Chapter 48
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AN1: Thank you for the support. PLEASE REVIEW.
October 30th 1994
It has been over a month since Hermione's birthday and ever since then there has been a few moments where the entire school has been sure that Sirius, Remus and Snape were going to get into major fights, but to everyone's surprise they haven't.
It is a Friday night and as the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, including Viktor Krum, have just arrived Hogwarts is having feast to celebrate, a feast which includes a lot of different food from different cultures. During the meal Crouch, Bagaman and a man that Hermione recognizes to be Alastor Moody join the table, Hermione noticing that Crouch has been seated far away from Sirius, something which she knows her Dad will happy about.
After several courses and desert everyone's plates are wiped cleaned and Albus stands up.
"The moment has come." Albus says as he stands, "The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before bring in the casket….."
"The what?" Harry mutters.
"I think he said casket." Hermione responds, looking just as confused.
"Just to clarify the procedure that we will be following this year." Albus continues, "But first, let me introduce, for those who do not know them, Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation." Albus introduces, and there is some polite applause, though Hermione notices that neither of her parents have joined in on that applause, "And Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports." Albus introduces, causing a much louder applause, most likely because Bagman is more well known, "Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangement for the Triwizard Tournament." Albus explains, "And they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime on the panel that will judge the champions' efforts." Albus explains, "Also joining us for the rest of the year is Alastor Moody who is here to provide extra security, advice and guidance for any and all who need it, welcome." Albus says, causing a shock to take over the room along with a scatted applause.
Looking around the room it becomes clear that there is an awkward feeling to the room as people are clearly shocked about Moody but at the same time at the mention of champions everyone seems to be listening more intensely.
"The casket, then, if you please, Mr. Filch." Albus says with a smile, as he does Filch, who has been lurking unnoticed in a far corner of the hall approaches Albus carrying a great wooden chest encrusted with jewels. Looking at the chest it is clear that is extremely old and that causes a murmur of excited interest from the students around the room, some of whom actually stand on chairs to see it properly.
"The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman." Albus explains as Filch carefully places the chest on the table before him, "And they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways… their magical prowess, their daring, their power of deduction, and of course, their ability to cope with danger." Albus explain to the students, causing a silence so absolute that it's almost like nobody seems to be breathing, "As you know, three champions compete in the tournament." Albus says, his voice calm, "One from each participating school. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: The Goblet of Fire."
Albus says, once he does he pulls out his wand and taps the top of the casket three times. Once he does the lid of the casket slowly creaks open. Once it is open Albus reaches inside and pulls out a large, roughly hewn wooden cup. Honestly, it would be very unremarkable if it wasn't for the fact that it is full to the brim with dancing blue-white flames. Closing the casket Albus places the goblet carefully on top of it, where it is clearly visible to everyone in the hall.
"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet." Albus instructs, "Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will return the names of the three it judges worthiest to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete." Albus explains to everyone, "To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation, I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line." Albus reveals, causing an annoyed muttering to break out, but Albus ignores it and continues to speak, "Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this tournament is not to be entered into lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart one you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet. Now, I think it's time for bed. Goodnight to you all." Albus says and everyone stands up and Harry, Hermione, Neville, Ron, Fred, and George walk together.
"An Age Line!" Fred says, his eyes glinting, as the group make their way across the Hall to the doors into the entrance hall, "Well, that should be fooled by an Aging Potion, shouldn't it? And once your name's in the goblet, you're laughing, it can't tell whether you're seventeen or not!"
"There's two problems with that." Hermione says, causing the twins to look at her, "One, do you really think that Professor Dumbledore wouldn't think to defend against an aging potion? And two, do you really think anyone under seventeen will stand a chance? We haven't learnt enough."
"Maybe you haven't." George says, sounding short, "You'll try and get in, won't you, Harry?"
"No." Harry says, not even needing to think about it.
"Well Neville, what about you?" Fred asks curious.
"Where is he?" Ron asks before Neville can answer as he's not listening to the conversation, instead he is looking through the crowed trying to see what has become of Krum. "Dumbledore didn't say where the Durmstrang people are sleeping, did he?" Ron asks but the question is answered almost instantly as Karkaroff walks up to his students who were sitting at the Slytherin table.
"Back to the Ship then." Karkaroff says, as he does.
"HERMIONE." A voice calls and Hermione turns to see her Dad and Papa standing back behind the crowed of students.
"I'll catch up with you later." Hermione says to Harry, Ron, Neville, Fred and George before making her way back through the crowd of people and to her fathers.
"Hi." Hermione says to them when she finally gets to them.
"Hey, did you enjoy the feast?" Sirius asks his daughter curious.
"Yeah, it was amazing." Hermione comments, "Are you okay? I know Crouch being here can't be easy."
"I'll manage; I just have to avoid him." Sirius assures his daughter.
"Tomorrow once you have breakfast can you, Harry, Neville and Ron come to our quarters?" Remus asks his daughter, giving Sirius a worried side eye as he knows that Crouch being at Hogwarts affects Sirius more than he is saying.
"Sure, is something wrong?" Hermione asks curious.
"No, there's just something we need to talk to you about." Sirius explains.
"Okay, we'll be there." Hermione responds.
"Good, goodnight, Hermione." Remus says, giving his daughter a hug.
"Night Papa." Hermione says returning the hug, "Night Dad." Hermione says before hugging him too.
"Night Princess." Sirius tells his daughter and once the two of them break apart Hermione hurries to catch up with her friends while Sirius and Remus head back to their quarters.
Hours later a man, disguised as someone who most people trusts, opens a letter that was given to him by Peter Pettigrew, follows the instructions on the first page before putting the piece of parchment that has also been included into the Goblet of Fire. Once the Goblet accepts the parchment the man leaves the Entrance Hall.
October 31st 1994
The next morning Harry, Hermione, Neville and Ron all get up early to watch as people put their name into the goblet, getting to watch as Fred and George are transformed into old men as they try, before going to breakfast and then making their way to Remus and Sirius's quarters.
Walking into Sirius and Remus's quarters the four fourth years find Sirius and Remus sitting on the couch staring at a framed photo, seemingly oblivious to the rest of the world.
Exchanging a look with Harry Hermione walks up behind her parents and as she does she sees that the picture is off the two of them, Lily and James. Seeing that Hermione realises that this is the first year since James and Lily died that they are together on the anniversary.
"Dad, Papa." Hermione says in a kind voice, causing both of her parents to jump, "Sorry." Hermione quickly says.
"It's okay." Remus assures his daughter.
"Sit down, all four of you." Sirius requests and Harry, Hermione, Neville and Ron walk over and take seats in various places around the room.
"What did you need to talk to us about?" Harry asks curious.
"We need to warn you." Remus explains.
"What about?" Hermione asks curious.
"Karkaroff." Remus answers.
"He's a Death Eater." Sirius explains, causing all four of the students to become shocked.
"WHAT!"
"Why isn't he in Azkaban? How is he allowed to teach?" Hermione asks her fathers, looking completely shocked.
"He was in Azkaban; he was brought in not long after me." Sirius explains, looking both bitter and haunted.
"How'd he get out?" Harry asks curious.
"He put a lot of other people in Azkaban in his place." Remus explains, "He named other Death Eaters and was realised eventually because of that."
"A lot of people in Azkaban want revenge on him because of that." Sirius reveals, "He's a dangerous person and I want all four of you to be careful around him, be careful." Sirius says, looking between the four of them.
"We will, Dad." Hermione assures him and the others nod in agreement.
"Good." Sirius and Remus say together.
"Harry, Hermione you two are going to have to be even more careful as Rem and I spent time before the end of the war helping Moody try to catch him and with who you are Harry you should be careful." Sirius tells the kids.
"We will." Harry and Hermione say together.
"So, do you know what the tasks are going to be?" Ron asks curious.
"No, not yet." Remus answers, "We know that we're all going to see things that we never thought we would see, but we're not finding out more until closer to the tasks." He explains to the group.
"It sounds like it's going to be good to watch. I'm looking forward to not being the centre of attention for once." Harry admits and the group continue to talk about the tournament, it being clear that Sirius and Remus are glad that the kids they care about are too young to enter.
After spending several hours with Sirius and Remus, Hermione, Harry, Neville and Ron head down to visit with Hagrid before heading up to the Halloween feast, a feast that seemingly takes longer than normal as everyone is full of anticipation about what is about to happen.
Eventually, the golden plates return to their original spotless state and as it does the noise in the hall dies away instantly as Albus stands up. On either side of him, Karkaroff and Madame Maxime look tenses and expectant, Bagman is beaming and Crouch looks quiet interested, almost board, a little way down the table Sirius and Remus are looking both interested and concerned.
"Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision." Albus reveals, "I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber." Albus says, indicating the door behind the staff table, "Where they will be receiving their first instructions." Albus reveals as he takes out his wand and gives it a giant sweeping wave. As he does all the candles except for the ones inside the carved pumpkins are extinguished, causing the hall to be plunged into a state of semidarkness.
"Any second." Lee whispers as the Goblet of Fire seemingly shines more brightly than ever.
Seconds later the flames inside the goblet turn red again, and sparks begin to fly from it. Next moment, a tongue of flame shots into the air and a charred piece of parchment flutters out of it, causing the whole hall to gasp.
As it flies Albus reaches out and takes the piece of parchment and holds it at arm's length so that he can read it by the light of the flames, which have turned back to blue-white.
"The champion for Durmstrang." Albus reads, "will be Viktor Krum."
"No surprises there!" Ron yell as a storm of applause and cheering sweeps the hall.
Rising from his place at the Slytherin table Viktor rises and slouches up towards Dumbledore, turning right along the staff table and he disappears through the door to the next chamber.
"Bravo, Viktor!" Karkaroff yells, "Knew you had it in you!"
After a little while the clapping and chatting dies down and everyone once more focuses on the goblet, which, seconds later turns red once more. Once it turns red a second piece of parchment shoots out of it, propelled by the flames.
"The champion for Beauxbatons." Albus says, "Is Fleur Delacour!"
Albus says and a girl that Ron has said, more than once, is a veela, gets up and sweeps between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff table.
"Oh look, they're all disappointed." Hermione comments as the rest of the Beauxbatons students look devastated.
Once Fleur vanishes into the side chamber the silence falls again, but this time it is completely full of excitement. After a few seconds the Goblet of fire once more turns red, sparks shower out, and the tongue of the flames shoots high in the air, and from its tip Albus pulls the third piece of parchment.
"The Hogwarts champion." Albus calls, "Is Cedric Diggory."
The second Albus says the name the Hufflepuff table explodes, every student at the table has jumped to either his or her feet, screaming and stamping as Cedric made his way past them, grinning broadly.
Indeed, the applause for Cedric goes on so long that it is some time before Albus is able to make himself heard again.
"Excellent." Albus says as the noise has finally died down enough for him to be heard, "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champions on, you will contribute in a very real….." Albus starts to say, but he suddenly stops speaking as the fire in the goblet has once more turns red. Sparks are once more flying out of it. A long flame shoots suddenly into the air, and borne upon it is another piece of parchment.
Automatically, it seems, Albus reaches out his long hand and seizes the parchment. He holds it out and starts at what's written upon it. For a long moment Albus stares at the slip in his hands, and everyone in the room stares at Albus, then he finally clears his throat, and reads out, "Hermione Lupin-Black and Harry Potter."
"NO." Sirius's voice yells.
Hearing the words Albus said Hermione automatically looks at Harry, hoping that she heard wrong, but as she sees the same look on his face that she is sure is on her own face Hermione realises that she wasn't mistaken.
Quickly looking at the staff table Hermione sees both her father's looking shocked, angry, and afraid seemingly too stunned to move as Minerva hurries over to Albus and whispers something to him, causing him to frown.
"We didn't put our names in." Harry's voice says, causing Hermione to turn to see him talking to Neville and Ron, "You know we wouldn't have."
"We didn't." Hermione once more says and both of them just stares blankly at Hermione and Harry.
"Hermione Lupin-Black! Harry Potter." Albus calls again as he stands up, nodding to Professor McGonagall, "Harry! Hermione! Up here, if you please!" Albus says urgently.
"Go on, both of you," Neville whispers, giving Harry and Hermione a slight push.
"I think we have to." Hermione realises and she and Harry both get to their feet and both start to walk, both extremely nervous.
As they make their way to the staff table Harry and Hermione both feel that the walk is longer than normal and neither feel that it doesn't seem to be getting any closer, and the angry buzzing grows louder.
After what feels like an extremely long time Harry and Hermione are right in front of Albus, feeling the stares of the teaches on him, as well as the worried looks of Sirius and Remus.
"Well…. Through the door, Harry, Hermione." Albus says, not smiling and Harry and Hermione move along the teaches table, as they pass her parents Hermione realises that the both look like their worst nightmares have come true.
Walking into the smaller room Harry and Hermione find that the room is lined with paintings of witches and wizards, with a handsome fire roaring in the fireplace at the other end, which Krum, Fleur and Cedric are crowded around.
As they walk towards the others Harry and Hermione exchange looks, both thinking that the three of them all look so much bigger, so much more impressive, so much more imposing.
"What is it?" Fleur asks, seeing them, "Do zey want us back in ze Hall?"
Hearing that Harry and Hermione once more exchange looks, neither sure how to explain what happened, so instead they just stare at the three champions who seem so much taller.
Seconds later there is a sound of scurrying feet behind them, and Ludo Bagman enters the room, as he does he takes Harry and Hermione by their arms and leads them forward.
"Extraordinary!" Bagman mutters, squeezing Harry and Hermione's arms.
"Absolutely extraordinary! Gentleman, lady." He adds, approaching the fireside and addressing the other three, "May I introduce, incredible though it may seem, the fourth and fifth Triwizard champions." As soon as he speaks Viktor Krum straightens up, his surly face darkness as he surveys Harry and Hermione. Cedric looks nonplussed as he looks from Bagman to Harry and Hermione, as though sure he must have misheard what Bagman said. Fleur, on the other hand, tosses her hair, smiles and says, "Oh, vairy funny joke, Meester Bagman."
"Joke?" Bagman repeats, sounding bewildered, "No, no, not at all! Harry and Hermione's names just came out of the Goblet of Fire!" he reveals, causing Krum's thick eyebrows to contract slightly as Cedric continues to look politely bewildered and Fleur frowns.
"But evidently zair 'has been a mistake." Fleur says to Bagman, "Zey' cannot complete. Zey' is too young."
"Well, it I amazing." Bagman says as he rubs his smooth chin and smiles down at Harry and Hermione, "But, as you know the age restriction was only imposed this year as an extra safety measure. And as their names have come out of the Goblet, I mean, I don't think there can be any ducking out at this stage… It's down to the rules, you're obliged, Harry and Hermione will just have to do the best they….."
Bagman starts to say, but he is cut of before the door opens and group of people comes in: Sirius, Remus, and Albus, followed closely by Crouch, Karkaroff, Madame Maxine, Minerva and Professor Snape.
As they hurry in Sirius and Remus hurry over to Harry and Hermione and they both pull both teens into hugs, causing the four of them to have a group hug.
"We didn't enter, neither of us." Hermione whispers to her parents.
"We know." Remus assures her.
"We'll figure this out." Sirius adds, not completely sure whether he believes his words.
"Madam Maxime." Flur says, striding over to her headmistress as Remus, Sirius, Harry and Hermione break apart, "Zey are saying zat zies little kids is to complete also."
"What is ze meaning of zis, Dumbly-dorr?" Maxime asks, sounding imperiously.
"I'd rather like to know that myself, Dumbledore." Karkaroff asks, wearing a steely smile, "Three Hogwarts champions? I don't remember anyone telling me the host school is allowed three champions or have I not read the rules carefully enough?" he asks, giving a short, nasty laugh.
"C'est impossible." Madam Maxime, "Ogwarts cannot 'ave three champions. It is most injust."
"We were under the impression that your Age Line would keep out younger contestants, Dumbledore." Karkaroff Says, "Otherwise we would, of course, have brought along a wider selection of candidates from our own schools."
"It's no one's fault but Lupin-Black's and Potter's, Karkaroff." Snape says softly, "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Lupin-Black's and Potter's determination to break rules. They have been crossing line ever since they arrived here."
"Shut up, Snape." Sirius says angrily.
"They didn't enter themselves." Remus adds.
"Severus, Remus, Sirius." Albus says firmly, causing them to all be quiet, though they continue to glare at each other, "Harry, Hermione, I need to hear it from the two of you, did either of you put your names into the Goblet of Fire?" he asks quietly.
"No." Harry and Hermione say together, both being aware of everyone watching them closely, as they answer Snape makes a soft noise, one of impatient disbelief.
"Did you ask an older student, or anyone else, to put your names into the Goblet of Fire for you?" Albus asks, ignoring Snape.
"No." Harry and Hermione both say, sounding forceful.
"Ah, but of course zey is lying." Maxime says, as Snape starts to shake his head as his lip curls.
"No, they aren't." Remus says, "Hermione and Harry wouldn't lie about this."
"They could not have crossed the Age Line." Minerva says, sharply, "I am sure we all agree on that…."
"Dumbly-dorr must 'ave made a mistake wiz ze line." Maxime says, shrugging.
"It is possible, of course." Albus says, politely.
"Dumbledore, you know perfectly well you did not make a mistake!" Minerva says, angrily, "Really, what nonsense! Harry and Hermione could not have crossed the line themselves and as Profess Dumbledore, and the people who know them best, believe that they did not persuade older students to do it for them, I am sure that should be good enough for everyone else!" She says as she shoots a very angry look at Snape.
"Mr Crouch, Mr Bagman." Karkaroff says "You are our-er- objective judges surly you agree that this is most irregular."
"We must follow the rules." Crouch says, causing Sirius to roll his eyes and resist the urge to comment, "And the rules state clearly that those people whose names come out of the Goblet of Fire are bound to compete in the tournament."
"No." Remus says, his arms protectively on Harry and Hermione's shoulders, "They are not completing. I won't let them."
"You don't have a choice." Crouch says, "They can't back out, if they do they will die." He reveals, causing Harry and Hermione to feel Remus's grip tightens.
"There has to be some way around this." Sirius comments, looking just as worried.
"There's not." Crouch says.
"Well, Barty knows the rule book front to front, if he says they have to compete then they do." Bagman says, it being clear that he thinks the matter is now closed.
"I insist upon resubmitting the name of the rests of my students." Karkaroff says, having dropped the unctuous tone and smile, making him look very ugly indeed, "You will set up the Goblet of Fire once more, and we will continue adding names until each school has three champions. It's only fair, Dumbledore."
"Lupin-Black and Potter are only one champion." Crouch says, causing everyone to look at him, "Their names were on once piece of parchment so they are counted as one champion, they will complete all tasks together."
"Then each school gets one more champion." Karkaroff says.
"That's not possible either." Bagman says, "The Goblet of Fire's just gone out, it won't reignite until the start of the next tournament."
"in which Durmstrang will most certainly not be completing!" Karkaroff says, sounding furious, "After all of our meetings and negotiations and compromises, I little expected something of this nature to occur! I have half a mind to leave now!
"Empty threat, Karkaroff." Grow a voice near the door, "You can't leave your champion now. He's got to compete. They've all got to compete. Binding magical contract, like Dumbldeore said. Convenient, eh?" Moody asks entering the room, limping towards the fire.
"Convenient?" Karkaroff asks, "I'm afraid I don't understand you, Moody." Karkaroff asks.
"Don't you?" Moody asks, "It's very simple, Karkaroff. Someone put Lupin-Black's and Potter's names in the goblet knowing they'd have to compete together if the parchment with both their names came out."
"Evidently, someone 'oo wished to give 'Ogwarts two bites at ze apple." Maxime says.
"I quiet agree, Madame Maxime." Karkaroff says, bowing to her, "I shall be lodging complaints with the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards."
"If anyone's got reasons to complain, it's Lupin-Black and Potter." Moody grows, "But, funny thing I don't hear either of them saying a word."
"Why should zey complain?" Fleur asks, stamping her feat, "Zey 'as ze chance to compete, 'asn't 'zey? We 'ave all been 'oping to be chosen for week and weeks! Ze honour for our schools! A thousand Galleons in prize money, zis is a chance many would die for!"
"Maybe someone's hoping Lupin-Black and Potter are going to die for it." Moody says with the meanest trace of a growl
"Please don't say that Mad-Eye." Sirius requests as he has been despite trying not to think about that.
"I know you're thinking the same thing Sirius; I know you both are." Moody says, his eyes flickering between Sirius and Remus, causing Remus to once more squeeze Harry and Hermione's shoulders.
"We all know that Moody considers the morning wasted if he hasn't discovered six plots to murder him before lunchtime." Karkaroff says, loudly, "Apparently he is now teaching others to fear assassination too."
"Imaging things, am I?" Moody grows, "Seeing things, eh? It was a skilled witch or wizard who put the kids names in that goblet."
"A, what evidence is zere of zat?" Madam Maxime asks, throwing her huge hands up.
"Because they hoodwinked a very powerful magical object!" Moody says, "It would have needed an exceptionally strong Confundus Charm to bamboozle that the goblet into forgetting that only three school compete into the tournament and that there should only be one name on a piece of parchment."
"Someone Black or Lupin would be more than capable of doing." Karkaroff says.
"We don't want our kids anywhere near this tournament, we would never." Sirius says furiously.
"That's been clear." Moody says, "I'm guessing that whoever did put the names in put Potter and Lupin-Black's under a fourth school, to make sure they were the only ones in their category."
"You seem to have given this a great deal of thought, Moody." Karkaroff says, coldly, "And a very ingenious theory it is, though of course, I heard you recently got it into your head that one of your birthday presents contained a cunningly disguised basilisk egg, and smashed it to pieces before realizing it was a carriage clock. So you'll understand if we don't take you entirely seriously…."
"There are those who'll turn innocent occasions to their advantage." Moody responds in a menacing voice, "It is my job to think the way Dark Wizards do, Karkaroff, as you out to remember."
"Alastor!" Albus says, warningly, and Moody falls silent, though he still surveys Karkaroff with Satisfaction as Karkaroff's face burns.
"How this situation arose, we do not know." Albus says, speaking to everyone gathered in the room, "It seems to me, however, that we have no choice but to accept it. Cedric, Hermione and Harry have all chosen to compete in the Tournament. This, therefore, they will do."
"Ah, but Dumbly-dorr…."
"My dear Madame Maxime, if you have an alternative, I would be delighted to hear it." Albus says and he waits and Madam Maxime does not speak, just glares, and she isn't the only one, Snape looks furious, Karkarofff lived, Remus and Sirius look terrified as Bagman, however, looks rather excited.
"Well, shall we crack on, then." He says, rubbing his hands together and smiling around the room. Got to give your champions their instructions, haven't we? Barty, want to do the honours?"
"Yes." Crouch says, seemingly coming out of a deep reverie, "Instructions. Yes, the first task." He says, moving towards the firelight and as he does both Harry and Hermione realise that he looks quiet ill.
"The first task is designed to test your daring." He tells Harry, Hermione, Cedric, Fleur and Viktor, "so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard, very important." Crouch explains, "The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. The champions are not permitting to ask or help of any kind from their teaches, that includes the two of you." He says, giving Sirius and Remus a pointed look, "to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions, Potter and Lupin-Black facing it together, will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first ne is over. Owing to the demand and time consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year test." Crouch says before turning to Albus, "I think that's all, is it, Albus?"
"I think so." Albus, who is looking at Crouch with mild concern, says, "Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"
"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry." Crouch says, "It is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment… I've left young Weatherby in charge... Very enthusiastic a little overenthusiastic, if truth be told."
"You'll come and have a drink before you go, at least?" Albus ask.
"Come on, Barty, I'm staying!" Bagman says, brightly, "It's all happerning at Hogwarts now, you know, much more exciting here than at the office!"
"I think not, Ludo." Crouch says, with a touch of impatience.
"Professor Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, a nightcap?" Albus asks, but Madame Maxime is already leading Fleur out of the hall and Karkaroff is beckoning Krum out.
"Hermione, Harry, Cedric, I suggest you go up to bed." Albus says, smiling at both of them, "I am sure Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are waiting to celebrate with you, and it would be a shame to deprive them of this excellent excuse to make a great deal of mess and noise."
Hearing that Harry glances at Cedric while Hermione looks up at her Papa.
"It's okay, we'll talk later." Remus tell his daughter as he knows that both he and Sirius have things they want to talk to with Albus.
Hearing that Hermione, Harry and Cedric leave the room, the three of them walk through the Great Hall that is now deserted and out into the Entrance Hall.
"So," Cedric says with a slight smile, "I guess we're playing against each other."
"I s'pose." Harry comments,
"I don't think this is a game." Hermione says, it being the only thing she can think to say.
"So, tell me." Cedric says, "How'd you get your names in?"
"We didn't." Harry and Hermione say together.
"We were telling the truth, neither of us put our names in." Harry assures him.
"Ah, okay." Cedric says, though it is clear that Cedric doesn't believe them, "Well, see you later." Cedric says and he heads through a door instead of up the marble staircase.
"Do you think anyone is going to believe us?" Harry asks, once the door is closed behind Cedric.
"I don't know." Hermione admits, "Who do you think put our names in? Why do you think they put us in under one champion?"
"I think we both know who arranged it, even if they didn't do it themselves." Harry says, admitting what they are both thinking.
"Voldemort and Pettigrew." Hermione says and Harry nods.
"But why they would enter us together, I do not know." Harry admits.
"Maybe they want both of us for something, or maybe there is some other reasons." Hermione says, looking confused as she tries to think of a reason, "This is going to be a bad, and dangerous, few months."
"Yeah, it is." Harry confirms, "I don't know about you, but I really don't feel like going back to the tower."
"Me either." Hermione confirms, "Dad and Papa's quarters?"
"Sounds good." Harry responds and they both head up the marble staircase, both being glad that they have a way to put off facing the other Gryffindor's.
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