Harry Potter and the Final Chapter
By
Lewis M. Brooks, III
Chapter 9 – The Tournament Announced
High atop one of the towers of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hermione sat behind her desk. In the two chairs in front of the desk sat Ginny and Ron. They were talking while they waited for the delegation from the Ministry of Magic who would be overseeing the Triwizard Tournament. Kingsley Shackelbolt, Minister of Magic, Percy Weasley, Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and Cho Chang, Director of the Department of Magical Games and Sport, would be overseeing the tournament.
"I'm really sorry, Ginny," said Hermione shaking her head. "James is an adult, and asked us not to tell you. He and Danny were certainly the best men for the job."
"I know, Hermione," said Ginny with a sigh. "I'm not mad at the two of you. I just can't imagine what is going through his head." Ginny paused. "I knew we were all in danger, but when Harry told me what he said…"
Ron was sitting in a chair next to his sister. He put an arm around her shoulders. "I'm sorry too," said Ron. "I probably shouldn't have hired them."
"It's not your fault," said Ginny. "He would have stayed close by another way, he still wouldn't have gone to Auror training." Ginny paused. "I just worry about him. Even without knowing about the prophecy, he changed so much from when he left for school when he was eleven. I thought for sure he would be married before he graduated, and he hardly dates at all now. It seems like all he does is defense training."
"He will be all right," said Hermione. "James is a good boy, and I'm sure everything will work out just fine."
Ginny decided to change the subject. "So, Hermione, are you looking forward to seeing Viktor again?" asked Ginny. As soon as she said it, she knew she had made a mistake.
"I'm sure I'm looking forward to that just as much as Harry is looking forward to seeing Cho," said Hermione with a grin.
"Touché," said Ginny with a laugh.
Ron just rolled his eyes. Just then, the fireplace erupted in emerald flames. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all stood up from their chairs to meet the new arrivals. Out of the emerald flames stepped Kingsley, Percy, and Cho.
"Hermione, Ron, Ginny," said Kingsley as he moved towards them. "It's great to see all of you. I hope everyone is well."
Hermione came around the desk to greet them. "Hello, Kingsley," said Hermione with a smile. "It's great to see you."
Kingsley hugged Hermione and Ginny, and shook Ron's hand.
"Percy," said Ron coolly, shaking his brother's hand. Though all his brothers had accepted Percy back into the family, and mostly forgiven him, Ron had not forgiven him in the least and only tolerated him when he had to. As far as Ron was concerned, Percy hadn't just walked out on the family, but had also turned his back on Harry, when Harry needed his support the most.
"Hello, Ronald," said Percy, just as coolly. Percy turned to Ginny and Hermione, greeting them both with hugs.
Cho just held back, Ginny noticed. Ginny decided to extend an olive branch to her husband's first girlfriend. Ginny never did like Cho.
"Hello, Cho," said Ginny with a smile, as she walked over to her, "It's been a long time." Ginny stuck out her hand and Cho shook it.
"It has been a long time," said Cho. "How is the family?"
"Very good," said Ginny. "Albus just got engaged."
"That's wonderful," said Cho with a smile. "Whose the lucky girl?"
"Carly Jones, the girl we adopted five years ago," said Ginny.
"I remember hearing about that," said Cho. "That was s wonderful thing you and Harry did. Back in school, I knew Harry would be a good father someday."
"Why didn't I hear about this engagement?" asked Percy from behind Ginny.
"Because you never come over when you are invited," said Ginny with a smirk as she turned around. "Albus proposed to Carly on his birthday."
"Oh, yes," said Percy. "I had tournament meetings all that week. I had meant to come. Perhaps next time."
Same old Percy, Ginny thought. Ginny might have felt like Ron did about Percy, but after Fred died, she couldn't stay mad at him anymore. "Sure, Percy," said Ginny. "You know you're always invited." She caught Ron rolling his eyes and scowled at him.
After all the pleasantries were exchanged, the six of them sat down at the conference table to discuss the tournament.
"Well, I believe we have most of the items already settled," said Hermione. "There is just the matter of this fourth task…and the Press."
"Yes," said Cho. "The committee planning the Triwizard Tournament wanted to add a fourth task. One of the three champions, or rather teams of champions, will be eliminated following the third task. The fourth task will directly pit the two remaining teams against each other. While the first three tasks will be judged, the winning team in the fourth task will be the Triwizard Champions."
"Well, as you all know, I am not thrilled to have the tournament at all, but if we must, then I guess that sounds fine," said Hermione evenly. "I know Charlie will be here this evening to see to the accommodations for the dragons and for the venue for the first task. I think that takes care of everything. The Goblet of Fire will be delivered on October twenty-ninth, and the champions selected on the thirty-first. Accommodations have been reserved in Hogsmeade for yourselves and the other tournament personnel. Also, the Hogwarts Express will make a special trip to bring the Durmstrang Institute and the Beauxbatons Academy delegations to Hogwarts from London, and quarters will be prepared for them within the castle. I have been in contact with both Deputy Headmaster Viktor Krum of Durmstrang Institute and Deputy Headmistress Gabrielle Dubois of Beauxbatons Academy. Everything seems to be in order for their students academically. Classrooms have been set aside for their use. I think we have nearly everything covered. There is just the question of the Press."
The word 'Press' gave Hermione a bad taste in her mouth.
"Yes," said Cho. "After much debate, your request to have the Press barred from Hogwarts for the tournament has been approved."
"Thank God," said Ginny with a sigh. She had been a little worried they were going to allow the press in again.
Hermione smiled. She had a lot of rather painful memories of fourth year, and the ones that didn't involve Harry being in danger or Ron being dense, involved Rita Skeeter being a poor excuse for a human being. "That's excellent," said Hermione.
"The Ministry will be providing press releases in regards to the tournament before and after all events," said Cho. "Known members of the media are banned from attending the tasks. It took us a while to work out how to do it, but since this is a school full of underage wizards, we are restricting those attending to the immediate family of students, any family of the Champions, and of course dignitaries whose entry will have to be approved. This doesn't mean that some members of the Press will not gain entry as immediate family of students, but they will be restricted to the same areas as everyone else, they will not have access to students."
"All of the Aurors at the gates will have strict instructions to make sure your three…friends…from the Daily Prophet aren't allowed in," said Kingsley.
"Lord be praised," said Ron sarcastically.
Kingsley grinned. "Marietta had a fit when I owled her," said Kingsley. "I'm sure Rita Skeeter and her son will be looking for all kinds of angles to attack me now. Of course, I don't care in the least. They do it all the time anyway."
Everyone laughed except Percy, who Ron had decided years ago was incapable of understanding humor.
"The one exception to barring the Press will be your visits to Hogsmeade," said Cho.
"I have informed Head Auror Williams that I want a significant number of Aurors and members of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad in Hogsmeade to control the Press," said Kingsley.
"That would be wonderful," said Hermione. "Thank you both, I think keeping the Press out is the right decision. So, is that everything?"
"Not quite," said Cho. "There has been a lot of discussion about selection of the champions. Since a team of two will represent each school, there was discussion as to whether they should both be chosen by the Goblet of Fire, as they were the last two tournaments, or should a single champion be chosen and then select their teammate. A point was also made that a champion should be able to stand alone, and not have a partner if they so desire. The decision by the committee is that one champion will be selected by the Goblet of Fire, and they will have the option of standing alone, or selecting a partner at the Weighing of the Wands ceremony which will be a bigger event than in the past."
"Why would someone stand alone?" asked Ron. "That used to be the idea of it, but wasn't it changed specifically to make it safer for the champions?"
"That is true," said Percy. "No one expects anyone to choose to stand alone, but it was felt the option should be there."
"All right," said Hermione. "Before I forget, I do like the change in how the tasks will be announced, giving the champions twenty four hours notice of the first, third, and fourth task to prepare, it will give them a chance to prepare so no one is going into a task with no idea what to expect."
"That was the committees thinking as well," said Kingsley. "No one wants a repeat of the last Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts."
There was silence throughout the room.
"Cho, I'm…I'm sorry," said Kingsley. "I forgot…"
"It's all right, Kingsley," said Cho as she forced herself to smile. "It was…a very long time ago." The look in Cho's eyes told a much different story.
"Well, I believe that does it," said Percy. "I believe the students will be arriving shortly, so we should go so you can prepare for the feast."
"We'll look forward to seeing all of you again in October," said Hermione.
They all stood and headed for the fireplace, when something on one of the shelves caught Cho's eye. She moved towards the bookshelf looking at a book enclosed in a glass case.
"Is this a first edition of 'Hogwarts: A History'?" asked Cho with surprise in her voice.
"Yes," said Hermione with a proud smile. "Ron gave it to me for our first anniversary. It's one of my most prized possessions."
"Wow," said Cho. "They are quite rare. We have one in the Ministry Library, but I didn't know anyone else who had a first edition."
Kingsley threw some floo powder into the fire and said, "Ministry of Magic," and he and Percy stepped into the flames.
Cho move toward the fireplace, but did not follow them immediately. She turned to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.
"I know none of you are particularly happy to have the tournament here this year," said Cho. "If I had my choice, after what happened…well, you know…I would never have the tournament repeated. I was overruled." Cho paused. "Anyway, I am sure everything will go fine this year." Cho smiled, and stepped into the emerald flames.
"She never got over Cedric, did she?" asked Ginny sadly.
"I don't think so," said Hermione. "She's never been married. It's hard to get over losing someone like that."
"We had better get down to the Great Hall," said Ron. "The students will be arriving soon…and I'm starving."
In the Great Hall, Harry, Neville, and Sirius were sitting at the teacher's table. They didn't really have anything to do before the feast but wait for it to begin.
Harry looked out over the room. He rarely ever saw it empty like this. It looked so different than it did when it was full of students. Harry couldn't imagine how many meals he had eaten in here over his years as a student and a teacher. Of course, it wasn't a meal that was his most vivid memory of this room.
Neville and Sirius sat to Harry's right, and were chatting about the tournament. It would very soon be the number one topic of conversation in the school.
"Sirius, who do you think is going to enter from Hogwarts?" asked Neville.
"Well, there are a couple of Ravenclaw seventh years who do very well in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Dexter Mulligan and Horace Bookworth," said Sirius. "They both seem the type to enter something like this. It's hard to say, a lot of them may put their names in, but the Goblet of Fire is only going to select a worthy candidate, it doesn't pick at random. Anyone you think might enter?"
"No," said Neville with a shrug. "I teach Herbology, it's not like I get to see a lot of bravery and daring." Neville and Sirius both laughed.
"You've been awfully quiet Harry, what do you think?" asked Sirius.
"I think as long as Al, Carly, and Rose aren't entering, I really don't care," said Harry. "I'm not happy about the whole thing. After what happened…"
Sirius put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Sorry, Harry," said Sirius.
"That's all right," said Harry taking a deep calming breath. "It was a long time ago, I've come to terms with all that." Harry wasn't sure if he was trying to convince them or himself.
The door to the Great Hall opened, and in walked Hermione, Ginny, and Ron.
"Hey guys," called Harry. "How was the meeting?"
"Nothing unexpected," said Hermione.
"They are not allowing any Press this time," said Ron with a smile. That miserable insect and her offspring aren't getting in."
"Thank God," said Harry emphatically.
"You took the words right out of my mouth," said Ginny with a laugh.
The door to the Great Hall opened, and a familiar voice called, "is this a private party, or is anybody welcome."
"Charlie," exclaimed Ginny excitedly. She turned and ran to meet her brother who was walking toward them. Ginny threw her arms around her brother and hugged him as the others also came down to meet him.
"It's so good to see you, Charlie," said Ginny with a big smile. "You really should come home more often. We all miss you."
"You sound just like, Mum," said Charlie with a laugh.
"Hey, Charlie," said Ron, giving him a hug after Ginny finally let go. "How was the trip from Romania?"
"Not bad," said Charlie. "I'm glad I didn't have to come with the dragons this time. I just have to worry about where we are housing them and the venue for the first task."
After everyone else greeted Charlie, Ron excused himself to go meet with Danny and James when the Hogwarts Express arrived. It was a lovely night, juts a bit of a chill in the air, and Ron enjoyed the walk. Ron arrived at Hogsmeade station, just in time to see the train pull to a stop. James and Danny were among the first to depart the train. As they walked towards them, Ron could tell something was wrong.
"What the hell happened to you?" asked Ron when he saw Danny's swollen eye. "Did you get hit by the train?
"I walked into a door," said Danny absently.
Ron was about to say something, when Rose walked by. She had a scowl of her face and her eyes were red. She walked right by them like none of them were there.
"Did this door by any chance have bushy brown hair, a chimera's temper, and take your not going to Auror training baldy?" asked Ron.
"That sounds about right," said Danny sadly. "However, you missed the part where she broke up with me."
Ron stared at him open mouthed for a moment. "I'm sure she was just upset, Danny," said Ron. Ron couldn't imagine Rose would break up with Danny. Even stranger Ron couldn't imagine why it bothered him as much as it did.
"You weren't there," said Danny. "She hates me. She doesn't want anything to do with me. It's all over."
Ron couldn't believe it. He was stunned. "I'm sure she'll come around," said Ron. "Why don't you go to the Hospital Wing and get that looked at."
"No, we have work to do. I'll take the far end of the platform," said Danny. "Is that all right with you James?"
James nodded and Danny turned and hurried toward the other end of the train. His shoulders were slumped.
"What the hell happened?" asked Ron as he turned to James.
"I don't know the details, but I've never seen anyone look like he did when he came back from talking to Rose, and I'm not talking about the eye," said James. "Devastated is the only word I can come up with. He looked like…well…he had lost the love of his life."
"Well, I'm sure she'll come around," said Ron. "She has a nasty temper, but she'll calm down and they'll patch things up." Ron just couldn't believe Rose would really break up with Danny. "I'm going to head back to the castle. When everyone is up to the castle, tell Danny to go to the Hospital Wing to have his eye looked at. Tell him it's an order."
"I will," said James. "He's just being stubborn. He wouldn't let Lily heal his eye either."
As Ron walked back towards the castle, he realized he hadn't even asked James and Danny if there were any problems on the train. He was so shocked at what happened between Rose and Danny it slipped his mind.
Ron would never have thought that Rose and Danny breaking up would bother him, but it really did. Last year, he would have been thrilled, but he knew Rose had to be as heartbroken as Danny was, and he didn't want to see either one of them like that. Ron also had a sick feeling thinking back to the argument he had with Rose when she and Danny didn't come home until two o'clock that morning, and he hoped that didn't play into it. Unfortunately, Ron was pretty sure it did.
In the Great Hall, the New Marauders gathered at the Gryffindor table. Rose had said nothing to anyone, and was seated beside Albus. Carly was on his other side, and many of their fellow Gryffindors had already noticed the ring on her finger, and were offering their congratulations.
Rose felt guilty, but with her breaking up with Danny that was something beyond guilt. She really didn't want to hear how happy everyone was for Albus and Carly. She also noticed that Tommy Morgan had sat next to Lily across the table. It all just made her feel worse. Hugo passed two second years a couple of Ton Tongue Toffees, and even that didn't help Rose's mood.
She could see up at the teacher's table, her Dad whispering something in her mother's ear. When her mother looked alarmed, and then right at Rose, she knew word of her break up had reached her mother. She was sure to be getting a visit from her mother tonight. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about it with her or anyone else.
Rose watched as Ginny led the first years in and to the front of the Great Hall. Were we ever that small, Rose wondered? Rose remembered the night she was sorted into Gryffindor. She was sorted and went to the Gryffindor table and sat beside Danny. Danny smiled at her and congratulated her. That used to be a great memory.
Rose watched as Ginny placed the Sorting Hat on the first year's head. "Henry Rollins," said Ginny.
Several moments later the Sorting hat called, "Slytherin!" The poor boy was obviously not happy. He smiled weakly and headed off to the cheers of the Slytherin table.
The sorting continued as everyone cheered for the students sorted into their houses. Rose just couldn't bring herself to care enough to cheer for them.
Rose saw James enter the Great Hall and go to a seat at the teacher's table. There was an empty seat next to him, obviously for Danny, but Danny was nowhere to be found. The guilt Rose felt as she thought of Danny made her sick to her stomach, and she was glad he wasn't there.
The Sorting Hat put five boys and five girls in Gryffindor. When the ceremony was over, her mother stood and she watched as she gave her speech.
"Welcome," said Hermione with a smile. "I'm sure you are all as excited as I am to be back for another year at Hogwarts. I would like to welcome all of our first years. I'm sure you're all very exited. I have a few brief announcements before we begin the feast. First, and foremost, Hogwarts will host the Triwizard Tournament this year."
Murmurs could be heard throughout the Great Hall. Most students, including the New Marauders had forgot that this year was the tournament year.
"Oh, no," said Albus softly. "I forgot about the tournament."
"What is it, Al?" asked Carly.
"In the past they canceled the Quidditch Cup when Hogwarts hosts the Triwizard Tournament," said Albus. "No quidditch."
"This will mean, that delegations from Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy will be staying with us beginning at the end of October," said Hermione. "For those of you who might not be familiar with the Triwizard Tournament, it was started more than seven hundred years ago as a way of bringing together the three largest magic schools in Europe. When the tournament was reinstated in 2013, a number of changes were made to the rules. A champion will be selected from each school. Each champion will then designate a partner if they so choose, or they can choose to stand alone. All champions must have reached the age of seventeen by October thirty-first. There are no exceptions. Selection will occur that night, so the Halloween Dance is canceled, however, the Yule Ball, which is a traditional part of the tournament, will be held this year. The three teams will compete in three magical tasks during this year. When the three tasks are complete, the two top teams will compete against each other for the Triwizard Cup." Hermione paused and took a breath. She didn't want to say the rest, but she had to. "Eternal glory to the victors, along with one thousand galleons each."
"Who needs eternal glory," said Albus with a frown. "I just need quidditch."
"You have me," said Carly, hiding a smile.
"I suppose I can make do," said Albus with a grin, leaning over and kissing his fiancé. "I was just really looking forward to one more year of quidditch."
Rose wanted to get up and leave. Their happiness was driving her mad. It only made her feel worse that she felt that way.
"A few other announcements," said Hermione. "We have no staffing changes this year, but we do have two additional staff members. James Potter and Danny Finnigan will be working security with Auror on Station Weasley." There was a cheer from the Gryffindor table. "Let's see. Oh, yes, I nearly forgot. In the past, the Quidditch Cup has been canceled for the tournament, however, I have informed the Ministry they will need to provide all the staff for the tournament, as I will not cancel the quidditch season."
Thunderous applause erupted throughout the room, but especially at the Gryffindor table. Rose heard Albus give a sigh of relief, and Tommy and Hugo gave a cheer across the table. Rose honestly didn't care about quidditch at that moment.
Her mother proclaimed the feast to begin. Rose sat a minute, then got up to leave. She didn't want to eat anything.
"Where are you going, Rose?" asked Lily.
"To bed," said Rose. "I'm…not feeling very well." Without another word Rose walked down the length of the table and exited the Great Hall.
She started toward Gryffindor Tower, but didn't get very far. Rose was not terribly surprised.
"Rose," called Hermione hurrying down the hall.
Rose stopped and closed her eyes for a moment. She didn't want to do this now. She really didn't want to do this ever.
"Rose," said Hermione when she had caught up to her daughter and come around in front of her. "What happened? Your father said you and Danny broke up."
"We did," said Rose without a trace of emotion in her voice.
"Why, Rose?" asked Hermione. "What happened? Please tell me."
"It's no one's business but ours," said Rose flatly. Rose pushed past her mother and continued to Gryffindor Tower.
Hermione just watched her go. She could see the terrible pain in her daughter's eyes and it broke her heart. Ron had not given her any details, and she needed to know what happened so she could try and help. Rose could be so stubborn, Hermione knew if someone didn't do something, she and Danny might never get back together, and she knew how in love they were. No matter what had happened, Hermione knew nothing could have changed that. So Hermione did the only thing she could, and headed to the Hospital Wing to see Danny.
