Charred Parchment, a harry potter fanfic

Charred Parchment

By: Nettie

"Excellent!" I call happily when the tumult has died down. "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real--"

I stop, the Goblet of fire has turned red again. Sparks are flying out of it , a long flame shoots suddenly into the air, and a piece of charred parchment is borne upon it.

I stare at it, then, automatically reach out for it and freeze when I see the name written on it.

Harry Potter.

No, not Harry, not again. He's been through enough--he won't survive another emotional blow. I promised--I promised Lily and James I would watch over him--like the Grandfather and Father he would never have. This can't be--I'm seeing things--Please God, tell me I'm seeing things.

But I know I'm not seeing things--and I also know that Harry didn't put his name in the Goblet.

I clear my throat, and call out to the silent hall "Harry Potter."

The look on Harry's face is a mixture of stunned confusion and innocence, for he does not know the trials he will face in life--I do.

Minerva makes her way over to me. She and Severus are the only ones who know Harry's real identity.

"Albus, you cannot protect him forever--you must let him face this--he is the heir to Gryffindor--He's got to know someday!"

I look at Harry, who is talking to Hermione Granger.

"Harry Potter!" I call, "Harry! Up here, if you please!"

He gets to his feet, and stumbles slightly. He walks as if he's in a daze up to me.

"Well...through the door,Harry." I do not smile, it is to painful to smile.

He moves off to the room. I sit there for a second, staring at the bit of charred parchment in my hand before sweeping towards the room--towards the beginning of Harry Potter's destiny--the fate for which he was born--to destroy evil--and restore good. This is the beginning--the beginning all caused by a bit of Charred Parchment.

A/N: I know this is rather odd. I've had a urge to write this forever, so I finally did. Please Read and Review. If you didn't know, this was of the POV of Dumbledore.