Chapter 5: Goblet of Fire? Bring on the Triwizard Tournament!

Harry's 4th year at Hogwarts turned out to be entertaining, as was introduced a very interesting event: The Triwizard Tournament! Potter's gang watched from the sidelines as the champions from the 3 schools battled it out for "Eternal Glory!"

The Beauxbatons Academy was lead by Madame Maxine, a very tall woman, to whom Hagrid took quite a liking. The Durmstrang School on the other hand was lead by a certain Botrovskie, newly appointed headmaster after the previous one disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Both schools had brought their very best, and the battle had begun. The Hogwarts Champion, Cedric Diggory, was favorite to win.

During the Yule Ball, Potter grinned over his most recent achievement. He had managed, once again, to breakup the golden couple of Gryffindor. But this time it didn't look like reconciliation was part of the plan, as Hermione seemed to have moved on. She was going out with the Durmstrang Champion, Viktor Krum.

Harry had a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that year, which made him start to hate the subject. It was a man he had read about in the Daily Prophet a couple of years earlier, but he never would have expected him to be a teacher at Hogwarts. The man was Sirius Black, and to Harry's great annoyance, he was exactly like Lupin as far as Harry was concerned; that stare would never leave him, no matter what! Harry was really starting to think there was something he wasn't aware of, that was hidden from him.

One day, in spring, after the second task, Harry had walked half a corridor out of his Defense Against the Dark Arts class before realizing he left his book there. He told Malfoy to go ahead, he'd catch up later. As Harry came closer to the door, he heard voices and stopped:

"I won't be able to take this much longer Albus, it's tearing me up inside!" said Black.

"I understand Sirius" answered Dumbledore. "I felt the same way when he was sorted, and I feel the same every time I lay my eyes on him. Of course, you were closer to his parents than I, so your feelings must be worst"

"It's so hard…" Sirius' voice turned to a whisper. "James was my best friend, and although he died many years ago, I feel like I'm looking at him everyday! And those eyes! Lily's…. Remus was right after all. I didn't want to believe him." Sirius sighed. "I suggest you get in contact with Mad-Eye now Albus, you will be needing a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher next year; I'm sure he would be delighted."

"Alastor?" replied Dumbledore. "A wise choice indeed. I shall contact him as soon as possible."

The two men feel silent for a moment. Harry thought of taking the opportunity to get his book back, but just as he was about to knock, the voices started again.

"What happened, Albus?" continued Sirius. "How is it possible that Harry ended up like this, in Slytherin, tormenting his fellow students? That's not Potter like! James was arrogant at times yes, but this! This is outrageous! He should be in Gryffindor like his parents!"

"I know Sirius, and I agree. But I believe it is my fault he is in Slytherin…"

"What? What do you mean Albus?"

"Do you remember Sirius, when you were a student here, and you got in trouble in your 5th year? You had been trying a very advanced spell on another student and the consequences were disastrous, were they not?"

"Indeed Albus, but what's the point of this?"

"I remember telling you that day that it is not our abilities that make us who we are, but out choices, did I not?"

"So?"

"So I believe that when I left him on his aunt's doorstep, I made a bad decision. His protection was my only concern back then, I had to be sure Voldemort would never be able to hurt him, at least until he came of age. But I overlooked one very important factor. By leaving him there, I rid him of all love. His aunt, uncle and cousin did not love him; they mistreated him. Harry has not been loved for many years, by anyone. And if my sources are correct, Harry's cousin made sure he had no friends at school, or in the neighborhood. Hence, I believe that upon arriving here, he saw Malfoy and his gang and thought he'd like to have friends like that, to feel important. The hat obliged, as he already had Slytherin qualities following his encounter with Voldemort on that dreadful night. I haven't had proof yet, but I believe he would be able to speak Parseltongue like Voldemort. He would've transferred some powers when trying to kill him."

"Parseltongue? Are you sure?"

"Quite, yes"

"Oh Albus, I never should've changed Secret Keepers. If I hadn't been sent to Azkaban for Peter's sake, I would have loved him, and taken care of him. I am his godfather after all!"

What a cliffanger! I bet you didn't see that coming! lol

More to come...plz review.