She was not surprised to have been chosen as her school's champion. There simply was no other option. Who, other than herself, would the cup have chosen? Celine Blanc? She can't do anything unless a step-by-step instruction manual is in front of her . Amelie Lemaire? The girl would crack under the pressure immediately. No. The cup's only choice was Fleur Isabelle Delacour, the greatest witch of her age.
She smiled to herself as she walked down the stairs into the antechamber. She remembered her new friends' cheers as she was chosen. She remembered how her heart sang out at seeing Harry's proud smile. She never really had friends, not counting Olympe, so it surprised her to no end as to how good it felt. How right it felt to be wanted.
She opened the door at the end of the antechamber and came across the Hogwarts and Durmstrang champions. Cedric Diggory was a tall, extremely handsome young man. His chiseled features and wavy hair sent many Hogwarts girls crazy. Viktor Krum was slightly shorter than Cedric. The thin, sallow man had short dark hair and extremely dark eyes. Both turned to her as she came into the chamber. As expected, both men's eyes glassed over as they watched her approach. To their credit, though, they regained a semblance of composure after a minute. She shook hands with both of them and went to stand by the fireplace, awaiting the judges entrance.
A few minutes later, she heard the chamber door open and turned to see Harry standing there. She never got tired of seeing him. As she approached him, however, she could see that something was wrong
"'Arry! Do zey want us back in ze Hall?" She asked kindly.
Harry just turned to her and looked into her eyes. He said nothing, yet his eyes expressed all the hurt, anger and confusion that he was experiencing.
Fleur walked up to him and cupped his face with her hands. "What iz it. What 'appened?"
At that very moment, the door burst open and Dumbledore briskly walked in, followed by the judges, the other Headmasters and a few Hogwarts teachers. Ludo Bagman loudly came in last.
"Extraordinary!" he proclaimed. "Absolutely extraordinary! Gentlemen… lady," he said with a small bow as he approached the champions. "May I introduce, for the first time ever, the fourth Triwizard Champion!"
Fleur straightened up and turned to Harry. "What does he mean, fourth champion?"
Harry seemed to be staring into space, having neither heard her or the other outbursts.
"Very funny joke Mr. Bagman" Viktor said with a scowl.
"Joke?" Bagman repeated. "No, not at all my dear boy. Harry's name just came out of the Goblet of Fire!"
Fleur quickly cut in, "Zere must 'ave been a mistake. E' cannot compete, It is too dangerous!". As she said this, she put her arm a protective arm around her beloved, holding him tightly.
"As you know, the age restriction has only been put in place this year as an extra safety precaution. And since his name came out of the goblet, he is magically bound to compete. Harry will just have to do the best he—"
"Dumbledore, what is the meaning of this?" an incensed looking Karkaroff asked. "Two Hogwarts champions? How is this fair to any of the other schools?" He asked as he looked to Madam Maxime for support.
Maxime could only watch as her favorite student's chosen mate had been effectively given the death penalty. She knew that the ministry had taken extra precautions this year, but she had also read about the tournament's carnage and bloodshed. She felt a great deal of pity for this young man who must now face insurmountable odds.
"I do not know what 'happened, Igor, but it is said and done. Young Mr. Potter must compete." Maxine said with a glare to the Durmstrang Headmaster.
"It is no one's fault other than Potter's," said Snape, softly. His black eyes glaring holes into Harry's back. "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Potter's determination for breaking rules. He has been crossing lines ever since he stepped foot into this—"
"Thank you, Severus," said the tired looking Dumbledore.
"You must have made a mistake with the age line" claimed Karkaroff, his eyes two glinting maliciously.
As the adults in the room started arguing, Fleur dragged Harry two the fireplace and just looked at him. Cupping his head in her hands and silently willing him to look at her. He didn't. He looked shaken up, disturbed on a whole other level. Yet, the closer she looked at him, the more she saw that he was reaching a boiling point.
The argument in the room became impossible to ignore. Mad-Eye Moody (the new defense professor) was arguing with an ever increasingly frustrated Karkaroff.
"It's very simple Karkaroff," Moody's gravely voice began. "Someone put Potter's name in that goblet knowing he'd have to compete if it came out. The only one here with something to complain about is Potter… but I don't hear him saying a word".
"Vhy should he complain?" burst out Viktor Krum, his steely eyes glaring right at Moody. "He has the chance to compete, doesn't he? Ve have all been hoping to be chosen for veeks. This is a chance many vould die for!"
"Maybe someone's hoping Potter is going to die for it" growled Moody.
Silence fell as all heads snapped to look at Moody. Maxime's hand clutched at Fleur's shoulder while her own embrace of Harry became tighter. How could this happen? Why would this happen? What was going on in this fucking school that would cause her Harry so much pain?
"We all know Moody considered the morning wasted if has not uncovered six plots to murder him before lunchtime," Karkaroff spoke into the lingering silence. "Apparently he is now teaching his students to fear assassination too. An odd quality in a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dumbledore, but no doubt you had your reasons."
Maxime interjected softly, "What evidence is zere of of Monsieur Potter being entered into ze tournament to 'ave 'im killed?"
Moody turned to look at her "They hoodwinked a very powerful magical object. It must have taken a very powerful Confundus charm to make the goblet forget that there are only supposed to be 3 champions. There are those who'll turn innocent occasions to their advantage. It's my job to think the way dark wizards do— as Karkaroff ought to remember…"
"Alastor!" said Dumbledore warningly. He addressed the room, "How this situation arose, we do not know. It seems to me, however, that we have no choice but to accept it. Both Cedric and Harry have been chosen to compete in the tournament. This, therefore, they will do…"
"But Dumbledore—" Karkaroff interjected.
"Headmaster Karkaroff, if you have an alternative, I would be delighted to hear it"
He waited, but Karkaroff did not speak, he merely glared. Snape looked livid; Maxime sad; Bagman, however, looked rather excited.
"Got to give our champions their instructions, haven't we? Barty, would you do the honors?" Bagman said while rubbing his hands together and smiling.
He moved forward into the firelight and began to speak. "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 any help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first task armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task after the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests and may choose to not attend class in order to better prepare."
He turned to look at Dumbledore "I think that is all, is it Albus?"
"I think so," said Dumbledore. As soon as the words left his mouth, Karkaroff and Krum left the chamber in a hurry, whispering to each other in rapid Bulgarian. Moody followed them out. Snape and most other teachers left as well.
Most would expect Fleur to be worried about the first task, specifically not knowing what it was. But she wasn't. She knew whatever they threw at her, she could take it. What she was worried about, however, was Harry. A boy—no, young man who had done the impossible and was now being asked to do so again. He did not deserve this. She swore to herself that if she ever found out who put his name in the goblet, they would be begging for the sweet release of death by the time she was done with them.
Maxime gently squeezed Fleur's shoulder, "Fleur, darling, it is time for us to leave. We have much to discuss. I will be waiting outside the chamber for you while you say our good-byes."
She patted Harry's shoulder, gave him a sad little smile, and strode out of the chamber.
Fleur turned to Harry and began speaking in rapid french, "I swear to you,Harry. I swear to you that I will help you however I can. I will not lose my closest friend to a stupid tournament. We will get through this together. No matter what I'm getting you out of this alive. I promise."
Harry just looked at Fleur with his piercing green eyes. Fleur felt bare in that moment, as if his eyes were seeing her soul, her very essence. When he opened his arms in invitation, she gladly fell into them. She leaned her head onto his chest, hearing his heart beating fast and strong.
She needed him.
Harry was angry. No, angry wouldn't describe how he was feeling. He was fucking furious. He had spent the entire meeting in the chamber trying to keep calm. Fleur had helped, but it wasn't enough. He needed to speak to the Headmaster.
As soon as Fleur and Maxime left, Cedric, Harry and Dumbledore were the only ones in the chamber.
"What the fuck is wrong with you" Harry said, his voice powerful, yet quiet. "You told me— You PROMISED me that this year would be different! That you would do everything in your power to keep me safe and look what happened! I'm stuck in this stupid, bloody tournament where i could very well die!"
Dumbledore looked older, more tired and defeated. He knew what Potter said was true. He had failed Harry yet again. There was no excuse this time.
"My dear boy, you must understand that—" Dumbledore began.
"NO! I don't want to hear your fucking excuses this time. Every year it's something different. Every year I almost die trying to protect this school and these students that don't even care! I'm done, Dumbledore. I'm done with this bullshit. If you need me… don't." Harry stormed out of the room and leaned on the wall. Exhausted.
Cedric saw both Dumbledore and Harry in a new light. The rumors of Harry's exploits around the castle had always been just that, rumors. But seeing the boy now, he realized that he had been through so much more than anyone. He had always seen Dumbledore as infallible, the perfect leader who could do no wrong. But he saw that the man was just as flawed as anyone else.
He followed Harry out the door, leaving the old man to his troubled thoughts.
Harry saw Cedric approach him as he left the chamber. He put a hand on his shoulder and asked the younger boy if he was alright.
"Sorry you had to see that," Harry said with an awkward smile.
"No worries, mate. It's a bad situation in general." Cedric shrugged. They began walking to their dorms.
"Congratulations on being the school champion," Harry said.
"We're both school champions"
"No, not really. I didn't wanna be in this in the first place. In my mind at least, you're the school champion." Harry smiled. "At least I'll keep the title of Hogwarts best seeker"
Cedric smiled, "Whatever helps you sleep at night you bespectacled git". He turned to Harry, "your lot gonna celebrate?"
"Maybe… I think most of them don't like me. To be honest I just want to go to sleep. If Fred and George have a say in it, though, they'll definitely throw a party… Are you?"
"Definitely" he gave a small laugh. "Being so close to the kitchens, we throw a party for even the most insignificant things. We didn't get a chance to buy Butterbeers or Firewhiskey for the occasion though."
Harry turned to Cedric and gave him that famous crooked Potter smile "I think I can help with that. Follow me".
He led Cedric to a second floor girls' lavatory. As soon as they stepped in, Harry closed the door and locked it. Harry began speaking.
"Do you remember the whole Chamber of Secrets incident two years ago?"
"Who could forget"
Harry chuckled, "Yeah, well this here" he pointed to one of the sinks, "is the entrance to the chamber. I came back early last year and put in a few shelves over the entrance. I keep a few contraband items and a few of Fred and George's more dangerous ingredients here".
He hissed and the sink sank into the floor, revealing a hole going deep into the bowels of the school with a few shelves placed around it.
"Take whatever you need, I certainly don't have any use for it."
Cedric was frozen. He could not believe what he had just seen. He was standing in front of the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. He couldn't help it, he barked out a laugh.
'There really is more to you than meets the eye, Harry. Thank you. I swear I'll pay you back for everything I took" he said as he stuffed a few bottles into a conjured bag.
"It's fine, really. Don't worry—"
"I will pay you back" Cedric said with a sense of finality.
Not wanting to argue, Harry just shrugged his shoulders and closed the opening with another hiss. They walked out of the bathroom.
"You're a good man, Harry" Cedric said, looking up and down the hallway "I'll talk to the Hufflepuffs and make them realize you didn't enter your name in"
"I— Thank you, Ced"
"I guess I'll see you around, mate"
"Yeah, see you. Go have fun and celebrate! You are the Hogwarts Champion after all"
They walked down the corridor, each in a separate direction.
Harry arrived at the portrait of the fat lady. He stopped in front of it and just stood there. Did he want to go in? Did he want to see the looks of disappointment or hear the cheers of elation of his classmates.
"Are you ready to go in, dear? They must all be waiting for you" the Fat Lady said.
"I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be" Said Harry, then gave the password. "Boomslang".
As soon as he crawled through the hole into the common room, pair of hands grabbed him and hoisted him inside.
Fred and George were standing in the center of the room, surrounded by Gryffindor students. All of them were cheering.
"How'd you enter, mate!" Asked Seamus.
"And without getting a beard like the twins!" exclaimed Dean
"I didn't—" Harry began. "I don't know how—"
"Yeah, right" came a voice from the foot of the stairs. "You must think we're all bloody idiots don't you. I can't believe I didn't see this coming. Of course Harry bloody Potter gets everything. Fame, money, that veela was basically draping herself over you. And you know what? I could've bloody put up with it if you weren't such a lying prick. What did you us— the invisibility cloak?" Ron asked angrily.
Harry was stunned. He didn't expect this public argument. He expected Ron to be by his side. To be his best mate. Not what he was seeing right now.
"Listen, the cloak wouldn't have gotten me across the age line without me growing one of the beards the twins have" he said, pointing towards the twins who were looking at Ron with looks of disgust. "and besides, I didn't put my name in that goblet. Someone else must have done it"
Ron's eyebrows shot up and a mock look of surprise came onto his face. "Oh, really? To do what? Kill you? You should really give that a bloody rest, mate. It gets old. We all know why you really did it. A thousand Galleon prize money and more fame to fill your ego with. So that everyone always thinks of Harry. That's what this is about isn't it. Attention. You know what Potter, just fuck off and leave me alone"
Harry just stood there and looked at his former friend as Ron stormed up the stairs, followed by Seamus and Dean as they threw glares at Harry. Harry felt lost. How did this happen? He knew Ron had a jealous streak but this had just been cruel.
Suddenly, he found himself shoulder-to-shoulder on both sides by the twins.
"Cheer up, mate"
"Ickle Ronniekins is being a right git"
"but don't let him ruin your night"
"come sit with us"
"and we'll help you plan"
"a bit of payback"
"against our dear younger brother" they finished together.
"I'm sorry guys," Harry started. "But do you think you could help me find Hermione, I just really need to talk to her.
"Of course, mate"
"anything for our dear champion"
"She's over there by the fire"
"Just remember"
"Our offer still stands" they said with matching mischievous grins.
Harry turned and saw Hermione's bushy hair behind one of the plush armchairs, her nose buried in a book. He smiled, at least she was still the same.
He walked up behind her, meaning to talk to her about Ron's outburst, when she spoke, having heard him approach.
"Why did you do it, Harry?" She asked, a slight tremble in her voice.
"Why— what do you mean?" Harry asked, bewildered.
"Was it the Veela? Was this all just some ploy to try and impress her? If so, why lie about it? Why always make it about you!" She accused.
"'Mione, you know I didn't enter my name. Please belie—"
"Don't" she snapped. "Just don't, Harry. I can't believe you. I thought you were better than this. What happened to the boy who I followed to save the Philosopher's Stone. What happened to you!"
"Maybe Ron was right," she said, tears falling down her face. "Maybe you are just an attention seeking, glory hound". She stood up.
Harry looked at her. His eyes brimming with unshed tears. He was being abandoned. He was alone. Again. He thought Hermione would understand. Hermione had always been the logical one. She had always done what was right. He had thought she would always be there for him. He felt like he was back in the cupboard under the stairs.
"'Mione. Please" He croaked out.
"Have fun with your Veela, Harry." she said. She turned around, and walked up the stairs to the girls dormitory.
He sank into the couch next to him and stared into space, thinking of everything that just happened. how could a day go from perfect, to absolutely horrible in an hour. Why did it always have to be him? Why did Fate deem him as her private whipping boy? Had he not suffered enough? Was the Dursleys abuse not punishment enough for the crimes he committed in Fate's eyes?
Would this nightmare ever end.
People didn't come up to bother him, either because they thought him a liar, or just wanted to give him space. Eventually, Katie Bell walked up and sat next to him. She didn't say anything, just held his hand in her lap and sat with him, offering silent support.
He felt some tears drop, but he didn't care. At least he had Katie. He wasn't completely alone. He laid his head on Katie's shoulder as his eyelids started to droop. He wasn't abandoned. He still had people who cared for him. Losing Ron and Hermione hurt like a bitch, but he had people to help him get through it. He had Katie. Cedric. Fred. George. Daphne…
"Fleur" he thought as sleep overcame him.