Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Chapter 2

The Dignitaries

As Headmistress Minerva McGonagall rose to her feet the room went silent faster then Harry remembered it doing so for Dumbeldore. He was glad to know that the change in position had not changed McGonagall's reputation and the respect it created in the student body.

"Students and Faculty, we are fortunate, this evening, to be honored by the attendance of some very special company. First let me re-welcome our contingent from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Madame Olympe Maxime their Headmistress, and I'm proud to announce their Champion Gabrielle Hinault."

From the small room used for students waiting to be sorted, the group of 5 entered the room to warm applause. As Maxime and Gabrielle made their way to the front of the room and the high table, the other 3 students gathered at the Ravenclaw table. Madame Maxine smiled and moved very graciously for a women her size, and heritage, as her father was a giant. She her self stood near to 8 feet tall and was of a rather healthy build. She had dark short hair and dark sunken eyes but was made up very elegantly. Gabrielle looked rather serious and a bit aloof until she spotted Harry Potter, her face lit up and she politely waved, Harry only nodded back. Most of the male students were memorized by her. She was very attractive with long straight and wispy blond hair, soft blue grey eyes, and slim but athletic build, a bit taller then most boys her age. Harry wondered if she had any Veela heritage. They were all dressed in light flowing pale blue robes that seemed a bit light for a drafty Castle in Scotland in October.

"From Durmstrang Institute, Headmaster Nikola Vulchanov, his students and their chosen champion Tormes Meliflua."

They entered from the same room to much less, yet still polite, applause. All were wearing heavy black robes with rustic fur lining. The Headmaster and Tormes their champion marched through the hall and towards the high table. Vulchanov was the brother of a famous beater and built like one himself. He was medium in height rather thick and had appeared to have no neck at all. He had a long curved nose, bushy eyebrows and a sinister looking jet-black goatee. Tormes Meliflua's appearance got Harrys attention, he looked familiar and it bothered Harry. He was tall with dark black hair and regal features. As Harry was about to question McGonagall about the Durmstrang Champion she began to speak again, all night long he couldn't get a word in edge wise. He did however notice that the other 4 students from Durmstrang made there way to seats at the Syltherin Table, something's never change.

"I would also like to welcome the Bulgarian Minister of Magic Tzar Oblansk, the French Minister Madame Jewel Gamey, and our own Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour."

They all received a large round of applause as this many dignitaries at a school was rather unheard of.

"Finally I would like to welcome a student back home to Hogwarts this evening, Mr. Harry Potter."

With that the room simply erupted. For the first time in her long, 40 plus year career at Hogwarts Minerva McGonagall was ignored. Each plea for the students to quiet down was ignored; the applause went on for nearly 5 full minutes.

Minerva bent down and whispered to Harry,

"That's what you get for avoiding the public."

Harry did his best to smile and gently raised his hand in recognition a few times, but was with out a doubt very uncomfortable. As he looked around for support from the High Table, with the exception of Scrimgeour who applauded politely and quietly, and Malfoy who sat deadly still yet dignified, the high table seemed as determined as the students to embarrass Harry with their recognition for all he had done for the Magical World. Harry took another long look at Tormes Meliflua.

As the applause finally died down the headmistress spoke again.

"Tonight we begin a new Triwizard Tournament. We are very fortunate to be able to hold the event here at Hogwarts again. If all goes as planned this event will continue to take place every 5 years at a different school. In reaction to the events of the last tournament held 17years ago, and the selection of 4 champions 2 from Hogwarts, the champions of each school must now be selected by the Headmaster or mistress. I have chosen to use the goblet of fire to select my one champion and that name will be announced shortly. There will again be 4 judges for this tournament the head of each school and the last winner."

With that the applause started again.

"Please... Please…I'm sure you are all getting hungry. That's better. There will again be three tasks spread out over the next 6 months. Also be aware in the true spirit of inter-cultural learning and friendship, that is the goal of this friendly competition, the 4 student delegates from each school will be attending classes alongside of you. With all that said I believe we should dine now and determine the Hogwarts Champion after the feast."

As was the new practice at Hogwarts, all the house elves from the kitchen came out and took a bow of recognition as the food magically filled the tables. Harry look forward to telling Dobby about the new practice once he got home.

Minister of Magic Scrimgeour tried to start a conversation with Harry, but after being cut off all night, Harry quickly got Minerva's attention.

"Nicely done Professor." Harry said quickly getting McGonagall's attention.

"Thank you Harry, nice to see you survived the applause and admiration, appreciation is not as bad as say Death Eaters? Is it Harry?"

"No Minerva, but ah I really would like to talk with you in private as soon as the feast and selection is over."

"Certainly Harry, but I'm expected to host the Minister's and Heads in my office after, maybe tomorrow, if you can come back up to the school?"

"Nothing that important I think Minerva, If we don't have time tonight I'm sure it will hold."

The professor nodded as Vulchanov was trying to get her attention. Seeing his chance

Scrimgeour put his hand on Harry's arm.

"Everything else aside, Mr. Potter, I was very pleased the Headmistress was able to convince you to participate in the tournament. With out your commitment I do not think it could have been arranged so easily."

"Well Minister, I guess you finally got to use me and my name for something."

The Minister was rattled, especially since it was loud enough for others at the table to hear.

"Now Harry see hear…" Harry took his chance to be the one interrupting again. "Minister, once Professor McGonagall pointed out to me that the Tri-Wizard tournament would, in her opinion, help to foster peaceful cooperation in the Wizarding World. I agreed as long as no politics or politicians were brought into the actual event. I look forward to seeing these students stride and compete, and I'm excited that the competition will be open for so many to see and enjoy. But with that said I truly could care less that you are pleased."

Before the conversation could escalate, Harry was relived to see the plates clear and McGonagall rise once again to address the room.

Please feel free to review, criticize and correct as much as you want. This is a first for me and just some fun.