Harry Potter and the Goblet of the Shire (Goblet of Fire)
Everyone was rather surprised when Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement after dinner.
"Hello!" he said.
This was rather unexpected. A few people said hello back, and Fred waved, but the rest just sort of stared.
"Yes, well, I have an announcement to make. This year, Hogwarts is proud to host…a school play!"
"What!" Malfoy yelped. "My father swore it was the Triwizard Tournament!"
"Yes," Dumbledore continued, "that was the code name for the play, in case anyone overheard our discussions. In any case, you are all invited to audition for the play by submitting your name to the Goblet, which will then pick the best actor for each part. The list will be posted, along with the rehearsal schedule, two weeks from now. Good luck."
Two weeks later, Harry and Ron were talking nervously at breakfast.
"I put my name in the Goblet last week, what about you?" Ron asked.
"I couldn't decide if I wanted to try out, but I put my name in last night," Harry said.
Hermione ran in. "Harry, Ron! The list is up in the entrance hall! Come see!"
As they pushed their way through the crowd, Harry asked, "What about you, Hermione? Did you audition?"
She nodded. "Yes, I did. I think being in a play would be very educational about the art of acting, don't you?"
Ron groaned, but he was too busy trying to read the list to reply.
"Oh, we'll never get up to the list with this crowd," Hermione said. She pointed her wand over the heads in front of her and summoned a copy off the table below. She caught it and they backed out of the hall.
"What does it say, Hermione?" Ron asked impatiently. "What's the play?"
"Just a minute!" She scanned the list. "It's 'The Lord of the Rings.' I've read that book. Let me see if we're in it."
"Good," Harry said, "if you've read it you can describe the characters. Did I get a part?"
"Yes!" Hermione pointed. "Harry, you're Frodo. He's the main character. You'll probably like him; he's short but heroic. Just like you."
"What about me?" Ron asked.
"Definitely not a hobbit, you're too tall. Here you are: Aragorn. You get to have a sword and be king."
"Wicked!" Ron said. "What else do I do?"
"Well," Hermione thought, "You rescue Frodo's life a few times, act heroic, and marry an elf named Arwen."
"Who's playing Arwen?" he asked.
Hermione blushed. "Me."
"What about Frodo, Hermione?" Harry asked. "Do I have to get married?"
"No, but you have a friend named Sam who follows you everywhere."
"And who plays…"
"Malfoy."
"I knew I shouldn't have put my name in that goblet."
Hey, long time no see! Or read, or…whatever. Sorry about neglecting all my stories, I've been really busy with school and all those overused excuses, and since you probably are going to hit me anyway I'll stop trying to pass the blame. This title was suggested by Zyrorai.
And I usually answer reviews at this point, but since it's been so long neither of us will know what I'm talking about. Next chapter the tradition will resume.
