Chapter 6,5 – Tent

"Come on. Let us through!" yelled Ron. He was flailing his hands so widely that he could really hurt someone like that. Perhaps poke someone's eye out if he held his wand. Hermione gave him a wide berth and frowned at the person blocking their path between them and the tent for Champions. His aggressive approach going nowhere so far.

"I can't do that," answered McGonagall calmly, but contrary to her voice, her left eye twitched. She had her wand in hand. While not pointing it at Ron, the threat was readily obvious. Still, it was puzzling to watch. If it was Flitwick standing there, he would have already docked some points or sent a stinging hex his way. She clearly had more patience than him.

"Why?" asked Hermione, her face full of worry and her foot was tapping restlessly. It was a valid question. Why did she deny them a visit? McGonagall turned her head back toward the judges, and choose to not answer, her look unfocused. What could it be?

Back there, Dumbledore announced 7 points to be awarded for Harry's performance at the task. It was a somewhat decent score, probably a fair one, but his overall performance wasn't that great. Dumbledore made his choice right after an unusually high 9 from Bagman and a low 5 from Crouch. The score didn't look too well so far for Harry. If the last two were low as well, he would end up as last. In the case of Karkaroff, a high number would be highly unexpected.

"Harry would want to see this," argued Ron and pointed his hand vaguely in the direction of judges awarding points.

"Surely, we can visit? To see if he is alright?" asked Hermione. She clearly wanted to ask for more, but her mouth remained open, yet silent. McGonagall held her hand to signal her to stop talking.

"My answer is still no. Champions aren't allowed visitors until their task is officially over," stated McGonagall dryly without budging. She didn't appear to be very pleased with this either and showed a frown as she glimpsed behind her, toward the closed flap of the tent.

"But-" said Ron.

"Stop arguing, Ronald," berated McGonagall as soon as he opened his mouth to say something. Though she looked as worried as Hermione, if not more. Distracted as she was, she still held her ground and stood close to the entrance, denying access to everyone.

Such a blatant disrespect of the professor and he still got away with it? Not even a point of deduction? It was interesting to see how different professors handled situations. It was probably helping that McGonagall didn't appear to be too focused on him at all and checking the judge's table every few moments instead.

"But it is? Harry got the egg, he finished the task," grumbled Ron quietly as he threw fists around in frustration. McGonagall undoubtedly heard him but decided to not comment on that. Ron looked back toward Hermione for support, support that never came. Betrayal clearly visible on his face, only to see her grimace and look away, leaving Ron gaping his mouth open, clearly not understanding why.

"She is right, Ron. The task technically ends only after judges award points," said Hermione quietly, biting her lips as if sucking a lemon, also looking at the table with judges that halted their points awarding, arguing about something Crouch said.

"And why does it matter?" asked Ron, stomping his foot, irritated. Luna knew why they behaved like this. She also wanted to visit Harry. But, despite her wants, there was a serious or maybe not so serious risk of interference, until the task was declared as finished. She knew it, Hermione, likely too. Ron? Doubtful.

It was a tricky business and could mess something up concerning the contract. Especially when almost no one knew any details about how it was constructed. All the rules and terms she got her hands on were outdated for at least 200 years and there wasn't any clear distinction between what was part of the original contract with the Cup or soft rules imposed by the schools who held the TriWizard Tournament instead. Like the new ambiguous addition, age line. Adding the unexpected addition of 4. Champion into this mess made her head spin just remembering reading about it. No matter how small the chance, she held no desire to lose her magic or anything of the sort. But wasn't Madam Pomfrey treating Harry's wounds right about now? How did that work? Healer's exception?

Luna breathed out slowly, trying to keep the ever-increasing fuzziness away and focus on her earrings. She clasped her hands around them. Pinching the tip of her ears and closed her eyes, her mind clearing up, momentarily not paying attention to the people in front of her anymore. Usually, she would welcome the signs and look for them, but right now she truly wanted to keep the Wrackspurts away. She could almost feel her mind slipping away once again, but she couldn't allow herself to let go now. Luna was so close, she could feel it. She had a mission before her and the window of opportunity should be opening soon.

Luckily for everyone, the judges stopped arguing a moment ago and Maxime seemed to award 6 points to Harry when Luna wasn't looking. Karkaroff gave 3. What a bounder. Such blatant favoritism, he gave Krum 10 for not a much better performance. Luna wished he stubbed his toe for this charade. Whiclop's Silehorns hiding in his socks around the wound was exactly what he deserved. If only she could find some, she would be sending them his way as soon as possible.

Busy as she was imagining such an event, she kept an eye on the other students. Hermione and Ron argued a bit more back and forth between them and occasionally include McGonagall in the never-ending stream of meaningless words as Luna stealthily slid to a better position where she couldn't be seen. She was almost ready to slip inside but held her body still at the last moment as the hair at her nape stood up.

"Ah, Minerva," greeted Albus Dumbledore suddenly in a voice that commanded everyone, even Luna's attention. Her body certainly stiffened up. He sounded surprised as if he didn't know she was here for at least 15 minutes already. Interesting, he must have recently encountered Wrackspurts as well. Or it may be the case of- She would have to search for-

"Albus," replied McGonagall with a nod in his direction. Luna blinked rapidly to not let her mind wander and focused back on the conversation.

"Thank you for your dedication to not let any reporters-" said Dumbledore while pointing his hand discreetly in one direction. Luna wasn't sure who was there exactly, but one man in there held a camera and stood not far away from a well-known woman who disappeared among the crowd as soon as more than Dumbledore's eyes laid upon her. It was as if she had a sixth sense. That could mean a lot of things. Perhaps-

Karkaroff grunted his agreement toward McGonagall in what sounded vaguely almost as thanks. "Or students-" continued Dumbledore as he overlooked fearful Hermione doing one step back and Ron, white as a sheet, clenching fists. Dumbledore did so with a slight smile on his face. Really? It was disappointing. No twinkle. Luna really wanted to see the famous expression at least once, but so far, no luck. Maybe she should ask Harry.

"Ehm. Can we get going?" asked Madame Maxime as she pointed toward the tent's entrance while everyone else just stood around, waiting for Dumbledore to move.

"Certainly. Right after-" tried to say Dumbledore, but he was too late and stalled his speech. Bagman shot in front of everyone and moved so nimbly that left only a slightly moving flap of the tent before he could say more. Dumbledore sighed and went after Crouch and Karkaroff when both men seemed to ignore him and went ahead too. Madame Maxime shot him a dirty look on the back of his head but followed inside after all of them.

Luna couldn't understand it. Her inner feeling was strong, and it was telling her she should be inside. Did she miss her chance? She was becoming increasingly unsure about it. McGonagall meanwhile moved away together with Ron and Hermione, talking. What could she do?

"That git," huffed Ron's voice suddenly, jolting her attention back. Was he coming back? No, it wasn't Ron, it was deeper in tone. Luna looked back at the entrance only to see… Was it Charlie? Honestly, Luna couldn't remember much about the older Weasley siblings, but she was sure he was the one who was in Romania working at Dragon's reserve. Oh. That made sense, so that's why he was around the task.

"I'll show him!" yelled Charlie with determination as he run without stopping inside the tent. Luna stared at the sight, shaking her head. What a Gryffindorish thing to do. With so many people inside, Luna kept her cool. She doubted he could do much against them. She wasn't really worried about Harry or any of the other champions. Still, judging by the commotion he was undoubtedly about to cause, he would be an excellent distraction. Luna counted to 3 and followed as silently as she could.

- •o• -

"My Dragon!" heard Fleur suddenly and felt the canopy of her bed ripple with a movement and a shadowy hand appeared for a moment behind the fabric, before disappearing once again. Fleur cursed at the loud sound disturbing her rest. What happened to her silencing spell on the cloth? Who was there moving about and shouting?

Fleur wanted to jump down from her bed and give that loudmouth her peace of mind, but her wand was under her pillow. Maybe he would shut it soon, even without her involvement. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

Instead, Fleur heard signs of struggle and she turned from her momentary laziness immediately to full attention, her wand in hand, ready to protect herself if the needs arise. On one hand, it was a healer's tent. Second, it was British. On the third, this tournament didn't turn out how she expected. 4th contestant? What a scam. She didn't feel particularly safe here and she wouldn't take any chances.

Fleur sat at attention for several long moments, listening in to the Healer speaking, Dumbeldoor, Madame Maxime, and a few others. This continued for a while until all of them shut up, one after the other. Eventually, all of them left. Finally, peace at last. Fleur smiled, finally having some quiet. What happened to the loudmouth, though? Not that she cared much. She couldn't really understand what they said about him and why all of them were here in the first place. All of it was muffled by the partially failed charm.

Fleur glanced toward her bare right leg, still slightly red and itchy. It was a really embarrassing injury. She kept her cool when the masses' eyes were upon her, but she didn't really want to flash her underwear in there. And to do such a poor job in the task too. She held all the advantages. No one could charm the dragon to sleep as she could, yet against the great odds, she messed it up. Why did she let her attention slip? Why? Fleur couldn't help but self-berate there. She could have done so much better.

To answer her was only silence. Silence and… Singing? Who in the hell? It was creepy and barely melodic, off the notes more often than not. It really made her sensitive ears bleed. She wanted nothing more than to shout at whoever it was to shut it, but held her tongue. Fleur took her courage and turned one part of the canopy up and peered at the source. Of course. One thing positive about the tournament turned sour. It was the healer. That was shocking. Fleur tilted her head, trying to understand the weirdness of it all.

Who was it on the bed in front of her then? Diggory was on the bed, true, but he was on her left side, looking at the direction with the mediwitch too, and with a grimace on his face. Krum was on her right, sitting on a chair, stoically staring into nothing, but the jerky movement of his fingers, tapping on his leg, spoke about a different state of mind. That only left one to be found. The Boy. Seemed like he lived after all. Again. All of that, despite having the worst pick on the dragon. Surprising, but good news nonetheless. She didn't wish permanent harm to anyone. Not even her competitors. She wanted to beat them fair and square. Still, that healer was giving her creepy vibes, and it was crawling up to her as a start of a headache. She couldn't wait to be gone from here. Heck, her injury was just superficial and practically nothing serious. She already conjured a new skirt, so she wasn't immodest either. Krum didn't even look hurt at all. Discounting Diggory that actually looked injured. Why were they still waiting in here, anyway?

Contrary to her inner voice, she said nothing aloud and did nothing to interrupt the mediwitch. She could be abrasive if she wanted, but taking it out on the healers was always a bad idea, so she stayed her tongue. Well. She didn't wait so patiently. One almost silent spell and she no longer heard her anymore. Fleur flopped back onto the bed and tried to think about anything else. She needed to be positive, like Gabby. Fleur smiled at the memory of her sister. Just the one she wished to see. Only one more month or so and she could see her again. Surely students would be able to visit home at Yule, right?

That's it for my first ever side chapter. I'm still writing even though I haven't posted for 2 months. It's a shorter piece and doesn't really move the plot forward, but I wanted to try something different here. I would also like to address that the TriWizard rules mentioned may or may not be all technically in accordance with canon. A bit embellished or added some details, but should be still within the realm of "sure, seems fine to me". It was never explained how the rule that forces Harry to compete actually works, so I'm taking my liberties with it. In any case, future canon events technically went out of the window as soon as I wrote the first chapter, so I wouldn't want to stick to everything without making any changes. That would be boring.

Congratulations to everyone who guessed Fleur as n.69. Yey! Votes for her were, in one word, overwhelming. So many people were right about her silhouette. By the way, I totally had no ulterior motive for choosing this specific number, not at all. (Innocent whistling in the distance). Anyway, I made it way too easy when I changed the image to include her headgear. It's somewhat iconic and reminiscent of the film version of herself. Oh well, I liked it added to the image, so the change had to be done. Despite it, she does have a different outfit because I didn't like the film version much. Or the generalized portrayal of boys/girls segregation of schools' weirdness while I'm in it. It's a bit more revealing clothing, but that's the way I'll roll forward. Fleur shouldn't really be a shy person and afraid to show parts of her body. Intentionally that is (remember that scene with hostages underwater?). What she is wearing in the picture isn't supposed to be her general school uniform.

On that note. I really didn't want to do a second revelation in the same chapter, so I found a simple, yet genius solution. I won't. :P

Sorry, not sorry. This dilemma also influenced my decision to include this side chapter first before continuing the story, so I wouldn't have 2 reveals at the same time. Why? Not sure, I just like it better this way. If it happens again, which is possible, I will probably hold the reveal again, so it's only one per chapter. It feels more impactful this way and stands out more.

Instead of that, I have picked all the recent choices from the votes that got 3 or more votes and pinned them into yellow maybe color. One of them is correct, others are not. Don't worry. I will not hold the status quo for long though as I plan to release a normal chapter soon after this one, likely in the span of a few days so I can reveal who is behind another number in the way I want in the next chapter. It's curiously also the third time Hermione made it with 3 votes under a different number. Would this time be the right one? Well, who knows. (I do, but I'm not telling just yet).

I haven't really expected this sudden increase in votes since last time. It caught me a bit unaware. 17 votes in favor of Fleur on that particular place and a decent amount of other voters who didn't even choose her. There was a lot to add to my sheet. It took me a while to even count everything. Hopefully without a mistake. Still, I'm glad that this many people joined in. I made some changes to the picture of one yet to be revealed, number 37, I like her better now.

The address for the cover picture and spreadsheet is over on my profile and hosted at postimg server.

Back to the chapter. Does anyone remember if Poppy Pomfrey actually has any musical talent and can sing? I surely don't remember it, so I went with what felt right, but if anyone can prove and point otherwise, I could revisit that part. Well, it would explain why everyone (Harry) wanted to be gone from her Hospital Wing so bloody fast every time.