Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor am I trying to gain money from this story, which is merely a story based off the ideas and characters of J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 4: The Triwizard? Tournament.
Harry looked at the sign that had been posted just a few short days ago. While the sign wasn't anything impressive, the writing upon it had caused a blockage in the hallway to the Great Hall the first day it had appeared.
Triwizard Tournament
The Delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving at
6 o' clock on Friday the 30th of October, Lessons will end half an hour early.
Students will return their bags and books to their dormitories and assemble
in front of the castle to greet our guests before the Welcoming Feast.
The appearance of the sign had sent the castle into a sort of frenzy, portraits being scrubbed and suits of armor being polished until they shone. Harry had even felt the way their teachers had changed as Mcgonagall, usually the picture of sternness, actually had a few hairs out of place yesterday. It had been a bit amusing, if a bit disconcerting, that she was so stressed about this meeting of the schools.
Harry was actually pretty pumped for this year. He was curious about the other schools but he wasn't very interested in the tournament, beyond cheering Angelina on if she decided to enter, Alicia had already denied wanting to participate. Of course, the fact he had become intimate with women was a definite plus to his year at Hogwarts, even if Katie was still being shy and wouldn't even meet his eyes yet.
Another thing that had made this year more pleasant, was the formation of his study group inside the library. After that first time that Daphne, Susan, Hannah, and Tracey had joined him, they had consistently appeared in the library whenever he went there for homework and proceeded to sit with him, the five of them sometimes being joined by Hermione, Angelina, or Alicia to help them with their work. Hermione had been pleasantly surprised when she met his group and immediately set herself to become one of them, even if she didn't always work with them. Harry certainly didn't complain when four extremely smart and extremely pretty young women decided they wanted to study with him. While he never had the notion to ever try anything with them, considering his relationship with his former teammates, he still enjoyed being surrounded by such beauty, just as any normal male would.
Regardless, Harry sighed as he moved up to his dorm, placing his bag there and pulling on a fresh set of robes on and then headed down to the common room, meeting with Hermione and Ron before moving out of their tower. There was a mass exodus of students towards the grounds of the school and Harry reflected that it looked alot like when the end of term came.
Quickly though, the whole school was arrayed in welcome for their guests. First years were down in front and each year was arrayed as a single row, separated by house. Thus, Harry, Hermione, and Ron found themselves looking over the first three years to watch as their guests arrived. It was silent for close to three minutes before whispers abounded as the cloaked students began to speculate, "How do you think they are coming?" whispered Ron.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, not very worried about how they would actually get here, but more about the fact that he was a bit chilly since he had forgotten his cloak. He shot a look over at Angelina, and Alicia, who were whispering quietly to themselves, before turning back to Hermione as she answered, "I would guess that it would be a portkey to outside the castle since they can't apparate."
Ron grunted, "I wonder where Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are at." Harry muttered to himself.
"Durmstrang is up north, their uniform requires a heavy fur cloak, and Beauxbatons is probably in one of the warmer areas of France because they seem to want everything in silk." Hermione rattled off and she blushed slightly when she noticed a few people staring at her, especially the younger students.
"Unless I am very much mistaken, I believe the Beauxbatons delegation approaches!" Dumbledore said from the doors to the castle as he pointed towards the sky. Every student fixed their eyes on the sky and quickly noticed the dot that was becoming larger by the second. Shouts followed, each declaration of what each student thought it was abounded and became more absurd until the enormous carriage appeared out of the moonlit sky, with horses the likes that could carry Hagrid pulling it.
The carriage had barely come to a stop when a boy in pale blue silk robes jumped out of the carriage and produced stairs from the undercarriage of the carriage. The boy jumped to the side, standing ready to attend those emptying from the flying monstrosity. The first person to escape the confines of the vehicle was a woman the likes of which few had ever seen, Harry was sure. The very size of the woman ensured that, like Hagrid, the woman probably had some giant blood within her. Her size did nothing to take away from the beauty of her strong face, flowing hair and a bosom that was neither too large nor too small for her body size.
She moved forward, allowing those behind her to be revealed and Harry could feel most of the boys in the student body had lost their heads because the young french women whom descended from the carriage all carried a grace that, even Harry had to admit, british women just didn't possess. Harry counted no less than three of the twelve women whom followed their statuesque headmistress, that held busts that would rival Angelina's. Another five held faces that were heart shaped with eyes that seemed to draw you in, and the rest all had boys turning their heads from looking at their cute derriere's.
Harry could feel the glares that all of the women in the student body were sending the french women, while simultaneously ogling the three boys following them. Harry smirked lightly as he saw Hermione alternate between ogling the boys and glaring at Ron. He twisted his head towards Angelina and Alicia, seeing Angelina licking her lips, his smirk faltered slightly, but he waited until she looked at him and he raised an eyebrow as he gestured with his head towards the boys. She immediately shook her head as she made a rather obvious look at his lower body that had Harry grinning and blushing slightly before noticing Alicia licking her own lips as she looked directly at him. He smiled at the two before looking over at Katie. He frowned slightly when he noticed she turned away from him almost as soon as he looked at her, but he did smile when she didn't even give the other boys a passing glance.
It was when Harry looked back over at the Beauxbatons delegation that he realized that the tall woman had just been greeted, "Ah! Madame Maxime," Dumbledore said as he kissed the knuckles of her hand, "Welcome to Hogwarts."
"Dumbly-dorr," Madame Maxime purred in her deep voice, "I 'ope I find you well?" she asked politely.
"In excellent form, Thank you for your concern." Dumbledore replied with a twinkle in his eyes.
"My pupils." she said as she waved at the fifteen odd boys and girls whom had exited from the carriage. Dumbledore smiled at the shivering students, all of whom seemed to be looking at Hogwarts with an apprehensive air. "'as Karkaroff arrived?" Madame Maxime asked.
Her question was answered with a quick shout, "Look at the lake!" Lee Jordan yelled. Everyone present turned to the lake, seeing the surface bubbling as if there was a hot spot in the very center, bubbles frothed in the middle of the lake as waves crashed upon the edges of the water. Slowly, a whirlpool formed where the bubbles had been, increasing in size quickly so that most of the water was frothing as a black pole rose from the depths of the water.
Most of the students blinked in surprise as the pole steadily increased in width until the rigging came into view and murmurs of a ship were easily heard. Magnificently, the ship rose above the frothing waters of the lake, looking for all the magical world, like a resurrected wreck of a ship as it finally capped the water and smoothly sailed from inside the whirlpool of it's own make and reached the shore. The splash of an anchor and the sound of a plank being lowered were the only sounds heard before people could be seen disembarking from the magical ship.
The hulking people whom disembarked looked to be built more like Crabbe and Goyle until Harry realized that was their heavy fur cloaks and the delegation came into the light of the castle, being led by a man in silver and sleek furs, "Dumbledore! Madame Maxime! How are you?" he called heartily as he and his students lumbered up the slope towards the castle.
"I find myself well Professor Karkaroff, how are you this fine evening?" Dumbledore asked back as Madame Maxime stood off to the side.
"Well, I am well myself." he answered with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as he and his students stepped into the light. "But, Viktor here has a bit of a cold, could we step inside?" he asked and Harry predicted the sharp poke in his side from Ron as Ron hissed into his ear.
"Krum! It's Viktor Krum!"
"Let us retire to the Great Hall and warm our guests, shall we?" Dumbledore said as he waved the guests of Hogwarts into the castle proper while stepping aside. Beauxbatons, while retaining as many manners as they could, all scrambled for the door and inviting warmth with no hesitation. Durmstrang followed after and then the Hogwarts' students filed in.
Harry was looking at all of the sixth year girls searching their pockets for quills and the like, no doubt to get Krum's autograph when he felt a hand upon his shoulder and turned to be greeted by the twinkling eyes of his elderly Headmaster. Harry started in slight surprise as he was held from entering the castle with his friends.
"Hello Harry, enjoying your year so far?" he asked lightly and Harry couldn't shake the feeling the old Headmaster knew exactly how well his year had been.
To Harry's credit, he would have blushed like a little schoolboy a few weeks ago but now he merely flushed slightly as he looked at Dumbledore, "Very much so sir." he said respectfully.
"That's good to hear Harry, but I fear I must impose upon you for something I rather wish I had asked before tonight." Dumbledore said in his usual manner. Harry frowned slightly.
"What is that sir?" he asked hesitantly.
"First, I feel I must say that, whenever we wizards get together," Dumbledore started, that twinkle in his eyes becoming annoying, "We tend to be unable to control ourselves from..." Dumbledore trailed off as if testing the words he wanted to use in his head before continuing, "proving ourselves to the others." he finished with a slight smile.
Harry had a feeling in the pit of his stomach as he looked at Dumbledore's eyes and he suddenly had an inkling as what the Headmaster wanted him to do, "Mr. Weasley said much the same thing Sir." he commented, instead of showing that he really didn't want to bring more attention to himself.
"A wise man, Mr. Weasely." he commented and then, seemingly noticing that they were reaching the end of his students, decided to hurry along his inquiry, "I wish to ask of you, to showcase your impressive ability if the other schools decide to try to, shall we say, strike at our school's reputation." he said.
"Impressive ability sir?" Harry was getting tired of the way Dumbledore danced around the issue.
Dumbledore humme slightly, "Yes, I know you dislike your fame Harry, but it has its uses, and I ask you to help our school with your own fame by helping along our reputation." he said with twinkling eyes, "I wish you to cast a patronus charm, the most powerful one you can make, if you feel the need to test yourself against the exhibitions that I feel our fellow school's will attempt to put upon us." he said with a bit of force in his voice, "Of course, if you feel-"
"Of course Professor. Shouldn't we head in now? We mustn't keep our guests waiting." Harry said with a smile. While he may not like what the Headmaster is asking him to do, the fact of the matter is, Harry is a competitive person and he has no doubt he would be pressed to respond to any magic their fellow schools cast anyways. Now, he has the Headmaster's express approval to compete against the schools in one way since he has no desire to enter the tournament.
"Ah, yes. Quite right." Dumbledore said with a smile and, cloak swishing behind him, Harry and he walked towards the Great Hall with the last of the first years.
Harry ducked into his seat as Dumbledore heads to his golden seat, four chairs having been added into the staff table and each of them having been taken up by a person. Two from the visiting Headmasters, one in the form of Ludo Bagman and one in form of Mr. Barty Crouch, Percy's boss. The entire staff was seated and Dumbledore wasted no time in words as he stood in front of his chair, "I welcome you all to Hogwarts this year and hope to have your stay be comfortable and enjoyable." It was at this moment that a French girl snorted derisively causing Dumbledore to look at her in curiosity before a swish of her wand caused cloaks to appear on the shoulders of the, apparently still shivering, Beauxbatons delegates. Harry felt the tension in the air as the girl stared into Dumbledore's twinkling eyes with a daring glint to them that had Hermione huffing next to him.
The tension was broken as, with another wave of a wand, the Durmstrang contingent suddenly sighed as the benches changed into high-backed comfort chairs. Harry smiled as Krum joined the Beauxbatons girl in staring defiantly at Dumbledore. Harry felt his hand twitch and then he saw Dumbledore's hand twitch and Harry smiled as he raised his wand. He followed their example, yelling in his mind, and apparently not out loud, "Expecto Patronum!"
Harry's stag burst forth from his wand, a silvery glittering beast that shone brighter than any other light in the entire castle. The tension in the air intensified slightly before the stag charged into the air, it's massive antlers scraped the hood of the Great Hall, rushing around the room to pass in front of the staff table, pausing to stare into Dumbledore's eyes before moving to the Slytherin's and doing the same to Krum.
Harry could feel Hermione's eyes on his back as the rest of the room followed his patronus as it moved through the Hufflepuff table and came to rest in front of the girl from Beauxbatons, whom stared into the beast's eyes before it lowered it's head in a charge position. The girl's hand withdrew and the stag blinked before galloping towards the Gryffindor table and walking up and down it once before stopping in front of Katie Bell. Katie looked hesitantly at the stag before she reached out her own hand.
The stag eyed her for another moment before a single foreleg bent, allowing the stag's forward body to angle downwards and allowing the girl to touch the silvery glittering beast before it's shining light finally gave way, the beast appearing to shatter into many bright lights before falling to the floor and fading from view. Harry's wand was resting comfortably in his pocket before any of the foreign or domestic students could see it, but Harry knew Hermione knew that stag was his and that she was upset with him for responding to the foreigners.
Dumbledore, however, was giving him a full smile, before continuing, "The tournament will officially start at the end of this feast and I invite you all to eat, play, and make yourselves at Home!" he said with a large smile as the plates were filled with food and as if the previous confrontation had not happened.
Ron immediately began to pile his plate with food as Hermione and Harry followed in a more sedate manner. Ron made a face and Harry laughed as Ron pointed at something that looked like a stew, "What is that?" he asked.
Hermione barely glanced at it before she answered, "Bouillabaisse."
"Bless you." Ron answered back and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Why do I even bother?" she asked quietly, "It's a french dish Ronald!" she snapped at her friend before returning to her own dinner.
Harry laughed quietly at Ron's slack face and continued eating his own food until he felt a presence appear over his left shoulder. "Excuse me, are you wanting ze bouillabaisse?" she asked in a melodius voice. Harry frowned slightly as he saw Ron's mouth open and, instead of answering the woman, simply seem to gargle his own spit in a faint gurgling noise.
"Yeah, take it." Harry said as he grabbed the stew-like dish that Hermione had identified towards the speaker.
"You 'ave finished wiz it?" she asked, leaving no doubt her accent was real and definitely french. Harry turned and flashed the woman a smile as Ron answered her, sounding like he had just run a mile.
"Yeah, it was excellent." Harry had to hold back a chuckle as he heard Hermione give an unladylike snort as Ron attempted to stop looking like a slob.
Regardless, Harry could definitely appreciate why Ron was acting like he had never seen a woman before today with the specimen now standing in front of him. Her body was not curvy, more of an athletic build that didn't take away from her feminine aura. That was not to say her body was unpleasant, as a matter of fact, Harry had to say the way her hips flared slightly as well as the way her breasts only barely pressed against her shirt fit the girl's heart-shaped face and long shimmering silvery-blonde hair so perfectly he was momentarily stunned at her vision. He blinked only once before he felt his mind return to him and just noticed that she smiled lightly at him, with white, almost unnaturally so, teeth before turning and heading away from his own table.
"She's a veela!" Ron whispered across the table while leaning towards Harry. Harry and Neville, who was apparently watching the whole exchange from nearby, chuckled as Hermione's bushy hair seemed to stand on end from his comment.
"Honestly Ron," she said hotly, "just because you can't control yourself doesn't mean she is a magical creature." the heat coming from Hermione had Harry flinching slightly, "I don't see anyone else gaping at her like an idiot!" she hissed. Harry turned, catching Neville's eye as they both watched the heads of the other guys turn as the girl returned to the Ravenclaw table. Harry chuckled slightly as he turned back to his own dinner.
"I'm telling you, that's not a normal girl." Ron said conspiratorially, "They don't make'm like that at Hogwarts!" he commented.
"I don't know," Harry said idly, his eyes flashing to each of his lovers and then to Katie's bowed head, "They make'm pretty good at Hogwarts." Harry felt Hermione's eyes flash to his own, trying to see where he was looking but he was already returning to his food. The feast continued with a second course and desserts, all laden with foreign dishes that the house elves had obviously been coached in making. Harry politely tried some of the dishes that Hermione pointed out to Ron and he, but he couldn't find one he particularly liked better than his normal food. He did admit that the new food was a change that he wasn't sad to see.
Soon enough, the golden plates had been cleared of their delectable food and every student was now eagerly looking to where Dumbledore stood, "The time has come." he said and a smile twitched on his elderly face as he heard the creaks of wood that indicated the shifting of students in their seats, "The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to explain a few things before we bring in the casket." he chuckled lightly at the groans a few students gave out, "First, for those of you who do not know them, let me introduce Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports." he said with a wave at the two men. Crouch recieved a small amount of applause but Bagman got a much louder round of applause, probably because of his previous fame as a Beater.
Bagman waved jovially at the crowd of expectant students as Crouch merely looked down upon the students in his wizard's robes. He looked much more out of place next to Dumbledore as compared to when he had been mingling with the muggle-looking wizards at the World Cup.
"Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangements of the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore informed the students, to which they recieved another small round of applause, "and they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime on the panel that will judge the champions' efforts."
The last few words of Dumbledore caught the entire attention of the crowd, a tangible tension filled the air as Dumbledore's twinkling eyes seemed to twinkle slightly brighter as he waved his hand, "The casket, if you please, Mr. Filch."
Filch hobbled out from a dark corner of the Hall, carrying a wooden casket that was studded with numerous gems and looked extremely old but well taken care of. Harry, and everyone else's, eyes tracked the movement of the casket as Dumbledore spoke, "The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have been examined by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman," he said as Filch reached the table next to Dumbledore, placing the casket down with a thump, "They have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways... their magical prowess, their daring, their powers of deduction, and, of course, their ability to cope with danger." The silence which fell on the final word of Dumbledore was absolute. Not even the normal sounds of breathing seemed to reach anyone's ears as Dumbledore stared out into the crowd. Dumbledore paused for a full minute, allowing the importance of what he just said to sink into his crowd's ears, before continuing.
"As you know, three champions compete in the tournament." he went on calmly, "one from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup." Dumbledore paused just one moment more, before speaking in a loud tone, "The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector, as it has in all the years this tournament has been held, The Goblet of Fire." With three taps of his wand, Dumbledore opened the lid of the casket and he reahced in, pulling out a wooden goblet that was as unassuming as the wood of the casket, with the exception of the bright blue-white flames which filled the goblet and licked at its rim.
Dumbledore handled the goblet with care, setting it on the table to be in complete view of the Hall. "Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet." informed Dumbledore, "Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall with free access to all wishing to compete."
"To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation," Dumbledore fixed the weasely twins with a particularly harsh stare, "I will be drawing an Age Line around the goblet once it has been placed. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line." He gave a few others firm stares but then his eyes seemed to encompass all of the older students.
"Finally, I wish to impress upon you the severity of entering into this tournament. Be sure that you are willing to compete to the best of your ability. For once a champion enters their name into the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. Placing your name inside the fire constitutes a binding magic contract. There can be no change of heart once you decide to compete. I believe that is all, a Good night to you all." he said and the entire hall rose as they proceeded to leave.
Harry walked into his own dorm room, laying himself out on his bed after his shower with a grin as he thought about the tasks and what might be required of the three people whom were chosen as champions. He worried, briefly on if Angelina were chosen and how he would handle seeing her in danger from the tasks. He clenched his fists, promising himself he would help Angelina as much as she needed and be supportive if she were chosen.
He rolled over onto his side, waiting anxiously to hear Ron's snoring so he could sneak out to his lovers once more. Honestly, he thought that their relationship would not be so physical, every night the girls wanted him in bed for at least one coupling before retiring. He had thought they wouldn't shag like bunnies but apparently, the girls had wanted him consistantly since he had first bedded them and they only wanted more.
He would, actually, be perfectly happy in not coupling with either of them at this point and simply sleeping the night next to them in bed, even fully clothed. Regardless, he was not going to tell them he did not want to shag them, he did, he just wondered if the fact they consistantly wanted him inside them was a cause of worry for him or if should he feel proud. Considering the only male he would feel comfortable asking about this was Sirius, of whom he could imagine his response, Harry didn't know how to broach the topic.
Soon enough, Harry heard Ron's snoring start and he slipped out of his bed, grabbing his invisibility cloak and giving a parting wave to his dormmates, he headed down to the common room, where Alicia would be waiting.
The following morning had seen Harry waking next to a shivering Angelina, who seemed to be having second thoughts about entering into the tournament, Harry couldn't keep the slight tone of hope out of his voice as he asked, "So, you don't want to enter?"
Angelina turned to him with a small glare, "Why do you sound hopeful about that?" she questioned as if he were insulting her.
Harry quickly backpedaled, "I'm just worried Angelina, I really don't want to see you get hurt and I don't know what I'd do if I watched it happen without trying to stop it." he admitted.
Angelina's glare softened to a watery look of love as she held her arms out to him, allowing their naked bodies to form together once more, the glowing that had been so present the past few months was now a small incandescent shine coming from directly above Angelina's womb. "I know Harry, I'm scared too but I really want to try." she said softly, allowing him to stroke her hair softly.
Harry took a shuddering breath, resigning himself to being a supportive person instead of being the action guy for once, "Then try." he whispered as he stroked her hair with a loving touch that he had found she liked, "But, promise me that you won't be angry if I jump into whatever arena they have if I think you're going to get hurt." he said with a gentle smile on his face as he raised her head so she would look at him.
She smiled shyly, a very out of character act on Angelina's normally fierce and strong face, and nodded at him. She placed a light kiss on his lips before moving her lips to his ear, "I want you once more, for courage." she said blushing strongly as she looked at him before laying herself down on the bed, presenting herself in her entirety and pulling him onto her so he rested comfortably for them both.
Harry smiled at her and kissed her tenderly. Their coupling this time was slow, unhurried, and incredibly intimate. Harry found himself climaxing much sooner, though far more intensely, as Angelina thrashed beneath him, her body spasming so harshly he wondered if he had hurt her before she collapsed into a boneless mass, a smile on her face and her eyes shining as she stared into his own.
Harry took a quick shower before meeting Angelina and Alicia in the common room, which was mostly deserted since they had spent a good amount of time in bed considering it was the weekend. He smiled at the two, glancing around them before pulling first Alicia, and then Angelina into searing kisses that left them with smiles on their faces as he and his lovers moved out of the tower and towards the entrance hall, with Angelina's piece of parchment firmly in her hand.
Harry entered the entrance hall with his two lovers and spotted Hermione and Ron sitting in stands that were set up so others could watch the candidates put their names into the goblet. He gave each of his lovers a small kiss on the cheek as he moved away from them, going and sitting next to Hermione, who was wearing a small smile.
"What's got you in such a good mood?" he asked as he approached them.
Hermione looked up and simply shook her head, "The Twins tried to get past the age line earlier." she said as if it explained everything. Truthfully, Harry supposed it did with those two.
"So, what did Dumbledore's line do to them?" he asked with twitching lips.
"Made them grow great big beards like his." Ron said between laughter and some of the surrounding students chuckled as they remembered the incident or imagined it like Harry was, because he was certainly chuckling. "Blimey, if I thought I could get past the line I'd put my name in there." Ron said after having calmed down and looking wistfully at the goblet of blue-white flames.
"I wouldn't envy anyone doing it now." Harry said as he watched a few of the students hesitantly approach the goblet, obviously intimidated about the crowd watching them, "I wouldn't want everyone watching me like a owl to see if the Goblet would spit my name back out or something." he commented and Ron grunted in agreement.
"Want to go down to Hagrid's after lunch until the feast tonight?" Ron asked, Harry looked at Hermione, who smiled brightly and Harry nodded. Harry turned and watched as Angelina, who caught his eye before stepping forward, stepped into the age line and put her name into the fire, the blue flames sparkling red for a moment before returning to their original state. He smiled at her as she and Alicia then disappeared into the Great Hall.
The trio spent the day with Hagrid, enjoying his company like they had every other time they had spent time with the half-giant groundskeeper/professor. Though, the half-giant did pretty much leave them in his hut when he stepped outside and saw the Headmistress of Beauxbatons heading towards the caslte and hurried to greet her, then escort her to the feast.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione didn't feel too slighted, thinking about it, it was obvious he would fancy a person like himself, especially one of the only ones near him. So, they proceeded to a feast that seemed too extravagant because it was the second in two days. Harry certainly appreciated the more elaborate foods when he only got to taste them a few times out of the year instead of back to back like he did tonight. It was rather obvious that most of the students were really just anxious about the end of the feast since they were all alternating looking up at the Headmaster's plate, waiting for it to empty and watching the blue-white fire of the goblet.
When Dumbledore's plate was finally wiped clean, an upswing in noise was heard but the three Headmaster/mistress' of the schools looked at expectant as the students as their eyes watching the flickering flames of the goblet.
"Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision." Dumbledore said, causing the noise level to swing back downwards, "I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through to the next chamber," he indicated a small door off to the side, "where they will recieve their first instructions."
With a sweep of his wand, the candles surrounding the Great hall dimmed so that the Goblet of fire was the brightest light within the Hall. The entire Hall waited with baited breath, tension in the air became tangible as everyone watched with rapt attention. The light of the goblet flickered like a candle, bathing the Hall in an otherwordly glow before, suddenly, the blue flame turned red, burning with the intensity of a mini-sun and a tongue of flame shot out from the goblet, a charred piece of parchment born upon it's tip. Dumbledore caught the piece of parchment with a spry flick of his arm, something Harry admired from a seeker's perspective.
The red flame turned back to a bright blue and Dumbledore held the piece of parchment away from his face so he could read by the light being given off by the goblet, "The champion for Durmstrang," he said, his voice ringing clearly through the Hall, "will be Viktor Krum."
Shouts of "Of course," and "No surprise." came from all across the Hall and Harry watched as Krum walked up to the staff table and into the next chamber. "Bravo, Viktor!" Karkaroff exclaimed as his champion crossed in front of him. "Knew you had it in you."
The applause lasted shortly, as the attention was quickly turned back to blue-white flames of the goblet. The crowd waited but a moment for the last of the applause to die out, and, as if the goblet could hear, immediately it turned red and another tongue of flame shot out from the fires, carrying another charred piece of parchment.
"The champion for Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour!" Dumbledore exclaimed, The same girl from before, that is, the girl whom Ron had drooled all over, stood and made her way up to the staff table.
"Oh look, they're all disappointed." Hermione said over the applause. Disappointed was a bit of an understatement as far as the Beauxbatons party was concerned, a few of the girls were sobbing into their arms on the table. Again, the applause lasted only briefly before the flame was being watched again.
Finally, the red flame reappeared and another charred piece of parchment floated into Dumbledore's grasp, "The champion for Hogwarts is Cedric Diggory!" he read out and the Hufflepuff table broke out into large cheers as a handsome seventh year stood and moved away from them. Harry didn't hear what Ron had yelled over the sound of the Hufflepuffs. The applause lasted much longer this time, since no one was waiting for the names any longer, those whom hadn't been selected were allowed to mope or weep as the hufflepuffs went wild. Of course, Harry couldn't blame them, the house was often overlooked as the lesser house of hogwarts and rarely had a chance to shine.
Eventually, Dumbledore was able to quiet down the Hufflepuffs, "Excellent! Now we have our three champions, I am sure I can count upon all of you to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real-" Dumbledore was silenced by a chance in the fire of the goblet.
Every eye in the hall locked onto the red flame of the goblet as a tongue of flame shot out once again, bearing yet another piece of parchment. As if he didn't even think about it, Dumbledore's slender fingers reached out and grasped the parchment from the air. He held it out and stared at the name for a moment, during which the room stared at Dumbledore before he cleared his throat and said, "Harry Potter."
Harry stared hard at Dumbledore as every eye in the hall swiveled to him. He sat down in his seat, staring so hard at Dumbledore it seemed as if his eyes were going to pop out of his head. He heard a buzzing noise come from those sitting around him, as he watched Mcgonagall approach Dumbledore and whisper urgently in his ear. Harry ignored the stares and odd whispering around him as he looked directly at the piece of parchment Dumbledore still held in his hand.
"Can't I get one single year of normalcy?" Harry questioned as he stood from his seat and began to walk towards Dumbledore, already knowing that he was going to be competing in a tournament built for those three years older than he. It never ceased to amaze Harry at all the trouble he could get in without lifting a finger. The buzzing in the crowd grew as Harry approached Dumbledore and Dumbledore looked directly at Harry, "Through the door, Harry." he said with a wave of his hand as he turned and began to converse with the teachers.
Harry walked stiffly in front of the staff table, wondering what crap he was going to be involved in this year as he entered a room with a fireplace that was lined with portraits of wizards and witches. Viktor, Fleur, and Cedric all stood in front of the fire, staring into it with vacant gazes. Harry felt as if he were an ant and they giants as their shadows stretched to meet him, their silhouttes framed by the roaring fire. Krum, hunched up and brooding, was leaning against the matelpiece. Cedric was standing with his hands behind his back and Fleur turned to look at Harry was he entered.
"What is it?" she asked, "Do zey want us back in ze Hall?"
Harry didn't reply because he couldn't think of how to explain what had just happened. It was obvious that the three champions were expecting something other than what was about to come but Harry was in no mood, nor did he know how, to explain. Instead, Harry just looked at the three with a blank stare and took note of how they still topped his new frame by at least a head.
Harry moved to the side, plastering himself into a dark corner as Ludo Bagman entered into the room and looked around, obviously for Harry. He spotted him and smiled at him warmly as he pulled Harry back into the light, "Extraordinary! Gentlemen... Lady." he added as he approached the three champions, "May I introduce, incredible though it may seem, the fourth Triwizard Champion!" he said excitedly.
Viktor straightened up, his hunch completely gone from his pose and his face darkened as he looked at Harry. He looked from Bagman to Harry as if he might have misheard. Cedric simply looked at Harry and gave a slight shake of his head. Fleur, however, gave a flick of her impressive hair, and smiled, "Oh, vairy funny joke, Meester Bagman." she said and Harry's stomach gave a slight jump at her percieved lack of concern for him.
"Joke?" Bagman repeated, "Not at all! Harry's name just came out of the Goblet." Krum's thick eyebrows shot up and Fleur frowned.
"But evidently zair 'as been a mistake." she said contemptously, "'E cannot compete. 'E is too young."
Before Bagman could reply the door shot open and Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Crouch, Professor Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Professor Mcgonagall, Professor Sprout and Professor Snape all filed into the room, the buzzing noise from the Hall filtered into the room before the door was shut.
"Madame Maxime!" Fleur cried at once, striding over to her headmistress, "Zey are saying zat zis little boy is to compete also!"
Harry's eyes flashed with anger, while he was normally a passive person, the fact of the matter is, Harry had done things that made grown men faint and whimper in their nightmares. He was, by no means, a little boy, and he would testify to that with the sword of Gryffindor and the scar from his second year to prove it. Wisely, though, he kept his mouth shut as he watched, waiting to see if he could get out of this without speaking.
"What is the meaning of zis Dumbly-dorr?" her voice booming instead of the purring quality she had taken up until now as she drew herself up to her impressive height.
"I'd rather like to know that myself Dumbledore." Karkaroff barked from next to Viktor. He was wearing a smile but there was no warmth in it, his eyes were like two pieces of ice, "Two Hogwarts champions? I don't remember anyone telling me the host school is allowed two champions, or have I not read the rules carefully enough?" he asked before giving a nasty laugh.
"C'est impossible" Madame Maxime echoed as her hand came to rest on Fleur's shoulder. "'Ogwarts cannot 'ave two champions. It is most unjust."
"We were under the impression that your age line would keep out younger contestants, Dumbledore." Karkaroff accused. "Otherwise, we would have brought along a wider selection of candidates from our schools."
"It's no one's fault but Potter's Karkaroff." Snape said softly and Harry's eyes burned as he looked at his most hated teacher. The man had consistantly been getting under his skin, "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Potter's determination to break rules. He has been crossing lines ever since he arrived here."
"Thank you Severus." Dumbledore said firmly, and not a moment too soon as Harry closed his mouth. Harry stared down Dumbledore, as the man turned to look at him, "Did you put your name in the goblet Harry?" he asked calmly.
"No." Harry grit his teeth. He was very aware of each of the people in the room gauging his answer.
"Did you ask an older student to put it into the Goblet for you?" Dumbledore asked, ignoring Snape as he tried to express his disbelief.
"No." Harry said vehemently.
"Ah, but of course, 'e is lying." Madame Maxime cried as Snape smirked viciously. Harry felt his annoyance return as he thought about the french, "So much for being courteous." he thought to himself.
"He could not have crossed the Age line," Professor Mcgonagall said from her position, "I am sure we are all agreed on that." she said before being cut off.
"Dumbly-dorr must 'ave made a mistake wiz ze line." Madame Maxime said.
"It is possible, of course." Dumbledore said politely. Mcgonagall scoffed.
"Harry did not cross that Age Line because you did not make a mistake Dumbledore, you know that and the fact that you believe him about an older student should be good enough for everyone else!' she said vehemently.
"Mr. Crouch, Mr. Bagman," Karkaroff began his voice had regained its unctuous tone once more, "you are our, objective judges. Surely you agree this is irregular." he said.
Bagman looked at Crouch, whom seemed a little nervous but spoke in his usual curt voice, "We must abide by the rules. They clearly state that those people whose names come out of the goblet of fire are bound to compete in the tournament."
"Well, Barty knows the rulebook front to back." Bagman said, oddly happy about the fact that Harry was now competing.
"I insist upon resubmitting the names of the rest of my students," Karkaroff said, his face was twisted into an angry look, "We will set the Goblet up again so we will all have two champions. It's only fair Dumbledore."
"It doesn't work like that, the Goblet's gone out and it won't reignite until the start of the next tournament." Bagman protested.
"In which Durmstrang will not be competing, after all our negotiations and preparations, I little expected something of this nature to occur! I have half a mind to leave now!" Karkaroff threatened.
"Empty threat Karkaroff." came Moody's gruff voice. "You're champion can't leave now, magical binding contract. Just like the rest of them. Convenient eh?" he asked.
"Convenient? I don't quite know what you mean." Karkaroff replied but Harry noted that the man's fists were balled.
"Don't you?" Moody asked, "It's very simple Karkaroff. Someone put Potter's name in that goblet knowing he's have to compete if it came out."
"Evidently, someone 'oo wished to give 'Ogwarts two bites at ze apple!" Madame Maxime exclaimed.
"I quite agree Madame Maxime." Karkaroff said, bowing to her, "I shall be lodging complaints with the Ministy of Magic and the International Confederations of Wizards."
"If anyone's got reason to complain." Moody interrupted, "It's Potter. But... funny thing... I don't hear him saying a word." he commented as he rested his hands on his staff.
"Why should 'e complain?" burst out Fleur, the french woman was quickly rubbing Harry the wrong way with he constant put downs. "'E 'as ze chance to compete, 'asn't 'e? We 'ave all been 'oping to be chosen for weeks and weeks! Ze honor for our schools! A thousand galleons in prize money, zis is a chance many would die for!" she said angrily.
It was with those words that Harry snapped, his magic, so usually hidden within the humble and contrite young man burst forth and Harry trembled from the feeling of power that ran through his very veins as he looked directly at Fleur with an expression of disgust, "And, what, praytell, do you know about dying for something?" he asked in a deadly calm voice, the entire room was looking at him in surprise.
"What in your life have you ever had to put your life on the line for? Huh! You arrogant, selfish, conceited LITTLE GIRL!" he said with force behind his words, Fleur was staring at him in fear, "You know nothing of risking your life for anything other than yourself." he said spitefully before turning to Dumbledore.
Snape scoffed as he moved, "Typical Potter, trying to show off." he muttered. Harry met the greasy haired potions master's gaze head on.
"You shouldn't even be in here. There is no reason since there is no Slytherin as a champion, you are not on the judges panel and you have no authority here." Harry said as he turned to Dumbledore. "May I see the piece of parchment with my name please?" Dumbledore blinked before handing it to Harry and Harry kissed his teeth, his magic swirling inside him as he instantly noticed what the others had not. Quickly, the two other headmasters began protesting him but Harry fixed them with a glare.
"Now, if you all would kindly shut the bloody hell up," he said as he held the piece of parchment out for them all to see, "Tell me what isn't on this paper that should be." he said with a calm he didn't feel, his anger at the insults to himself was swirling beneath the surface.
It took a few moments but Cedric was the first to get it, "Hogwarts." he spoke quietly, staring into Harry's emerald eyes with an intensity Harry respected.
"Exactly." Harry said, "According to the rules of the tournament, as set by Dumbledore, the aspiring champions should put their names and the name of the school they are champion of on the parchment. My name has none. As such, all of your arguements are invalid because I am NOT a Hogwarts Champion. I am simply a champion because my school, apparently, has no name."
Madame Maxime and Karkaroff shared a look, "What say you Mr. Crouch?" Karkaroff finally said.
Crouch dabbed at his sweating forehead, "Mr. Potter is correct. He is not a Hogwarts champion and therefore, is simply another school which has been chosen by the Goblet of Fire to compete in the Triwizard tournament." Harry frowned heavily as he looked at the gathering.
"I don't take being called a liar lightly," he said as he glared at Madame Maxime, "and I resent the fact that I was even suspected in the first place. I have made it known I don't want fame, I have enough of it." he said, intentionally flashing his scar at Fleur, who was still looking at him in slight fear, "Money, I am well paid for throughout my school time and as for Glory." Harry thumbed his right arm, where his basilisk scar was under his robes, "I am quite well known for that too. I have no reason to enter this tournament and I don't even want to compete, but I am bound by a contract, just as you all are. Please stop attacking me and let's get on with this, what does attacking me do beyond create animosity which is the antithesis of this whole tournament."
Professor Mcgonagall smiled at him, "Learning a few things from Mrs. Granger?" she asked as the rest of the room stared at him.
Harry smiled lightly, "A few." he said.
"Well then, is that all settled?" Dumbledore asked and the two foreign Headmasters nodded as they eyed Harry. "Very good then, we can continue."
"Uh professor." Harry said and Dumbledore turned to him with a questioning look, "Don't I still need permission from you to compete sir. I mean I am still a minor." he said.
Dumbledore nodded, "Indeed, I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, acknowledge that Harry James Potter is fit to compete within the Triwizard Tournament, so mote it be." he said and a small white light surrounded Harry before disappearing. Harry smiled and nodded at his Headmaster as the man turned back to the champions, "Barty would you give our four champions their insturctions?" he asked.
"The first task is set to test your daring." he told them, " so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard... very important. It will take place on November twenty-fourth in front of the students and the panel. Champions are not permitted to ask for or accept any help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. Champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. You will recieve information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests." he said.
"I think that's it." Barty said to Dumbledore and he nodded his head. The room began to empty but Harry felt something was wrong.
"Professor." he called again, and the entire contingent looked at him again, "Since every school has a headmaster or headmistress on the panel, shouldn't my school be represented?" he asked.
The Headmasters looked at Crouch and he nodded, "Indeed you should Mr. Potter. A fine catch." he said.
"We will see about appointing someone for you on the judging panel Harry." Dumbledore said and Harry shook his head.
"I want Professor Mcgonagall. She's fair and honest. I trust her." he said and Mcgonagall stared at Harry in a bit of shock as Dumbledore smiled.
"Excellent choice Mr. Potter. Is there any objections?" he asked the others and, seeing no one forthcoming, approved it and, with that, the room was emptied of people, with Harry and Cedric leaving their professors with Dumbledore.
Harry and Cedric walked through the dimly lit Great Hall and Cedric smiled at Harry, "So, we're playing against each other." he said.
"I s'pose." Harry replied, the anger beneath the surface was palpable.
"Well, best of luck. I hope you fail." he said with a cheeky smile that let Harry know he believed him about not putting his name in. Harry nodded to the man and headed to the Gryffindor tower. He was immediately inundated with people who wanted to celebrate and drap a flag around his shoulders but Harry told them firmly, he was tired and going to bed.
Unfortunately, he walked into his room only to be confronted with a very morose Ron. "So, congratulations." he said.
Harry looked at him oddly, "Congratulations on what Ron?" he asked.
"On getting past the Age Line, how'd you do it?" he asked curiously, "The invisibility cloak?" he guessed and Harry sighed.
"I didn't get past the line Ron. The cloak wouldn't have worked." he said slowly.
"Oh right." he said as if that made sense, though he didn't believe it did. Harry watched closely as Ron spoke, "I figured you'd tell me if that was it. So, how'd you do it?" he asked that hated question once more.
"Listen carefully Ron!" Harry said with a hint of desperation in his voice, "I didn't put my name in the goblet."
"Then how'd it get in there?" Ron snapped back and Harry felt the anger rolling off him.
"I don't know Ron, but I know I didn't do it and I have no idea how my name got in there." he said.
Ron glared at him, "It's okay you know, you can tell me the truth," he whispered, "If you don't want everyone else to know, fine, but I don't know why you're bothering to lie, you didn't get in trouble for it did you?" he said rhetorically but Harry almost screamed at him. Didn't he realize how dangerous this tournament was supposed to be. Just competing would be punishment enough. "That friend of the Fat Lady's, that Violet, she's already told us that Dumbledore's letting you enter. A thousand Galleons prize money, eh? and you don't have end-of-year tests either..." he trialed off.
"I didn't put my name in the goblet Ron!" he yelled at his friend, "Why won't you believe me?"
"You might want to get to bed Harry, they probably want you up early for a photo shoot or something." Ron said spitefully as he pulled shut his curtains.
Harry let out an exasperated groan, fighting the tears of frustration, anger, and sadness, before grabbing his cloak, heading to the common room and levitating himself high enough to miss the mob of people, landing himself right at the edge of the Girl's stairs. He looked around and noticed Alicia next to him. He quickly pulled her underneath his cloak, "Levitate us upstairs, please?" he asked hoarsely. Alicia took one look at him before nodding and sending them upstairs to their bedroom.
Harry walked numbly to Alicia's bed, allowing her to strip him and her down to their knickers before stopping her, "Could we just... cuddle?" he asked hoarsely and Alicia looked at him before nodding and allowing him to spoon her, his hand covering her breasts as he silently sobbed into the back of her neck.
A/N: One extra long chapter for the awesome reviews that people gave me for the past chapter. Hope you enjoy.