The Great Hall was abuzz. The excitement was through the roof, Harry hasn't seen anything like this since the Quidditch World Cup. The names of the 3 Triwizard champions were about to be announced, and although Harry hasn't given too much thought to the whole thing (apart from the occassional daydreaming with the Triwizard Cup in his hands, but that was just that, daydreaming), but now he couldn't help but be just as curious about the names as anyone else. Many of his Gryffindor friends have entered their names, and even though Harry loved them all dearly, he felt like they've made a kind of irresponsible, spur-of-the-moment decision, and they weren't exactly „Champion-material" either. Harry felt a bit bad for this thought, then suddenly remembered the one person from Hogwarts whom he could envision defeating any kind of obstacle. Cedric Diggory had put his name into the Goblet of Fire, but Harry was sure that he entered the competition for other reasons than the many attention-seeking, immature Hogwarts students. Cedric was a Hufflepuff, and even though Harry never really understood why, there was a certain prejudice against the House by the other three. Gryffindors were the boastfully brave (and to be honest, often stupidly reckless) folks, Slytherins were proud to be the cunning and ambitious ones, and Ravenclaws were the brainy people. The virtues valued by the Hufflepuff House, which were friendliness, kindness and honesty were often mocked by the other Houses for just being a more polite way of saying „unfit for any of the other 3 Houses". Harry knew better than that though, Cedric, for example, was much more courageous than most Gryffindors and had the smarts easily ont he level of Ravenclaws, however, he viewed fairness and good-heartedness as superior values, that's why the Sorting Hat put him into Hufflepuff. Harry was convinced that Cedric entered the Tournament to win it and finally prove to everyone that Hufflepuff was not even slightly a lesser House than any other. Harry could actually easily imagine Cedric winning the whole competition; although he had no idea what kind of tasks they were going to have to complete, Cedric had all the traits of a champion. He was exceptionally brave, strong both physically and mentally, athletic, intelligent and he also had integrity and a huge knowledge of all kinds of magic.
Nobody was even slightly surprised when Viktor Krum got chosen to be the Durmstrang Champion, but that didn't make the roaring applause any quieter. The Goblet chose Fleur Delacour, the quarter-veela girl to be The Beauxbatons Champion. Harry had a big laugh at Ron's dreamy expression as the girl passed them to get to the door behind the teacher's desk.
It was time to find out who was going to represent Hogwarts in the Tournament. Everyone in the room was holding their breath excitedly, when Professor Dumbledore lifted a piece of paper into the air:
-„CEDRIC DIGGORY!"
The hall erupted in applause, cheering and whistling. Cedric was already the most popular male in the entire school, so it took him the longest while to get from his table to the room, since he had to stop every 2 seconds for a high 5 or a hug. When he finally disappeared behind the door, Harry had a content smile on his face. He thought that Hogwarts had this Cup in the pocket.
He didn't even notice the flames of the Goblet turning red again, and throwing out a fourth piece of paper, which Dumbledore caught with a shocked expression on his face…
-„Harry Potter."
Harry was startled. He vaguely remembered being pushed out of his chair by Hermione and seeing all the surprised, shocked or hostile expressions ont he other students' faces. He received no applause.
When he entered the room in which the Champions were to receive further instructions, he barely dared to look into the other Champions' faces. Viktor had a stern, suspicious and dark look on his face, Fleur still didn't believe that his presence wasn't a joke and Cedric… Well Cedric had a look of genuine surprise and concern on his face. He studied Harry with his intense grey eyes, clearly unable to make anything out of the situation.
Harry suddenly felt like shit. Even though he knew he didn't put his name into the Goblet, he couldn't help but feel like Cedric must be dissappointed in him for trying to steal his glory. The thought of Cedric despising him was making a stinging sensation in his soul and he wanted nothing but to get out of that room and never have to look into his eyes ever again.
After the little scandal in the room that ensued between the headmasters and some Hogwarts teachers, Harry was the first one to leave. He was hurrying, not wanting to talk to anyone, when he felt the familiar big palm on his shoulder, accompanied by a deep, concerned male voice.
-„Harry!"
Harry slowly turned around, trying to face Cedric, although still unable to make direct eye contact.
-„Harry, why did you do this?"
Harry felt like crying now. Cedric is going to tell him now how dissappointed he is and how he doesn't want any of Harry's friendship anymore.
-„I mean, don't you know how dangerous this is?"
Harry was surprised to hear almost fatherly concern in Cedric's voice instead of anger. So he wasn't actually angry about him stealing his glory, but rather about him putting himself in danger?
-„Cedric, I haven't put my name into the Goblet." He finally managed to say.
Cedric didn't say anything, just waiting for Harry to continue.
-„I know it sounds crazy, but I swear I didn't do it! I don't know who didi t or what kind of sick joke this is, but I don't want any of this!"
Harry's voice cracked and he felt his eyes tearing up. He didn't want to cry in front of Cedric, buti it was too late.
Cedric's face softened and he put his strong arms around Harry, pulling him into an embrace. Harry felt both very small, but also safe in his arms.
-„I believe you."
Harry didn't want to appear even more unmanly, so he decided not to say anything, so Cedric won't hear his cracking voice.
-„Listen, I know you are a brave and smart guy, you've proven that countless times, buti f you ever need someone to practice spells with, or just talk about anything, I'm here, okay?" Cedric's voice was the most reassuring and soothing thing Harry has ever heard in his life.
Cedric let him out of his embrace, then gave a light, playful punch to Harry ont he arm.
-„And congrats on being chosen, Champion! We'll show Durmstrang and Beauxbatons why Hogwarts is the most bad-ass wizarding school!"
Harry let out a small chuckle, which made Cedric smile warmly as he wished Harry a good night and walked away towards the Hufflepuff Common Room.
