Author's Note: This story is something I've been working on, on and off, for a number of years. There really isn't a reason why I decided to do it, but I've built up a good backstory for each of the new characters that will appear and I've tried to put a lot of thought into this story and how it should flow. I know generally speaking what will happen, but currently I have only written through Chapter 8 which will complete the Second Task. We will start right off the bat at the champion selection ceremony. I hope you enjoy and don't forget to review!
~zabeth
The slightly scorched slip of parchment flew into Dumbledore's waiting hand. "And Sleepy Hollow Academy's Champion is… Eliana Lucas!"
A flurry of whispers spread through the SHA students. All eyes turned to her, but she just sat there staring at the wooden table as though all life had been drained out of her. Like an empty shell, she was motionless, not responding to her friend Sam's nudges for her to move. The young SHA Charms Professor, Jacob Lucas, swiftly made his way through the benches to the girl. His touch made her eyes flutter as she become alert of her surroundings.
Hisses and boos rose up from the rows of Hogwarts students that realized Elle could not be over the age limit. She walked quickly down the aisle, averting her gaze from all the hateful glares. Sam sat; a simple look of concern evident on his face as he bit his lower lip to refrain from lashing out at a particularly vocal student next to him. Professor Lucas walked stiffly behind Elle, a hand held out in front of him as if to prevent any escape attempts she may try.
As she disappeared through the same door as Cedric, Krum, and Delacour had, Harry and the remaining students returned their attention to Dumbledore as he raised his hands for silence.
"It seems that we have our four champions. I am sure that I can count upon all of you, including our foreign friends, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very…" He trailed as a fifth crimson flame spiraled out of the Goblet. The murmurs and whispers returned. A grim look on his face, Dumbledore unfolded the parchment. After a long pause, Dumbledore cleared his throat and read aloud -
"Harry Potter…" The Hall erupted with chatter and Hermione, with Ron adopting a dark look, pushed up Harry. He quickly marched down the row, head directed down at his feet much like Elle's had been.
In the room behind the Great Hall, the accusations and insults flew. Crouch and the other School Headmasters attacked Harry severely, three of the other four champions looking him over suspiciously. Dumbledore seemed to simply watch with grave fascination, gears shifting so quickly in his mind that no one could possibly hope to comprehend. Elle stood in a corner, nodding to whatever lecture she was receiving from Professor Lucas and her old, yet vivacious Headmaster, Professor Sjo. Harry watched her out of the corner of his eye, wondering why her reaction had been negative, unlike that of the other three champions. Just about to change the focus of his attention, he saw her head snap up, an utterly distraught look on her features.
"NO! THAT'S NOT FAIR!" she screamed at her Headmaster. Her eyes widened with anger or fear, Harry could not tell. All eyes turned to her during her sudden outburst. The color had drained from her face, her brow was furrowed and her breathing was labored. "YOU CAN'T JUST—"
She was cut off by a quick muffling charm by Professor Lucas, who also appeared aghast and irate. Steered out of the room, she looked positively mortified and infuriated at the same time. An unruffled Sjo and a silently fuming Lucas nodded to Dumbledore, suggesting that the meeting for the champions be the following morning before breakfast. It was agreed to and the SHA contingent left the room. Soon everyone had dissipated and Harry said 'no, I didn't put my name in the cup' once more before he was allowed to leave under the stern gazes of McGonagall and Moody.