Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor am I attempting to make any personal gain from this story.
Second Time Around: Year 4: Chapter 10: The Goblet of Fire
Several students began scanning around in all directions. Many calls of "Where?" were heard. For his part Harry was looking toward the forest and he was rewarded when several large objects flying close together came into view. "Look. Over the forest," someone shouted and all eyes were turned in that direction.
Students began speculating what the huge object was. Ultimately it was Dennis Creevey who got the closest when he said it was a flying house. It was actually a huge carriage pulled by 12 enormous winged horses that looked like palominos. The carriage itself was a powder blue colour and as big as a house.
As it came in to land several students drew back, as if afraid of being hit. The carriage hit the ground with a crash, bounced on its wheels and finally settled on the ground. It bore a coat of arms that resembled two crossed wands each emitting three stars on its door. Harry barely had time to notice this before the door opened. After a few moments an enormous woman, at least as big as Hagrid, stepped down from the carriage, followed by about a dozen students wearing light silk-like robes of a pale blue. After a brief discussion, during which time the students were told this woman's name was Madame Maxime, the Beauxbatons group decided to wait at the castle. Their uniforms were very lightweight and it was already becoming cold outside. Madame Maxime expressed some doubt as to whether the Hogwarts staff would be able to control her horses but Dumbledore assured her Hagrid would be delighted to look after them.
After the Beauxbatons delegation left there was silence as they waited for the Durmstrang group to arrive. Ron Weasley was the first person to realise a new sound could now be heard across the grounds.
"What's that odd sucking sound?" he asked.
"The lake," shouted Lee Jordan, a Gryffindor 6th year, pointing at it.
A gaunt, waterlogged hulk was rising out of the depths. It looked like an old fashioned sailing ship. After rising to the surface it drifted eerily toward the shore. They heard an anchor hit the water then a gangplank was lowered to the shore. Several people, all wearing enormous fur coats began disembarking, lining up on the shore. Dumbledore went up and spoke to a man whom he identified as Professor Karkaroff, the headmaster of Durmstrang School.
After exchanging greetings Karkaroff beckoned one particular student forward. There were several gasps of shock when the Hogwarts students realised it was Viktor Krum, the seeker for the Bulgarian national Quidditch team.
The Durmstrang students entered the castle followed by the Hogwarts students who headed straight to their respective house tables. All around Harry could hear people, mostly girls, asking each other if they had any quills so they could get Krum's autograph. At least one girl clearly asked if they thought Krum would sign an autograph with lipstick. Hermione seemed unimpressed with them, however. Ron was one of the students looking for a quill, but no-one had one handy.
The Beauxbatons students had already sat down at the Ravenclaw table while the Durmstrang students still hadn't decided. Eventually they chose to sit at the Slytherin table, much to Ron's disgust.
The visiting staff were at the staff table but there were two more empty seats. Many students wondered who they were for. Harry guessed they were for the Ministry officials who had organised the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He wondered who would be replacing Crouch since he hadn't heard who the new Minister of International Magical Co-operation was. Percy Weasley had been doing most of the work recently, under direct control of Fudge so Harry guessed it might be Fudge who would be arriving shortly, along with Bagman.
During the feast a girl from Beauxbatons came to the Gryffindor table and asked if they had finished with a dish called bouillabaisse. Ron, along with several other boys, watched her, seemingly unable to speak. After she had left Ron said; "She's a Veela."
"Don't be ridiculous, Ronald," Hermione snapped.
"No. I think Ron's right," Harry said. "At least she's a part Veela, anyway."
After the feast to welcome their overseas guests the two empty seats were filled by Bagman and a short, plump woman with a bow in her hair. Harry shuddered when he recognised Dolores Umbridge. His reaction was noted by Ron. "What's up, Harry?"
"That woman who just came in with Bagman," Harry explained. "That's Dolores Umbridge. She's the one behind all the anti-werewolf legislation being introduced to the Ministry. Remus says she's evil and that she hates all werewolves. If she had her way all werewolves would probably be put down."
Many people who heard Harry now looked at Umbridge with loathing. Most of them had thought Remus Lupin to be great teacher despite his condition. They were angry that a person like her could be given a position of authority. Harry wondered how she would react when she found out Fleur Delacour, from Beauxbatons, was a part human, although Harry kept that to himself.
Next, Dumbledore introduced the newcomers and then called for a casket to be brought in. He then mentioned the amount of work the Departments of International Magical co-operation and Magical Sports and Games had put in to ensure the return of the Tri-Wizard Tournament after more than 100 years in recess. He added the reason it was stopped was because the death toll was getting too high.
This statement drew a lot of comment from many students. When the volume died down Dumbledore continued. Dumbledore outlined what the trials were supposed to show and then asked everyone present to show their support for all the champions.
He then tapped the casket with his wand and said; "This is the Goblet of Fire, our impartial judge who will choose one champion from each school. Anyone wishing to submit their name for selection has until this time tomorrow to do so. To ensure no underage students attempt to enter into the tournament I shall be placing an age line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the Entrance Hall. No person under 17 will be able to cross this line."
Dumbledore then explained that entering into the tournament constituted a binding magical contract so should not be entered into lightly. With that they were dismissed and everyone began leaving the hall.
Harry trailed behind the others, determined to avoid running into Karkaroff in particular. Ron was still talking about ways to cross the age line. Fred and George were apparently planning on using an aging potion and Harry decided it would be amusing to watch them fail.
Upon returning to his dormitory Harry took out ink, quill and parchment and wrote a letter. After sealing it he went to McGonagall's office and knocked. "Enter," McGonagall said.
"Professor, I have written a letter. It is a prophecy and I've sealed it. I would like you to hold it and to only open it if I ask you to tomorrow after the champions are selected," Harry said.
"Is there a particular reason you do not wish me to see it tonight?" she asked.
"It is a prophecy I hope does not come true, if it does then it means the Ministry has been infiltrated by Death Eaters," he replied.
McGonagall looked shocked. "Are you certain of that?"
"I think it is very likely, yes. The point is, though, if it does not come true then I think we are all relatively safe, at least for now, because it means exposing Crouch junior has probably saved innocent lives."
McGonagall looked hard at Harry. He kept calm and made sure his mind was clear. After a minute or so McGonagall finally spoke. "Very well, Potter. I will carry the note with me and will not open it unless you ask me to. For now off you go. It is getting quite late."
The next day was Halloween. Amongst other things it was the anniversary of his parents' deaths but this Halloween would probably be worse than usual – the Twi-Wizard Champions were to be picked and Harry still had a bad feeling his name was going to come out of the goblet even though Crouch was no longer at Hogwarts. He had asked Sirius to keep an eye on the Marauder's map and had even asked the snakes if they could guard the goblet in case Pettigrew had tried to slip Harry's name in and, even though all the reports had come back negative, he still felt nervous.
On his way to breakfast, however, he was distracted by Fred and George who were attempting to put their names in the goblet. "A Galleon says they both end up with long, grey beards," Harry said to the group as a whole.
"Harry, Harry," Fred said.
"If we finish up with long grey beards…" George.
"We'll both pay you…" Fred.
"One Galleon." George finished.
"I'm with Harry on this," Ron added.
"You're on, little bro." the twins said together.
They both drank a measure of a potion they were carrying and stepped over the line. Lee Jordan also took a mouthful but waited to see what would happen.
There was a flash and a bang. Fred and George were thrown from the goblet surrounded by smoke. When it cleared they both had long grey beards stretching almost to the floor. Everybody was laughing, even the twins joined in.
["I did warn you," Dumbledore said over the laughter as he descended the staircase above them. "I suggest you both toddle off to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey is already treating Miss. Fawcett from Ravenclaw and Mr. Summers from Hufflepuff, although I must say neither of them has such an exquisite beard as you two have.] Madam Umbridge, welcome. I wasn't expecting you until this evening."
Dolores Umbridge had just entered the castle. Harry turned toward her. "Good morning, Headmaster. I assume they will be punished for their actions," she said, pointing at Fred and George who were at the top of the stairs, accompanied by Lee.
"The matter will be dealt with appropriately," Dumbledore replied. "Harry? I wonder if I may have a word with you, in a less public place than this, perhaps?"
By now most people had left the entrance hall. Only a few remained. "I suppose so," Harry replied. Dumbledore led him down the Hallway to the docks under the castle. Harry followed accompanied by Ron, Hermione and Neville.
"This should be fine," Dumbledore said. "I couldn't help noticing last night when I was on my way to the kitchens for a nightcap that there were two snakes curled up on the floor around the Goblet."
"I asked them to guard it in case someone should try to tamper with it," Harry replied.
"Are you expecting some sort of trouble? A prophecy perhaps?"
"I wrote it down yesterday and sealed the letter before giving it to Professor McGonagall. I asked her not to open it until I ask her to."
"May I ask what this prophecy concerned?" Dumbledore asked.
"It relates directly to the champions being selected tonight. It also concerns an event that, should it happen, could be very bad news for everyone. I hope it doesn't come true," Harry said.
"I see. I suggest you four go have breakfast. You do still have classes to attend."
"Goodbye, sir," Harry replied before leaving.
"Are you going to tell us what you think is going to happen," Neville asked.
After checking to make sure no-one was listening Harry said, in a very quiet voice; "I think my name is going to be drawn out of the Goblet as a 4th champion, even though I have no intention of entering the tournament."
Author's Notes: 1. As you can see I've introduced Dolores Umbridge a year early. I have a few surprises in store for her so she will not be the same character as in the books. Incidentally she will not be DADA teacher next year.
2. Speech contained inside [ ] is paraphrased from Goblet of Fire, Chapter 16 'The Goblet of Fire.'