet. He grimaced as most of the adults called him a lair but as soon he heard Mr. Bagman state that he was obligated to compete Harry snapped.
"ENOUGH!" Harry scream, his voice cracking from the stress of the emotions coursing through his body, "If I have to compete then fine! I will compete, but if I am not needed anymore I would like to leave"
With that Harry Potter stormed out the room back towards his dorm room. The rest of the night proved to be a blur has he attempted to defend himself against his friends and house mates. In the end he all but gave up, not one believed him, not even Ron or Hermione.
The next few days didn't help as every student student in Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang refused to believe his innocence. The final straw though came when Ron Weasley came into the Gryffindor common room with a large badge pinned against his chest. In glowing green letters the phrase "POTTER STINKS" flashed across, followed by "Support Cedric Diggory". Harry knew at this point he was alone, but he was not out. He would prove them wrong.
Professor McGonagall,the rigid yet caring head of Gryffindor, firmly walked into the Great Hall with her cloak slightly billowing behind her. She scanned across the hall, taking mental notes of which students were already up and ready for the day, which weren't too grand in numbers.
McGonagall sat at her usual spot at the head table, grabbing an assortment of fruit from the tray stat magically appeared in front of her she began to eat. As she ate her light breakfast, she stared down her lion's table seeing only Potter sitting there. The light in here eyes dimmed slightly, showing the torment of emotion fighting over her concerns over young Harry Potter.
Minerva McGonagall was known throughout the student body of Hogwarts as a stern professor, but those who knew her knew that she cared greatly for all of her students especially the ones who resided in her own house. She felt her heart twist on the topic of Harry Potter, on the one side of the coin not a day went by where the memory of begging Dumbledore to not leave baby Potter with his despicable relatives, the Dursley's. No student should have to grow up alone, or be alone, especially at a time when said student could use as much help and strength as possible if they hope to survive the tournament. However on the flip side, Potter's academic performance the last few weeks had skyrocketed She couldn't help but feel pride as she thought of his improved academic ability. She even smirked as she remember even Professor Snape complementing her on Potter's performance.
McGonagall beamed as she recalled an event that took place a month ago during her fourth year Transfiguration class.
"Weasley! Stop talking to Seamus and pay attention"
Professors McGonagall's irritated voice cracked through the air, both Seamus and Ron jumped in their seats and turned towards the front of the class. She turned back towards Guinea Pig, and pulling out her wand she continued to lecture the class on the finer points of Transfiguration, "We must remember that transfiguration can not be forced, but rather willed. One will never force a guinea pig to become a goblet, but instead one must use their magic to will the guinea pig to change" With that she tapped the guinea pig and the students watched as it transfigured into a glass goblet.
"Now, I have provided each of you a guinea pig, you have till the end of the hour to transfigure it into a goblet," She said finishing the lecture, she watched each student attempt the spell and was surprised to see that it wasn't long until one of her students successfully finished the task. Smiling towards Potter she noticed him quickly transform his goblet back into a guinea pig, attempting to feint confusion as if he had no understanding of the topic. McGonagall nodded towards young Potter as she continued to observe the class.
Class went on for the next forty minutes with only Hermione Granger, Padma Patil, and Mr. Potter (secretly) completely the task. Collecting the guinea pigs, Professor McGonagall sent off the students with their essay assignment, asking Mr. Potter to stay behind.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall," Harry quietly questioned her.
"Mr. Potter, I couldn't help but noticed your improved academic performance in class, in fact many of your professors have noticed these improvements. I take it you have been actively practicing for the tournament outside of class," McGonagall questioned.
"Yes, Professor. I try to find time in-between classes to practice spells. Its hard sometimes, especially when the library closes so early," Harry responded with a tired voice.
"I hoped you would say something like that Potter," She smiled as she grabbed a piece a parchment and quill from her desk. Quickly writing down a note, she handed it to Harry, "Here is permission slip for twenty four hour access for the library. Show this to Madam Pince, she will key you for the wards, I will inform the professors so that they do not question late night habits."
Harry took the piece of paper from her hands while she continued, "I am placing a lot of trust in you Mr. Potter, please don't betray it"
"I won't, I promise!" Harry responded quickly as he turned towards the exit has he made is way out of the class room towards the hallway. Professor McGonagall laughed lightly as she watched him leave the room.
Professor McGonagall smiled as she reflected on the progress that Harry Potter succeeded in making over the last few weeks following that event. However, the bustle of disjointed students slowly making their way into the Great Hall pulled McGonagall back to reality. Reaching for her wand, Minerva muttered "tempus". Seeing that there was an hour until the first challenge, she stood up quietly talking to her self, "Looks like it is time."
Harry felt a hand placed upon his shoulder, snapping his head back he locked eyes with the gently eyes of Professor McGonagall. He could see the hint of concern in her eyes as she began to speak, "Potter, the first task will be starting in an hour and the Champions have already made their way down to the grounds."
"Okay, Professor" Harry replied softly as he attempted to push his plate away, finding it gone. Harry slid out from the bench and followed Professor McGonagall out the Great Hall, paying no attention the small collection of heads following him as he passed by. Harry glanced at McGonagall ahead of him as they walked towards the entrance of the Hogwarts Castle, she didn't seem herself in fact she seemed worried. As they stepped out into the cold November morning, the damp grass glistened in the sun light as McGonagall placed her hand upon his shoulder.
"Now, don't panic," she said, "Just keep a cool head…We have many wizard standing by incase something goes astray. The main thing is to do your best, and no body will think any worse of you. Are you all right?" She finished as she looked down at young Harry.
"Yes, Professor" He said confidently, "I may have no one supporting me, but it doesn't mean I will give up. I will do my best."
McGonagall smile down at Harry saying softly, "Your never alone Mr. Potter, the staff are behind you and remember you never know where friendship may come.'
"Thanks," Harry said in a distant, yet understanding voice.
The pair continued walking down until they reached the newly constructed arena, the enclosure was of circular design similar to the stadium used during the World Cup. Along the outside, students could be seen milling into the arena not knowing what type of challenge they were about to witness. To the right side, Harry saw a tent erected against the corner of the arena.
"You're to go in here with the other champions," McGonagall said in a shaky voice as she extended her arm towards the tent, "and wait for your turn, Harry. Mr. Bagmam will be in there shortly to explain your task."
She stood towards the side, as Harry walked towards the entrance. As Harry walked into the tent, McGonagall could be heard whispering to herself, "Good luck Mr. Potter."
Stepping into the Champion's tend, Harry noticed that the room was separated into five standing areas. Looking around, Harry noticed that the four of the standing areas were dedicated to the each of the champions, where as the final central location he was currently standing in was some sort of communal spot. He glanced at the top of the closest standing area, noticed the letters C. DIGGORY glowing from a piece of darkened Oak. Examining the other areas, he noticed the names of the other champions in similar fashion. Finding his own, Harry made is way into his corner of the tent.
Looking around, he noticed that the area was scarce, just a small foot locker for his usage and a small sofa lined against the back wall. Knowing that he had about an hour to kill, Harry sat down watching the other champions prepare for the challenge.
Cedric Diggory was pacing up and down his area of the tent while, his Amos Diggory who he meet over the summer talked excitedly with his wife. There was a sense of exuberant pride pouring from his body. Harry locked eyes with Cedric made another pass, he gave a weak smile, fear pouring from his eyes. It was at the this moment that Harry made the realization that Cedric had no clue what lied before them.
Harry returned a forced smile has he turned his head towards Victor Krum standing area. Krum looked surlier then usual, to which Harry quickly accredited to the years of the Professional Quidditch Victor had up his sleeve. Krum seemed to be rapidly talking in Bulgarian to a dark haired pair which Harry assumed to be his parents.
Harry turned towards the final staging area where he saw a pale and clammy Fleur Delacour sitting on a bench. She appeared more composed then Cedric but less composed then her normal confident, unruffled self as she talked to two witches who shared her silvery hair. The first witch, who stood furtherest away appeared to be in her late thirties but with a youthful vibrance that put to shame most younger women. The other witch, appeared younger then Fleur, possibly fourteen or fifteen, but her pale skin glowed as the light of the roomed reflected against her.
Harry realized that the older witch most be Fleur's mother while the younger one had to be her younger sister. Harry found him self intrigue by the Delacour family, especially the youngest one. He watch as they talked rapidly amongst themselves, to which he assumed they were talking about the Triwizard tournament, though occasionally he would notice one of the Delacour family look his way. This continued for a while until the youngest of the Delacour family locked eyes with Harry's emerald eyes. Her pale face turned scarlet red as she turned back towards her mother.
The Delacour family sans father, sat around the eldest daughter Fleur Delacour as they prepped her for the first challenge. There wasn't much discussion going, mostly idle chit chat and gossip between the three Delacour women with their silvery hair glimmering from the light. This continued until Harry Potter walked into the Champions tent. Apolline Delacour looked over towards her daughter, Fleur Delacour, noticing a look of sadness creep across her face as Harry walked towards his personal staging area.
"Is something the matter, my flower," She questioned Fleur.
"Nothing mother." Fleur responded quietly.
"Don't lie to me daughter, the sadness on your face reads likes the sun in the sky," Apolline quipped back.
"I feel for him, Mother" Fleur stated towards Apolline as she tilted her head towards Harry Potter. "He is alone, none of his friends have stood by his side if the rumors are to be believed, there is also something strange, different about him"
Gabrielle Delacour, the youngest of the Delacour family at the age of 15 jumped up in shock. "What do you mean no one is supporting him!"
Apolline placed a hand on Gabrielle shoulder to calm her down, "Fleur, I pray you are telling me the truth. How can Harry Potter be alone, surely he has friends that will stand by him"
Fleur shock her head, "No ma'am, his friends abandoned him, every time I see him he is alone in the library or in the dinning hall. Even when I pass him in the hallway he is alone. Word says that they got into a fight concerning the tournament, they believe he cheated his way into"
"That is a shame" Apolline stated as she glanced towards young Harry Potter just to catching him turning away. Looking back towards Gabrielle she noticed her daughter trying to hide her blushing face.
Gabrielle felt her face turn crimson as she locked eyes with Harry Potter's emerald eyes, it was a shame that a young wizard had no friends that supported him. Everyone deserves someone to support them, and with that thought Gabrielle stood up and slowly made her way towards Harry.
Apolline and Fleur watched as Gabrielle made her way towards Harry, trying to hold back their smiles as she progressed closer. As soon as she was out of earshot, Apolline turned to speak to her eldest daughter, "I see what you mean by different, he has a power that radiates from him, though I am not sure he even realizes it"
"I see it too mother" Fleur replied as she watched her mother closely, she was unsure if she wanted to reveal the next bit of information. After a few second of internal debate she softly continued, "He is also immune to our allure."
Apolline face sharpened from the words out of Fleur's mouth, "That is a rare trait indeed" she continued as she watched Potter "What other secrets are you keeping Mr. Potter."
Realizing that he probably over stayed his welcome starting at the Delacour family, Harry leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes picturing the task at hand. He breathed deeply as ran through his plan step by step not hearing the gentle footsteps approaching him.
A soft, warm voice with a slight french accent brought Harry out of his trance, "'Ello 'Arry good luck with ze challenge."
Harry's eyes were greeted by the angelic face of the younger Delacour as he slowly opened them. He face shifted into a look of confusion as he responded to her, "Thank you umm."
"Gabrielle Delacour," she quickly interjected with a slight courtesy.
"Thank you Gabrielle, what a beautiful name for a beautiful girl " Harry continued, smiling as her name rolled off his tongue. "But, isn't Fleur your sister. Why would you wish good luck to her challenger"
Gabrielle blushed as she heard the complement. This is strange she thought to herself, I don't normally blush when a boy compliments me, maybe he is different like Fleur was telling us. She smiled back at Harry, understanding his curiosity towards her actions, "Yes she is Arry, but everyone needs support and best wishes silly. I 'ope you survive. I'll be cheering for you."
Harry humbly smiled towards Gabrielle, attempting to from a reply when Bagman stepped into the Champions tent with his old Wimborne Wasp robes stretch across his somewhat overblown, cartoon figure. "I must ask all parents and guest of the Champions to make their way to the stadium so that we may prepare them for the first task."
Harry softly said good bye as Gabrielle made her way to the entrance with her mother, before stepping out of the tent Gabrielle turned her head towards Harry and gave a soft, caring smiled causing his heart to flutter. Watching Gabrielle exit the tent, Harry and the other Champions made their way around Bagman awaiting for him to continue his speech.
"Well, now we're all here - time to fill you in!" Bagman said brightly, "Now that the audience has assembled, I'm going to be offering each of you this bag," holding up a small purple, silk sack while shaking it lightly - "from which you will each select a small model of the think your about to face! There are different - er - varieties, you see. And I have to tell you something else too… ah, yes… your task is too collect a golden egg!"
Harry glanced around, Fleur and Krum seemed to have the blank faces of no reaction, while Cedric looked as if he was starting to turn green. He turned back towards Bagman as he began opening up the purple sack.
"Ladies first," he said, offering it towards Fleur Delacour.
Harry watched as the first three champions pulled a dragon figure out of the sack, taking notice of how Cedric seemed to turn greener then the colors of Slytherin each passing moment. Finally Bagman turned towards Harry, reaching into the sick sack pulled out the final dragon, a Hungarian Horntail.
"Well, there you are!" said Bagman. "You have each pulled out the dragon you will face, and the numbers refer to the order in which you are to take on the dragons, do you see? Now, I'm going to have to leave you in a moment, because I'm commentating. Mr. Diggory, you're first, just go out into the enclosure when you hear a whistle, all right?"
All four of the Champions sat in silence for what felt like an eternity until a clear whistle pierced through the air. With that Cedric Diggory stood up and walked out the tent. This pattern continued until every champion walked had left the tent leaving Harry Potter alone.
Harry stared at the Hungarian Horntail model stomping around the palm of his hand as he slowly breathed in and out. He knew he was next and it was a mater of time before the whistle blew and he head his name called out. He know that soon he would walk into arena that could be the end of Harry Potter. The whistle pierce through the air as heard echoing from the arena entrance a voice calling out.
"Time for our final champion, Harry Potter!"
Exhaling deeply, Harry stood up placing the model dragon down on his locker and began to walk towards the entrance to the arena. Halting before he entered into the arena, Harry took a deep breathe and stepped into the blinding lights.
Authors Note: Here is the first chapter of Story Name I don't know how often I will get chapters out, I am currently working as a software engineer full time and attending grad school. There will be weeks where I don't get updates in but there will also be weeks where I might be able to push out multiple updates. Reviews or PMs are welcomed especially with comments on how to improve my writing. I will also welcome suggestions. Thank you for reading. Also I apologize for any spelling errors.