Chapter 4- After the selection
Harry was not at all surprised by the announcement that he was the Fourth Champion, again. So as he stood up and headed for the Antechamber, he caught sight of Ron who just gave him a nod. Hermione squeezed his hand as he got up. The whispers of 'cheater' started when he was halfway through the Hall. He walked past Dumbledore who tried to keep his face impassive.
Walking into the antechamber, Harry walked to the other champions with Fleur taking the lead. "What is wrong? Do 'E need to go back?" She asked. Harry shook his head. "Stupid cup said I have to compete also." Harry said in an annoyed voice.
Cedric shook his head. "Of course you get roped into this!" He said. "Can't be Hogwarts without you getting dropped in something stupid."
Harry shrugged, feeling annoyed he was in the damn tournament again. He wondered why that oversized chicken sent him back to fourth year of all things.
Viktor looked at the young man in the chamber. "This is common for him?" He asked. Cedric nodded. Fleur looked absolutely angry about this. The Headmasters and teachers entered with Dumbledore rushing at Harry. He pushed him against the wall. "Harry did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?" Dumbledore said calmly. "No Sir." Harry said.
"Of course he iz lying." Maxime said. Fleur looked to her Headmistress. "'O they want us to compete with this leetle boy?" Fleur said. She then winced at how her words came out. Dumbledore let go of Harry as he looked at Fleur in annoyance. "'Orgive me, I meanz no disrespect. I just mean you are so young and should be cheering you Champion with that wonzerful young lady. Not giving her a heart attack." Fleur said. Harry was surprised. Last time she seemed snooty and stuck up. Viktor though just remained sizing him up. Harry was hoping he wouldn't need to fight him or something stupid.
"Well Barty, what do you think?" Dumbledore asked. The ministry official looked at Harry in shock. "The Goblet is a binding magical contract. He must compete." Crouch said. Ludo Bagman though, showing no awareness of anyone clapped his hands. "This should liven things up!" He said, earning glares from everyone, including Snape. "As of this moment, Mr. potter is the Fourth Champion." Crouch said gravely.
Dumbledore escorted Harry back to Gryffindor tower, both looking annoyed. "You did that as an act right?" Harry asked. Albus nodded. "I had hoped the added runes would have at least given Barty pause before entering your name." He said. Harry grumbled. "Well, at least the month of preparation isn't for nothing. Tomorrow though, you and I shall head to Gringotts, I think maybe we can make a few things easier on you." Albus said.
Harry entered the tower wher Hermione was waiting for him. She pulled him into a massive hug and seemed to be crying. "Even though this is the second go round I still feel scared." She said. Harry patted her back as they sat on a couch by the fire.
After a few moments, the couple departed for their beds. Harry came into the boys dorm and found Ron waiting for him. "Ya know, you would think I would get tired of this. But, you know I am ready to help out." Ron said. Harry smirked. "You know, I think this go round, we should have some fun." Harry said.
Ron smiled at the idea. "Well, Dumbledore is taking me to Gringotts tomorrow. So, I'll see you later." Harry said. Ron nodded and shut his own drapes.
The next morning, Harry woke up early with Ron and the pair met Hermione and surprisingly, Ginny down at the Common Room. Ron looked at her curiously. "I figure I could also get in shape a bit." She said. Harry and Ron just shrugged and headed to the Pitch to begin their run. Surprisingly, Ginny was able to push it out and keep up with the three.
After their calisthenics, Harry and Ron hit the showers. When they got out and changed, McGonagall met them in the common room. "Mr. Potter. The Headmaster wishes to see you." She said. Harry nodded and followed his Head of House to the front gates. Dumbledore stood by them wearing his grey travelling robes.
"Thank you Minevra, we shall take it from here." Albus said. McGonagall nodded and headed back into the castle. "We won't be back until maybe after lunch. We have a few plans to make." Albus said. Harry nodded and once they reached the ward line, both Apparated to Diagon Alley.
Harry had not properly Apparated in ten years, so when they arrived, Harry fell to the ground. "Not like a bicycle huh?" Harry mused as Dumbledore laughed. "Good thing we arrived before the crowds, otherwise they would find you very curious." He said.
The pair made there way to Gringotts and Harry remembered when he spent two years in the goblin mines learning sword play and goblin customs. The world was on the verge of collapse and the goblins forgave him for breaking in when he was 17.
Entering the massive bank, the green and brown goblins sat at their desks, doing paperwork. Dumbledore and Harry approached a teller, a teal colored goblin who's nose seems to be missing. "What do you want wizard?" He growled. Harry touched Albus' arm and indicated he knew what to do.
"I want to see my account manager you toad fucker. Now present Harry Potter to him or I'll take that spear and shove it up your ass!" Harry said. The goblin looked at him shocked. "Right this way sir." He said.
The pair were taken to an office, where the goblin gave the guards a salute, a middle finger to their faces. As they entered, Harry saw a familiar face, his account manager Pinface. "The fuck do you want?" He asked. Dumbledore took the lead. "I want you to shut the fuck up and present my student with his fucking account balances you ugly motherfucker." He said. Pinface smiled, the nails that his father hammered into him bled a little with the action. "So good that you teach your student the old ways. Now sit down and try not to die of old age you fucker." He said as he looked through his files.
Both wizards took chairs as Pinface took out a large file. "Let us dispense with the pleasantries. I have your family and trust vault accounts." Pinface said. Harry reached for a file but Pinface stopped him. "You are not yet of age to manage your own finances boy." Pinface said. Dumbledore merely smiled. "Actually, he was considered 'of age' last night." He said.
Pinface looked at him curiously. "The Triwizard Tournament is for 'of age' competitors. Last night, Mr. Potter was selected and is being made to compete. As such, through Ministry and Goblin law, he is now of age." Dumbledore explained. Pinface stared at them then began laughing. "You mean to tell me you fools did not put an escape clause in the Goblet of Fire?" He said laughing. Dumbledore nodded. "They said any one who was selected should be honored. Not taking into consideration unwilling participants." Albus said.
Pinface shook his head. "Your government is full of fools. Very well, he shall have access to his vaults." Pinface said pulling out a small box. "This is your ring. It is for accounts with large vaults so they don't have to make twenty trips to the bank. It is like putting your mark on something, just put it on the recipt and they will send it to Gringotts and the gold will be taken from your accounts." Pinface said. Harry looked at the ring and put it on. "Does it do anything else?" Harry asked. Pinface thought before answering. "It is keyed to your magic, so if someone steals it, then tried to use it, they will be hunted by both aurors and goblins. But other than that not really." Pinface said. "Awesome. I better make sure nobody uses it." Harry said.
"In ages past you would be known as Lord Potter, but since we have done away with titles and such, you will just be recognized as a very wealthy wizard." Pinface said. "I wish I could tell you of property but during the war, Potter Manor was utterly destroyed and the house on Privet drive was gifted as a wedding present to Petunia Dursley." He explained. Harry nodded, and got irritated again. Before Petunia died, she explained that they house was a gift from James. It was a gesture of goodwill on his part but they still acted like trash to Harry.
After they left, with many birds being flipped all around, Dumbledore and Harry headed out and went to Florish and Blots. Harry grabbed several texts on combat, advanced curses and knitting. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at the last book. "I need a hobby that isn't dark wizards." Harry explained.
After they were done, they headed to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. "So, you wonder why I still have not presented the sword or the Elder Wand yet." Dumbledore said. Harry shrugged. "Honestly, I figured you would give me the Elder Wand later. I know it doesn't have the Trace on it so if things go the same as last time I can use it and not get in trouble." Harry said. Dumbledore nodded. "The sword though, you will summon it for the First Task." He explained. Harry looked at him curious.
"I have a plan, the sword has magical properties that you will be able to utilize. Especially against dragons." Albus said. Harry shook his head. "I am not killing the damn thing." Harry said. Albus merely smiled. "You won't have to." He said.
They returned to school and when Harry went to find his friends, he saw Lavender fuming to him. "Ronald is in the Hospital Wing." She huffed. Harry was about to ask her why when she stormed off. Harry made his way to Madam Pomfrey's lair and saw his friend on a bed surrounded by redheads.
"The hell happened here?" Harry asked. Ginny rolled her eyes. "Blaise kept loudly calling you a cheat and when Ron told him to shove off, well, he shoved Ron down some stairs." Ginny said. "So why was Lavender ticked off?" Harry asked.
"I think she is going after Blaize. He was bragging about knocking the paupers down." Fred said.
"If anything happens though, Blaise is going to be our new test subject." George said.
Ron was unconscious but Harry figured he would go after Lavender in case things got dicey. He stepped out of the Hospital and pulled the map out. He took to carrying it with him at all times for moments like these. Once it was activated he quickly found Lavender and Blaise near the dungeons. He also saw Hermione nearing the location also. Smiling that she also had the same thoughts he rushed down to the dungeons.
He made it just in time to hear voices. Lots of voices. Harry knew Hermione could handle herself, but Lavender probably couldn't. Pulling out his wand he rounded the corner and saw Blaise, Montage and Nott surrounding Hermione and Lavender.
"So you thought you would avenge the pauper prince of Gryffindor little mudbloods?" Blaise sneered. Hermione and Lavender glared as the trio laughed. "I am not like Draco, all talk and no walk. So don't assume I am going to gloat instead of making you regret coming down here." He said. Hermione rolled her eyes and kept Lavender behind her.
Hermione caught a glimpse of Harry and she smirked internally. She then got low and sweeped Nott's leg. As he fell and surprised Montage and Blaise, she grabbed Lavender's hands and sweeped her around and his Montage in the face. Blaise had his wand out and was ready to curse the girls when his wand flew out of his hand. Turning he saw Harry approaching with his wand out. "This is the part where you run." Harry said. Blaise nodded and ran, but as he headed for the stairs, Lavender fired a tripping jinx at him and he went crashing down the stairs. Both Harry and Hermione nodded in approval.
The next day, Sunday, found Lavender joining them in their workouts. Harry raised no objections as they perfrmed their early morning workout.
Draco sat in the stands, watching them. He wondered about Potter and his friends. He approached him for a truce, which Draco had denied as a matter of principal, but then he heard about Blaise pushing Weasley down a flight of stairs. He was nearby and saw it. He attacked Weasley from behind and while most Slytherins thought it funny, Draco was mulling it over. He was always taught to take whatever advantage he had but he was wondering if it was right.
Once they were done with the workout, Viktor Krum walked off the ship and approached them. "You are Harry potter, da?" He asked. Harry nodded as he wiped sweat from his brow. "I hear they call you cheat. I vant you to know, none on ship believes that. If half of things I hear about you are true, I look forward to the battle, ya." He said. Harry nodded and took the older man's outstretched hand.
"You know, my friend is in the hospital wing. He kind of always saw you as a hero. It would probably give you some points with Hogwarts to visit him." Harry said. Viktor thought about it and nodded. He then made his way into the school. Hermione came behind him and kissed his cheek. "That's very sweet of you Harry." She said.
After Ron was discharged from the Hospital, he sat down with his friends at Lunch and gave Harry a high five. "Viktor was really cool. He was impressed about how much I knew about Bulgaria." Ron said. Harry laughed. "You didn't let slip you knew a lot because he teaches you fifteen years from now?" Hermione asked with a smirk. Ron rolled his eyes but laughs.
Dumbledore called the three to his office later in the evening. "Have things improved for you this time Harry?" He asked. Harry just shrugged. "Honestly I have been too busy to focus on the rumors. Besides, in a few weeks the rumors will stop." Harry said.
"I also have been telling people in Gryffindor that I support Harry. The fact Fred and George are on my side has been very helpful." Ron said. Albus nodded, he hoped this time around he could recruit the Terror Twins for the Order. "I see your circle is growing larger. Miss Brown is a little curious but Miss Weasley is not surprising." Albus said. Hermione spoke up. "After Ron was attacked and I kind of showed Lavender what we can do, I kind of convinced her." Hermione said. Albus nodded. "Hopefully things go right and next year you don't have to start an underground militia of sorts but be prepared to have to do that." Albus said. Harry grimaced but nodded.
"Now, tomorrow is the Weighing of the Wands ceremony. I will try and keep Ms. Skeeter from the school but as you three know, she has her own ways in. I cannot change the wards to keep Animagus out since it would prevent us from having a Transfiguration teacher." Albus said.
"Don't worry Professor. I have a plan." Hermione said.
The next day, as the Trio made there way to Potions, they were confronted by Malfoy and his goons. "So Potter, still claiming innocence?" Malfoy drawled. Harry just ignored him. "Hey Orphan, one of your betters spoke to you!" came the voice of Blaise. Harry turned around and gave him a hard stare that made Blaise step back. "Guys, I am not in the mood. If you want I can make an Unbreakable Vow with you but honestly I have other things to do." Harry said. As he turned around, Malfoy yelling "DON'T" had all three with their wands up with a shield spell. When the smoke cleared, Malfoy had Blaise's wand arm and Crabbe and Goyle with boils all over their faces.
"What is the meaning of this?" Snape yelled as he entered the potions room. Harry and the others still had their shield up/ He looked at Harry and he felt Snape trying to pry into his mind but Harry blocked him out. Snape then gave a trademark sneer and turned to the others. Blaise was an open book and he saw the truth. "Twenty points from Gryffindor for using spells in class." He said. Ron was about to object when Harry gave him a look.
Once Crabbe and Goyle were sent to the Hospital Wing, the class began. Harry privately put a ward on his and Hermione's cauldron so if someone threw things at it, they would deflect. As the lesson went on, Coilin Creevy burst in and went to Harry. "You are needed in the Great Hall." He said between breaths. Harry looked to Snape who merely nodded to him. "I'll finish this fine." Hermione said as she squeezed his hand.
Harry made it to the Great Hall and found the other Champions with their Headmasters. Ludo beamed at him as he came in. "Finally, all our champions are here." He said. Harry rolled his eyes. Rita Skeeter was there and Harry had to remember the plan.
"Mr. Potter, Rita Skeeter with the Daily Prophet, how are you?" She asked. Harry merely shrugged. "Would you like to give an interview, wizarding Britain would love to hear your thoughts." She asked.
"Sorry, but I won't give interviews with the press. I am an unwilling competitor and think these three deserve an interview." Harry said, pointing to the others. Viktor nodded to him while Fleur beamed. Cedric just looked nervous. Rita was undeterred. "Surely you won't give a quote for the readers?" She asked. Harry firmly shook his head and stood by Cedric and Dumbledore.
"Interviews will be conducted afterwards. Right now we see how good the wands are." Olivander said from behind Skeeter, making her jump.
Olivander appraised the different wands, and somehow offending the foreign students for not using his own shop. When he got to Harry, he noticed Crouch and Bagman looking at him intently. "Holly and Phoenix feather, well used. If I may, it seems to have been snapped at one point." Olivander said. Harry got nervous, somehow his wand was the same one he used in the future. "Can't be right. I remember making this wand but yet, it feels different." He said. Albus noticed Harry's discomfort and stepped in. "Garrick, it had a mishap last year. I fixed it with my own wand." Dumbledore said. Olivander looked at Dumbledore's wand and looked into his eyes and merely nodded. Harry breathed a sigh of relief as Olivander went to the podium provided.
"All four Champions have exceptional wands. They are fit for competition." He said and made his way out of the Great Hall. The Champions stood for a photo op that Skeeter managed to do several glamor shots with the other champions. She regarded Harry, who tried to not participate but was dragged into the shoot by Bagman. Skeeter would try again to talk to him, whether he knew it or not.
AN: Ok, so, bit of a slowdown with writing act 2, I had a few problems with my teeth and got a dry socket (take care of your teeth kids). A few other things, one is I apologize for not getting Fleur's accent right. I have a hard time writing her dialogue because when I write I actually say the dialogue out loud. Fleur and Hagrid are difficult, at least Viktor I just replace certain letters. Another thing, and this is for a later chapters, I hate the idea of Harry becoming a Lord or some crap. He can be rich, but having a title kind of irritates me. My opinion is that one aspect of the story is anti establishment and I think giving Harry a title kind of doesn't get the point. Harry and the others are fighting pureblood bigots who think they have titles, they don't need to be made Lords and Ladies. Although for a joke I thought about making Ron a Lord. Next up, goblins. I think JK either knew what she was doing or unintentionally made goblins into an old Jewish stereotype. Either way, I want to change that since that's always been a little uncomfortable. Well, there is my rantings for the week, tune in next week for more insanity.
