Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
"Freed just in time for yard duty again?" asked Hermione as Harry joined her in the back yard to help with the yard work.
"What is it with you and your greetings to me lately?"
"Nothing in particular," replied Hermione, "Just keeping you on your toes."
"So, how has your two weeks of freedom been spent without me?" asked Harry as he started on his share of the yard work.
"Boring," said Hermione, "Mum has been getting a bit flustered with Dobby popping up every time she starts to do some house work."
"I can't exactly make him stay at Hogwarts for the summer," said Harry, "I couldn't just let him die either by not taking him on."
"Yeah, well, I think that the rules of magic that govern house elves is barbaric," Hermione nearly shouted.
"I agree with you," said Harry, "In all honestly the problem lies more in the way most wizards treat house elves than anything."
"I just might start a society," said Hermione severely.
Harry knew she was serious but wasn't going to help her in that regard, "So what do mum and dad think about it?"
"Well, they aren't exactly happy about it but dad has already started warming up to Dobby. Mum will take a bit of persuasion I think."
Harry couldn't help grinning at that as he focused more on the yard work than on talking. He was just happy to be outside again.
The next few days passed quietly at the Granger house. Ron and Ginny were still grounded for their involvement in the events of the last year. Nothing that Harry said made the slightest bit of difference to Mrs. Weasley. It really quite annoyed him, especially since the first time around he only had to ask Mrs. Weasley for something and she'd bend over backwards for him, but this time around she treated him more like one her flesh and blood children than a boy they wished was theirs. It was a bit disturbing too.
Ron and Ginny finally got paroled by Mrs. Weasley about a week before Harry's birthday.
"Hey mate," said Ron as he entered the kitchen at the Granger's.
"Ron, you're free," said Harry with a laugh, "I never thought they'd let you out of there."
"Yeah, well it sure took long enough. I tell you, you were just as involved as the rest of us and yet you were only grounded for two weeks. We got four, how's that fair?" asked Ron indignantly.
"It's not mate, but I guess she's just making up for lost time. You've gone home every summer but this one without being in any kind of trouble," said Harry.
"I take offense to that," piped in Ginny, "I spent the first two weeks of last summer grounded for my involvement in that whole Chamber mess."
"Sorry Ginny," said Harry quickly trying to appease the fiery-red head.
"You'd better be," said Ginny threateningly as she walked up on Harry.
"I missed you," he said hoping to calm her a bit.
"You're not getting away that easily," she said pointing a finger at him.
Harry did the only thing he could think of and gave Ginny a quick kiss. The shocked look on her face told Harry that he'd been forgiven.
"Ugh," complained Ron, "I'm never going to get used to seeing my sister and my best mate kissing."
"Me neither," said Harry pointedly at Ron. Ron instantly blushed deep crimson.
"I don't know what you're talking about mate," said Ron unconvincingly.
"Oh please Ron," said Ginny, "You've talked about nothing since we were released yesterday than going to see Hermione."
"Oh, sod it Ginny," said Ron angrily.
"As long as you remember that's my sister you want to snog I'll try to remember that this is your sister," said Harry innocently.
Ron held a hand out to Harry, "Deal."
"Deal," said Harry as he shook Ron's hand.
"Boys, you're all so simple," said Ginny.
"Are not," protested Ron and Harry together.
"So where is your dear sister anyway?" asked Ginny.
"She and mum went shopping. They should be back soon," said Harry, "You two hungry?"
"Starved," said Ron.
"You just ate before we left," said Ginny in disbelief.
"Floo travel really works up an appetite," defended Ron.
Harry laughed, "Dobby."
The small elf appeared with a small pop, "Yes master Harry sir?"
"Can you get us something to eat? Sandwiches maybe?"
"Happy to Master Harry," said Dobby as he started moving through the kitchen.
"Where'd the house elf come from?" asked Ron in surprise.
"I thought I told you about Dobby," said Harry, "This is house elf I tricked Malfoy into freeing."
"No way," said Ron, "That's amazing, but why'd you do something like that? You know how bad that is for elves to be freed."
"I know, but Malfoy was a bad master to Dobby," said Harry, "It was only right that I set Dobby free. Of course I had him bound to me right after to protect his life."
"Oh, still, why'd you do that?" asked Ron.
"You can ask Ginny. If she wants to tell you she will," said Harry.
"Ginny? What's this got to do with Ginny?"
"Malfoy is the one that gave me that horrid diary," said Ginny, "The whole Chamber thing was his fault."
Ron ears turned red in anger but then he started laughing heavily.
"It's not funny," yelled Ginny angrily.
"Not that, what Harry did to Malfoy last year is what I'm laughing at. That was bloody brilliant now that I know why you did it," said Ron.
"So glad you finally approve," said Harry sarcastically.
"Listen Harry, I'm sorry that I'm such a git sometimes."
"You mean a jealous git," said Harry.
"Alright, I'm sorry I'm such a jealous git sometimes," said Ron, "I just don't understand why everything always happens to you. I mean . . . well . . . you get all the attention you know."
"Ron, think of it this way," said Harry, "I'm more likely to be killed by a dark wizard than you are."
Ron swallowed, "You know, I never thought of it that way."
"Ron, you must know that it is going to get worse before it gets better," said Harry, "Voldemort is still out there and until he's completely gone he's going to keep coming for me. Now that the rat has gone back to him it's only a matter of time before he gets a new body."
"Do you think that he'll try something again this year?"
"I'd bet you a hundred galleons he does," said Harry.
"Here you is," interrupted Dobby as he set a monstrous plate of sandwiches on the table for them to eat.
"Thanks Dobby," said Harry hoping the depressing conversation would end.
Ron was already eating the sandwiches as Harry said that so it was a good sign that Ron would drop the subject.
"Ginny," squealed a happy voice from the door into the kitchen.
"Hermione," Ginny squealed in return as the two ran to each other and hugged fiercely.
Ron choked on his sandwich before finally swallowing the little bit he had left in his mouth, "Hi Hermione."
"Hello Ron," said Hermione coolly. Her outward appearance was very collected to Harry but the thoughts screaming from her were filled with excitement from seeing Ron.
"Hello mum, Hermione," said Harry politely.
"Hello Harry," said Jane, "I see Ron and Ginny have arrived . . . early."
"Ron was impatient, he just couldn't wait to see . . ." Ginny began but was cut off by Ron's hand.
"Couldn't wait to see you Mrs. Granger," said Ron trying to cover himself.
"Why you little sweet talker you, how about I trade you for Harry?" offered Jane with a laugh.
"Alright," said Ginny and Hermione at the same time and then both blushed profusely afterward.
Jane though just grinned happily, "Oh, I see then."
"Mum," yelled Hermione. She was now feeling very embarrassed.
"Why don't I leave you kids to whatever it is that you've planned?" asked Jane rhetorically before she left them in the kitchen to an awkward silence.
"Mistress Hermione," greeted Dobby excitedly as he popped into the kitchen, "can your Dobby get you anything?"
"No thank you Dobby," said Hermione in a bit of a huff.
"If you be needing anything, you is just asking your Dobby and he is getting it," said Dobby before he popped out again.
"A bit eager to please ain't he?" asked Ron.
"Just a bit," said Hermione with a grimace.
"Oh, Harry," said Ginny excitedly, "I almost forgot. Dad got tickets to the world cup match. He wants to take all of us to it. Said it'd be a nice birthday present for you."
"Excellent," said Harry, "It's Ireland versus Bulgaria right?"
"Yeah, you read much about it yet?" asked Ron.
"A bit, so what do you think about Krum playing?"
"Krum is an amazing seeker," said Ron excitedly, "No doubt he'll get the snitch."
"Yeah, but Ireland has got better chasers, beaters and keeper than Bulgaria. If their chasers get a chance to run up the score it won't much matter if Krum gets the snitch," said Harry.
"So what, do you think Ireland will win but Krum will get the snitch?" asked Ron.
"Yeah, I think that sounds about right," said Harry.
"Fred and George reckon the same I think," said Ron.
"Boys," complained Hermione and Ginny before they stalked off to do whatever.
"What's with those two?" asked Ron.
"I don't think Hermione much likes Quidditch and Ginny doesn't want Hermione to feel left out," said Harry.
"Harry, hypothetically speaking, if a bloke were to like your sister, would you have any suggestion on where a bloke could take her."
"Hypothetically speaking?" asked Harry trying not to laugh at Ron.
"Of course," said Ron seriously.
"Well, I imagine that if you . . . I mean a bloke wanted to take her out sometime. I think that Hermione would like to go on a Hogsmead weekend. Do a bit of shopping. Most importantly go to a book store or two. Maybe Zonko's for some prank material. Take her to a café for some hot chocolate after shopping. I think that you . . . I mean a bloke would do just fine with that," said Harry trying not to laugh still.
"Good idea," said Ron, "Do you think there's a bloke she wants to go with?"
"I can think of at least one bloke," said Harry trying his hardest not to fall on the ground laughing.
"Really?" asked Ron pathetically, "Then I suppose . . ."
"Suppose what?" asked Harry after Ron stopped abruptly.
"Nothing, its nothing," said Ron trying to hide it from Harry.
"Ron, just ask her for goodness sake," said Harry, "She'll say yes."
Ron looked shocked, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Ron, we already talked about this when you first got here . . . remember," said Harry in disbelief at how thick Ron could be sometimes.
"Oh, yeah," said Ron, "But do you really think she'd want to go with me?"
"Ron, trust me, ask her," said Harry.
"But what if she says no, it would ruin our friendship," said Ron.
"But what if she says yes, it would make our friendship even better," said Harry.
"Do you think?" asked Ron.
"Yes, now stop being a stupid git and ask her," said Harry.
"But . . ."
"Ron, if you don't go ask her right now I'm going to put you under the Imperious curse and force you to ask her," threatened Harry. Harry would never do that of course but the threat seemed to be enough.
Ron swallowed nervously before standing and walking into the living room. It was possible to see Ginny and Hermione sitting on the couch chatting through the open kitchen door.
Harry did a quick listening spell wandlessly so he could here what Ron said.
"Erm, Hermione, do you think that I could talk to you . . . erm . . . in private," said Ron. The last part was hinted towards Ginny.
Ginny smirked, "Finally, I never thought you'd leave Harry alone." Ginny quickly went into the kitchen to listen in with Harry.
"What did you want to talk to me about Ron?" asked Hermione innocently.
"Well . . . um . . . I was just . . . um . . . well the thing is . . . um . . . so do you want . . . maybe . . . um . . . that is if you want . . . um . . . and not busy . . . um . . . go with me . . . to . . . um . . . Hogsmead? You don't have to but . . ."
"Sounds fun," said Hermione calmly.
"Huh?" asked Ron in surprised shock.
"I said it sounds fun," said Hermione with a small smile.
"Does that mean yes?"
"Yes," said Hermione smiling fully now.
"YES!" shouted Ron, "She said 'yes'!"
Harry and Ginny were both laughing from in the kitchen.
"About time," said Ginny.
"I wasn't that bad was I?" asked Harry.
"You haven't even asked me to Hogsmead yet," said Ginny, "I don't know how you could be that bad if you never bother to ask me."
"How could I make such a grievous oversight?" asked Harry sarcastically, "Ginny, light of my life, ruler of my heart, would you honor me by accompanying me on the first Hogsmead weekend?"
"Hmm, I don't know if I should," said Ginny, "You tend to have trouble follow you everywhere."
"I can't help that," said Harry defensively before he realized Ginny was having him on. "You tease," said Harry before he started to tickle her.
"Alright, yes I'll go," laughed out Ginny, "just stop with the tickling."
"That's what I thought," said Harry as he stopped.
"You're the devil Harry Potter," said Ginny laughing.
"Yeah but you still adore me," said Harry smugly.
"Shut up," said Ginny still laughing lightly.
The four spent the rest of their afternoon together just relaxing and enjoying each others company.
Harry's birthday came on quickly and as such so did the Quidditch World Cup.
Harry and Hermione went to the Weasley's house a day before they had to go to the tournament. Mrs. Weasley gave each of the children a long lecture about staying out of trouble and obeying Mr. Weasley, Bill and Charlie while they were there.
The next morning the children all stalked out of the Burrow tiredly as they went to their portkey location.
"Morning Amos," said Arthur as he climbed the hill.
"Morning Arthur," said Amos friendlily.
"Hello Cedric," greeted Harry nicely.
"Hello Harry," said Cedric with a smile.
"How can you be smiling this early in the morning?" asked Ron as he yawned again.
"Last year our team had early morning practice so I guess it just stuck," said Cedric.
"Lot of good it did you too," said Ron haughtily earning him an elbow from both Hermione and Ginny.
"Sorry 'bout him," said Ginny apologetically, "His brain doesn't work so well this early in the morning."
"Sadly he's right," said Cedric, "You and your Firebolt were more than a match for me."
"Nah, you gave me a good run for my money on your Cleansweap and that is even more impressive. I bet if you had a Firebolt as well you'd have beaten me," said Harry humbly.
"Not all of us can afford them," said Cedric.
"I can't either but my godfather decided to treat me to it," said Harry.
"Care to share him?" asked Cedric jokingly.
"Alright kids, time to go," interrupted Arthur before Harry could answer.
They all took hold of the portkey a moment later Harry felt the all too familiar tug behind his navel.
Harry and the other settled into their campsite easily enough. Harry managed to convince the twins not to make a bet with Bagman after he informed them that Bagman was in a lot of trouble with the Goblins. Instead they placed a bet with the Goblin bookies directly, got better odds as a result too. For some reason Ron and Ginny also placed the same bet and most surprisingly so did Hermione.
"Hermione?" questioned Harry.
"What? I want to have a bit of extra spending money for school this year and if you're right I'll have more than I need for the next three years," explained Hermione.
This was definitely not an appropriate use of Harry's future knowledge but he couldn't exactly tell them no as he would then have to explain why they shouldn't.
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione had a good afternoon exploring the area and talking with some of their friends from school. Much to Harry's surprise Gred and Forge were now being bookies for the people their age, how they convinced the Goblins to let them take bets Harry didn't want to know. Harry couldn't help but be thankful that Mrs. Weasley wasn't there.
Harry and the others happily went to their box seats which happened to be shared with the Malfoy's. Tense would have been an understatement of the situation. Much to the amusement of the children Draco was still bald after their end of year prank. He looked ridiculous now because he was wearing a winter hat when it was actually quite warm out.
Harry hated having to leave his wand so exposed so that Crouch Jr. could steal it but he really didn't have any alternative in the matter. All the same he was dreading it.
As predicted, known, by Harry Krum did indeed get hold of the snitch but Ireland won the match. This resulted in some very happy children as they began to calculate their payouts on the match.
"I say we go collect our winnings," said Hermione excitedly.
"Definitely," said Gred and Forge together.
With that the six youths happily went in search of the Goblins to collect their winnings.
Fred and George won a total of 342 Galleons, 6 Sickles, and 3 Knuts. To say that they were happy was a major understatement. Hermione won 73 Galleons and 2 Knuts. Ginny took home 123 Galleons, 7 Sickles, and 4 Knuts, which she won for the fact that she'd saved up her money from baby sitting the last three summers. Ron only won 37 Galleons as he had spent some of his money earlier to buy souvenirs. Naturally Hermione lectured him about how he could have won more if he'd just been a bit more patient.
"So what are you going to buy with your winnings Ginny?" asked Harry as he tuned out the row that was just beginning between Ron and Hermione.
"I've been wanting my own owl for ages now," said Ginny, "Errol is great and all but he's getting old you know."
Harry remembered the old barn owl vividly. Old was an understatement when describing that particular owl. Ancient would have been a better description. "What else? Owl's aren't that expensive you know."
"Usually they aren't," said Ginny, "but I've been looking for a boyfriend for Hedwig. Snowy owls aren't cheep you know."
Harry smiled, "That's really sweet of you."
Ginny blushed, "I just though . . ." but she chose not to finish her thought.
Harry decided to give her a quick kiss to say thank you. He also now had a plan for her birthday present seeing as how he couldn't buy her an owl now.
"Do you think Hedwig would approve?" asked Ginny.
"Definitely," said Harry giving her another quick kiss while they had a few moments alone.
The group spent the remainder of the day just relaxing and enjoying themselves. Ron played Chess with any one who would take him on. Hermione read as she always did. Ginny napped on Harry's shoulder while Harry rested his head on top of Ginny's head.
That night the entire group was awakened by screaming and panicked cries coming from outside the tent.
"Hurry and get dressed," instructed Mr. Weasley urgently.
"What's happening?" asked a sleepy Ron.
"There are Death Eaters attacking the site," said Mr. Weasley.
That woke Ron up instantly, "What do we do?"
"All of you need to get into the forest and to the stadium. You'll be safe their," said Mr. Weasley.
Harry knew that wasn't exactly true. If this were a real attack then nowhere would be safe. Harry wasn't going to complain though.
Harry followed the other into the forest and just like clockwork someone sent up the Dark Mark. Several wizards appeared all around them and Stunners were fired without regard.
Harry had to quickly defend himself when his wand was discovered. It was then that Winky was found and Mr. Crouch freed her and Harry was cleared of the charges. Harry was half tempted then to just kill both of the Crouches and avoid the situation altogether but his logic restrained him.
"Come on children, let's get packed and back home," said Mr. Weasley ushering them away and back to the campsite.
They returned to the Burrow that morning to a few concerned parents. Mrs. Weasley was fawning over all of the children right along side of Mrs. Granger. Harry was bracing himself to be grounded again despite the fact that this time he did absolutely nothing. Much to his relief nothing came . . . this time.
The remainder of the summer passed in a blur. Harry redoubled his efforts in training for what he hoped would be the final confrontation between Voldemort and himself. And now that his body was developing due to puberty he was able to start physically training his body more than he could previously. Harry's fencing lessons intensified and he rejoined the Karate class to improve on his training. Every morning Harry would go to Sirius' place for the most intense dueling training he could get out of the old man. Eventually it became Harry vs. Sirius and Remus together. Harry of course told his mum and dad that he and Sirius were only going running, they didn't need to worry. He didn't spend as much time with his friends as he would have liked to but there were more important things at the moment.
Ginny had to owl order her male Snowy owl but the owl wouldn't arrive until sometime in October. Ron and Hermione continued with their usual arguments. Gred and Forge were inventing like crazy now that they had some funds after winning that bet.
September the first arrived much too soon for Harry's liking. He was more powerful than he'd ever been, even in the future. But he still was nervous about having to face off with Voldemort at the end of the year. He just had to remind himself that he'd have the entire year to prepare himself even further.
"Are we there yet?" asked Ron as Hermione shook him awake.
"Yeah, let's go," said Hermione as she headed out of the train compartment.
The four youths claimed a carriage to the castle for themselves. Inside the Great Hall there was an excited buzz amongst the student population.
The sorting and feast passed as always with a lot of people catching up on their summers'.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts," said Dumbledore calling attention to the students.
"This year I am most pleased to announce the reintroduction of an old tradition to Hogwarts this year. The Tri-Wizard Tournament will once again be held. It is our pleasure to be hosting the event this year. As such we will be hosting a group of students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons throughout the year. I expect all of you to treat our guest with respect and I hope that you can all learn something from them. Now onto the normal announcement. Students are reminded . . ." after that Harry just tuned the Headmaster out and joined in the excited talk about the upcoming tournament.
"What do you think Harry? You going to try?" asked Dean Thomas excitedly.
"If I can," said Harry, "I can't imagine Dumbledore would let younger student participate but then again you never can tell what he's thinking."
"Oh please," said Hermione, "Knowing you, you'll find a way into it or someone working for Voldemort will find a way to make sure you're in it just so they can try and kill you."
Harry had to laugh nervously at Hermione, damn she was a sharp one.
"I'd bet on you-know-who before him trying to find a way in," said Ron with a mouth full of food.
"Ron, honestly, chew and swallow before you speak," said Hermione starting up another row between the pair.
"No matter what happens just promise me you'll be safe," said Ginny squeezing Harry's hand.
"Of course Ginny dearest," said Harry giving her a small peck on the cheek causing her to blush. Now that they were fourteen or nearly so in Ginny's case, Harry figured it was safe to start moving their relationship along.
The first few weeks of school passed quickly in the excitement and anticipation of the beginning of the Tournament. There was still one issue that Harry needed to workout before then.
"Enter," called the headmaster's voice from inside his office.
"Hello sir," said Harry as he entered the office. He was always formal until he was certain that no one was eavesdropping or present to interfere with their conversation.
"Good evening Harry," said Dumbledore, "What can I do for you?"
Harry checked to make sure everything was secure before adding a few privacy charms. "It's about this tournament, I could use your advice, and I have a few questions about the age line you're going to use for the Goblet."
"Well, then," said Albus as he took a lemon drop from his cheering charm enhanced pile. Apparently he was preparing for the worst.
"How does the age line work? I know it's not by physical age."
"It goes by mental age. It measures your age based on how many years of knowledge you possess in your mind," explained Dumbledore.
"Then I can get around it," said Harry thoughtfully.
"You could, but why would you want to?" asked the headmaster.
"Well, I'm going to be entered by a Death Eater using a different school name anyway so I thought that maybe I'd be direct about it and put my own name in. Plus it would protect an innocent in the process," explained Harry.
"But then it is possible your name would come out twice and you'd be bound to do every task twice over," explained Albus, "You'd be better off just letting the Death Eater put your name in and then you can try to protect the innocent during the tournament."
"I see," said Harry, "Well that's all I needed to know then. Thanks." With that Harry stood and left a slightly confused but mostly worried headmaster behind.
The day that the other schools were to arrive came fast. Soon enough Harry was waiting outside with the other students to greet the visitors. Durmstrang arrived with Karkarov in the lead. Harry was half tempted once again to simply kill the man for his stupidity but reason held out. Beauxbatons arrived with Madam Maxime in the lead. She of course towered over everyone save Hagrid. Harry could see the light in Hagrid's eyes when he first saw her. Harry knew that Hagrid fell in love at that exact moment.
Once back inside all of the students assembled at the extended house tables. The students from Beauxbatons all sat at the Ravenclaw table and the students from Durmstrang all sat with the Slytherins leaving the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs alone.
Soon enough Dumbledore was explaining the Goblet of Fire and how it worked as well as the rules that surrounded it. Harry knew that he was being watched by the fake Mad-eye Moody but there really wasn't much he could do about it . . . yet.
Harry was only to happy to leave the Great Hall that night but an event he'd forgotten about happened much to his displeasure.
"Out of my way boy," said rough voice.
Harry turned to look at the source of the voice. It was Karkarov, "Death Eater," said Harry scathingly to the man before he stormed out ahead of the shocked man.
"Man that felt good," said Harry to Ron who was right behind him in shock.
"Why'd you call him that?" asked Ron.
"Because he is," said Harry, "He's got the Dark Mark. The only reason he's not in Azkaban is because he sold out a few other Death Eaters, including Snape."
"Snape, you mean he's a Death Eater?" asked Hermione in surprise.
"I don't know," said Harry, "Dumbledore spoke on his behalf and got the charges dropped."
"No wonder he's such a slimy git," said Ron, "What's Dumbledore thinking?"
"I trust Dumbledore," said Harry, "There must be something we don't know." He knew perfectly well what the situation was but he wasn't about to tell them . . . yet.
Too soon it was Halloween and the Great Hall was packed with students excited to see who'd become school champions.
They all waited in anticipation. On the last chime of the bell ringing the awaited hour the Goblet's fire changed color. Dumbledore approached to wait. The first name came out of the fire.
"Our first Champion is Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff house," said Dumbledore causing the houses to erupt in cheers, save Slytherin of course.
"Looks like I'm clear this year," said Harry to his friends letting out a sigh of relief.
Again, the Goblet spit out another slip of paper.
"The second Champion from Beauxbatons is Ms. Fleur Delacor," said Dumbledore causing the entire male populace to erupt in cheering.
And again, the Goblet spit out another slip of paper.
"Our third and final Champion from Durmstrang is Mr. Victor Crum," said Dumbledore once again cause a lot of cheering, except this time the majority of it was the female population.
"If our champions would please wait in the anteroom," said Dumbledore. The three champions entered the side room to wait. Dumbledore was about to start speaking again when the Goblet spit out yet one more name causing a gasp to run through the Great Hall.
"What is the meaning of this Dumbledore?" asked Karkarov angrily.
"I'm not certain Igor, this has never happened before," said Dumbledore as he picked up the last piece of paper. As Dumbledore picked it up the flame on the Goblet extinguished itself. Dumbledore read the little piece of paper which had only a name and no school listed. "Harry Potter."
The entire school was silent and whispering.
"So much for the no Death Eater thing this year," said Ron holding his hand out to Fred and George who each dropped a Galleon into his hand.
"You were betting on this?" asked Harry incredulously.
"The odds were in my favor," said Ron with a grin.
Harry meanwhile stood incenced that his best friend was gambling on his well-being.
Harry stalked into the anteroom to see what would happen.
"Harry mate, Dumbledore send you to get us?" asked Cedric.
Harry frowned, "Of course not. Is it just me or do I have about the worst luck of anyone you've ever met?"
"Don't tell me you a champion?" said Cedric in slight disbelief.
Harry smiled in a sarcastic manner, "Of course I am, I'm bloody Harry Potter and I can never just have a normal uneventful year. Why can't I just have one year where there isn't some damn plot to try and get me killed?"
"Last year wasn't so bad from what I hear," said Cedric patting Harry's shoulder.
"If you don't count the man that betrayed my parents spying on me and then just when we thought we had him he escaped?" said Harry.
"Zis is impossible," said the French girl Fleur.
Harry snorted, "Don't you know that I'm the king of impossible shit happening?"
"He is," said Cedric with a slight grimace.
"Just what are you playing at Dumbledore?" demanded an angry voice as the teachers entered the anteroom.
"Igor, I had nothing to do with this," said Albus calmly.
"Why don't you ask your old Death Eater friends?" asked Moody as he stomped in behind them.
"How can we allow zis to happen?" asked Madam Maxime.
"We can't," said Karkarov.
"I'm afraid that we have no choice," said Dumbledore, "By putting your name into the goblet you are signing a legal contract to participate. What I want to know is how Harry got beyond the age line."
"Wouldn't we all?" asked McGonagall rather severely.
"Always trying for a bit more fame Potter?" sneered Snape.
"What is this? Pick on Harry Potter Day? I had nothing to do with that damn Goblet. Like Moody said, why don't you ask your Death Eater friends?" asked Harry as he glared at the two men causing them both to recoil.
"Are do you understand the situation?" asked Albus.
"It's not that hard to figure out. I have to compete and just hope that whatever Death Eater set this up doesn't manage to get me killed in the process," said Harry sarcastically. He wasn't happy at the moment.
"Then I suggest you all try to get some sleep, the first task isn't for a few more weeks," said Dumbledore ending the discussion.
"Come Victor, we're returning to the ship," said Karkarov.
Madam Maxime raised her nose and left with Fleur following right behind her.
"See you later Harry," said Cedric as he too left.
"Alastor," said Dumbledore, "I would appreciate it if you would check the Goblet for tampering. See if you can't find out how Mr. Potter was entered."
Moody nodded and then left.
"So who did it Harry?" asked Snape.
"Dumbledore just sent him to check the cup," said Harry as he sat with a huff, "I really hate all this attention shit you know."
"A Potter hating attention, that'll be the day," sneered Snape.
"Harry, will you be able to compete successfully in the tournament?" asked a concerned McGonagall.
"Piece of cake," said Harry, "But Professor Snape, could you possibly spare some Gillyweed for me?"
"I suppose," said Snape.
"Thanks," said Harry, "I'm going to need it for the second task and I don't think you want some to just go missing without you knowing where it went."
"I suppose you stole it the first time around then?"
"No, but Dobby did," said Harry.
"Who's Dobby?"
"He's a house elf. The first time around he worked at Hogwarts but this time he works for me," explained Harry, "but that's not important. Anyway, thanks."
"Well then Harry, if there is anything I can do for you just be sure to let me know," said Dumbledore.
"I need dueling partners," said Harry, "The best you can find that aren't going to be asking too many questions about my skill."
"I'll help," said Snape to the surprise of everyone.
"Great, I was hoping you'd say that. I need to practice with someone who knows how Voldemort duels."
"I will also assist you," said Dumbledore, "If you wouldn't mind I'd like to bring Filius in on your little secret. He is an amazing duelist."
"I think that'd be alright but you have to make sure that Crouch never catches wind of this," said Harry.
"Crouch?" asked Dumbledore.
"Sorry, Moody is Barty Crouch Jr."
"That is sure to be an interesting story but it can wait until he is properly revealed," said Dumbledore, "the less we know the better."
"Thanks," said Harry, "Well, I imagine I have a number of anxious Gryffindors that want to find out how I did it."
"Good luck with that Harry," said Albus.
"Thanks Albus," said Harry, "Let me know when you've worked out a training schedule for me." With that Harry left to try and inform his friends of everything that he could.