Most of this chapter is taken from the Goblet of Fire book, not the movie.
For dinner, the Goblet of Fire had been brought into the Great Hall and stood proudly in front of Dumbledore's chair. After the students ate and the plates were cleared, Dumbledore stood to address the students.
"Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision," Dumbledore said. "I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them to please come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber, where they will be receiving their first instructions."
He gestured to the door behind the staff table then took out his wand. Waving his wand, all the candles in the carved pumpkins around the room were extinguished. The only light in the room was the blue-white of the Goblet of Fire and the starry sky of the ceiling.
Carina reached over to Adrian and gripped his hand as tight as she could, suddenly nervous at the prospect of being chosen. While used to attention, the only time she had received the attention of the whole school was when she had been sorted. It ate at her nerves no matter how hard she tried not to show it.
The flames inside the goblet turned red and sparks began to fly. A flame shot out higher than the rest and a piece of charred parchment fluttered out. The goblet turned back to its blue-white.
Dumbledore grabbed the parchment mid-air and read aloud, "The champion for Durmstrang will be Viktor Krum."
The Hall erupted into loud applause, especially from the Durmstrangs. Viktor stood from his spot further down the Slytherin table, walked up to the staff table, and then went to the room behind it.
Once the clapping and cheering had died down, the second piece of parchment was spat out by the goblet.
"The champion for Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour!" Dumbledore announced.
A silvery-blonde girl with a stunningly beautiful face stood from the Ravenclaw table amidst the applause and made her way to the chamber off the Great Hall.
Finally, the goblet turned red once again, spitting out the final piece of parchment.
"The Hogwarts champion is Carina Lestrange!"
Carina inhaled a sharp breath. She had totally been expecting Cedric's name to be called. Adrian urged her onto her feet as the crowds cheered, particularly from the Slytherins. Carina walked down the lengths of the house tables to the staff table and around to the side chamber, focusing on her footsteps so she wouldn't misstep and trip. She also avoided looking at any one person's face. She couldn't. She had already seen the disappointment on the faces of a few Gryffindors.
She entered the chamber behind the staff table, joining the other two champions.
"Hello," Krum greeted politely with a small bow. He looked a lot more brooding up close than he had been at the World Cup.
Carina nodded back, looking at the two foreigners. "Pleasure. Carina Lestrange." She held out her hand. Might as well be civil.
Fleur eyed it briefly before taking her hand and shaking it. "Fleur Delacour."
Krum didn't stick his hand out but still said, "Viktor Krum."
After that, it grew quiet between the three as they huddled around the crackling fireplace. Were they supposed to be friendly with each other or not? On the one hand, the point of the Triwizard Tournament was to encourage relationships between young witches and wizards and make friends. International cooperation. But on the other hand, they were all vying for the winning spot and were competition. Enemies.
Thankfully, the uncomfortable silence didn't last very long as the door opened again. Carina turned around and scrunched up her face at the sight of who walked in. "Harry? What are you doing back here?" she asked.
"What is it?" Fleur asked. "Do zey want us back in ze Hall?"
Harry didn't reply, simply standing there and looking dumbfounded. He continued looking dumbfounded as Ludo Bagman walked in.
Bagman took Harry's arm and led him forward towards the three champions. "Extraordinary! Absolutely extraordinary! Gentleman and ladies, may I introduce, incredible though it may seem, the fourth Triwizard champion?"
"What?" Carina blurted, glancing back and forth between Harry and Bagman.
Krum straightened up, his eyes narrowing and face darkening as he studied Harry. Fleur, however, smiled and said, "Oh, vairy funny joke, Meester Bagman."
"Joke?" Bagman repeated. "No, no, not at all! Harry's name just came out of the Goblet of Fire!"
Carina shook her head. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Pardon me, Mr. Bagman, but Harry's fourteen last time I checked, and there's already a Hogwarts champion." She gestured to herself.
"Well, it is amazing," Bagman said, smiling down at Harry who didn't smile back. "But, as you know, the age restriction was only imposed this year as an extra safety measure. And as his name's 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 will just have to do the best he-"
The door of the chamber opened again, cutting off Bagman. In came Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape, along with Madame Maxime, Headmaster Karkaroff, and Mr. Crouch. McGonagall closed the door, shutting out the buzzing of the students in the Great Hall.
"Madame Maxime!" Fleur exclaimed, going to her headmistress's side. "Zey are saying zat zis little boy is to compete also!"
Carina noticed Harry's change in demeanor. He had been shocked and almost paralyzed by confusion, but at Fleur's words, a small bit of anger showed through. She felt for the kid, but he was just that: a kid. The rest of them were at least of age.
"What is ze meaning of zis, Dumbly-dorr?" Maxime asked.
"I'd rather like to know that myself, Dumbledore," Karkaroff agreed. "Two Hogwarts champions? I don't remember anyone telling me the host school is allowed two champions, or have I not read the rules carefully enough?"
"C'est impossible," Madame Maxime said in French. She set a hand on Fleur's shoulder. "'Ogwarts cannot 'ave two champions. It is most unjust."
"We were under the impression that your Age Line would keep out younger contestants, Dumbledore," Karkaroff continued. His smile said one thing while his cold eyes said another. "Otherwise, we would, of course, have brought along a wider selection of candidates from our own schools."
Snape interjected with, "It's no one's fault but Potter's, Karkaroff. Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Potter's determination to break rules. He has been crossing lines ever since he arrived here."
"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore said, causing Snape to go quiet. He turned to Harry. "Did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire, Harry?"
"No," Harry replied.
"Did you ask an older student to put it into the Goblet of Fire for you?" Dumbledore asked.
"No," Harry said firmly.
"Ah, but of course 'e is lying!" Maxime cried.
"He could not have crossed the Age Line," McGonagall cut in, giving Maxime a sharp look. "I am sure we are all agreed on that-"
Maxime didn't agree. "Dumbly-dorr must 'ave made a mistake wiz ze line."
"It is possible, of course," Dumbledore agreed politely.
"Dumbledore, you know perfectly well you did not make a mistake!" McGonagall said, raising her voice. "Really, what nonsense! Harry could not have crossed the line himself, and as Professor Dumbledore believes that he did not persuade an older student to do it for him, I'm sure that should be good enough for everyone else." She shot a look at Snape.
Carina raised her eyebrows, surprised to see McGonagall not-so-subtly call out Snape for his behavior. She wondered how often McGonagall did so without students present and felt a new respect for the amazing witch.
"Mr. Crouch, Mr. Bagman," Karkaroff said, looking at the two Ministry officials, "you are our, er, objective judges. Surely you will agree that this is most irregular?"
"We must follow the rules," Crouch stated. "And the rules state clearly that those people whose names come out of the Goblet of Fire are bound to compete in the tournament."
"Well, Barty knows the rule book back to front," Bagman pointed out.
Bagman had seemed done with the matter, but Karkaroff wasn't. "I insist upon resubmitting the names of the rest of my students," Karkaroff said. He lost his smile and politeness. "You will set up the Goblet of Fire once more, and we will continue adding names until each school has two champions. It's only fair, Dumbledore."
"But Karkaroff, it doesn't work like that," Bagman argued. "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 competing!" Karkaroff yelled. "After all 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," growled a voice. Carina turned to see Professor Moody by the door entering the room. "You can't leave your champion now. He's got to compete. They've all got to compete. Binding magical contract, like Dumbledore said. Convenient, eh?" He limped towards the fire.
"Convenient?" Karkaroff repeated. "I'm afraid I don't understand you, Moody."
"Don't you?" Moody asked. "It's very simple, Karkaroff. Someone put Potter's name in that goblet knowing he'd have to compete if it came out."
"Evidently, someone 'oo wished to give 'Ogwarts two bites at ze apple!" Maxime said.
"I quite agree, Madame Maxime," Karkaroff said. "I shall be lodging complaints with the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards."
"If anyone's got reason to complain, it's Potter," Moody said, cutting off Karkaroff before the former Death Eater could continue his tirade. "But, funny thing, I don't hear him saying a word."
"Why should 'e complain?" Fleur wondered, stomping her foot. "'E 'as ze chance to compete, 'asn't 'e? We 'ave all been 'oping to be chosen for weeks and weeks! Ze honor for our schools! A thousand galleons in prize money. Zis is a chance many would die for!"
"Potter doesn't even need the fame or money," Carina blurted, looking woefully unimpressed by Fleur's temper tantrum. "He's Harry bloody Potter, the Boy Who Lived. He's the most famous fourteen-year-old in all the wizarding world. As annoyed as I am, being at school with Potter for the past few years has taught me a few things about him. Namely, as often as he breaks the rules, he does not have a death wish, nor is he an attention seeker. So, if someone put his name in the Goblet of Fire, it's not for his or Hogwarts's benefit."
"Maybe someone's hoping Potter is going to die for it," Moody agreed.
The room grew tense and silent following Moody's suggestion. Carina hadn't quite been pitching that the person who put in Harry's name wanted him dead, but it wasn't much of a stretch. He had almost died every year he attended Hogwarts. Voldemort/Quirrell, a troll in a bathroom, the basilisk, Dementors forcing him off his broom, and attempted werewolf mauling, even if that last one hadn't been Professor Lupin's intention in the slightest.
"Moody, old man, what a thing to say," Bagman said anxiously, trying to break the tension and bouncing on his feet.
"We all know Professor Moody considers the morning wasted if he hasn't discovered six plots to murder him before lunchtime," Karkaroff said, not quite joking. "Apparently, he is now teaching his students to fear assassination, too. An odd quality in a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dumbledore, but no doubt you had your reasons."
"With all due respect, professor," Carina cut in, "Potter has almost died every year he's been here. It's not an unfounded theory."
Moody waved wildly at the sixth year Slytherin, his good eye wide. "Precisely. Imagining things, am I? Seeing things, eh? It was a skilled witch or wizard who put the boy's name in that goblet."
"Ah, what evidence is zere of zat?" Maxime asked incredulously, throwing up her hands.
"Because they hoodwinked a very powerful magical object!" Moody countered. "It would have needed an exceptionally strong Confundus Charm to bamboozle that goblet into forgetting that only three schools compete in the tournament. I'm guessing they submitted Potter's name under a fourth school, to make sure he was the only one in his category."
Karkaroff eyed Moody skeptically. "You seem to have given this a great deal of thought, Moody, 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 your entirely seriously."
"There are those who'll turn innocent occasions to their advantage." Moody's voice grew menacing. "It's my job to think the way Dark wizards do, Karkaroff, as you ought to remember."
Merlin's beard, he went there, Carina thought. If she had been drinking something, she certainly would have spat it out.
"Alastor!" Dumbledore snapped, but the damage had been done. Karkaroff's face burned in anger while Moody looked smug with satisfaction. Dumbledore then calmed down. "How this situation arose, we do not know. It seems to me, however, that we have no choice but to accept it. Both Carina and Harry have been chosen to compete in the tournament. This, therefore, they will do."
"Ah, but Dumbly-dorr. . ." Maxime tried.
"My dear Madame Maxime, if you have an alternative, I would be delighted to hear it." No one offered up a solution to the mess. "Well, shall we crack on, then? Got to give our champions their instructions, haven't we? Barty, want to do the honors?"
"Yes, instructions," Crouch muttered, moving into the firelight from the shadows and looking sickly. He turned to the four champions. "The first task is designed to test your daring, 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. . .
"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 permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests."
Mr. Crouch looked at Dumbledore. "I think that's all, is it Albus?"
Dumbledore seemed concerned for Crouch. "I think so," he replied. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"
"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry. It is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment. I've left young Weatherby in charge. Very enthusiastic. . . a little over-enthusiastic, if truth be told."
"You'll come and have a drink before you go, at least?"
"Come on, Barty, I'm staying!" Bagman chimed in. "It's all happening at Hogwarts now, you know, much more exciting here than at the office!"
"I think not, Ludo," Crouch said.
"Professor Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, a nightcap?" Dumbledore offered.
But both had already begun leading their respective champions out of the room, ignoring Dumbledore. Carina thought she could use a nightcap even if they didn't.
Dumbledore didn't look too put out. "Harry, Carina, I suggest you go up to bed," Dumbledore said with a smile. "I am sure Gryffindor and Slytherin 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."
"Wait, professor," Carina said. "Sorry, I have a quick question. What about prefect duties? Will they be affected at all?"
"I don't believe so, Miss Lestrange," Dumbledore answered. "But should you find yourself overly stressed and unable to perform your prefect duties, we can make an exception. Simply inform Professor Snape."
She didn't plan on shirking her prefect duties. "Was only curious. Thank you, professor. Good night."
Carina and Harry then left the room together.
The Great Hall was deserted with low burning candles in the pumpkins making the atmosphere eerie.
"You don't think I did it, do you?" Harry asked, looking up at Carina as they walked out of the Great Hall. For some reason, he cared about her opinion, even if they didn't know each other very well. Perhaps it was due to them knowing a little more than some about the inner workings of the other. Learning the Patronus Charm together had brought about an almost kin-like bond between the two.
She shook her head. "No, Harry, I don't. I meant what I said. Trouble finds you more often than you find trouble. And, no offense, I don't think a fourth year could've circumvented Dumbledore's magic."
Harry chuckled quietly, relieved to hear her say it. "I'm not offended, don't worry. He's a great wizard." For a few steps, they were silent until Harry spoke up again. "Thank you for believing me. And for standing up for me. Seems like you might be the only one who believes. I really don't want to compete. I had entertained the idea briefly, I mean, who wouldn't? But I didn't really want to be in it. Especially now that Professor Moody thinks someone's trying to get me killed."
"I hope it doesn't come to that, Harry." They stopped at where they would have to go their separate ways for their common rooms. "If you need help with anything, you can ask me, alright? Anything at all, and I'll try my best."
He nodded, a grateful smile spreading. "Thank you."
"Now, get on to bed. You look tired. Try not to let Fred and George rope you into the party for too long."
They then went their separate ways.
Carina dragged her feet all the way back to the Slytherin common room. She did not want to be the center of attention at the party she knew they were going to throw. She'd also have to play up the annoyance towards Dumbledore for allowing Harry to play and towards Harry for putting his name in even though he most certainly did not. He had no reason to.
Everyone who had put their name into the goblet had done it for a real reason. They wanted glory, fame, money, recognition, things like that. Harry didn't need or want it. Carina felt bad for him.
When Carina got to the common room, she gave the password and walked inside only to have almost the entirety of Slytherin house turn to stare at her.
"There she is!" a voice exclaimed. Draco shoved through the crowd, hurrying over to his godsister. Grabbing her hand, he raised it above her head. "Give it up for the real Hogwarts champion!"
The Slytherins around the room cheered, applauded, and whistled.
Carina knew that saying 'the real champion' was going to become a thing. Slytherin had such a bad reputation that the one time something finally went right, it got taken from them by Gryffindors. Always Gryffindors. Slytherin was going to milk it for all it's worth. Lestrange had been chosen first, not Potter. She had a feeling Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were going to get sick of Gryffindor's shit soon, too.
Adrian came up to her and shoved a glass of firewhiskey into her hands. "You look like you could use a drink," he said, leaning over to her ear so she could hear him over the partying Slytherins.
"Thank you," she was able to say before being swept away by Draco into the crowd.
Hey everyone! I know it might be a little controversial to choose Carina as the Hogwarts champion instead of Cedric, but I do have plans! I also love Cedric and just couldn't bear to have a gut-wrenching scene of Carina mourning his death as I'd be crying too much while writing it. And since I'm already saving Fred from his untimely death, might as well save Cedric too because why not?