Chapter 36: The Hint of a Plan
For the next few weeks, Albus felt as if someone was beating the inside of his skull with a Beater's bat. If Sirius was back in the country, then it would only increase his chances of being caught and given a one-way ticket to the Dementors. Now, Albus could understand Sirius's need to be closer to his godson, but there were many other ways of doing that that wouldn't be as dangerous for him. Albus had sent Fawkes a few times with letters of advice, trying to give him information and the best places to lie low. But the next afternoon, he found out that he hadn't been the only person that Sirius had written to last night.
"Harry got a letter from Black," Everard told him just as Albus had finished instructing Sirius where the Ministry was now looking for him, and the places where he was to avoid. "I think that he's upset that his godfather's back."
"I'm not surprised," Albus told them as he handed the letter to Fawkes who disappeared in a ball of fire. "He finally has someone like a parent to look up to and help him. The last thing that he wants is if Sirius is caught. I think… should it happen… it would break him if Sirius had been caught. That's why I'm doing everything I can to prevent it. I only hope that Sirius will take my advice."
"He'd be foolish if he didn't," Dexter said. "But he can't be that reckless can he?"
"I don't see why the brat should be so worried over my useless, great-great grandson," Phineas said sourly.
Albus looked up at him simply. He knew that Phineas may say that, but in truth, he knew that the former Slytherin Headmaster was just as worried as the rest of them were. Rather than telling him this, he said, "Don't underestimate someone when they are determined to protect someone."
*The next couple weeks*
Albus kept a very close watch out for any signs of Sirius, sending letters as often as necessary to make sure that he wasn't drawing attention to himself, and for any signs of him in the Prophet. But he knew that while Sirius was reckless, he wasn't stupid and he could take care of himself. But that still didn't stop him from worrying.
He distracted himself by focusing on the daily reports that his portraits delivered to him about his teachers and what the students were up to. And these days he was receiving almost daily complaints about Severus.
"Snape threatened to poison them!" Dilys said in outrage after having eavesdropped on the fourth years. "He's threatening to poison some of them to make sure their antidotes work."
The other portraits let out yells of shock, while Phineas roared with laughter. "Oh, I knew that I liked this guy. That should get those slackers working alright."
"Though threatening the students is going a bit far, Phineas," Albus said slowly. He took off his glasses and wearily rubbed his eyes. He had tried again and again to help Severus, but his former student was obviously not interested in changing anytime soon. "While I doubt that Severus would actually go through with it, I don't like that he's scaring them like this."
"But if it gets them to actually work…" Phineas began in a self-important voice. Albus shook his head, and went back to addressing Dilys. "I also heard that Alastor was planning on making his classes more difficult."
"That's an understatement," Albus heard Dexter mutter.
"Oh, that's another thing that I wanted to talk to you about, Dumbledore. To make it short and sweet… HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?" Dilys suddenly yelled at him, causing some of the other portraits to jump in fright. "You're allowing—that—that—crackpot to place the Imperius Curse on each of the in turn?"
"It's important," he answered simply as others spluttered in astonishment that Albus Dumbledore would allow something such as the use of an illegal curse on the students that he was famous for dedicated all his time and effort into protecting.
"Important?" she repeated scathingly. "How could putting the Imperius Curse on the students… an Unforgiveable Curse help them?"
Albus looked down sadly, carefully choosing his words. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before Tom returned, and when that happened… then Harry had to be ready for whatever Tom had to throw at him. And not just Harry… everyone. Better that they know how to throw off the curse in the company of someone who they could trust then under a Death Eater and not stand a chance. He then asked her how they all did.
She gave him a disgusted look but explained all the strange and unusual things that Alastor made them do such as singing, dancing, imitations, and—in Neville Longbottom's case—gymnastics. But was then assured that each one of them recovered.
"And Harry?" he asked, wondering what had happened on the boy's turn. He knew that only those with a strong heart and will could throw off the curse… so his hopes were high when it came to Harry.
"Well… first time," she admitted slowly. "He crashed into the desk, and fractured both his kneecaps. From what I heard, he tried to jump and stop himself from jumping at the same time. He's fine now I suppose," she added grumpily. "But Moody insisted on putting him through it four more times until he could throw it off completely."
Albus nodded in pride—he knew that if there was anyone who would be able to throw it off it would've been Harry. However, this test won't be like the real situation. Tom was most famous for his use of the Dark Arts, and as far as Albus's knew, no one had ever been able to throw off his Imperius Curse before. But there was always a chance that someone will… and as for Alastor… he wasn't surprised that his old friend insisted on going once he realized Harry's talent with Defense Against the Dark Arts. He was known for pushing those with potential harder than anyone else.
"Ouch," Dexter winced at the thought, "Was that really necessary?"
"I am deeply impressed," Albus smiled instead. "That is brilliant, and it was his first time as well. Even for me, it took a very long time before I was able to throw it off."
"As for Moody," Dilys went on sullenly, "He really is mad isn't he? I overheard what he told some of the students what he did to that April Fools' Day witch who shouted 'Boo' behind him. She was in St. Mungos for seven months and even now she still glows in the dark!"
"He's still telling that story?" Albus asked politely with a chuckle. "While I am sorry for her, she really should've known better than to try something like that to someone who is considered to be paranoid."
"Paranoid?" Phineas snorted. "More like completely nuts."
Albus rolled his eyes as he finished the four papers and summoned a House-elf to pin each one up in the common rooms later that night.
TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT
THE DELEGATIONS FROM
BEAUXBATONS AND DURMSTRANG WILL BE ARRIVING AT 6 O'CLOCK ON FRIDAY THE 30TH OF OCTOBER. LESSONS WILL END HALF AN HOUR EARLY –STUDENTS WILL RETURN THEIR BAGS AND BOOKS TO THEIR DORMITORIES AND ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE TO GREET OUR GUESTS BEFORE THE WELCOMING FEAST.
And for the next week, everyone talked only about the Triwizard Tournament—it seemed that no matter where he went—everyone was talking only about who was going to be champion and what the tasks were going to be like. He especially enjoyed hearing all the rumors that the students had come up with. It was always so entertaining to hear a child's imagination. Everything from the names of potential Hogwarts champions—to the tasks that they predicted—each one as wild and dangerous as the next idea.
He had told the House-elves to do an extra-thorough cleaning to welcome Beauxbatons and Durmstrang guests. And they took his words deeply to heart. Including washing all the portraits, polishing and oiling the suits of armor… even his teachers were becoming stricter with the cleaning around here.
This continued on for some time until, finally, the day before Halloween arrived. He had gone down to the Great Hall early that morning to put up the best banners and decorations for the feast tonight. Once he was finished, he smiled; knowing that this would only help to excite the students even more. Tonight, their guests would finally make their appearance, and by tomorrow night, the Tournament would begin.
As he sat down to enjoy his breakfast, knew that the House-elves were sure to be pulling out all the stops for the food tonight. He then chuckled when he thought of that… thinking about Miss Granger.
He had grown very interested in hearing about Hermione Granger's tirade through the school about House-elf rights. His portraits were informing him on this—though he could see that they thought that it was a waste of time. But he enjoyed hearing about it. But while he admired Miss Granger's determination to make a difference, he believed that she was going about this a little too strongly and should start smaller. He personally thought that it would be better if should she focus more on helping to put a stop to House-elf abuse instead of trying to set them all free in one go.
Before, when Voldemort had been in power, countless witches and wizards had been taken prisoner to be tortured and held captive; whether it was to blackmail their families, or to simply be used as torture victims. Either way, that by the time the war was over and they were found and rescued… some of the prisoners had to be coaxed out of the gates. They had been there so long, become so inured to its horrors, that the world outside no longer had any meaning for them. That was the same thing with House-elves. They are all so used to enslavement, that the outside world is a frightening place for them.
But for now, he was glad that the ones here are safe and well-cared for. And if any one of them had a request such as to be freed, he would be more than happy to do so. He longed for a day when all species could exist in peace with each other, but knew that day was far off and would most likely never happen during his lifetime. He sighed a little sadly as he turned to his kippers, trying to imagine the excited faces on everyone's faces when their guests arrive in a few hours time.
*Evening*
The rest of the day passed in mostly a blur, and soon enough, everyone was in the Entrance Hall, getting ready to head out and greet the other two schools.
He had pulled on his best robes and gone down to lead them all outside—looking forward to seeing their reactions for when the other two schools arrived. All around him he could hear friends talking with each other excitedly, and the Heads of Houses telling off their students. As was the case with Minerva. "Weasley, straighten your hat. Miss Patil, take that ridiculous thing out of your hair. Follow me, please… first years in front… no pushing…"
He smiled as he passed by them, and heard Filius telling several of his Ravenclaws to stop lagging behind before they went out into the chilly air. He had them all file down the steps and stand lined up in front of the castle doors—not that they minded as they looked around, wondering where and how they were arriving.
Albus could've told them… but where was the fun in that?
They waited, Albus keeping a close eye on the lake and the sky… wondering which would arrive first… and then…
He then called out to them all as he spotted Madame Maxime's carriage."Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!"
"Where?" he heard at least half the school call out; spinning around like tops, as if expecting to see them apperate.
"There!" he heard one of the older students shout out and they all looked above the forest. Sure enough, the powder-blue carriage, pulled by the large winged horses had arrived.
"It's a dragon!" he heard one of the first years scream out until another voice shouted out, "Don't be stupid… it's a flying house!"
'Well,' Albus thought as the carriage drew closer. 'That's not a bad guess.'
The front three rows of students drew backward as the carriage hurtled ever lower, coming in to land before they crashed in front of them—the horses snorting and tossing their heads. Albus had been able to get a quick glimpse of the Beauxbatons coat of arms before the door opened and one of the students jumped out to pull out the steps for their Headmistress.
Some of his students gasped as Madame Maxime appeared and gracefully stepped down from the stagecoach and surveyed them all with polite interest. Albus simply smiled and started to clap and was glad to see that his students were showing their manners and broke into applause too. Though many of them standing on tiptoe, the better to look at her— but he supposed that could ignore that.
Madame Maxime looked up at the castle and down at them all again before she smiled at him when she saw him coming to great her. She extended a hand that had a ring on each finger which he politely kissed and said graciously and sincerely, "My dear Madame Maxime. Welcome to Hogwarts."
"Dumbly-dort," she said and he could hear a few of the students snigger at the name as he also smiled. "I 'ope I find you well?"
"In excellent form, I thank you," he informed her before she waved her hand behind her to the selection of students that had also emerged. "My pupils."
He nodded thoughtfully to each one of them. But he could see that they were in their silk robes, and seemed to be shivering with their heads wrapped scarves and shawls—obviously nervous of being in front of such a large crowd.
"'As Karkaroff arrived yet?" Madame Maxime asked him curiously.
"He should be here any moment," he assured her. Concerned for her students, he asked, "Would you like to wait here and greet him or would you prefer to step inside and warm up a trifle?"
"Warm up, I think," she said with a glance at her shivering pupils before looking back at him and asked worriedly, "But ze 'orses -"
He smiled reassuringly and answered, "Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher will be delighted to take care of them. The moment he has returned from dealing with a slight situation that has arisen with some of his other - er - charges."
He didn't think it would be wise to mention that there were creatures called Skrewts that were the problem. Not that it mattered, for Madame Maxime didn't look convinced as she said, "My steeds require - er - forceful 'andling. Zey are very strong…"
Albus only smiled wider and said, "I assure you that Hagrid will be well up to the job."
"Very well," she conceded before bowing slightly. "Will you please inform zis 'Agrid zat ze 'orses drink only single-malt whiskey?"
He bowed respectfully as well. "It will be attended to," he promised.
"Come," she said in a commanding tone to her students and Hogwarts parted to allow them up the steps—many watching them and Madame Maxime until they were out of their sights before turning back to the dark grounds.
For a few minutes, the silence was broken only by Madame Maxime's huge horses snorting and stamping and the students whispering to each other about what they had just seen. Albus turned in the direction of the lake—knowing that it would only be a matter of minutes before Durmstrang arrived… Durmstrang
His smile faded slightly as he thought of that school… remembering painfully of the very first former pupil of that school and of his own failures for just a moment. It was with the greatest of relief when the lake began to bubble.
He watched as if the water was going down a drain and the whirlpool appeared.
"The lake! Look at the lake!" he heard someone yell and now everyone was staring at it. The smile returned a little forcefully to his face as he watched the tip of the mast appear from the heart of the vortex…
Almost dramatically, the ship of Durmstrang appeared and rose out of the water, gleaming almost ghostly and emaciated… as if it had been a sunken ruin for several decades. He watched the ship bobble in the water as if it were a toy before it glided silently towards them. As everyone began to talk loudly in amazed voices he had walked straight to the front lines just as they heard the splash of an anchor being lowered, and the thud of a plank being lowered onto the bank.
Albus smiled when he saw all the passengers leave the ship with Karakaroff in the lead.
"Dumbledore!" he called heartily and he began to walk a little quicker up the slope towards them. "How are you, my dear fellow, how are you?"
"Blooming, thank you, Professor Karkaroff," he replied honestly and shook hands with both of his own.
"Dear old Hogwarts," Karkaroff said, looking up at the castle and smiling; though Albus knew that he was only saying that to be polite—for his eyes were rather cold. "How good it is to be here, how good… Viktor, come along, into the warmth…" He then turned back to him and said, "You don't mind, Dumbledore? Viktor has a slight head cold…"
"Not at all," he told him peacefully as Karkaroff beckoned forward the infamous Victor Krum to the head of the line. "I am certain that our healer, Madam Pomfrey would be more than happy to give him a Pepper-up Potion if you wish it," he told him as they walked inside with both schools behind them. Albus could hear his own students talking about Victor in excited voices and he sighed, having a feeling that the poor boy wasn't looking forward to this.
He showed them into the Great Hall where the Beauxbatons students were already waiting at the Ravenclaw table. He and Karkaroff watched everyone head while they headed to an antechamber off the hall so that he could introduce him and Madame Maxime to the rest of his staff before they headed in themselves. Once the introductions were said and done, they all walked into the hall in a single file—with the heads of the three schools last in line.
As soon as Madame Maxime walked in, her students leapt to their feet to show their respect. A few of the Hogwarts students laughed but they didn't react at all until they all sat down. Albus was the only one still standing and he looked around them all, his arms open wide in welcome.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and - most particularly - guests," he said beaming around them all. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."
He distantly heard one of the Beauxbatons girls laugh at his words, but he let it slide easily before he continued. "The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"
He sat back down before he began to talk to Karkaroff, "So how have you been, Igor? How do you feel about your selection of students?"
"Oh, plenty," he replied with gusto as he helped himself to some wine. "Especially for our Victor. I am almost certain that he will be chosen for our champion. What of you, Dumbledore? Out of everyone here, who do you think is most likely to uphold Hogwart's honor?"
"Now, Igor, I find you shouldn't be picking favorites… particularly if you are the Headmaster," Albus responded politely as poured them both a goblet of wine. "You should do your best to treat them all evenly and to only step in if there is trouble."
"Perhaps," Karkaroff said unconvinced. "But there is an occasional one out of several hundreds where you take more interest in than the others, don't you agree?"
Albus unintentionally glanced towards the Gryffindor table before admitting, "I suppose that I can't disagree with you completely on that."
The rest of the meal went on for some time… though halfway through their meal he heard a familiar voice call out, "Skrewts doing all right, Hagrid?"
Albus looked up in time to see Hagrid waving a heavily bandaged hand and called back, "Thrivin'!"
Albus let out a breath of air at those words; he had been dreading that. Those Skrewts were already a handful to deal with and they're still considered small. He wasn't going to be looking forward to how much bigger they will get.
The meal passed on without too much more incident; unless you count spotting the girl that Madame Maxime told him about being part veela. Sure enough, all the boys were staring at her awestruck when she removed her scarf. He chuckled merrily as he watched her get up from the Ravenclaw table and to the Gryffindor table to ask for some of the food.
Just as she sat back down, Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch had appeared and Argus showed them up to the two remaining empty seats. At long last, the plates were empty and wiped clean and everyone was now looking to the teachers eagerly.
Albus dabbed the corner of his mouth with his napkin before he stood up again. Everyone immediately became quiet seemed to fill the Hall now and they all leaned towards him in excitement.
He then called out them all in a bright smile, "The moment has come. The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket — just to clarify the procedure that we will be following this year. But first, let me introduce, for those who do not know them, Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation" - there was a smattering of polite applause - "and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
He could see that not one of them looked interested when he named the two men… while they applauded; they were still mostly focused on him, wanting him to get to the part where the champions would be chosen.
He went on, dragging out the conversation just a little bit longer just to tease them all. "Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangements for the Triwizard Tournament and they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime on the panel that will judge the champions' efforts."
They all seemed to be holding their breaths the more that he talked, as if trying to will him into finishing the introductions. He could only smile even winder and called out to Argus, "The casket, then, if you please, Mr. Filch."
Argus then staggered forwards carrying the ancient wooden chest encrusted with jewels that had been taken out of storage, and up to their table. And once he placed the box before him, he addressed everyone else again. "The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman and they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways… their magical prowess - their daring - their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger."
Everyone froze—from both fear and excitement and Albus could practically hear their thoughts to what the three tasks will be. He then went on, "As you know, three champions compete in the tournament one from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Fire."
He took out his wand and tapped three times upon the top of the casket—awakening the magic from within and undoing the protective charms around the lid. The lid creaked slowly open and he reached inside it to pull out the Goblet of Fire where it was filled with its blue flames. He reverently closed the casket and placed the goblet carefully on top of it, for them all to see. They all looked at it in astonishment… having obviously thought that the selector would've been a person instead of an ancient, but powerful, object.
Smiling a little wider at their stunned expressions, he went on, "Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet. Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward."
And he silently prayed to himself that they would all think it over very carefully before putting their names into the goblet. Most mistakes aren't made from inaction, but rather hasty, ill-thought out action. And if they change their minds at the last second, it would be too late to turn back if their names came out of the goblet.
"Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete."
Knowing that he would have to break it to many of them, he finished by saying, "To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation. I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line."
Several of them were shooting him filthy looks which he took in strive before he finished. "Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this tournament is not to be entered into lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion."
The very reason he was so relieved that no one underage would be able to compete. Hopefully, after the champions are picked, everyone will be able to enjoy the rest of the year and support their school's champion. After the last three years… here was hoping to some sense of peace and by the end of the tournament, having new friends and understanding for each other.
"Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Good night to you all."
He relaxed in his seat as he watched all the students from each of the schools get up and head to the door. He then heard Minerva's voice right next to his ear as she and the other teachers began to leave their seats. "I think that you made a few more enemies, Dumbledore."
He turned to face her and smiled. "You think that I was wrong to have the Age Line put up so that no one underage will be able to compete in a very dangerous, life-threatening tournament?"
"Of course not," she said briskly as she raised her eyebrows at him. "I find it very sensible. Why no one ever thought to do so before now, I'll never know. I am merely stating a fact." She pointed to the heads of the grumbling scholars who were talking furiously about the Age Line.
"They will thank me for it once they get a glimpse of the First Task," Albus said unconcerned. He leaned back and watched them all leaving… his eyes then spotted Karkaroff leading his students back to the ship. He watched, disapprovingly as he snapped at one of his boys before he lead them to the doors, reaching them at exactly the same moment as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry stopped courteously to let them walk through first.
He watched carefully as Karkaroff said something to him before he was about to head through, but Albus saw him freeze and looked back at Harry in amazement. Albus's eyes narrowed slightly and he kept a close watch on them, knowing that Karkaroff must be stunned to see the one responsible for putting a stop to his old master right was here before him. The Durmstrang students were now staring curiously at Harry too before they realized who it was.
"What ees it?" he heard Madame Maxime say as she gracefully got up from her seat and spotted the hold up at the front door. "Why 'ave zey stopped?"
Albus was spared from answering when Alastor had limped over to them. Karkaroff turned to look at him and froze in fear. Albus was suddenly wondering whether or not he should've warned Karkaroff that Alastor Moody was here. But he didn't like the idea of having another former Death Eater here when he wasn't sure that he could be trusted. He couldn't hear what the two of them said, but soon enough, Karkaroff turned and led them all out of the hall.
Albus sighed as he got up and offered to escort Madame Maxime outside.
*The next day*
Albus stretched wearily as he got up early the next morning. But still excited for what was about to take place tonight. While he was still full from last night, he highly doubted that he would be able to eat anything for breakfast today, and was more interested in what his portraits had to tell him when he stepped into his office. After everyone left the hall last night, he moved the Goblet of Fire into the entrance hall and set up the Age Line… as well as a little twist of his own to anyone foolish to cross it while they are still underage.
"Did anyone put their names in?" he asked as he put on his favorite hat. "Most of seventh year," Armando informed him. "As well as all almost half the sixth years and the Durmstrang students… I think that Beauxbatons is planning on doing it this morning. Oh, and I thought that you would like to know that we did get a few who thought that an Aging Potion would work. A few of them are in the hospital wing."
Albus chuckled merrily. "Well, no one can say that they weren't warned."
After he paid a quick trip to the hospital wing to hear from Madam Pomfrey and see who had tried to age themselves. He smiled merrily when he saw the two students sitting in beds with long white beards and a great deal of humiliation… he offered them words of support before he left and gone down to breakfast.
As he thought, he was only able to eat a little bit of his breakfast before he decided to go and meet with the rest of his teachers and see if there are any last minute preparations that needed to be taken care of. But when he headed towards the entrance hall, he heard people talking beyond the doors. "One drop each. We only need to be a few months older."
Albus shook his head as he leaned back to watch who it was this time. It was the Weasley twins and young Lee Jordon standing there looking excited. Well, if they wanted to take the chance after they'd been warned, they would have to suffer the consequences. "We're going to split the thousand Galleons between the three of us if one of us wins," Lee Jordon also said before Hermione frowned at them.
"I'm not sure this is going to work, you know. I'm sure Dumbledore will have thought of this."
Albus nodded. Of course an Ageing potion was the first thing that came to his mind when he thought up the Age Line. But these three weren't paying any attention to his, and now Miss Granger's warning, so now they were really asking for trouble.
"Ready? C'mon, then - I'll go first -"
Albus watched as one of the twins walked right up to the edge of the line and stood there, rocking on his toes, took a deep breath and stepped over the line.
Maybe it was a little cruel—letting them think that they got over the line… but they did have to learn. He watched as the second twin let out a yell of triumph and leapt over as well. But then the spell activated flung them back out of the circle and landed ten feet away on the floor. He then began to laugh as the second consequence then came into effect as both of them sprouted identical long white beards.
Albus chortled as he watched the twins get a look at each other and started roaring with laughter as well. These two were something else… always finding laughter even in the face of disappointment. He finally walked out of the Great Hall and looked over them both before saying, "I did warn you."
They all looked up at him smiling brightly at them all, "I suggest you both go up to Madam Pomfrey. She is already tending to Miss Fawcett, of Ravenclaw, and Mr. Summers, of Hufflepuff, both of whom decided to age themselves up a little too. Though I must say, neither of their beards is anything like as fine as yours."
Everyone laughed louder at that as the boys left and headed straight up to the hospital wing. Albus allowed himself another chuckle as he went to go and join the other teachers to prepare for tonight.
*Later that night*
The moment that everyone had been waiting for had finally come.
Albus and the rest of the school as well as their guests were now halfway through the Halloween feast, though most people seemed more interested in finishing their meal as quickly as possible. Albus had enjoyed his food as slowly as possible on purpose as they all kept looking up impatiently to see if he was done.
He was grateful that everything seemed to be going as smoothly as they had planned. If you don't count when Hagrid had arrived wearing his best suit and seemed to have tried combing his hair. Albus thought at first that he just wanted to look his best like everyone else, but his eyes feel onto Madame Maxime, who was enjoying a conversation with Pomona and he smiled knowingly.
Once he felt that the students had suffered enough, the plates were magically cleaned and everyone feel silent at once. Everyone turned their attentions directly to him and waited to see what was going to happen.
He then called out to the whole room, "Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision. I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber," he pointed to the door to the chamber where the first years usually stood before the Sorting every year, "where they will be receiving their first instructions."
He raised his wand to put out the lights for a little extra dramatic flair and they turned to the goblet and the whole hall seemed to be holding their breaths. As he predicted, after about a minute, the flames inside the goblet turned suddenly red. Sparks began to fly from it—the room gasped as a tower of fire erupted and a single charred piece of parchment emerged.
Albus reached out and caught it. He held it out in front of the flames to read the name written in a strong hand… Victor Krum – Durmstrang.
"The champion for Durmstrang," he read, in a strong, clear voice, "will be Viktor Krum."
Everyone applauded loudly, especially Victor's classmates from the Slytherin table. He watched as Victor slouch up from his seat and up towards him. His face held no emotion, but Albus could see a proud shine in his dark eyes. Albus smiled encouragingly at him before he walked along the staff table, and disappeared through the door into the next chamber.
"Bravo, Viktor!" he heard Karkaroff boom behind him so that everyone could hear him. "Knew you had it in you!"
Albus waited patiently for the clapping and cheers to die down as he turned his attention back to the Goblet of Fire. Once things had calmed down and the tension was back, the blue-white flames turned a dazzling red again. Albus caught the next parchment that the goblet had shot out, and in the soft, elegant writing it was Fleur Delacour – Beauxbatons.
He then read this out to the school and the young part-veela gracefully to her feet, shook back her sheet of silvery blonde hair, and made her way to the anti-chamber with a beaming smile. Albus smiled sympathetically towards a few of the other girls who hadn't been chosen and were now crying.
Now Albus turned back to the goblet, wondering like everyone else, who the Hogwarts champion would be. And at last, he read out the champion's name… "The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory!"
Every single Hufflepuff had jumped to his or her feet, screaming and stamping, as Cedric, grinning broadly, got up and headed towards them. The screaming went on for so long, that Albus had to wait until it had died down enough for his voice to be heard.
"Excellent!" he happily when at long last they applause had died down. "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real-"
But Albus's words had just died in his throat… the Goblet of fire has turned red again. Sparks were flying out of it for a fourth time… and another piece of charred parchment was spat out. Albus could only stare at it as it slowly fluttered down to the floor. He automatically reach out for it and froze when he saw the name written on it.
Harry Potter…
As soon as he read that name, he thought that the whole world seemed to be falling away from him. No, not Harry… not again. He's been through enough… can't he be given some peace? This was the reason why he had insisted for the Age Line… the reason he was trying so hard to protect him this year…
Looking up into the crowd, he could see Harry's shocked face as he looked back at him. With difficultly, he had found his voice and called out to the now silent hall… "Harry Potter."
The look on Harry's face became a mixture of stunned disbelief and horror… he turned to his two friends, looking terrified, but they just stared at him in amazement.
"Harry Potter!" he repeated, startled at how calm he sounded when he was feeling anything but calm. "Harry! Up here, if you please!"
For a moment, it looked as if Harry forgot how to move. But he was finally able to get to his feet, and stumbled slightly as he walked up to him as if in a daze. It seemed to take an age for Harry to reach them, and by then, Albus had no idea what he could say or do to get Harry out of this.
"Well… through the door, Harry," he croaked softly when he had come near him, unable to say anything else as fear continued to flood through him. Harry stumbled off to the chamber behind them. Once he was out of sight, Albus shook himself awake. He took command, all his serene feelings now long gone, and told all the other students to return to their dorms, as Karkaroff and Madame Maxime did the same for their own students. Albus turned to his factuality, all of them half risen from their seats and silently asked them to take charge. They understood the message and they all got up, leading all the children out of the Great Hall.
Albus on the other hand was unaware of what was happening around him. He just stood there, the bit of charred parchment clenched tightly in his hand. A million thoughts now passing through his mind; theories to how this could've happened and why, as well as some possible way he could somehow get Harry out of this tournament…
Only when the hall was empty except for himself, Minerva, Severus, Alastor, Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Ludo Bagman, and Barty Crouch did he snap out of his endless thoughts.
Ludo had quickly gone on ahead to check on the champions and tell them what had just happened. The others crowded around him, demanding for some explanation, but Albus had none to give them. It was only with resentment did he silently followed Ludo with all the others behind him.
Albus has clearly known all year that Voldemort has been planning something involving Harry… the problem was that he had no idea what that was or when it would happen. It became clear to him since last year that the signs have been pointing in a very dangerous direction. Bertha Jorkins has vanished in Albania; Frank Bryce has disappeared at the Riddle House; Harry's scar is hurting; and the prophecy predicting Voldemort's imminent return to power.
Ever since then, he had been more careful, taking more precautions than he ever had before. Everything he thought would help to keep Harry safe…
Albus knew better than anybody that if Voldemort is indeed on the road to recovery, he almost certainly has a plan. Voldemort always had a plan. And since the day Voldemort was vanquished by an infant Harry Potter, Albus has known that Voldemort's next plan would involve the boy.
But all he had been able to do was wait for a hint for what Voldemort was planning…
And does he ever get a hint…
Harry's name comes out of the Goblet of Fire…
Which means that, not only does Voldemort have a plan, but that his plan—whatever it may be—is working.
(So now the tournament had begun and Dumbledore's worst fear has just come to passed. Sorry for the wait, but the farther we go into the years, the harder it becomes to write. I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter however and I'll be putting up the next one soon hopefully. Thanks again…)