Note: Hi. I'm back from China! It was nice being at the old heart of China. XD Anyway, I posted this chapter as soon as I could, with my study schedule in place for next year... Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: HP, Bleach and Hetalia do not belong to me.
There was a long period of silence as Harry just sat there, paralysed. He could feel everyone's eyes on him, but everyone was silent. He looked across to Ron and Hermoine who were also staring at him blankly.
"I didn't put my name in. You guys know that right?" Harry murmured to the both of them. They did not reply, simply continuing to stare at him blankly. Finally, Professor McGonagall broke the trance by standing up and whispering into Dumbledore's ear.
"Harry, through the door and into the chamber if you would please." Dumbledore called, walking to the door himself. Numbly, Harry got up and walked to the door, ignoring the stares that were aimed at him.
Meeting him at the door was Dumbledore, who looked at him unsmilingly. "Well, go in Harry." Dumbledore instructed. Harry walked into the chamber, pushing open the doors. All the champions looked up as the up as the door opened. Seeing Harry there, Cedric's eyes widened, while Hitsugaya's and England's narrowed. They glanced at each other, immediately agreeing; something had gone wrong.
"Harry. Is something wrong? Do they want us to go back outside?" Cedric asked. Harry did not reply, he didn't know how to. What was he supposed to say? Just then, the door opened again, allowing in Dumbledore, with Bagman, Mr Crouch, Urahara and Rome behind him. As everyone turned to them expectantly, Bagman said, "Amazing! Absolutely wonderful! Gentlemen, I introduce to you, our fourth champion!"
"That can't be right. He isn't of age yet! You can't let him compete!" England protested.
"Unfortunately, according to the rules, he is obligated to compete since his name came out of the Goblet." Dumbledore said gravely, looking straight at England. He did not want Harry to compete either. That much was obvious.
"But -" England started to protest angrily, but the worried look in his eye gave it away. He was worried for Harry. Harry was his citizen after all, and an important one at that. Recognising that rare look in England's eyes, Rome cut in.
"Dumbledore, how is it fair that your school gets two champions?" Rome asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I understand your concern, Professor Vargas, but we don't have a choice." Dumbledore replied.
"Dumbledore is right you know." Bagman cut in.
"But how did he cross the age line if he is not of age? If he put his name in, it would be against the rules." Hitsugaya argued.
"Harry, did you put your name into the Goblet?" Dumbledore asked, turning to Harry.
"No professor." Harry honestly.
"Did you ask someone to help you?" Dumbledore continued.
"No sir." Harry replied, shaking his head vehemently.
"Perhaps we should let Mr Bagman and Mr Crouch decide. After all, they are the most… impartial out of all of us." Urahara piped up.
"We have to follow the rules of the Tournament. They specifically state that all those whose names come out of the Goblet have to compete." Mr Crouch deadpanned.
"Then it's settled then. So, the instructions?" Urahara asked. Everyone looked back to Mr Crouch expectantly.
"Ah yes… the instructions to the first task… The first task is designed to test your daring, 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… The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the Tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owning to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the Tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests." Mr Crouch said to them, looking to Dumbledore to signal that he was done.
"Well then, I think we should be going back now." Urahara said, beckoning to Hitsugaya.
"Agreed. Let's go Arthur." Rome said. While Cedric and Harry went back to their respective common rooms, the four of them went out to the field, near the Forbidden Forest where everyone else was waiting for them.
"This is bad…" England commented.
"Yes it is…" Hitsugaya agreed.
"What I don't understand is, who could have put Harry's name in? We were at the Goblet almost 24/7! We didn't see anyone suspicious at all!" Germany said.
"That's the point isn't it? Almost. It'll be even harder to protect him if he's taking part." England replied, sounding frustrated.
"But we are certain that Harry-san didn't enter by himself aren't we?" Japan asked.
"Japan has a point aru. He could have been lying aru." China pointed out.
"Impossible. We were watching him too." Rukia said.
"That doesn't matter now does it? He's competing now, so why don't we discuss how to keep him safe eh?" Canada suddenly said.
"That's a good idea you know. Not only that, but it would be dangerous to go into battle not knowing anything. We should try to find out about the first task." Ishida suggested.
"Ah… About that… You see, to host this Tournament again, special permits were needed, and since I'm the personification, I have to agree to give out those permits, which I obviously did." England said, slightly sheepish. The other Nations nodded, signifying that they understood.
"So? Get to the point already! What's the first task?" Ichigo demanded to know.
England glared at him, before that scowl turned into a smirk. "Dragons." He said, smirking smugly at their shocked expressions.
Note: Yeah... Kinda boring huh? I haven't even finished planning the first task yet so... anyway, I probably won't be posting the next chapter for this on my usual schedule. I'm leaving for my family holiday to Hong Kong in the week after next so...yeah. Don't expect anything too soon.
Oh, and a special thanks to those who reviewed and favourited and followed this story. Nice to know that you guys like what I'm writing... Just a reminder that I'll be going for a hiatus next year for a national exam that I have to study for, sorry about that...
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! And please review!
