Chapter 10

Percy POV

Percy watched Harry walk into the next chamber. "Everyone, off to bed," shouted Professor McGonagall ushering everyone out of the Great Hall. The judges and the people from the ministry had gone off into the next chamber. The Gryffindors shuffled out, still bewildered. Percy started to follow, but was stopped by Professor McGonagall.

"Percy, I believe Dumbledore wants you in the next chamber," she said. Percy hesitated. "Go on," she said waving her hand. She disappeared into the next chamber. Percy walked uncertainly to the entrance.

In the next room, Percy could sense the tension. The champions were standing on the side with expressions of disbelief and amazement.

"I insist -" Karkaroff abruptly stopped speaking when he saw Percy.

"Um, Professor Dumbledore, you wanted to see me?" said Percy awkwardly by the doorway. The lot stared at him.

"Oh, yes, come in Perseus," said Dumbledore.

"An' who iz this," asked Madam Maxine heatedly.

"Perseus is our American Exchange student," said Dumbledore, "I have asked for his presence because he is here observe the British way of magic and I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to show our methods."

"Humph," said Madam Maxine.

"You okay," asked Percy, siding up next to Harry. Harry nodded dully.

"As I was saying I insist that we do the selection over again," said Karkaroff, "this competition came simply not be open to such young students. I do not know how he snuck his name in, but I believe that severe punishment should be evident!"

Percy looked around and saw the foreign people all looking thoughtful at his suggestion.

"Oh come on," he said angrily, "I'm sorry for interrupting, but Harry couldn't have snuck his name into the Goblet. He understands how dangerous it is. It would have taken a very powerful Confundus charm to trick the Goblet and line into accepting his name, no fourth year can even cast anything close to that! And he can't ask someone older to do it for him; I hardly think anyone would do that for him. And he can't force someone older to place it in either because it would have taken a good Imperius curse to do it, along with Obliviate charms to wipe the person of the memory, something a fourth year can't do. And some might think that the line malfunctioned or something but that's wrong because the Weasley twins have full grown beards this morning. Uh, no offense Harry," said Percy defiantly.

The adults regarded him with interest.

"The boy is right," said Bagman, glancing curiously at Percy, "the goblet's decision is final. We cannot reselect the champions as the Goblet has gone dormant for another year. Therefore the champions, whether they like it or not, must compete."

"Thiz iz absurd," cried Karkaroff.

"But the completion would not be fair," said Cedric Diggory.

"Then let Potter chose a partner! This is getting nowhere. A person for Potter's team to even things out," said Bagman.

"That is ridiculous. Then Hogwarts would have three champions! This is getting out of hand!" said Madam Maxine. Fleur Delacour looked huffy as well.

"If you have a better alternative, I would like to hear it," said Bagman irately. Madam Maxine didn't answer.

"You don't see Harry complaining do you," said Percy.

"Well, it is decided then, before the first task, Harry will choose a partner who will assist him. No partner changing. The same age or lower. Are we done here!"

Silence.

"Well, with that said, let's get down to business. The first task is designed to test your daringness. Champions will by only permitted to use their wands. They will receive no help form teachers or any other adults on their tasks. They will perform in front of a panel of judges and students on November competitors are excused from their end of the year exams. And I believe that's it," said Bagman excitedly.

He and Dumbledore left the room. "Come on Harry," said Percy pulling his friend out the door. They walked out o the Great Hall to the Gryffindor common room.

Harry POV

"Balderdash," muttered Harry. The portrait swung open, letting out a roar d noise into the hall. He immediately was wrenched inside the room. The whole of Gryffindor House, all were applauding and whistling. "You should've told us you'd entered!" bellowed Fred; he looked half annoyed, half deeply impressed. "How did you do it without getting a beard? Brilliant!" roared George.

"I didn't," Harry said. "I don't know how-"But Angelina had now swooped down upon him;

"Oh if it couldn't be me, at least it's a Gryffindor-"

"You'll be able to pay back Diggory for that last Quidditch match, Harry!" shrieked Katie Bell, another of the Gryffindor Chasers.

"We've got food, Harry, come and have some-"

"I'm not hungry; I had enough at the feast-"

But nobody wanted to hear that he wasn't hungry; nobody wanted to hear that he hadn't put his name in the goblet; not one single person seemed to have noticed that he wasn't at all in the mood to celebrate. Harry looked around for Percy but could catch a glimpse of his friend.

I'm tired!" he bellowed finally, after nearly half an hour. "No, seriously, George-I'm going to bed-" He clambered up the stairs in the dorm, slamming the door behind him.

Percy POV

Harry was distracted the next morning. Percy noticed the thick tension between Ron and Harry. He felt bad for Hermione, who was between the two of them.

"Uh, Percy, can I ask you something," asked Harry as they walked to the door.

"Sure," said Percy.

"Well, first thanks for sticking up for me last night." said Harry, kicking the floor. "And I was wondering if you'll be my partner for the Tournament. I'll split the money with you."

Percy frowned. "Why aren't you asking Ron?"

"He's being a jealous little prat."

"Uh, ok . . . , yeah I'll do it." said Percy. Harry gave him a grateful look, then left for Potions.

PERCY POV

Percy walked to the Room of Requirement, only to be stopped by Bianca.

"You know basically the entire school is against Harry," said Bianca, her eyes flashing.

"The Gryffindors are still supporting him. You know it's not his fault, he couldn't have entered his name in that goblet," argued Percy.

"I know that," hissed Bianca, her voice wavered, "it's just suspicious." Percy frowned.

"Good luck the tournament," she said abruptly. She turned on her heel and left.

Sorry for the short chapter, but I've been really busy. And more ppl review plz.