Beta: Asma20
Original Release Date: 5/27/17
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the canon Harry Potter universe or any other universe. AU.
Chapter Fifty-Nine – Announcing the Results
Looking down at the now six-inch-long Blast Ended-Skrewt on the ground and his Omni Play in hand, Harry begins to tap and type rapidly across the screen before finally hitting the 'Upload' button on the screen.
"The first of hopefully many uploads of collected data on the Blast Ended-Skrewts, and maybe we can figure out more on these creatures, especially what exactly they eat" remarks Harry happily.
"But what I want to know is do we have to upload our data or can we just keep it simply to ourselves?" inquiries Hermione curiously.
"The application is available for use if someone chooses to, or they don't have to use it at all, and if they do decide to use it they must say that they want to upload their data to the servers as the default is to simply keep their data on their device or on their Omni Connect if they have the 'Device Backup' feature enabled. It's a tool to help more serious individual collect and analyze patterns in the data, and for the more casual user a way to not lose their notes if they want to review them later for study reasons or whatever" answers Harry.
"If it means I don't have to keep track of as many rolls of parchment, I'm all for using it" remarks Ron happily entering data on his Omni Play.
Heading up the slope to the castle for their second week back at Hogwarts, Harry remarks, "I wonder who's the Quidditch captain this year since Wood left."
"Angelina Johnson" answers George as he passes by.
"Hmm, should be an interesting season then. Do I assume correctly that the first match of the season will be us against Slytherin?" inquiries Harry thoughtfully.
"As always" answers Fred calling back over his shoulder.
"Let's get to Defense Against the Dark Arts and get to lunch" remarks Ron with a slight rumbling sound from his abdomen.
Entering the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the quartet pause as they come face to face with most of the class standing around with the desks pushed against the far side of the room. "Today I'll be placing each of you under the Imperius Curse, and you will do your best to throw off the curse and not follow the command you are given. Any questions?" growls Moody stumping into the room.
Tentatively raising their hand, a female student asks, "Excuse me sir, but didn't you say that performing one of the Unforgiveable Curses would land you in Azkaban?"
"Aye, and what of it?" Moody growls back.
Flabbergasted at Moody's response, the student replies timidly, "Wouldn't you…get in trouble for casting the curse on students?"
"Dumbledore thinks that you all are ready to experience the Dark Arts, and how to properly defend yourself, which the first step is to maintain CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Now form up in a single file line, Miss Brown, you'll be first. Step into the clearing of desks" instructs Moody withdrawing his wand.
Student after student takes their turn before it becomes Harry's turn. Stepping forward into the clearing, Harry pauses before a voice in his head whispers, "Do a forward somersault and then jump onto the desk."
"That would be interesting, but why should I do that" Harry replies internally.
"Just do it" whispers the voice more intensely.
"I could hurt myself if I do it though" argues Harry.
"JUST DO IT!" demands the voice in his head.
"I refuse" answers Harry adamantly.
Seconds later a force slams into Harry, causing him to fly into the desks. Several seconds later Harry comes to and looks up at the grizzled face of Moody. "Sorry lad, but you weren't doing anything but stand there, and when I told you to get to the back of the line, you told me, 'I refuse'. So, I sent you flying to bring you out of your stupor" growls Moody with a slight smile on his face.
Getting to his feet gingerly, Harry absentmindedly casts a few minor healing spells on himself before asking, "How long was I just standing there?"
"Five or so minutes. But lad, you seemed to not act when cursed, which is a great thing. I hope everyone was watching, because Potter here fought the Imperius Curse. Now Potter, back to the clearing, we're going to do this a few more times before class is over" growls Moody excitedly before stumping back to his original place against a wall.
As the bell rings twenty or so minutes later, the class exits with Harry leaving last, walking gingerly and slowly. "Think of this mate, at least it's only dinner left then we can relax in the common room" remarks Ron.
Sitting down to dinner, Harry puts some mashed potatoes on his plate before a voice interrupts him, "Hey Harry, I know it's kind of last minute but we need to find a new keeper as Oliver's replacement, so we're doing some try outs for the next few nights and then some hour-long sessions on Saturday to see how well our choices would work with us as a team" says Angelina Johnson, the tall and dark skinned Gryffindor Quidditch captain, sitting down across from Harry.
Harry asks, "When were you hoping to begin to do try outs, and why for so long? We're only filling the keeper position, aren't we?"
"We're also looking for some potential reserve players, preferably a few people that have skills in two or more positions, and hopefully in ten or fifteen minutes" answers Angelina hopefully.
Looking down at his untouched food, Harry nods his head before answering, "I'll be there shortly, but I need some form of food before I appear. Alright?"
Smiling, Angelina gets up from the table before saying, "Thanks Harry, I appreciate it."
Eating a much smaller portion of dinner than he would normally, Harry finishes his quick meal before getting up from the table and quickly making his way down to the Quidditch pitch. Arriving there several minutes later, Harry quickly changes into his uniform and grabs his broom from the secured broom locker before making his way out onto the field.
"Attention everyone, we will now begin the tryouts for team keeper" announces Angelina taking charge.
"This shouldn't take too long" remarks Fred quietly to George.
With just three people facing the assembled Gryffindor Quidditch team, Harry briefly chuckles at the time it would take to possibly fill the keeper position. Two hours later as darkness blankets the world and the Quidditch pitch field lights on, Angelina clears her throat before announcing, "Despite a lower turnout than expected, I'm quite happy to announce that our new keeper is Ron Weasley, and our reserve chaser and seeker is Ginny Weasley. Unfortunately, Cormac, your attitude of being better than everyone else is NOT what we need in a team setting. Perhaps try another time after you've learned how to be a better team player."
Muttering under his breath, the tall blond male hurries off, dropping the school broom onto the field, no longer caring about taking care of anything. Watching the figure get smaller and smaller, Harry speaks up, "Since we did our recruit AND was able to play around with how well each prospective member interacted with the team, does that mean that we aren't going to do try outs and just practice this Saturday?"
Turning and facing Harry with a grin on her face, Angelina answers, "Are you tired already from just a few hours of tryouts, Harry?"
"Quidditch alone wouldn't be enough to tire me out, but add in having to fight off the Imperius Curse multiple times in Professor Moody's class, and then the physical effects begin to pile on" answers Harry sitting down on a bench in the locker room.
"He put you through that more than once?!" exclaims Angelina agitatedly.
"Four or five times, it was a disorientating and painful experience" answers Harry absentmindedly placing a hand on his lower back.
"I'll make mention to Professor Moody to leave you with the ability to play in our Quidditch matches" remarks Angelina protectively.
"You don't need to do— "begins Harry before being interrupted.
"As much as I believe in Ginny's ability to fill in for you, if we don't need have her fill in, then let's not. Besides which she also fills in as a chaser and she can't do two positions at once. Let's just be safe and do what we can to prevent anyone from being unable to play" interrupts Angelina giving Harry a gentle pat on the shoulder.
"I won't argue with you" states Harry tiredly, before continuing, "however you didn't answer my earlier question about the practice the next few nights and Saturday. What is our plan on that?"
Pausing to think, Angelina answers a few moments later, "Why not spend a half an hour or two each night until Saturday with our new recruits to help polish their skills before Saturday where we can all play as a team and get to be more accustomed to how each other plays."
"I can do that. You've definitely got a different style of leading the team than Wood does, but you're not as intense and that helps not have as much stress when practicing or playing. It's much more pleasant" remarks Harry.
Smiling, Angelina responds, "I've played with Oliver for a few years and while I could see his points being valid, it didn't make the practices and games any less harrowing. I want to make the sport more approachable than Oliver made it, at least for our team."
"I appreciate it. Shall we change out of our uniforms and get back to the castle before everyone begins to think that we are doing something inappropriate in here" jokes a grinning Harry motioning to empty locker room.
Smacking Harry in a playful manner on the shoulder, Angelina grins back before slipping into the women's changing room. Several minutes the two slip out of the locker room and make their way towards the castle.
/*Multiple weeks and dozens of practices later */
Spotting a congregation of students around the bulletin board just outside of the Great Hall, Harry gets as close as he can and peers over the shoulders of everyone in front of him to see what everyone is gawking about.
"The representative student delegations from Beauxbaton and Durmstrang will be arriving at 6 O'clock on the 30th of October. The class preceding the arrival will be shortened by thirty minutes for placing ones' bags in their respective dormitories before gathering on the front lawn" reads off Harry to Neville, Hermione, and Ron.
"This should be interesting, seeing students from other schools instead of just reading about them in books" remarks Hermione excitedly.
"I wonder if they will be allowed to watch the Quidditch matches" wonders Ron aloud, nervousness in his voice.
"Ron, relax. You'll be fine even if they come and watch" answers Neville reassuringly.
/* Friday, October 30th */
"Before Christmas I will be testing your ability to brew an anti-poison and you might just watch your goblets…you might find something…amiss" drawls Snape prowling slowly up and down the rows of students in his Potions class.
As the bell rings, the students eagerly make a mass exodus of the classroom, curious to find out about their arriving guests.
"We haven't eaten yet, so I wonder if the students from Beauxbaton and Durmstrang will joining us for dinner" remarks Hermione.
"It wouldn't surprise me too much if they did so honestly. Who knows when they started their trip here, although depending on their method of transportation. I don't think they will come by brooms, too easily spotted and hard to keep together. Apparating and portkeys aren't allowed onto the grounds, and with the House Elf ward, they can't simply be brought here by a house elf or their magic. Harry, did they request a set of PRT bracelets or something to bring them?" Neville offers insightfully.
Shaking his head, Harry answers, "Not that I'm aware of, but they'd have to do a staggered release of students, the Omni Connects are only designed to handle the occasional use/one at a time and not a flood of students. The Floo network might be a possibility, but why would we be gathering on the front lawn if they are just going to pop out of a fireplace. I think something far more spectacular is going to happen honestly."
Arriving outside, the students are quickly organized into their respective houses and then further into year at Hogwarts. Fussing over trivial things such as angle of hats and the likes, Professor McGonagall tends to the Gryffindor students like a mother would to her own children. As the minutes' tick by quietly, some male in the Hufflepuff section shouts out and pointing to the sky, "There's something in the sky getting bigger."
"Is it a house?!" exclaims a high-pitched voice from a short first year boy jumping up and down.
A dozen or so winged horses swoop over the Forbidden Forest, pulling a powder blue colored carriage the size of a very nice and large house. Getting closer and closer to the ground, the carriage plows right into the ground, leaving a half of a kilometer of deep ruts in the ground. Coming to a complete stop, the emblem of two golden wands, crossed with both emitting three golden stars apiece, is visible for a mere half of a second before the carriage door is flung open, and a boy in robes of the same color as the carriage stumbles out and fiddles with something by the foot of the door and quickly finishes pulling out and setting up a miniature golden staircase.
Seconds later a shining, black, high heeled shoe the size of a decent sized sled steps out onto the three golden steps, causing several students to hold their breath unintentionally, just in case the steps shattered completely under the size of the foot that had appeared.
"Must be Madame Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbaton. I saw her before, and she's pretty tall, quite possibly the same height as Hagrid" whispers Harry to Hermione, Ron, and Neville.
Striding towards Dumbledore as easily as simply breathing, Madame Maxime stops in front of Dumbledore and extends her hand before asking in a deeper than expected voice, "Dumblydorr, I 'ope you are well?"
Kissing the offered hand, Dumbledore replies, "In superb form as always, thank you. I hope you are doing the same."
"Thank you, I am. Ze 'orses, zey need single malt whiskey, and forceful tending to" answers Madame Maxime before motioning to the two dozen students, one dozen female students and one dozen male students, behind her before striding into the castle, the students practically running to keep up with her.
Rubbing his hands together, Neville remarks quietly, "Now we're just waiting for Durmstrang to arrive. I'm hoping they won't take too much longer, it's starting to get a little nippy out here."
Casting a warming charm on Neville's hands before casting it on other's around her, Hermione remarks, "Warming charms can help take the chill off, but I agree, I hope that Durmstrang gets here soon as well."
Minutes tick by before Ron speaks up hesitantly, "I hear some sound, something like a sucking sound."
Pausing to listen, the sucking sound crescendos before others take notice and start looking around wildly. Shouting, someone points to the lake and what looks like a whirlpool spins around and around with a long pole coming up from the depths, finally emerging and revealing itself to be a sailing ship. The ship with a dark wood build, dark sails flapping gently in the wind, sails close to the shore before a metallic sound of a chain and a heavy object being dropped into the water. Seconds later a dull thumping sound is heard and silhouettes begin crossing a wooden plank from the ship to the shore.
A silver haired male wearing furs of the same hue, a white goatee curling up and around, leads the march, stopping short of Dumbledore.
"Karkaroff, a pleasure to see you again. Have you fared well" greets Dumbledore pleasantly.
"A pleasure to see you as well, Albus. As well as one could" answers Karkaroff with a smile that didn't go past his yellow teeth and mouth, "however, Viktor needs warmth, head cold, so we shall go inside" before leading the two dozen students inside the castle.
As the Durmstrang students pass, Ron taps Harry on the shoulder hard enough to get Harry to quietly snap at Ron, "What?"
"It's Krum, Victor Krum!" hisses Ron excitedly.
"So, what? While it's surprising that he's still in school, he is like most other individuals, with a family to live with. Besides, I'm famous sort of, and people don't fawn over me" remarks Harry as the Hogwarts students and staff enter into the castle.
Entering the Great Hall, Ron muses aloud, "I wonder where Krum and everyone else will be sitting. Oh, and sleeping. I'd give up my bed too."
Rolling his eyes, Neville remarks, "Ron, there are a few issues with that, first that despite Victor Krum being a student, he is still famous and just letting him sleep in a foreign school dormitories would be a terrible idea as he might be attacked. Second, if you looked at the size of the ship and even the carriage that brought the Beauxbaton students here, you might think that perhaps they will be returning there to bunk down for the night."
Shoulders sagging, Ron answers darkly, "I know that…but it would still be nice to think about the possibility."
"Perhaps think about the possibility that Victor may or may not have a sister around your age and that one day you might or might not be able to marry into the family?" jests Harry giving Ron a smile and a pat on the back.
"Ha ha Harry, not very funny" grumbles Ron halfheartedly, cracking a small smile.
"But to your remark about where they might be eating, Durmstrang seems to have taken seats with the Slytherins and Beauxbaton is sitting with the Ravenclaws" says Harry observing the visiting schools sit down at other tables.
Looking at the still empty tables, Hermione speaks up quizzically, "Why is Filch adding four chairs instead of just two? I wonder who else might be joining the staff table."
"My guess is someone or two persons from the ministry of magic" answers Neville, taking a seat beside Hermione.
As the students finish taking their seats, and as have the staff, Dumbledore stands up and silence falls over the Great Hall, "I'd like to welcome our guests to Hogwarts for the duration of the Triwizard Tournament. Please treat Hogwarts as your home and make yourselves comfortable. After the feast, the Triwizard Tournament will begin, but until then, enjoy the feast."
Looking at the food, both normal and exotic, Hermione places a dab/piece of each foreign food onto her plate, humming in both satisfaction and exhilaration tasting new foods.
The last remnants of food vanishing from the golden plates, returning to their previously sparkling state, Dumbledore stands once more with a hushed silence falling over the occupants of the Great Hall. "The time has arrived for the Triwizard Tournament, however before we bring in the impartial judge there are a few important guests that we need to introduce first. Messrs. Black and Lupin" before indicating with graceful sweep of his hand.
Stepping out of a room with a door behind the staff table, Sirius leads with Remus following behind to where Dumbledore stood moments before. "Hello students, Madame Maxime, and Karkaroff. I am Sirius Black and this is Remus Lupin, co-owners of Marauders Emporium", giving a small chuckle," and we are helping bring the Triwizard Tournament to a higher level of safety by providing our safety gear to each participant, with a fresh set for each task. Remus?"
Clearing his throat, Remus steps forward, "Our safety gear is the same as what is provided for the four Quidditch teams here at Hogwarts, with elbow pads, a breastplate, and knee pads. In addition to that, we are providing PRT or Personal Reusable Transports for use at each task for each participant to use if they feel unwell or unable to complete each task. These will be localized units, so each participant will be transported to a designated area with Madam Pomfrey. One last thing, based on cooperation with the participating schools and the families of the participants, the tournament will be streamed to the schools and families of participants as to allow fellow students and family see how well you perform the tasks and participants will be granted a copy of all footage for memories sake. Thank you, Headmasters Dumbledore, and Karkaroff, and Headmistress Madame Maxime for allowing us to be part of such a monumental event."
Smiling as Sirius and Remus step out of the limelight and off to the shadowy side, Dumbledore speaks again, "And now to the two ministry officials that helped make this all happen, first is Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation", polite applause is heard as Dumbledore pauses before continuing, "and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports", ending on a roaring applause.
"Mr. Bagman, Mr. Crouch, Madame Maxime, Professor Karkaroff, and myself will make up the panel that judge and award the champions points based on their efforts during the tasks. Mr. Bagman, if you please" announces Dumbledore taking a step back from the podium.
Bouncing on the soles of his feet, Mr. Bagman jovially takes to the podium before continuing where Dumbledore had left off, "With three champions, one from each of the schools, they will embark on a series of tasks. Where we have deviated from tournaments past is instead of three tasks in a set order there will now be four tasks, with three being in a randomized order being selected just a few days before occurring, and the fourth being anchored last in the tournament. Of course, the winner of the tournament will receive one thousand galleons as prize money."
"Of course, Ludo, remember that there is a minimum age of being seventeen years of age and older to enter your name and participate in the tournament" reminds Dumbledore taking back the podium.
"Since everyone's interest has been piqued, Mr. Filch, the casket if you please" states Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eyes.
Struggling with a large wooden pyramid object, Mr. Filch slowly makes his way towards the foot of the podium.
"I wonder if we need to be worried about any necromancy going awry" whispers Fred with a smirk on his face.
"I wouldn't be too worried about it. Even if Dumbledore awakens the dead for a judge, we've dealt with 'zombies' in the hallways paying more attention to their Omni Play or some other device than what's around them" remarks George in a quiet tone, but still eliciting a couple of laughs from nearby students.
With the 'casket' as Dumbledore remarked standing in front of him, Dumbledore taps the top of the casket with his wand and the casket disappears, resulting in an unremarkable wooden goblet sitting atop an ornately carved wooden platform.
"The impartial judge that will be selecting the three champions is the Goblet of Fire" and as if on cue, the wooden goblet bursts into blue-white flame, "and for safety's sake, only students seventeen and older will be allowed to pass the age line that will be drawn around the goblet to enter their names. Being selected by the Goblet of Fire constitutes a magically binding contract of which the selected champions must see the tournament through with. If you decide to enter, write your name on a piece of parchment and your school on the opposite side. Do not make your choice to enter lightly, but do so if you chose to soon, as tomorrow evening after the final meal will we discover who our three champions are" announces Dumbledore solemnly.
The rising voices, a majority angry voicing their displeasure, causes Dumbledore to raise his voice to be heard, "And with that, have a wonderful night."
Getting up from the tables that they were seated at and making their way towards the entrance hall and eventually their dormitory, students surge forward, eager to talk about the tournament, to get some parchment and enter their name, or how to bypass the age line. Congregating around the entrance, all trying to push forward at a snail's pace, George remarks quietly to the quartet, "You know, I don't see why one couldn't just levitate a piece of parchment into the Goblet of Fire. Or even just crumple it up into a ball and toss it into the Goblet of Fire."
"You can't be serious about possibly entering, are you?" asks Ron with concern in his voice.
"And potentially lose what we might call our future jobs at Marauders Emporium? Don't worry little brother, we'll be keeping our noses clean and out of the tournament" answers Fred with a smile.
Finally, being able to exit the Great Hall, the sextet make their way up the ever-changing stairs before Ginny catches up and asks, "Who do you think will enter their name into the Goblet of Fire? From Gryffindor, I mean."
"Dunno, I mean, I'm not certain who would be eligible to enter in Gryffindor. We'll be old enough in the spring, but that's not soon enough" answers George.
"It's fascinating that there are going to be four tasks instead of three. I mean, in all the recorded history that I could find, this has never been done before. We are literally in the making of history here" exclaims Hermione, finally unable to contain her excitement any longer.
"Calm down Hermione, we're excited to see the tournament as well. I'm sure it'll be spectacular and riveting" remarks Neville chuckling lightly.
Tossing and turning as the thoughts of what the tasks would be for the champions, Harry, along so many others both inside and outside the castle couldn't sleep. Going through their early morning routine of various exercises and minor bit of weight lifting, Harry and the others sit down and dig into their breakfast before Angelina Johnson smiles before sitting down with the group at the house table.
"So, I've entered the tournament. Hope I'm selected" states Angelina still beaming ear to ear.
"To be Quidditch Captain AND the Hogwarts Champion, that would be some feat. Think you'd be up to that much fame?" jests Harry smirking.
"We'll find out later this evening. However, we still have Quidditch practice in a little over half an hour, so be ready. We'll be practicing with Ginny as well in both positions so she can be ready to jump in at the drop of a hat" Angelina reminds the group before getting up and leaving.
"Ok, I'll be ready" answers Ginny taking a seat at the table.
A bit later, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George walk towards the Quidditch pitch when a splash from the lake. Turning their heads simultaneously, the five Quidditch players see some of the Durmstrang students jumping and diving off their ship into the deeper portion of the lake, just wearing their swimsuits.
"It's not particularly cold out, but if a healthy breeze blew by it would be frigid while swimming" remarks Harry continuing to walk towards the pitch.
"So, Ginny, we're going to start you off as a chaser, as there isn't much to teach you in the way of teamwork as a seeker. But later we'll switch you to Harry for some practice. Alright Katie, you'll get to watch from the stands first, and we'll all get a chance to break while we test Ron's endurance out. Ron, I know you're new to playing keeper in a more formal manner, but sometimes games go for several hours and we'd need you be able to keep up for the entire game. We don't have a reserve keeper to help you out with. Fred and George, just smash the bludgers away from us like you normally do. Harry, just do what you're great at and we'll be fine. Everyone know what they're doing? Good, let's begin practice" instructs Angelina before kicking off from the ground and beginning the practice.
Countless hours later, the eight members of the team leave the pitch and head towards the castle. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think we've missed lunch…" remarks Harry checking his watch as he places it back on his wrist.
"Missed lunch? But it's ages 'til dinner" moans Ron rubbing his stomach.
"We can stop by the kitchen and grab some grub before heading back to the common room. How does that sound brother?" remarks Fred.
"Really?" responds Ron, perking up at the idea of food.
"Sure. How about everyone else goes to the common room, and Fred and I will bring our haul up shortly" answers George.
Twenty minutes later in the common room, opening his mouth to complain, Ron stops as Fred and George enter the room, two baskets of food apiece in their hands. As soon as the baskets made contact with the table, Ron dives into them, pulling out their contents and placing them haphazardly onto the table before moving the baskets to the floor for more space for food.
"Sandwiches, Shepard's Pie, flagons of cider, various pieces of rubbish- "begins Ron before being interrupted by Hermione, "Ron, those pieces of 'rubbish' as you call them are fruits. A dozen apples, bananas, and even strawberries! You should eat a little of each, they're good for you."
"Not to interrupt your lesson to Ron, but Hermione, can we just eat and leave the lesson for later?" remarks Harry taking a bite of the BLT sandwich.
"Your ability to gather food is quite astounding" remarks Katie biting into a cucumber sandwich.
Half an hour or so later as the food is finally done being consumed, Ron asks no one in particular, "I wonder if we've got time for a nap before dinner?"
Snorting before laughing, Harry wipes the tears from his eyes before responding, "I figure you've got four or four and a half hours before dinner starts. Go take a nap if you want."
Getting to his feet slowly, Ron smiles and says, "Thanks mate, wake me up for dinner."
As Ron ambles up the stairs slowly and finally into his respective dormitory, closing the door behind him, the team breaks out in brief laughter. "I hope he isn't feeling too peckish after his nap. But the castle has been quiet, kind of eerie for the thirty first of October" remarks Harry leaning against a sofa.
"Many students might be wandering the grounds to look at the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students, watching who is entering their name into the Goblet of Fire, or simply in their common rooms doing homework" offers Angelina.
"Good point. As much as I think it is a bad idea, a nap does sound pretty good right now. I've gotten my homework finished and a nap before dinner might be enjoyable" remarks Harry getting up and leaving the common room. Within minutes the rest of the team disperses, leaving the baskets tidied up discretely in a corner of the common room.
Hours later, students pour into the Great Hall, eager to eat and find out who the Goblet of Fire would declare as a champion. Fifty long and painstaking minutes later, Dumbledore stands and food disappears from the serving platters.
"And for the moment that so many of us have been waiting for. Before we find out whom our champions are, I have a few instructions for the chosen. If your name is called, you will come up here and enter the room behind the staff table" Dumbledore indicates the door behind Snape, "and from there you will await to receive further instructions and according to the Marauders Emporium, a set of practice gear to get used to how it fits, although it is up to the champion on if they use the protective gear at all."
Sweeping his arms out away from his body and back in, all of the candles in the room become unlit, leaving the hall to be lit mostly by the Goblet of Fire, with the twinkling of stars in the ceiling to be the only other source of light. The blue white flames of the Goblet of Fire turn red and a slightly burned piece of parchment flies out from the goblet with Dumbledore snatching the parchment out of the air like a ninja.
"The champion for Beauxbaton is Fleur Delacour" announces Dumbledore with the Beauxbaton delegation jumping to their feet and clapping loudly as the silver-haired girl gracefully sweeps up to Dumbledore, receiving her entered piece of parchment before continuing into the designated room.
Turning red again, another piece of parchment zooms out of the goblet, being quickly snatched by Dumbledore who announces, "The champion for Durmstrang is Viktor Krum."
With a majority of the hall roaring at the proclamation, Viktor follows in Fleur's footsteps before disappearing into the mysterious room.
"Last one, let's see who is the Hogwarts champion" murmurs Neville quietly.
As the third name flies out of the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore snatches it once more before pausing for several moments longer than the previous champions before announcing in a much more subdued voice, "And the Hogwarts champion is…Draco Malfoy."
A smattering of applause before abruptly ending before quickly turning to booing as Draco, startled, gets to his feet and gets the piece of parchment before entering the room.
"Now that our three champions have been selected, I- "begins Dumbledore before the Goblet of Fire turns red once more spitting out another scrap of parchment. Reading the piece of parchment, Dumbledore announces in a hollow tone to a stunned and silent gathering, "Harry Potter."
Hearing his name, Harry shakes his head, hoping that he had misheard before Dumbledore announces louder and with a hint of anger in his voice, "Harry Potter!"
Stumbling to his feet, Harry makes the walk to Dumbledore, feeling like his head is in a daze, grabbing the parchment before entering the room where three other students stand.
"Potter, what are you doing here?" drawls Draco with just a hint of his normal sneering in his tone.
"I've been selected as the fourth champion it looks like" answers Harry, quickly recovering from the shock and paying attention to his surroundings.
*BANG* as the door to the room is opened and then closed shortly thereafter. "Harry, Draco, did you put your names into the Goblet of Fire?!" exclaims Dumbledore, no longer a twinkle in either eye.
"No sir, I didn't" answers Harry in a neutral tone.
Dumbledore turns to Draco and glares until Draco finally answers, "I did, but not for the money. A thousand galleons is a paltry sum for the Malfoy name."
As the response of entering his own name echoes around the room, Snape asks in a dangerously quiet voice, "And why would you do such a thing?"
"Because Potter keeps getting all of the glory, I'm just fed up with him. I want something to my name, something that he couldn't do, but it seems like he's lying, since he's here" answers Draco returning more to his normal self.
"How did you get your name into the Goblet of Fire? Did you have another student put it in for you?" demands Snape.
"No, I levitated the piece of parchment into the goblet myself" answers Draco smugly.
Walking over, Sirius wordlessly hands Dumbledore an Omni Play with a video feed with the Goblet of Fire. Minutes later after watching a sped up version of the overnight feed, Dumbledore remarks quietly to the others in the room, the four champions, Madame Maxime, Karkaroff, Mr. Crouch, Mr. Bagman, Snape, Professor McGonagall, Sirius, Remus, and Moody, "As you've just seen, the footage does not show Harry Potter entering his name into the Goblet of Fire, no staff members were seen entering names into the goblet, and that Draco Malfoy did in fact levitate a piece of parchment into the Goblet of Fire. Thank you, Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin for accommodating my request of a monitoring system just in case. I would like to say that by being selected, either by putting your own name into the Goblet of Fire or someone else doing it for you for whatever reason, it is a magically binding contract of which you must follow."
"But Albus, certainly these…mere children couldn't compete with our older and wiser students. And you have two champions instead of one. I demand that Madame Maxime and I have the chance of having two champions ourselves" demands Karkaroff growing angry.
"Eet is not fair. 'ogwarts with two champions? Not fair at all" comes a disgruntled Madame Maxime.
"But the Goblet of Fire has gone out for at least another year if not more. We will not be able to accommodate such a request" states Mr. Crouch firmly.
"If you want the money, then if I win, just strike my name from the winning position and give the winnings to the next winner. I mean, whoever comes in second. I don't want to participate but it sounds like I have to, whether I like it or not" offers Harry calmly.
"But Dumblydorr, 'ow did you get two champions?" demands Madame Maxime turning her gaze to Dumbledore.
"Potter could have been entered under a fourth school. That's my guess" answers Moody gruffly.
As all eyes turn to Moody, he responds, "Habit. If you're going to catch a dark wizard, you've got to think like one."
"But isn't there some way to recuse Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter from the contract in extreme cases?" pleads Professor McGonagall to Mr. Crouch.
"No exceptions have been made before, and I doubt that there ever will be. We have four champions and four tasks, and that's final. Now some more information about the tournament, you will all be excused from taking end of year exams, at least for Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. You to obtain no help from staff or students during the tasks themselves nor are you to receive instructional time with professors in private regarding the tournament. You must face and deal with these tasks alone with your own cunning and preparation. Good night then" states Mr. Crouch firmly before turning and exiting the room.
Watching Mr. Crouch exiting, the room remains quiet until Ludo Bagman speaks up quietly, "He's correct", before resuming his usual endless energy state, "and the first task will take place on the twenty fourth of November, and you will find out more about your task on the twenty first of November. I expect great things from all of you!" before bouncing out of the room, giddy as can be.
Sighing, Harry asks, "Can I be excused so I can get to bed, please?"
"Hold on there Harry, we'd like to have a word with you" states Remus looking at Harry with a stare.
"Yes sir" answers Harry in a neutral tone.
"I think it would be a good idea for all of us to get some rest" remarks Dumbledore leading the procession out of the room.
When everyone but Sirius, Remus, and Harry have left, Remus begins, "Did you ask another student to put your name into the Goblet of Fire?"
"No. I knew you'd be disappointed for one, and for a second point, despite the wonderful education you two have granted me, I know that I'm nowhere near as experienced as Viktor or Fleur in the magical arts. Physical abilities will only get me so far" answers Harry thoughtfully.
Unusually quiet and stern, Sirius says, "While I think it's interesting that you're now participating, I do want you to understand that situation at hand. You are in a safer Triwizard Tournament than before, despite tighter rules and regulations and our safety gear, but you can still perish. Your parents wouldn't forgive me if you died because of this. Just…be safe. And be prepared for a stern message from Amelia, she'll be understandably frustrated, but she will offer advice as much as she can if you ask. Don't be afraid to admit that you need help in an area during the tournament. I know staff aren't supposed to help, and while we aren't technically staff so we could sidestep that, know that the others will receive help no matter what if they say they aren't. But please know that while we want to help, we aren't going to teach you what you need to know, just give pointers. It lets you search out what you might need to know and learn from your own experiences/"
"Understood" answers Harry before turning back to Remus.
Shaking his head, Remus cracks a brief smile and says, "Oddly enough Sirius covered all of my talking points. We'll be here during the tasks for filming purposes, so if you need anything, even if it's a private room to vent your emotions in, just let us know. Bottling up your emotions isn't healthy."
Giving his family members a hug, Harry smiles and says, "Thank you. I'd like to let my friends know and go to bed, if you don't mind."
"We can walk with you, just so you don't get accused of something that you haven't done" offers Remus, opening the door to the Great Hall.
Walking out of the fairly contained room, Harry blinks as his eyes adjust, seeing Susan and Hannah Abbott sitting with Ron, Neville, Hermione, and Ginny.
"I think I'll walk back with the others, but Susan and Hannah might need an escort after we part ways" says Harry.
"Non-negotiable, son" answers Sirius tousling Harry's hair with a smile.
"Congratulations on being a champion, Harry" says Hannah nervously.
"Thank you. I want to say this, I didn't want to be a champion, I really just want to live my life like a normal person does" answers Harry with a smile.
"I hope you'll be alright." says Susan.
"I just hope that other students won't be too unhappy about me being a champion, and not someone more qualified" remarks Harry with a hint of concern in his voice.
"If I hear anything, I'll say something or I'll let you know" says Susan before giving Harry a hug.
"Thank you, Susan, and Hannah. I appreciate your support" remarks Harry before adding, "I do think we should get to bed soon though."
"Agreed" comes a chorus of students.
"I'll take care of you, Hannah and Susan, and Remus can walk the others back to their dormitory" says Sirius.
The students split into two groups and head to their respective dormitories for a night's sleep.
Author note: Thanks for reading, reviewing, etc.! And happy three and a half years of following. Thanks to Asma20 for beta'ing, however I did make some changes, including adding some dialogue since they beta'd the chapter the first time. To begin with, I began re-reading previous chapters and couldn't find if I had put Ginny on the reserve team or not, despite my mental flag that I have, so she is mentioned here for it. Hopefully I'm not mistaken (or if I am, I can correct this). It looks like a Harry and Luna pairing, but I'm more than likely going to play it closer to my fanfiction 'Dates with the Harem', and have Harry get to know each girl a bit more before jumping into a relationship.
-Teachergirl – Thanks for the wonderful idea of having Draco become a tournament contender instead of Cedric. This will be something that I hadn't thought of and really haven't seen. :)
-ThunderSphinx – I'll go with that I was wrong with Amelia (haven't looked it up), but I wanted her to have the interaction with Sirius regarding baby Harry. Maybe I'll mess up some future event with this choice, but only time will tell. I honestly had the idea of having five tasks instead of three, but one of the tasks was going to be a scavenger hunt/trek through the Forbidden Forest to reach a certain goal and then the first to arrive back was going to get the most points. However, it seemed too much like the final task/original third task for me, so I've kind of cut it (unless I get supported on it, but I don't think it would be very good honestly). And I do remember that Sirius wouldn't want to live there, but I also think that being on the run also contributed to his feeling of not wanting to be there (but that is my opinion).