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 11: Four Champions
Throughout the rest of the day Harry tried to concentrate on his work. At lunchtime he contacted Sirius and expressed his concerns. Sirius advised to call back that evening once the selections were announced. If Harry's name did indeed come out Sirius wanted to know immediately.
At the feast that night Harry was too nervous to eat much. All day Hermione in particular had been trying to convince him he was safe from selection. When he had told Susan of his fears she said he should relax. Only those who wanted to compete would be chosen.
After the feast all eyes turned to the Goblet of Fire. Ludo Bagman had joined them by this time and he now sat with Umbridge and the staff while the Goblet itself sat on the desk in front of Dumbledore. A bright flash of light from the Goblet caught everybody's attention. Dumbledore reached out and caught a slip of parchment from the flames. "The champion for Durmstrang is Viktor Krum," he said.
People applauded as Krum stood up and walked to the front of the hall. After a brief pause he turned and entered into the antechamber behind the staff table. When the applause had died down people returned their attention waiting for the next champion to be announced.
After a few moments the Goblet flared again. This time when Dumbledore caught the parchment he announced: "The champion for Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour."
A woman with sheet of silver hair down her back stood up and gracefully walked to the front of the hall before heading toward the same door that Krum had earlier passed through.
The tension in the hall was thick as everybody gazed intently at the Goblet. Soon it flared for a third time and people waited for the announcement of the Hogwarts Champion. "The champion for Hogwarts is Cedric Diggory," Dumbledore announced.
The Hufflepuff table exploded in cheers as Cedric made his way to the front. He stopped in front of Dumbledore before turning back to his own house table. Next he headed toward the same door that the other two champions had passed through.
Once the cheering had died down Dumbledore began speaking only to be cut off almost immediately by a flash of light from the Goblet as it ejected another slip of parchment. Dumbledore took it and read before turning to the hall. "Harry Potter."
Ron and Hermione, who were seated either side of Harry both put their hands on his shoulders. Harry turned to Dumbledore, aware that the eyes of every person in the hall were upon him. "Do I have to, Sir?" he asked, in a loud voice.
For a few seconds the only sound was an angry buzz of conversation before Dumbledore said, "Harry, if you please?"
Harry stood up, shaking off the hands restraining him. He walked to the front of the hall then turned to the students. "I do not want to compete," he said before heading toward the antechamber where the other champions waited.
When he entered the other champions turned to face him. "Do zey want us back in ze hall?" Fleur asked. Harry didn't reply.
Ludo Bagman entered the room. Right behind him were Dumbledore, Maxime, Karkaroff, Umbridge, McGonagall and Snape. Bagman muttered "Extraordinary. May I introduce the fourth champion?"
This pronouncement drew a variety of results, mostly angry, however. Fleur, especially, seemed angered by the event.
"What do you mean? Zis child ez going to compete?"
"Harry's name was drawn out of the Goblet. He is required to compete," Dumbledore sounded almost disappointed.
"This is unacceptable," Madame Maxime said.
"I quite agree Madame," Karkaroff added. "Dumbledore, I must insist that we be allowed a second champion as well."
"It doesn't work that way, Igor," Dumbledore said. "The Goblet has gone out and will not reignite until the next Tri-Wizard tournament takes place."
While this was going on Harry pulled out his mirror and called Sirius. "Hello, Harry. Bad news?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "My name came out."
"I'm outside the castle now. I'll be there in two minutes. Where exactly are you?"
"In a chamber just off the Great Hall. See you soon," Harry replied.
At this point Moody walked in. "Dumbledore, what's going on? Does Potter have to compete?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Mr. Bagman, Madam Umbridge. You are neutral observers. What are your opinions on this matter?"
"Rules are rules," Bagman said. "His name came out so he must compete."
"Rules or no," Umbridge said, "he is too young and should be disqualified immediately."
"I agree with Madam Umbridge," Harry said. "I am too young and shouldn't be allowed to compete, especially since I don't want to."
"If Harry doesn't want to compete he shouldn't have to," Sirius said as he marched into the chamber.
"May I introduce Sirius Black, Harry's guardian," Dumbledore said for the benefit of the overseas guests.
"Seems to me that if Potter doesn't want to compete then the point is moot," McGonagall said.
"I am afraid he has no choice," Bagman said. "His name came out of the Goblet and, therefore, Potter is magically bound to compete."
"Reluctantly, I must agree is Ludo on this matter," Dumbledore said. "Even though none of us likes it and Harry himself doesn't want to compete he has no choice."
The room went silent at this Harry glanced at Sirius and then turned to McGonagall. "Professor McGonagall? Do you have that letter I gave you yesterday?"
"Right here," she replied, producing the letter.
"Please read it out loud."
McGonagall unsealed it and began to read. "I, Harry Potter, have no desire to compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, however, now that my name has been drawn out and I am being forced to compete, I wish it to be known that whoever put my name in the Goblet did so with the likely intention of killing me." McGonagall stopped at this point.
"Please continue, Professor," Harry urged.
"My sole interest in the upcoming trials will be to stay alive and I will always put self-preservation first in everything I do in this tournament. Signed…" McGonagall put the letter down.
Nearly everybody present was surprised by this letter. It was Karkaroff who voiced the question no doubt many of the visitors wanted to ask. "What is the meaning of this? He 'saw' this would happen."
"Harry is a remarkably talented seer," Dumbledore explained. "Indeed, I do not believe I have ever met someone so talented in this particular branch of magic in all my life."
"Astounding," Bagman said, looking at Harry with almost a look of awe.
"Shall we proceed?" Umbridge said.
"Of course, Madam. Could you read the instructions for our champions?" Bagman asked.
"The first task is a test of daring and ingenuity. You will only have your wand and you must devise a way to complete the task. The task will take place on November 24th. You may not seek help nor accept any offer of help from any staff member of your school. That is all," Umbridge said.
"Well, that's all then," said Bagman. "Madam Umbridge, will you be staying her tonight?"
"No I shall not. I have important work to do, as do you, Bagman," she replied.
"Harry. Can I have a quick word?" Sirius asked.
Harry led Sirius away from the Hall and up the main staircase. "What is it, Sirius?" he asked.
"Do you really think someone is trying to kill you?"
"Unless I'm missing something important nothing else makes sense."
"Any suspects as to who put your name in the Goblet?"
"Pettigrew or Crouch junior. I wouldn't be surprised if they put someone under the Imperius curse to do the actual deed, though. I asked the snakes to keep an eye on things here and they said no-one who shouldn't have went anywhere near the Goblet."
"The rules say you're not allowed to ask a staff member for help, but they didn't say anything about anyone else. Talk to your friends. See if they can find anything out. I'll keep an eye on things, too, and I'll ask Tonks to help out. She is now a fully qualified auror, by the way. Just graduated, although she's not officially recognised as such yet."
"Thanks, Sirius. I will take your advice. The snakes could help, too. They pretty much go anywhere they want to around here," Harry said.
"Right. I'd best get going. I'll talk to Tonks, you talk to your friends. Hopefully, we can work out a solution to this," Sirius said.
"Bye Sirius," Harry said.
The next 3&1/2 weeks were difficult for Harry, especially the day he was called away from class to do a publicity shoot for the tournament. It was during potions and Snape was initially reluctant to let Harry go. For his part Harry didn't want to go and even told Snape that he'd rather stay but messenger was insistent. Reluctantly Harry left class.
For the most part the Hufflepuffs treated Harry the same as always, although there was no doubt they preferred their champion and Susan was more distant than usual. The Ravenclaws and Slytherins did not hide their dislike of him, however. Harry had decided to try and keep a low profile and generally he succeeded, his fellow Gryffindors helped him as much as possible by generally sticking together when around him. Fred and George, especially, seldom left his side except during classes.
When the article about the Tri-Wizard Tournament came out, however, Harry found himself the object of ridicule from much of the student body. It had been written by Rita Skeeter, the woman who had written the factually inaccurate report about the World Cup riot, and contained almost no truth. Harry had walked out on her after she had tried to corner him for a private interview and it was clear from what had been written Skeeter had been offended by Harry's actions. She had written many lines that were totally false and cast him in a bad light.
After it was published Harry had spoken to Sirius. Unfortunately Sirius had told him he would have to prove what was written was false before they could do anything about it. They decided to just let it lie and hope it went away.
November 24th came around with Harry feeling confident he could survive the dragon challenge. Over the previous few nights he had been riding his new Firebolt, taking advantage of its speed and climbing ability to search the castle grounds. He knew there were 4 dragons and that each champion would have to get past one in order to complete the trial. During one of these flights he had seen Karkaroff following Hagrid and Madame Maxime and knew both would have told their own champions what to expect. Harry had then sent a note to Cedric asking to meet him at the main entrance the next evening. There he had told Cedric everything, adding that now all the champions knew what to expect in the task.
Just like last time Harry drew the Hungarian Horntail, and would be the last champion to enter the ring. One by one, the others left to face their dragon. Harry almost wished that Bagman wouldn't do the commentary so loudly, that way Harry wouldn't be able to hear what was happening. The gasps and shrieks of the spectators were disconcerting enough without Bagman's added comments.
Finally Bagman called for Harry to come out of the tent. Wand in hand, he stepped into the arena, trying to remain calm and focused on the strategy he had worked out. His plan was based on what had happened the first time but with one key variation that he hoped would save him from any injury.
When Bagman signalled for him to begin Harry took a deep, calming breath and pointed his wand at the castle while shouting; "Accio Firebolt."
