Author's Note: This part will be structured a little differently, you'll see:) A bit more gory/dark themes, humour will be served soon enough.
Part II - Chapter 1
Albus
His wrinkled hands reached for the papers,
3rd of June 1994
'Ludicrous Disappearance of the two Hogwarts Champions'
Reeta Skeeter
Against all odds, Hogwarts has proven to be on top. First with the rare allowance of two Hogwarts champions. Next, despite their young age, the champions performed better than the competing champions of Beauxbatons; Fleur Delacour, and Durmstrang; Viktor Krum. In a total surprise coup, both champions reached the trophy at the same point and simply vanished! Where are they? Speculations run wild! Are they hiding in Hogwarts, secretly feasting their great victory? Bathing in sun city, on an early break for the holiday? Or is it an independent statement of the two boys, mocking the triwizard tournament? Perhaps they are completing an extra round of competition, seeing as Diggory and Potter would both be declared winners otherwise. The lax response from Hogwrats leads us to believe there is no real danger.
He put it away and reached for the next,
4th of June 1994
Reeta Skeeter
Her name was enough to dissuade further reading,
6th of June 1994
Perilous Danger : Misters Diggory and Potter still Missing.
Harper Bones
After the continued disappearance of Cedric Diggory -seventh year Hufflepuff, son of Amos and Cassandra Diggory, and Harry Potter -fourth year Gryffindor, son of Lily and James Potter. Hogwarts has officially cast a missing persons complaint at the DMLE office. Despite my predecessors flair for the theatrics, the question remains; Two Hogwarts school wizards are missing. What could have caused this worrying disappearance? The Aurors have been discharged and will restlessly pursue this matter. The scope has transcended a national crisis, it has reached international levels. Aurors from the French Ministry, and Durmstrang's country of origin have been charged with searching for our champions. Muggle media will equally be alerted. I repeat, we are in a national crisis, two high profile children have been missing. Please keep your children and loved ones safe. The public is urged to notify the Ministry, should they come across any suspicions or hints.
Albus Dumbledore signed and stopped reading the paper. Against his better judgement, Albus had allowed Harry to participate in the tournament. He'd only wished the vivacious young boy to have a chance at a regular life, meet students from Europe's best magic schools and discover the extent of wizarding society. He was hoping this year would be better. He would socialize and make friends, and face important tasks that would ultimately prepare him for the final task.
Never had he imagined it leading to Harry's own doom. First he was ostracized by the whole school -for stealing Hogwarts real champion's spotlight. Next, he actually performed well on the tasks, making him a natural enemy for other champions. Dumbledore sighed in disappointment. That was the issue with plans, there were innumerable small factors that seeped into them, no matter how well-thought out and how much magic was utilized.
It had been a few days yet neither Harry nor Cedric Diggory had been spotted. Aurours had been called alas -with Skeeters incessant dwindling- and the presence of several notable ministry workers (Bagshot, Crouch Senior and the representatives of both Magical schools). The disappearance of two champions could not be negated any longer.
Hogwarts became a small scandal. The news was spread throughout Europe within the next few days. And would inevitably reach the entire magical community, colonies to east-Asia (more interconnected with European ministries)
Dumbledore would even face a legal tribune (Wizengamot hearing) to temporarily rescind his role as headmaster of Hogwarts. Whilst the entire staff was under scrutiny, as Headmaster he was responsible and thus the first to be charged. Plus his advocacy for muggleborn rights -radical views, façon de vie, peculiarities, did not bode well with the traditional families sitting in court. Dumbledore had never tried to align himself with them. He could have, rather easily. After his defeat of Grindelwald he was sought everywhere. They were all in awe of him and would have gladly kissed his feet, had he asked for it. Instead he purposely chose to mis-align himself from them, to not become disillusioned with power, lose sight of himself, as Grindelwald had. He had learned his important lesson.
He was not so concerned with losing Hogwarts. It had become more of a pet project, he enjoyed the office and the respect being Headmaster bought him. His principal source of concern was Harry. Dumbledore had several means at his disposition. As Harry's magical guardian he could invoke a ritual to trace his location. He could cast the tracer spell of his wand (holly with a phoenix feather), he could even use the blood of Lily Evan's sister to trace him.
The only thought stalling him was that Harry would return, on his own. Despite his hardships and little tests Dumbledore threw his way, Harry had a knack for lucking his way out of them. He didn't want to use up his one-time trackers until such time when Riddle had returned. Having had two years to analyze the diary, Dumbledore was certain Riddle had made a horcrux. As it captured the essence of his seventeen year self, Albus had surmised it was Riddle's first. He could only guess how many he'd made. It was what kept him in a half-alive state the last 10 years. Searching through ancient tomes, Albus had come across a ritual to bring a soul back to life. Without Riddle adopting a Corporeal form, and destroying his horcrux - more than one if what he suspected was true - could he be truly defeated?
These days thinking too much tired him, he sighed once more and sipped his lukewarm coffee as his eyes dropped to the rest of Harper's article.
In connection with the disappearance, all Hogwarts staff; headmaster, professors, medics, librarians, care-takers, all adult Guests related to the triwizard tournament, close contracts of the missing persons; Misters Ayden Goldstein, Justin Brown and Miss Cho Chang (for Mister Diggory) along with Mister Ronald Weasley, Miss Hermione Granger and Miss Parvati Patel (Mister Potter), and the other two champions; Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour, will be taken to the DMLE. Questioned for any pertaining clues under Ms. Amelia Bones leadership. Read the next pages for her statement. Minister Fudge has yet to issue one.