Harry took an involuntary step back when quite a group of people all but stormed into the room. There were adults from both foreign delegations, all four of them. Mr Bagman grinned like this was the best thing that had ever happened to him; Miss Umbridge who looked a little like she had bitten into something sour, her face pinched, reminding Harry a little of his aunt. Professor Snape swept in with billowing robes, his face unreadable, while Professor Moody glared at everyone in the room and McGonagall was scowling, quite unhappy with the revelation as it seemed. They were led by Professor Dumbledore himself, who swiftly walked over the polished stone floor to reach Harry. His hand came down on Harry's shoulder and the old man stared deep into his eyes like he was searching for something. For a moment piercing blue eyes stared deep into emerald ones with such intensity that Harry was sure Professor Dumbledore stared directly into his soul.
"Did you put your name into the Goblet Harry?" He asked in a stern but warm voice. The boy shook his head.
"No, Sir." Harry answered honestly, hoping Dumbledore would believe him.
"Did you ask an older student to put your name in?" The old headmaster asked as well, to which again Harry shook his head.
"No Sir." Harry said and Dawn, like she picked up on this, spread her wings and chirped at the old man.
For a moment, Dumbledore continued staring into the boy's eyes, before he smiled and nodded. Taking his hand from Harry's shoulder and stepping back, Professor Dumbledore turned to the rest of the people.
"All right, we have to find out who put Harry's name into the goblet and why!"
The pink wearing lady stepped forward, her face showing a scowl.
"You can't be serious, Dumbledore. The boy is obviously lying." Her short finger pointed at Harry, who flinched back a little. Madam Greif, her own face showing a stern look.
"That is a possibility." She stated, eyeing Harry with a calculating look. Dumbledore stepped next to Harry.
"I am pretty sure Harry is not lying." He stated with a matter of fact. Stern Greif shook her head.
"That isn't enough Mr Dumbledore." She stated, crossing her arms. The champions watched the exchange with different emotions. Warrington nodded at Greif's words, while Ulrich just yawned like he didn't really care. Akiko was nodding in agreement but her face was void of emotion.
Professor McGonagall walked over standing next to her headmaster.
"The headmaster says Harry isn't lying. That should be enough for all of us. Are you saying you mistrust Albus Dumbledore?" She raised her chin.
Madam Greif didn't flinch and the two stern women stared at each other.
"Everybody makes mistakes. Maybe there was one with the age-line." she stated. Dumbledore nodded slowly.
"That, of course, is a possibility." he said slowly, brushing through his beard. McGonagall's scowl deepened.
"You know you didn't make a mistake Albus. And Harry wouldn't lie about this." her eyes darting over to Harry who was smiling thankfully.
Snape in return, who had stuck to the side and near the door sneered. His arms were crossed and he glared through the room at Harry.
"It would fit his character. Wouldn't be the first time the boy lied about misdeeds of his own." Snape's eyes were ice-cold staring at the boy who in return glared at this great misjudge of his character. Snape had to keep his tongue behind his teeth when it came to school things but apparently, this didn't include this certain situation. Umbridge nodded.
"That is right. We will take the boy with us to the Ministry. There we can get the truth out of him. We have our ways of doing so." Her self-righteous smile made Harry want to punch her. Also, he really didn't want to go with her, the way she was smiling. Dumbledore raised his arms.
"Now now that is-"
"Not going to happen!" A new voice cut off the headmaster. Everyone turned to the door. Lord Sirius Black stood in the frame, standing tall, his hair free-flowing, sporting expensive emerald robes and he had his wand in his hand. His face was like stone, the features hard and unforgiving. Behind him were Narcissa and Remus Luin both looking equally grim. Sirius stepped into the room, close behind Snape.
"Out of the way, Snape. You are standing between me and my godson." He snarled, staring into dark eyes. The sneer on Snape's face deepened too. He raised his chin.
"You are as arrogant as every Black! Run along you have no power here you filthy little-"
"Severus! That's enough." Dumbledore stopped his potions master of whatever he wanted to say, to which Sirius probably would have raised his wand. The head of Slytherin glared at Sirius for a moment, before he stepped to the side. Lord Black strode into the room, making people step out of his way, not wanting to fight the man who looked more than ready to murder and to maim anyone. He reached his godson and pulled him into a hug, careful not to knock Dawn from his shoulder.
"Hey there Prongslet. How are you?" He whispered into black hair. Harry's nose was filled with this familiar smell that reminded him of the woods and instantly felt a lot safer, now that his godfather was here.
"I didn't do this Padfoot. I haven't thrown my name into the goblet." He whispered back. Sirius stepped back ruffling his hair.
"I know Harry. Don't worry. Hello to you too beautiful." Sirius' hand reached out, nuzzling Dawn's tummy for a moment, making her chirp in return. Then he turned, winking at Harry in the process and stared at the group. Narcissa and Remus had followed him by now, both taking place behind Harry's shoulder. Remus clapped him on it for for a moment and Narcissa gave him a short smile when she passed by, petting Dawns feathers from behind. Sirius crossed his arms.
"Now, let me get some things clear here. First, of, Harry hasn't put his name into the goblet. Take my word for it or not I don't care." He stated firmly.
Umbridge stepped forward. "Lord Black, we will sort this out in the Ministry. He will come with us and-"
Sirius cut her of glaring at the woman. "Oh yes, pleaaase, take a Lord of the Wizengamot in without a warrant and due to a Hogwarts related problem. Pleaaaase, I have never seen a Ministry official dig their own grave so quickly." They stared at each other for a moment, before Umbridge's face turned red and she stepped back, glaring at the tall man. Sirius nodded.
"All right, that is off the table. Now, what do we know? Harry will step down from the tournament obviously." He said and behind him, Harry nodded in agreement. Dumbledore shook his head.
"I am afraid that is not possible. He has a magical contract with the goblet and stepping down would cost him his magic."
Sirius stared at the headmaster for a moment gritting his teeth. Then he nodded.
"Damn. All right. Next, I want to know who put his name in the goblet."
Everyone looked at each other unsure. After a moment of silence suddenly Ulrich jumped out of his chair while Professor Dumbledore groaned holding his head. Ulrich glared at the old headmaster.
"Versuch das nie wieder!"* He spat out. Madam Greif stepped closer to him, her hand reaching out and stopping him from moving closer to Dumbledore.
"Was ist los?" she asked in German.
"Er hat versuch meine Gedanken zu lesen." Ulrich answered, his eyes not leaving the still groaning headmaster. McGonagall glared at the boy while she tended to the headmaster.
"How dare you attack him? He-" But she was cut off by Dumbledore's long-fingered hand raising, stopping her.
"It's fine Minerva, I made a mistake." The headmaster looked at Ulrich for a moment. He had known something was off about the boy but that was more disconcerting than he had thought. His mind was clouded in darkness and the moment Albus had connected with it something had risen from the depth of it attacking him with glowing red eyes and sharp fangs. Dumbledore had seen this before quite similar to the wolf in a Werewolf's mind. But this was darker. The boy was a vampire or at least had vampire blood in him. Ulrich glared still at him but sat down, his black wand slipping back into his pocket.
Dumbledore nodded once more, before turning to the people.
"All right. We still have the mystery of Harry's name in the goblet."
"We can rule out the students really. There is really dark magic on the work here." Moody's gruff voice cut through the room in a deep rumble.
"How did you figure?" The female teacher from Japan asked, frown on her face.
Umbridge snorted. "Moody is well known for being paranoid. I heard you had the idea that a birthday present would be a cleverly disguised Basilisk egg, throwing it against the wall but it turned out to be a normal egg."
His steel leg made loud thudding noises when Moody walked into the centre of the room. His magical eyes swirled around while his other glared at Umbridge.
"Oh yeah? Just plain old Mad-Eye being crazy? I don't think so, Miss Umbridge. First of all, we can rule the students out because Peverell's name came out in addition to the other three. That means someone has fooled the goblet into thinking there were four schools in this Tournament. Since he was the only name given for the fourth school so he was certain to be chosen. And the goblet is a strong artefact, it can't be fooled easily. And for your information, you can't distinguish a basilisk egg from a normal egg even thrown against a wall, so..."
"He is right." A new voice stated. It was even deeper than Moody's, rumbling and cracking like breaking stone. Grungnison the dwarven captain wasn't looking at them. His eyes were focused on the goblet he had obviously taken from the great hall. He turned it in his hands like he could see more than just a wooden surface.
"This little something here is goblin made. While those filthy long-noses are cheating buggers, are untrustworthy and oath-breakers, they know how to make a decent object. Flawed yes and with mistakes but powerful. Making it believe there was more than three schools would be quite a feat of magic I would say." He nodded to himself and just dropped it onto a table nearby like it was a common goblet and not a priceless artefact. He even wiped his hands on his coat afterwards.
Umbridge glared at him.
"And we should take the word a creature with nearly human intelligence fo-
"Nearly human intelligence? Pah." Grungnison spat out glaring at her. He stepped closer, pointing at her. "Listen to me you old hag. My people were carving Krak a Karak out of stone and steel when your ancestors were still living in the trees! Our empire was strong long before you clumsy humans came along! Insult me one more time and I will show you the smile of my axe!"
"That is a threat! I will have you in court for that you-"
Madam Greif stepped forward pointing at the pink woman.
"Don't you threaten Master Grungnison, you vile woman." she hollered at her, even reaching for her wand. Dumbledore raised his hands and suddenly his voice was louder.
"Ladies! Gentlemen! Please, let's focus here. Threatening each other will not help us in this situation. Alastor, do you think you can find more?" He asked. Moody nodded, reaching out his hand. The others were still glaring at each other.
"Show me the piece with Peverell's name on it." He said and Dumbledore complied. Moody eyed the slip of parchment for a moment, nodding to himself.
"There is something written on the corner. Looks like it was ripped from another piece of paper. -mslang is it. Recognize this Peverell?" He walked over and showed it to the boy. Harry looked at it and yeah, that was written there in the corner, almost burned away by the goblet.
"That is the end of my potions essay from two days ago." He said. Every eye turned to Snape who was still in one of the corners. Moody turned at him too.
"Well, Snape?" He asked.
Severus Snape scowled at him.
"Well, what?" Snape growled back. Sirius stepped forward, glaring at his old school enemy. He even pointed at him.
"Well tell us why you put my godson's name into this thing you greasy haired slimy piece of-"
"Sirius!" Narcissa called from behind.
"Lord Black!" McGonagall shouted at the exact same moment. Snape just glared back, snorting through his nose.
"Like I would put the boy's name in. He finds enough trouble without my help."
Sirius barked out a laugh. "Like I would believe you. Hey Umbridge, you wanted someone to interrogate. How about that slimy weasel?"
Umbridge nodded once, stepping towards Snape. Snape glowed, shaking his head.
"If you think I would go with you, you are mistaken. I will not-"
"Severus." Albus' voice stopped the man from continuing. "Please. It's better this way. I'm sure we will get to the bottom of this and you will be back with us soon."
Snape scowled for a moment before he turned and walked briskly ahead of Umbridge out of the room, his black robes billowing behind him.
"We will all see him again." Takeda Nobunagas voice was quiet, only faintly there, but still, everybody heard him. While only the delegation from Japan and Albus Dumbledore knew that the old man was never really wrong, the rest could hear the certainty in his voice, making them believe him.
Harry carefully looked around.
"What happens now?" He asked, unsure. Dawn rubbed her head on his cheek chirping. Sirius turned to his godson nodding.
"We do what we can. Remus, I want you to look into the rules of the tournament and also the enchantment to the goblet. Find a way for Harry to get out of this." The werewolf nodded in response, walking over to look at the goblet.
Sirius turned to the rest of the room again.
"I hope Remus will find a way out of this but I would not bet on it. Harry needs to be prepared. I will be here in the castle, helping him get ready as well as Remus. This way we will get Harry through this tournament unharmed." The people around the room were nodding in agreement.
Bagman, who had said not a single word up until now stepped forward grinning.
"Well, now that this is all sorted out, I think we should go on like planned. A tournament with four champions, this is a first and quite frankly really exciting."
McGonagall scowled at his bright grin. "I think you underestimate the severity of the situation Mr Bagman."
The man blushed a little before shaking his head hastily.
"Of course not, Professor. What I meant was, of course, I should do my job here, informing the champions of their tasks." He turned towards the three older teenagers who had sat back most of the conversation.
Warrington glowered at them.
"So this is it, Potter will once again be the special boy who gets the exception of the rule?" He asked, crossing his arms. Professor McGonagall gazed at him sternly.
"Mr Warrington, this is not what happens here. We are only concerned for Lord Peverells safety in a competition that is way over his head. We treat all students equally."
Warrington glared at her, spitting out. "Oh sure. We, the Slytherin Quidditch-Team remember two years ago, when suddenly a first year was on the Quidditch Team of the golden house. Or like we work every year hard for the house cup and at the closing feast...I think you know what I am talking about."
Professor McGonagall had the decency to blush, knowing full well what happened the last few years in this school.
Warrington stepped up still his arms crossed.
"Be this as it may, this time will be different. I WILL show you all that Slytherin wins. So Bagman, tell us what is the first task?" His chin was raised high and he nodded at the older man.
Bagman resumed his smile and nodded.
"Oh yes, of course. Well, the first task is designed to challenge your creativity and adaptability in the face of danger."
Akiko finally spoke and Harry noticed her quiet and polite way of speaking.
"I imagine that it should test our abilities in the face of the unknown?" Her question was underlying with a strange accent that Harry had already heard in the voice of her teachers. Bagman nodded smiling at her.
"That is correct my dear. You will be tested for your courage with no preparation just your instincts and wits, since facing the unknown is a great challenge for every wizard and witch. The only help you have will be your wands and your mind. Which brings me to the next rule, your teachers are forbidden to help you in your preparation. The first challenge will take place on the twenty-fourth of November so you have plenty of time preparing. Any questions?"
For a moment it was quiet when Warrington stepped forward.
"What about Lord Black and Peverell? It seems pretty unfair for him to have someone teaching him." Harry sighed. Leave it to the Slytherin to try to throw a bar between his legs. Bagman frowned thinking for a moment. Then he shook his head.
"For one Lord Peverell is years younger than the rest of you, only having half the education of you three. I think that would suffice for this exception. Also Lord Black is no teacher, so he doesn't fall under that rule." Bagman nodded to himself like he was confirming it once more. Akiko stepped forward.
"What about his phoenix?" She asked, looking over at the boy. Harry himself looked up at Dawn who watched the gathering with her golden unreadable eyes. She had noticed the tension before in the room. Harry nodded for once.
"She will stay with Sirius during the task if it comes to that. I still hope Remus will find a way out of this. Either way, I will not endanger her by bringing her in, she is far too young. She only learned to fly today." Harry sighed a little when he thought that this should be a happy day, with her flying for the first time and instead this whole thing happened.
Akiko seemed appeased, stepping back. Bagman clapped his hand.
"Well, I would guess that was everything. All I can say is good luck to all champions." He smiled brightly. Professor Dumbledore nodded.
"Madam Greif, Takeda, would you like to have a drink with me before going to bed?" He asked the two leaders. Both shook their heads.
"I would like to stay with my students for this night, thank you, Mr Dumbledore." The stern German woman said, her harsh accent rather pointed at the moment. She nodded towards Ulrich who rose from his chair and walked over, hands in his pockets and slumping ever so slightly, tired. Takeda smiled at Dumbledore.
"An early bed is what fate has placed in my path today old friend. I want to enjoy it since there will be none other for me." And with those cryptic words, the old vice-headmaster moved out, Akiko and the two teachers following as well.
Dumbledore nodded and wished them a good night. He then turned to the remainder of the group.
"Cassius, Harry, I would think in Slytherin and Gryffindor common room there are people eager to see you. Why don't you two run along?" he smiled. Sirius placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"I think I would like to talk to my godson for a while before I hand him over to the crowd. I will escort him to his common room afterwards." He said, looking out at Dumbledore.
The old man nodded in agreement. "Stop by afterwards if you would my boy, I would like to talk to you."
Sirius nodded and then one by one the people left the room. McGonagall and Moody nodded at Harry when they left, while Warrington only glared before huffing and turning his nose. After them the door closed, leaving behind house Black.
Sirius sagged down a little, sighing and rubbing his forehead. Harry shuffled a little, looking at his feet.
"Sorry, Sirius. I didn't mean to worry you." He said with a low voice. Sirius looked up and shook his head in a tired motion.
"No Harry, Merlin no. This isn't your fault. You are a victim here, so don't apologize. This is the fault of Dumbledore and Snape, for putting your name in and not protecting the student body respectively."
Narcissa rubbed Harry's shoulder, shaking her head.
"You don't know Severus was at fault. That is a far reach only based on a slip of paper." She looked over at her cousin. Sirius snorted.
"Would fit his character well."
Narcissa glared at him. "Innocent until proven guilty Sirius." She snipped at him. Sirius seemed ready to argue but then he shook his head.
"All right Cissy." He then turned back to Harry. "How are you feeling Prongslet?"
Harry sighed sitting down on the next chair. Narcissa and Sirius sat down as well.
"Okay, I guess. I mean I don't want to be in the tournament, but somehow I knew deep inside of me, there would be a new year at Hogwarts with something. There is always something. The first year it was the stone, the second year the chamber, third being chased by a serial killer."
"Sorry about that mini-Prongs." Sirius looked really sorry and Harry shook his head. Dawn hopped from his shoulder onto his knee and Harry patted her back.
"It's okay. I just get kind of used to things like this happening, that's all." Harry sighed. "How will we do this?"
Sirius looked over at Narcissa. "I will come here as often as I can especially on weekends and we will work on duelling and everything we can come up with. Maybe we will find something."
Narcissa smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Well, someone might have a clue already."
Sirius and Harry looked at her surprised. "You have an idea?"
Narcissa nodded. "I spoke to Mrs Weasley this morning. Her second-oldest son is in the UK for the Tournament and he works with-"
"Dragons." Harry finished her sentence, staring at the floor. Sirius blinked.
"That can't be right. Dragons? That would be so irresponsible. Dumbledore would never allow this."
Harry laughed a little bitter. "You mean like he wouldn't put the Philosopher's Stone inside Hogwarts?"
Sirius stopped, sighing before he rubbed his face again.
"All right, fine, you have a point. Okay, we will get this right. Maybe Remus will find a way out for you."
Harry nodded, sighing himself. This was just one more crazy thing that happened in his life. Why couldn't he have a peaceful year for once?
"Can we not talk about it? Something happened on our side of things?"
Sirius eyed him for a moment, before nodding a little.
"Well, I talked with Lord Greengrass yesterday, we have found out that one of the major incomes of Malfoy is Nimbus. We look into the possibilities that come with this information. Apart from that, we worked on the next Wizengamot sitting. There is a potential law helping Werewolves I want to look into. Greengrass isn't sold yet but I think I can convince him. And with you? You said the girl finally flew?" His head nodded towards Dawn. Harry smiled nodding and raising her on his forearm.
Lifting his arm more the black-feathered bird jumped from it and flew a circle around the room. Narcissa smiled and Sirius whooped a little. She quickly landed on Harry's arm again, nuzzling against his chest, still showing her pride.
"Way to go Dawn. Finally flying." Sirius said, tickling her beak for a moment. The bird chirped happily. Narcissa smiled, just petting her head slightly.
"Good girl." She said. Harry smiled himself, but he decided not to mention Cho and what happened at the Black Lake.
Sirius rose from his chair. "Maybe it is best if we bring you to your dorm. It's getting late." His hand was stretched out and he pulled Harry to his feet, before helping Narcissa up.
Together they walked through the quiet castle, none of them saying a word. Finally, they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. Sirius turned, leaning down and hugging his godson warmly. Harry grabbed onto his shirt, holding onto the man, not wanting to let go at all. With Sirius, he felt safe and that was something he hadn't felt all those years before really. But it had to come to an end and Sirius stepped back, still holding on to Harry's shoulder.
"Keep your chin up Prongslet. We will get through this. Together. Lils and Prongs would tear me a new one if I were to fail you. I know they are proud of you." He said with a smile on his face. Harry felt a lump in his throat and he nodded.
"Thank you Pads." He said and hugged his godfather again. He then stepped back and embraced Narcissa as well.
"You will be okay Harry." She whispered into Harry's hair and the boy smiled, nodding.
"Thank you, Narcissa. Keep an eye on the stray." He said with a little chuckle. She laughed slightly and nodded.
"Will do."
Then she also stepped back and nodded at Harry.
"I will come by soon Harry, don't worry." Sirius said and the boy smiled. Harry felt better knowing Sirius was there for him.
He turned and stated the password to the Fat Lady. The portrait swung to the side and Harry turned his head one more time to his godfather and his cousin. Sirius winked at him and Narcissa shooed him inside. From the hole, they could already hear the noise of a filled room.
When Harry was halfway through the hole he was already pulled by hands inside while the calls and applause turned into deafening. Everyone was screaming, clapping or whistling.
"You did it! Good job, Harry. You could have said something!" George yelled into his ear, half angry but half-joking.
"How did you get past the line without a beard?" Fred hollered, clapping his hands.
"I didn't. I have no idea how-"
"Well if it isn't me, at least a Gryffindor. Can't let Slytherin get all the glory!" Angelina interrupted him, clapping on his shoulder.
"Yeah show Warrington who is Boss!" laughed Katie Bell loudly.
"We have something to eat, come dig in!" Someone called from the back.
Harry shook his head. "I'm not hungry thanks I-"
But no one listened. They didn't want to hear he wasn't hungry, they didn't want to hear that he hadn't put his name into the goblet of fire, no one seemed to notice that he wasn't in the mood for a party. Lee Jordon dug out some old Gryffindor flag and wouldn't be stopped in his attempts to tie it around Harry like a toga.
There was no escape, whenever he tried to walk towards the stairs he was pulled back, a butterbeer or chips shoved into his hands. They asked him over and over again how he got his name into the goblet.
Finally, they let him go when Dawn started pecking at people, causing quite a few bleeding wounds. Harry ran up the stairs. During the entire time, there had been no trace of Hermione and Ron. Harry sprinted up the stairs before someone had the idea of following him, quickly slipping into the dorm.
He sighed in relief when he saw Ron sitting on his bed. His best friend looked up when he heard the door, giving him an odd smile.
"Hey."
Harry felt strangely uncomfortable at that moment. "Hi, Ron." He sighed, sitting down at the edge of his bed. Ron looked up raising an eyebrow. Harry noticed the Gryffindor Banner still tied around his frame. He tried pulling on it fighting it for a moment before he sighed slumping down a little.
"What a damn day." He murmured, while Dawn nuzzled close to his face. Harry took her from his shoulder, holding her in his hands, his eyes gazing deep into hers.
Ron tilted his head slightly. "Why? This day went pretty swimmingly for you didn't it?" The smile on Ron's face seemed a little forced and Harry looked at him with a scowl.
"Come again?"
Ron shrugged. "Well no one else got over the age line not even Fred and George, but you did. Was it the cloak?" He asked.
Harry shook his head. "No."
Ron nodded slowly. "So you found another way. Mind telling me how you did it?" He asked. Harry shook his head.
"I didn't do it, Ron. Someone else did it without my knowledge."
Ron frowned, shaking his head. "Why would anybody do so?"
To this Harry shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe to kill me."
Ron's eyebrows almost disappeared behind his bangs.
"Who would want to kill you?"
Harry sighed. "The prime suspect at the moment is Snape. They took him in for questioning."
Now Ron was scowling his fake smile disappearing.
"All right. I thought you would at least tell me the truth. There is no reason to lie, you weren't kicked from the tournament, so you got in. A thousand galleons winning. And no exams as well I would-"
"I DIDN'T PUT MY NAME IN!" Harry hollered at his friend.
Ron shook his head.
"Yeah of course and once again you think Snape did it, like all the times before. You need a new line, Harry. I'm not dumb you know?"
"Well, you play the part of the idiot quite well right now!" Harry glared at him. Dawn chirped loudly and Harry rose to his feet. Ron glared at his friend.
"Oh yeah? Fine! Don't tell me." And with these words, Ron pulled close the curtains of his bed. Harry just stood there for a moment, staring at the curtain behind which one of the few people was he thought would believe him.
He then stomped over to his trunk and climbed down, unwilling to spend the night in the same room with that idiot.
But when he was lying in his bed, Dawn cuddled to his chest and chirping quietly, he stared at the ceiling, feeling ashamed of himself. His fingers played with Dawn's wing feathers and he tried finding comfort in their bond, in the warmth of her love and affection.
But sleep came slowly that night.
German translation:
*"Never try that again!"
"What is going on?"
"He tried to read my mind!"