Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns everything except my original characters including Lucy & Molly
Authors Note: Hello to all my wonderful readers, reviewers and favouriters out there. I can't believe we've reached chapter thirty. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter Thirty: Preemptive Strike, Guests Arrive, Champions Chosen & Harry Suspects
The latest week of school had gone by very swiftly and for the most part had been very enjoyable.
He enjoyed his various lessons with the exception of History of Magic and had spent much time out of classes with his friends, Brother and girlfriend.
They hadn't even had to deal with Nott and his cronies that week which was a welcome relief.
It did make it clear to Harry however that Nott and his cronies were definitely about to carry out some dastardly plan to hurt them and thus their preemptive strike plans had been accelerated.
That Saturday morning found not just the New Marauders but also Fred, George and Lee Jordan in the Room of Requirement being appraised of the plan "so it's agreed then" Harry concluded looking round at the others "Nev will antagonise the Slytherins causing them to pursue him" Harry flashed a smile at his friend who grinned back "he's agreed to let them attack him until we bring in the Professors. They get punished and forced to cancel their plots in fear of further punishment".
"It's a bold plan Harry" Fred or George said.
"But they might hurt Neville worse than you think" finished George or Fred.
Before Harry could reply to this sensible concern Neville had got there first "I'm not scared of what they do to me guys" he told the Twins "we need to do something now before their sinister plan comes to fruition".
The Twins conceded the point and Harry clapped Neville on the shoulder "so it's all agreed then" he said.
Everyone nodded or voiced assent though Harry could see that Molly who'd also been invited was looking worried about the whole thing.
Harry couldn't say he was surprised as the two had been spending more and more time together that week outside of classes.
The afternoon arrived and the New Marauders plus Fred, George and Lee were all waiting concealed, except for Hermione who was to bring Professor Snape to watch as the Slytherins targeted Neville.
Harry was glade that his virtual Uncle was a good man who would put a stop to this barbaric plan by his students.
He shuddered to think what could have happened if his almost Uncle was a biased man.
They waited for a few moments and saw Neville was in position.
He flashed Harry the thumbs up.
Nott and his cronies exited the Great Hall.
Pansy Parkinson and the others were laughing, no doubt at some witticism of Nott's.
They almost passed by Neville when he called out to them "hey cowards!".
As one, the students turned to glare at him "yeah that's right I called you cowards!" he told them bravely "you think you can just plot and scheme against us and get away with it? you're just as bad as your Deatheater Parents!".
Nott and the others were approaching Neville now.
Crabbe and Goyle were cracking their knuckles menacingly while Parkinson had her wand out and was aiming it at Neville.
As they reached Neville who never took his eyes off of Nott's, Nott said coldly "get him".
Crabbe and Goyle fell on Neville.
He tried to hold them off but their bulk overcame him.
They began to punch and kick him while Parkinson fired off a few spells to bind him.
Once he was bound, Nott approached and began to punch and kick Neville while pointing a wand at his chest.
Harry and the others heard loud urgent footsteps and he was relieved to see Severus come into view looking concerned at first and then furious "what is the meaning of this?!" he shouted in outrage as he looked at the Slytherins.
"Now" Harry whispered to the other New Marauders, Lee, George and Fred.
They all moved from their hiding place and walked towards the scene of action "what's happened Professor?" he asked.
Professor Snape looked at him. He looked serious "I regret to say your friend Mr Longbottom has been attacked Harry" he told Harry sounding upset "and I regret to say that it was my students who are responsible".
In a moment, Harry and the others had whipped out their wands and were aiming them at Nott and his cronies.
"There will be no more fighting" Professor Snape announced calmly.
He glared at his Slytherins "Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, you will all receive a months worth of detentions, the suspension of Hogsmeade visits for the rest of the school year and I shall be writing to your Parents about this. I also am shocked to say I must dock my own house eighty points".
The four Slytherins looked dumbfounded at the decision and Nott who clearly did not know when to shut up, shouted "my Father will stop this! it's an outrage!".
Harry watched in satisfaction as Professor Snape approached the arrogant prat and said rather coldly "you tell him boy. I dare say he will be embarrassed at his so called "sophisticated" Son setting upon another student using Muggle fighting techniques" he quirked an eyebrow up "so by all means write to him".
Nott's face turned even more red. He spluttered and seemed unable to speak "get back to the Slytherin common room you four" Professor Snape told the Slytherins "I shall speak with all of you later about the details of the detentions. Be off with you!".
The four Slytherins slunk away looking suitably chastised.
"You'd better get Neville to the Hospital Wing Harry" Professor Snape advised "I don't think he'll need to be kept in but she'll want to see him".
Harry smiled "thanks Professor".
He and the others guided Neville away to the Hospital Wing and on the way there Harry remarked "you Nev have nerves of steel".
"Yeah I don't know how you stood up to it" Draco agreed with a smile.
Neville, despite his busted lip and black eye, grinned widely "I'm willing to do anything to keep my friends safe" he told them all.
Harry felt so touched by the sentiment that he drew Neville into a hug that was joined by everyone else.
Harry was proud of Neville that next day and his pride widened to include happiness when he and the others learned of just what punishments had been meted out to Nott and Co for their disgraceful attack on a fellow student "Nott's been set to helping Filch clean all of the schools toilets and bathrooms without magic for the next month while Crabbe and Goyle will have to help Snape prepare various horrible creatures for his Potions work and Parkinson has to clean every single trophy, case and the floor of the Trophy Room" Hagrid informed them as they had tea with him that Sunday afternoon.
Harry and the others couldn't help their grins at such news "this should teach Nott not to mess with us and keep out of our way for the rest of this year" Ron said fiercely.
"He knows what we can do now" Hermione said sipping her tea "he won't risk plotting anything else now".
"Especially when Professor Moody can turn him into a ferret" Neville said with a smirk.
At these words Harry's mind turned to his Fathers old mentor.
He still had the feeling that something was badly wrong with the man and he didn't think it was the usual paranoia.
He just felt that something was off about Moody.
He hadn't told anyone of these fears as he had no real proof but he had the feeling that there was something else in the flasks out of which Moody drank.
Something in the flasks that wasn't alcohol.
So far he'd not had the chance to find out conclusively and until he did he had resolved to say nothing.
The lessons with Moody had got more and more bizarre though as Moody had this week been teaching them how to avoid the Killing Curse by way of using their reflexes and casting shields.
If Harry didn't know any better he'd say that Moody was behaving like a Deatheater for he couldn't think of any reason why someone on the light side would know how to cast such spells.
He was certain he must be wrong though as his Dad, Godfather and Dumbledore were all great friends with Moody and he knew that none of them would ever be friends with a Deatheater.
The Thirtieth of October had rolled around and as Harry got up he had the feeling it would be quite the enjoyable day.
Breakfast was a loud and enjoyable affair as he, his friends, girlfriend and Brother all discussed the students of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons who would be arriving that evening for the Triwizard Tournament "what do you think they'll be like?" he asked them "I mean, I know Beauxbatons is in France and Durmstrang in Bulgaria but I've never been to either country".
Ron looked around "Dad says that they teach the Dark Arts at Durmstrang" he confided in a low voice "they turn out a lot of dark wizards and witches".
"Oh Ronald honestly!" Hermione said in exasperation "just because a few are bad doesn't mean they all are!".
Ron shrugged "just saying what I heard is all" he mumbled as he picked up a piece of toast.
"I hear that some of the female students at Beauxbatons are part Veela" Ginny told them all "I read it in a book on the school from the Hogwarts Library".
"God I hope they aren't" Harry groaned.
He recalled his embarrassing moment at the Quidditch World Cup Final along with Ron and the other men who had been so captivated by the Veela mascots that they'd stood up on the ledge at the front of the box "you'd better not behave like that again Harry Potter!" Ginny warned him.
He gaped at her "how did you know what I was thinking?" he blurted out in surprise.
Ginny grinned "our romantic bond of course" she said casually "I always know what you're thinking".
Harry couldn't believe it.
It was bad enough having Draco read his thoughts and feeling but with Ginny doing the same he'd never have any space for himself and much as he loved the pair of them he did need space sometimes.
The rest of the day went well.
Harry had an enjoyable lesson in Charms with him successfully getting right the incantation for a heating charm and receiving praise and five points from the diminutive Professor Flitwick.
In Transfiguration they were set to the task of transfiguring a chair using a pile of wood.
Hermione managed it her first go to little surprise as did Draco while Harry and Neville both did it the second time round. Poor Ron only got it half right and ended up with a chair that had a broken seat.
After a free period and a fun lunch where they spent time planning a school wide prank, it was time for Potions.
As Harry entered the Professor Snape's cold dungeon classroom he was intrigued to note that while most of the Slytherins were sat with Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass were both sat at the opposite end of the desks as far away from them as possible and were receiving sneering looks from the others.
As Harry passed Nott he and the other New Marauders received scowls from him and his cronies.
Harry merely rolled his eyes and ignored the pettiness. He had a lesson to focus on and getting good grades was more important than some rivalry.
As he took his seat he received nods of respect from both Greengrass and Zabini.
He recollected that neither of their Parents were or had been Deatheaters and he felt that he could trust them.
He nodded back and then turned his attention to Professor Snape who was writing on the chalkboard "now class, today I will be teaching you how to make a potion for removing scars, blemishes and cuts from your skin" he tapped the chalkboard "if you turn your attention to the board it has all the necessary instructions. If you need help, raise your hand and I will endeavour to assist you".
The class went on as normal after that, minus the usual sneering comments from Nott. Harry, Draco and Hermione all found the potion easy enough to brew from following the instructions.
It also helped that Hermione had made sure they read all of their textbooks from cover to cover during the summer to make sure they knew everything.
The only two of their group to require help were Neville and Ron who'd never been particularly great at potions.
With help from Harry who helped Ron and Hermione who helped Neville they managed to make good potions if not outstanding ones.
Harry noted as well that most of the other Gryffindor's did quite well although Seamus needed a bit of assistance which he received from Draco.
Halfway through the lesson just as Harry was stirring the potion in his cauldron as per instructions there was a loud explosion from the other side of the classroom.
Every one of the Gryffindor's plus Zabini and Greengrass stared over in the direction of the sound and could see that Goyle's cauldron had blown up again.
'It doesn't matter how much help he gets he's still a dunderhead' Harry thought in amusement.
He glanced at his Brother and saw that Draco was smirking.
Harry had another thought 'dunderhead? oh god! I'm beginning to think like Uncle Sev!'.
"Which of you caused this?" the Professor demanded of the Slytherins.
Goyle rather painfully raised his arm. Professor Snape rolled his eyes "you idiot Goyle! you could have hurt everyone here!" he turned to Crabbe "Crabbe! take Goyle to the Hospital Wing to be checked over. You are excused from the rest of the lesson" glaring at Goyle he declared "I also think a ten point deduction is in order and a lecture on safety to be conducted this evening after the feast" he waved Goyle and Crabbe away who picked up their school bags and left.
To glares from the other Slytherins for losing ten points and loud guffawing from the Gryffindor's at amusement from the incident.
That afternoon at four thirty the bell rang throughout the school to signify the end of the classes for the day.
Harry, Draco, Hermione, Neville and Ron ran all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, gave that terms password which was "King Arthur" and entered the common room through the portrait hole.
They passed numerous other students from both Year Five and above and Third Year and below, all of them chatting animatedly about their soon to be visitors and what they'd be like.
After they deposited their bags in their dorm rooms the New Marauders waited in the common room for Fred, George, Lee Jordan and Ginny.
They then walked happily down the various staircases to the Entrance Hall.
Harry had his hand grasped firmly in Ginny's.
When they reached the Entrance Hall they heard a familiar, slightly dreamy, voice call out "hey guys. Glad I found you".
They turned and found their friend Luna Lovegood coming towards them.
She hugged Ginny and Hermione and took Draco's hand.
The whole group of New Marauders then shuffled out into the grounds and took up their positions in the long and very large group of students and staff that had gathered to meet their esteemed guests.
Harry saw that the occasion had drawn the owl like Professor Trelawney down from her tower room.
He was grateful that she did not spot him as he recalled being told of her ominous predictions last year by Ron and Neville.
Hagrid was standing near them wearing an ugly brown suit, his hair slicked back into a manageable state.
"Alrigh you lot?" he asked jovially.
They all said they were and Harry asked "Hagrid why the suit?".
Hagrid smiled "well, got to look me best haven I?".
Harry grinned.
He heard a flap of wings and asked Draco "can you hear that Bro?".
Draco nodded and frowned "yeah but I can't see where it's coming from".
The whole school were now directing their attention up to the overcast sky trying to spot the source of the noise.
For many minutes nothing could be seen to indicate the noise but then the flapping of wings became louder and louder and louder!.
Suddenly, through the clouds burst what looked to be a carriage flying through the sky pulled by several horses.
Harry couldn't see any detail until it got closer.
As it got nearer to the castle and began to descend he noted that it was all white with gold trim.
As large as a house and pulled by the largest horses that Harry had ever seen in his life.
He realised in alarm that the carriage's trajectory would carry it to a very close distance to the waiting staff and students.
The carriage neared them and most people were forced to duck to avoid being hit.
The carriage circled once around the school as it began to slow.
It descended lightly to earth and came to a rest near the front of the castle.
In moments, a man in a blue waistcoat and brown boots rushing to open the carriage door and place steps for the carriages occupants to step out.
The students trailed out one by one. Mostly girls and but some boys as well.
The girls surveyed the castle disdainfully as though it was beneath them.
That made Harry angry.
He was pleased to note that the boys however seemed much more interested in their surroundings.
Once the students had exited the carriage, large footsteps could be heard from within and out stepped the tallest person Harry had ever seen and he counted Hagrid in that.
He could not even begin to guess her height but given the way she towered over everyone else he knew she had to have some giants blood in her.
He noticed that she was wearing a long blue dress with sequins and a mock fur coat and despite her height she walked gracefully past her students who fell into line behind her.
As she reached Professor Dumbledore she bent down so he could kiss her hand.
He did so with a beaming smile "Good evening Madam Maxime and what a pleasure it is to see you here at Hogwarts" he said warmly.
The woman smiled "it is good to see you Dumbleydore" she responded in English but with a heavy French accent "but my gods it is chilly out ere!" she added as she pulled her coat closer to her.
"These are my students" she declared, gesturing behind her at the various boys and girls who stood waiting respectfully.
Dumbledore bowed to them and they bowed back "it is good to see all of you" he said jovially and then to Madame Maxime he asked "shall we wait out here for Professor Asimov or would you prefer to head inside?" he asked kindly.
Madam Maxime considered the question for a moment before replying "I think we should wait for them. It would be the height of bad manners to go in without them".
Dumbledore smiled at her "courteous as ever" he said warmly.
The students of Beauxbatons stood in a row on either side of their Headmistress who stood next to Dumbledore and everyone waited with baited breath for the students of Durmstrang.
"Isn't Professor Asimov a dark wizard?" Neville asked.
"Nothing was ever proved" Hermione told him quietly.
It didn't take long before a loud splashing sound could be heard on the nearby river.
"What's that?" Ron asked in confusion.
"Probably nothing important" Harry replied.
He was soon proved wrong as the splashing continued and got closer and closer and then with a loud crashing sound a ships mast emerged from the deep river much to the amazement of everyone present who began to talk loudly about it.
In a few more moments the rest of the ship emerged and moved up to the shore.
Steps were thrown down on the bank and boys and men in heavy fur coats and cloaks and wearing fur hats, strode down the steps onto the riverbank and waited.
Harry noticed they were all carrying magical staffs and assumed that it must be something they were taught to use at Durmstrang.
Soon two men appeared.
One looked young. He was not wearing a fur hat and Harry could see close cropped hair and dark eyes.
The man looked around in interest in his surroundings but was soon chivied on by another older man wearing a black fur hat.
The older man was tall and had a weasel like face.
As the older and younger man approached trailed by the students the older man greeted Dumbledore warmly but to Harry falsely "ah Dumbledore it is good to see you again my friend!" the man said through crooked teeth.
Harry disliked him immediately feeling there was something false about him.
Dumbledore smiled though this seemed forced "likewise it is good to see you again Asimov" he declared as he shook the mans hand.
The older man pushed forward the younger man that Harry recognised with a start was Victor Krum the Bulgaria international Seeker "this is Victor our chosen Champion" Asimov informed Dumbledore who looked surprised at the choice having been already made.
Harry glanced at Ron and rolled his eyes.
His friends eyes had grown as large as dinner plates and he was mumbling "Krum. Victor Krum. Here. At Hogwarts".
Harry smirked "a bit starstruck Ron?" he quipped, causing everyone else to laugh.
"Who wouldn't be?" Ron answered still staring at the Bulgarian in complete awe.
"Ah my dear Madame Maxime. How good to see you" Asimov said as he kissed the tall woman's hand.
Harry could tell that she did not like the man much "shall we all move inside then?" Dumbledore asked "we have a large feast prepared in honour of your visit".
He received assent from the other two Heads and together they walked up the steps and in through the large double doors to Hogwarts Castle, followed by the students and staff including Moody who gave Harry a funny look for a moment.
Once everyone reached the Great Hall they began to take their seats with the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students spreading themselves out cautiously at the various House Tables.
To the utter delight of Ron, Victor Krum chose an empty space on the Gryffindor table and Hermione had to elbow the redhead to stop him staring like a devoted puppy.
Once they were all seated Professor Dumbledore appealed for quiet and began his speech "esteemed guests of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, staff and students of Hogwarts, please give a warm welcome to the organiser of our great event "Cornelius Fudge recently appointed Head of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic!".
In strode a man clad in a hideous lime green striped suit wearing an equally hideous green bowler hat.
He was smiling widely at the students and staff who reluctantly clapped for him as he strode between the House tables towards the Staff table "even us Irish don't like that much green" Seamus joked causing all the nearby Gryffindor's to burst out laughing.
Once he was seated Dumbledore again asked for quiet and announced "and now one of our judges, a man who will also commentate for the various tasks "Mr Ludo Bagman!".
There was a roar of sound as Ludo Bagman entered the hall.
Most students and many staff were on their feet cheering and applauding him.
Bagman smiled widely and genuinely and waved at his admirers.
He shook hands with Dumbledore, exchanged a few words and sat down next to a sour looking Fudge.
"And now that our two esteemed guests have arrived..." Professor Dumbledore turned to Argus Filch "Mr Filch if you please" he gestured.
Filch strode over to something covered in a large purple cloth and proceeded to carefully remove said cloth.
Most people in the hall gasped in awe at the object that was revealed.
It was a large metal basin on a stone stand.
Professor Dumbledore strode down to it and explained "this is the Goblet of Fire. Using this we shall determine who the Champions will be that will compete in this latest Triwizard Tournament".
He looked around sternly at the students "in view of the dangerous nature of the tasks involved in this tournament myself and the other judges with full agreement from Mr Fudge have come to the decision to only allow students seventeen and over to compete as these students are adults and better understand the risks".
Harry thought it sounded very sensible and reasonable but evidently the Weasley Twins didn't agree as they shouted "rubbish!" very loudly and many others yelled their disapproval.
"Silence!" bellowed Dumbledore angrily "this measure has been taken to protect the lives of the students and to ensure it is not disobeyed I shall be drawing an age line around it to prevent students who are too young from entering!" he aimed his wand at the base of the goblet, murmured a few words and a fine white circle appeared around the goblet "no one who is under seventeen may now cross this line" he told everyone before adding "any student of eligible age who wishes to enter their name has until the beginning of the feast tomorrow night when the Champions will be chosen".
He looked very serious now as he declared "but be warned, this tournament is not for the faint of heart. The tasks involved will tax mind and body thoroughly. You must be sure you are willing to take such risks. Fellow witches and wizards, as of now the Triwizard Tournament...has begun!".
At breakfast the following morning there was much talk and speculation on who would enter.
"I heard Cedric Diggory's entering for Hufflepuff" Hermione informed them as she poured milk on her shreddies.
"A Hufflepuff!" Ron exclaimed "Hogwarts would be a laughing stock!".
Harry rolled his eyes at this pronouncement.
"I heard Angelina is going to put her name in!" Neville said excitedly.
That made Harry happy. He really hoped a Gryffindor would be picked or at least that it wouldn't be a Slytherin.
"Wouldn't it be great to win all that prize money" Ron said dreamily.
Harry shifted guiltily. He was always wary discussing money with Ron given his family didn't have much "uh...yeah" he said noncommittally.
That day went about as normal as any day could go at Hogwarts.
Harry had fun lessons in Herbology, Defence Against The Dark Arts and a very dull lesson in History of Magic where he took the chance to get some sleep.
Afternoon lessons had been cancelled due to it being Halloween and Harry was picked up by his Dad for their annual hour long trip to the graveyard of the Godric's Hollow church where they spent the hour tidying it up, placing flowers, talking and reminiscing.
Harry returned to Hogwarts late that afternoon after having lunch at Marauder Manor and met his friends in Dumbledore's Office "you'll never guess who's going to try to enter!" Ron said enthusiastically.
"Who?" Harry asked intrigued.
"Fred and George!" Ron exclaimed.
"But they aren't old enough are they?" Harry said.
"No they aren't" Ginny chipped in.
"So?" Ron said stubbornly.
"So Ronald it won't work!" Hermione said in exasperation.
It was evident the rest of the New Marauders had been talking about this for several hours since he'd left.
"Hermione's right you know Ron. They'll never get away with it" Harry reasoned.
Ron just grunted and Harry rolled his eyes at his friends stubbornness.
The group of New Marauders entered the Great Hall to find several Seventh Years adding their names into the Goblet.
Harry saw Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff put his name in as did Angelina Johnson who high fived one of her friends and looked quite confident.
Then Fred and George stepped up. Harry noticed that the two redheads were each carrying a vial of something milky coloured.
He glanced at Draco who was good at recognising potions "an ageing potion" he told Harry.
Harry sighed, grinned and leaned back to enjoy what he was sure was about to happen.
Fred and George got claps on the back and cheers from the students as they downed the potion.
Fred or George (Harry couldn't tell which) said "shall we?".
The other Twin nodded and they jumped over the age line.
They high fived each other and grinned at the other students.
Harry was surprised and about to clap himself when he saw Hermione's grinning face "wait for it" she said in a voice of suppressed mirth.
The Twins were just about to put their name's into the Goblet when there was a loud bang and they were flung backwards out of the circle, coming to rest near Harry's feet.
Harry gaped in surprise as did most of the other students.
Fred and George then stood up and looked each other up and down.
Harry couldn't help but burst into a hearty laugh at the sight before his eyes.
The Twins had not only been expelled from the circle for being too young, the ageing potion they had consumed in conjunction with the age line had caused them to actually age.
They now sported long white hair, long white beards and had white hair sprouting from their ears.
"Oh...oh help!" Harry guffawed "I can't..." he burst out laughing again.
"It's your fault!" one of the Twins shouted.
"It's bloody not! it's your fault!" the other one shouted and in a moment the two of them had tackled each other and were rolling about on the floor.
Draco must seen who was approaching before anyone as he jabbed Harry in the ribs "huh?" Harry said and then looked at the doorway.
Approaching the two brawling wizards was Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Far from looking angry however he looked thoroughly amused as he took in the scene before him "well well well" he said smiling "what do we have here?".
"They tried to enter the Tournament Professor" Hermione revealed.
Professor Dumbledore chuckled and hauled the two boys up "did I not tell you what would happen?" he said in amusement.
The Twins looked sheepish "can't blame a guy for trying" one of them said hoarsely.
Dumbledore chuckled again "indeed not Mr Weasley" he replied "you two had better see Madam Pomfrey. We don't allow students in their seventies to study here" the Headmaster quipped causing all of the other students to laugh loudly.
The evening rolled around and it was time for the Halloween feast.
Harry was in two minds about it.
One the one hand he didn't like Halloween just due to what had happened thirteen years ago but on the other hand he was itching to find out just who had been picked to be the Champions for each school.
His really hoped Angelina would be the Champion for Hogwarts as he liked her and she was a very capable witch though to be truthful he'd be happy with anyone provided it wasn't a Slytherin.
As he and the other New Marauders entered the Great Hall for the feast and the choosing of the Champions he noted that the large Goblet was ready near the steps leading up to the Staff table.
As he sat down in his usual place he once again caught Moody's eye and noted that his Dad's mentor was giving him a very funny look.
He shook it off and focused on Professor Dumbledore who was now waiting to speak "we shall eat first and then have the choosing of the Champions" he announced "tuck in".
Mountains of food and drink appeared and included many foreign dishes that Harry had never seen before.
He presumed the House Elves had been instructed to serve some Bulgarian and French delicacies to make the students feel more at home at Hogwarts.
As he pile potatoes and meat onto his plate together with many vegetables he saw Hagrid chatting away happily to of all people Madam Maxime.
He grinned as he recognised the look in his friends eyes.
There was no mistaking it. Hagrid fancied her.
The feast went by happily as most people enjoyed the varied foods on offer all except a few of the Beauxbatons girls who seemed to turn their nose up at the British foods while choosing the French ones.
Finally the dessert bowls and plated vanished and the food portion of the feast was ended.
Harry and everyone else in the room sat and waited with mounting anticipation as Professor Dumbledore moved slowly from the Staff table down to the Goblet and declared "I shall now reveal who the three Champions are for Durmstrang, Beauxbatons and Hogwarts respectively" he informed everyone "when I call your name please exit the hall through this side door" he motioned to a door on the left side of the room that was open and waiting for the Champions.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, waved his wand over the Goblet and murmured the incantation.
The fire inside the Goblet changed from a dormant blue to an aggressive red. It hissed and spat and a piece of parchment containing a name flew out and fluttered down into the old wizards outstretched hand.
Dumbledore unrolled it and read out "the Champion for Durmstrang is Mr Victor Krum!".
There was great cheering and applause from the Durmstrang students and from it's Headmaster who looked delighted and polite applause from most others in the room.
Krum stood up and headed over to Professor Dumbledore and Mr Fudge he shook their hands before exiting the room through the open door.
"And now the Beauxbatons Champion!" Dumbledore called out.
Once again the Goblet spat out some parchment which Dumbledore caught "the Beauxbatons Champion is Miss Fleur Delacour!" the Beauxbatons students cheered and clapped loudly as did many of the male Hogwarts students. Harry didn't as he was mindful of Ginny staring at him and in any case he found Ginny just as attractive.
Once Fleur had disappeared through the door Dumbledore called out "and finally, the Hogwarts Champion is..." the parchment floated down "Mr Cedric Diggory!".
Harry felt disappointment as Diggory stood up acknowledging the cheers and clapping, shook Dumbledore's hand and went through the open door "I wish it was Angelina" Harry said.
"Me too but we should support him anyway" Hermione reasoned.
Harry found he couldn't argue with this.
Dumbledore called for silence once more and began to speak "so there you have it fellow wizards and witches. Our three Champions have been chosen and all that remains is for them to prepare for..." he was distracted by someone tugging at his robes.
He looked to his right and saw it was Severus "yes Severus?" he said.
"Headmaster...the Goblet" was all Severus could say.
Dumbledore looked at the Goblet and stared in open mouthed disbelief.
The Goblet had turned red once again and spat out another piece of parchment!.
Feeling dazed and confused by this turn of events the old wizard unrolled the parchment and stared at the name on it for several moments, clearly unable to comprehend what it said.
Eventually his decided it wasn't a dream. He was truly reading the name.
He called out loudly "Harry Potter!".