Blood Bound
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, only my OC's
Chapter 6: The Goblet of Fire
There has been a rumor going around school that somebody had the balls to sneak into Professor Moody's office and steal all the quizzes from yesterday's lesson. I and many of the sixth years had to deal with the morning wrath, as he gave us a serious subject of resisting the Imperius Curse and his harsh attitude. In fact, one student messed up that he was the center of attention of Moody's verbal abuse. Other than that, the rest of today's lesson went well. It was a struggle, though I managed to avoid being targeted. Last thing I need is everyone know about my bracelet and calling me a cheat. Also I don't want to be cursed again.
It was raining once more on the grounds. Again Hermione and I were in the library studying when Ron and Harry dragged the smartest witch to the Great Hall where the Goblet of Fire was being held. Ron wanted her to come and watch students put their names in. Much to Hermione's disapproval. Being a generous friend, I joined her as we sat by one of the two tables that remain in the hall with the Goblet center with an age line around it.
Many male students put their names in the Goblet, especially Hogwarts and Durmstrang. Of course there were several girls from Beauxbatons who placed their name. Even heard Fleur Delacour put her name in the goblet yesterday. Also Angelina put her name yesterday as well. Anyway, many boys were here, although Neville seemed more interested in the book he was reading.
Back to the main point, each person who put their name in the goblet was applauding. Even Cedric Diggory who was rushed in by his fellow classmate put his name in.
"I find this tournament barbaric." Hermione sighed.
"The stupid shall be punished." I gestured, which she chuckled.
Hermione went back to her reading while I watch everyone. Not a moment too soon, Fred and George were bursting in raising a vial. Oh dear Merlin, please tell that is not what I think it is. The students cheered, applauding them as they came over.
"Well, lads, we've done it." George said. "Cooked it up just this morning."
"It's not going to work." Hermione sang.
Fred and George circled around Hermione as Fred said, "Oh?"
"And why is that, Granger?" George asked.
Hermione pointed at the blue mist ring around the goblet, "You see this? This is an Age Line. Dumbledore drew it himself."
"So?" Fred asked.
Hermione scoffed, "So…a genius like Dumbledore couldn't possibly be fooled by a dodge as apathetically dimwitted as an Aging Potion."
"Ah, but that's why it's so brilliant." Fred said.
"'Cause it's so pathetically dimwitted." George said as he and his brother stood up shaking the potion and uncorking it. "Ready, Fred?"
"Ready, George." His brother replied, as they wrapped their arms together.
In unison they said, "Bottoms up."
At first I thought they were going to take a sip. Instead they consumed the entire vial. I bit my lip to suppress the warning since those two needs to learn a lesson about aeging potion. I'm sure the nurse hear will reverse the spell either way. So once they drank the entire potion, they jumped across the age line…and nothing happened. Everyone was cheering as the twins celebrate their first step in victory then submit their name in the goblet of fire.
"How did that saying go, about the stupid?" Hermione asked quietly.
"That the stupid shall be punished?" I answered.
Just like that the Goblet of Fire burst in blue flames that blasted the twins out of the ring and several feet. I winced on the impact before noticing when they sat up, their ginger hair started turning grey and were growing a beard. Both looked at each other in disbelief then started fighting each other. I chuckled shaking my head while Hermione rolled her eyes. As for everyone else in the room, they circled around shouting "Fight!"
"Boys will be boys," I sighed while Hermione opened her book again.
A moment later the chanting stops. Looking up, to see the students spread out for Viktor Krum, Igor Karkaroff, and another student enter the dueling room. Krum was deliberate, a man on a mission as he marched his eye to the Goblet and submitted himself in. He turned around slowly staring at our general direction. Although, I noticed his eyes were on Hermione for a brief second as he gave her a small smirk. Hermione returned a small smile, as the Durmstrang did an about phase and left the Great Hall.
Well, well, well, seems Hermione Granger is about to have a new admirer. I thought.
Time went on until dark green hair student from Slytherin entered with other Slytherin students. At first I hardly cared until he came closer and realize it was Axel. Oh hell no! Immediately I gotten up and intervene from him crossing.
"What the hell, Axel?" I said.
"Nothing Bridge," Axel said casually.
"Nothing, then why on earth are you holding a piece of paper with your name on it?" I demanded.
"Bridge relaxes, I'm just submitting my name." he said walking around me.
"Axel, we promised Principal Bishop to not sign up for any highly dangerous activities." I reminded.
"So, the bat is not here." He said crossing over the age line.
I went forward trying to grab it. "Have you even thought about it, damn it!"
"Yeah," he laughed.
He was about to tossed his name in. Out of reflex, I lunged forward trying to stop him except the flames consumed the piece of paper. Our impact caused us to fall on the ground with me on top. I groan, for I banged my shoulder on the pedestal where the goblet was on. Everyone cheered for Axel or laughing at our position. Furious I gotten up correcting my skirt.
"You idiot!" I spat.
Axel laughed as he sat up, "C'mon Bridge, what are the chances of my name being called anyway?"
I gave a scoff before marching out of the room.
"Love you, Cousin!"
Yes, Axel Quan is my damn second cousin from my dad side of the family.
.o0o.
On the night of the announcement, I hardly spoken or come near Axel. However, Eliza grabbed me from my Gryffindor friends so we, José, and Axel can joined together to represent Salem, even though we are not competing.
"Want to bet Krum is going to be champion?" Axel murmured.
"Who else," José teased.
"Who do you think Hogwarts champion will be?" Eliza asked.
"Me," Axel joked, which Eliza and Jose laugh.
I on the other hand rolled my eyes not finding this funny. The Triwizard Tournament is not a game. It is not Quidditch or Quodpot. People die in these tournaments and it's the reason why this tournament has been banned for centuries until now.
Dumbledore asked everyone to sit down politely which happens in an instant. "Now the moment you've all been waiting for: The Champion selection." He slowly spun around dimming the lights in the Great Hall, that the only brightest light was the Goblet of Fire. He walked over to the goblet, as the flames turned red and a piece of paper popped out. He caught it and red the name out loud. "The Durmstrang champion is…Viktor Krum!"
Everyone applauded for Viktor Krum as he stood up and shook hands with Dumbledore before heading to the back. Probably where all the champions will meet for further instructions. Dumbledore touched the goblet for the next champion.
"The champion of Beauxbatons…is Fleur Delacour." Dumbledore announced. Another round of cheers for the female student who had beautiful silvery-blonde hair that was in ponytail large, deep blue eyes, fair skin. She practically glided over to the headmaster, shaking his hand and heading to the back.
And the last piece of paper came out which Dumbledore said proudly, "The Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory!"
The entire hall erupted in utter cheers and applause for the Hufflepuff champion. I clapped my hand smiling a little knowing he deserved it. Once Cedric left the room, things started to settle down.
"Excellent! We now have our three champions." Dumbledore shouted happily, "But in the end, only one will go down in history. Only one will hoist the chalice of champions, this vessel of victory…the Triwizard Cup!"
On the stage where the teachers ate Mr. Crouch removed the tarp revealing the Triwizard Cup. Illuminating in blue that of its own unseen fire of similar to the goblet. Every one cheered once more. Although Professor Snape acted strange as he approached the goblet with a cautious expression. Slowly I follow his gazed to realize the Goblet of Fire was acting strangely. Once more the flames turned red bursting out another piece of paper…with much force than ever before. Dumbledore caught it and read the parchment.
Dumbledore said a name but it wasn't clear. So he bellows out with much fury, "Bridgette Blackwood!"
I felt like somebody bunched me in the stomach knocking the air out. No, that was impossible. I never put my name in the Goblet of Fire. Hell, I had no intention of competing such a dangerous tournament. Once more Dumbledore exclaimed my name which Eliza gave me a shove.
"Go Bridge," she said, shoving me more.
I fell into a catatonic state as I approached the Headmaster who handed me the piece of paper. I looked down at it, to see it was indeed my hand writing. However, on the bottom where it was torn said "Dark Arts Q-." I opened my mouth to explain but not words came out. Dumbledore merely placed a hand on my shoulder and gestured me to go.
I walked towards the back feeling every eye on me. The atmosphere changed so drastically from enjoyment to negative energy. As I walked to the stage where the professors were, the students whispered, while several had the courage to shout out.
"She's a cheat!"
"She's not even from this school!"
I walked passed Professor Snape who held an expression of concern for a brief moment. I continued to walk till stepping to Professor McGonagall. She would understand, since she was the Head of Gryffindor House.
"I...I…" I tried to speak.
Professor McGonagall merely nodded expressing her concern as she patted my shoulder and gestured me to keep moving. Not being able to protest or conform words, I continued walking not sure where to go from here. But as I walked, I noticed Professor Moody giving me a strange look. His face expressed a neutral persona…but his lone eye that was dark…said something else. One that read a dark emotion.
.o0o.
I entered a room where the other Champions were. Inside was a grand fireplace, while the room was decorated in trophies. The cast iron gates open as I entered though I debated if I should run and find another fireplace to floo my Dad. Once entered, the champions stared at me confused.
"Bridgette…what are you doing here?" Cedric asked.
"I…I don't-"I started only to be interrupted by shouting.
"It's wrong, I tell you!" A voice shouted sounding like Madame Maxime.
"You French Tart!" Karkaroff snapped.
"Everything is a conspiracy theory with you!" Moody shouted.
"Quiet! I can't think!" Dumbledore shouted.
Turning around, Dumbledore, High Master Karkaroff, Mad-eye Moody, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Madame Maxime, and Mr. Crouch rushing in. All arguing. In a blink, Dumbledore shoved me against one of the trophy cases pinning me there.
"Bridgette, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, sir." I panicked.
"Did you asked any of the older students to do it for you?" he demanded.
"No, sir." I gasped.
"You're absolutely sure?" he asked.
"Yes," I panicked, lifting my parchment. "This is from yesterday's quiz."
Dumbledore grabbed the quiz and took his wand casting a spell. The edged that were burnt repaired it showing a third of a page that had my name, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and the word Quiz.
"But of course she is lying." Madam Maxine accused.
"The hell she is! My office was violated and my papers were stolen." Professor Moody challenged. "If not the Goblet of Fire is an exceptionally powerful magical object. Only an exceptionally powerful Confundus Cham could have hoodwinked it magic way beyond the talents of a sixth year."
"You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought, Mad-Eye." Karkaroff said standing in front of Moody.
"It was once my job to think as dark wizards do, Karkaroff. Perhaps you remember. " Moody warned.
"This doesn't help, Alastor!" Dumbledore said. He approached Mr. Crouch who was deep in thought. "Is there another reason why this could happen, Crouch?"
"She is an exchanged student you said?" Mr. Crouch asked.
"Yes, from the Salem Institute." Dumbledore confirmed.
Mr. Crouch nodded, "The rules are absolute. The Goblet of Fire constitutes a binding magical contract." He turned around facing me. "Miss Blackwood has no choice. She is, as of tonight…a Triwizard champion for the Salem Institute."
All the adults turned around facing me.
"No," I whispered. "I didn't put my name in."
"I'm sorry Miss Blackwood." Mr. Crouch apologized. "But since you are not actually a student of Hogwarts, the Goblet of Fire has mistaken you to your original school."
"But…"I panicked. "I don't…want to be in it!"
"Cedric, take Miss Blackwood to the Hospital Wing. Ask Madam Pomfrey for Calming Draught for her." Dumbledore said.
Cedric nodded as he approached me and carefully placed an arm around me as he escorted me out of the trophy room. My hands were shaking while my thoughts were everywhere trying to fire how the hell this happen. How did my name get into the Goblet of Fire? How am I going to explain this to my Dad? And most importantly, what am I going to do?
"Bridgette, it'll be all right." Cedric assured.
"No it won't." I said at a quick pace while shaking my head. "Everything is ruin."
Cedric was going to say something but I told him to shut up. After some time Cedric escorted me to the infirmary where Madame Pomfrey was and told me to sit down on one of the beds. She checks my vitals announcing I was in emotionally distress. She gave me Calming Draught and said I should get some rest. I merely nodded as Cedric walked me back to the Gryffindor Tower in front of the Fat lady portrait.
Cedric turned to leave. Feeling guilt I turned to face him, "Cedric."
He stopped and faced me, "Thanks."
He gave a gentle smile, "You're welcome."
As he left I faced the portrait of the fat lady and muttered the password and enter. Upon entering the Gryffindor common room there were several students there. Immediately their eyes gazed at me. Some were neutral, but others held their disapproval. The atmosphere was definitely uncomfortable, as if I was in a lion's den.
You're not a Hogwarts student. I thought. You are not one of them.
Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the staircase towards the girl's dormitory. Before I could take a step, a pair of arms wrapped around me and spun around. I shriek from the sudden action.
"Gryffindor's in in the Tournament!" The twin shouted in unison.
"Fred, George, put her down." Hermione scolded.
The twins put me down causing me to trip backwards and collapsed. There were snickers though they weren't being suppressed as much I wish they were. A hand was offered, as I looked at the owner to be Ginny. She gave a sincere smile, which I accepted pulling myself up.
"Why the long face, love?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, you're a champion." George added.
"Because I didn't put my name in the Goblet." I answered.
"How did you do it?" Ron asked rudely. Everyone in our group glared at him. He exhaled, "Never mind. Doesn't matter, you're already seventeen."
"Ronald!" Ginny warned.
"She didn't ask for this," Harry defended. "You're being stupid."
Ron rolled his eyes not believing it.
I took a deep breath, "I didn't put my name in that damn cup. I don't want eternal glory. "I sighed, "What happened tonight was some cruel prank that has gotten me in deeper water. Goodnight all."
With that said I headed upstairs to the girls dormitory and got ready for bed. Once in my pajamas, I curled up in a ball letting tonight's event repeat itself. I know for a fact that I did not put my name in the Goblet of Fire. I would never risk my life for eternal glory or do something stupid as that. Whoever put my name in thought it would be funny and knew that the goblet would select a Salem student? But why me? Axel put his name in intentionally, so he should have a better chance than I to be selected. So how could this happen.
Then I remember Mr. Crouch. He brought the Goblet of Fire. He and I have history together from dark relations. This could be his revenge. His son of the same name went to Azkaban. Bartemius Crouch Jr was the Death Eater who killed my mother. For two years my Dad and I had to live in mourning of no justice, until an Auror from the Ministry of Magic came to request an audience for a trial. I was to be put on the stand at age six. I don't remember much, but a witch did a memory extraction spell as the judge, minister, and Mr. Crouch senior evaluated to confirm the voice was indeed their suspect, although they say my memory had some tampering, but the witch who did the spell said children who experience such trauma can block certain pieces.
Afterwards Bartemius Crouch Jr was charged and found guilty for the Murder of Edith Chimmerah-Blackwood and torture of two Aurors. The young man who sat in the chair was feral. When he stared at me with much hate, his dark eyes scared me to my very soul. Those eyes that haunt my nightmares of that fateful night. They said promise of revenge.
So I wonder if Mr. Crouch Sr. seeks revenge on me for his son.
So I added a little back story.
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