Chapter Four

Ember walked in shocked behind her silent Headmaster as the rest of the school alternated between glaring at her for stealing their Champion's fame and staring nervously at the pieces left of the infamous Goblet of Fire. Even she wondered what happened, especially for her name to come out when she never dared to enter.

"Ember?" Sad eyes glanced up at a concerned Cedric as she was bustled into the side room, clutching at her robes with white fingers. She wanted this to be an elaborate joke but unfortunately she was stuck in a living nightmare.

"Fascinating!" The three champions glanced between a sullen Ember Potter and an excited Bagman, "Who would have thought?"

"Ember?" Hazel once again glanced up from the floor to find stern blue eyes peering over half-moon spectacles, "Did you put your name in or ask anyone to do so?"

"No!"

"What are you saying, Headmaster?" Cedric wasn't liking the accusations Dumbledore was throwing at an obviously upset teenage girl. From the looks of everyone they either hated that she apparently put her name into the Goblet despite the wards or were practically dancing with excitement to see The-Girl-Who-Lived compete against students older and more experienced then her. He had a feeling someone wanted her in to either humiliate her or to see what she was capable of, if not worse.

"Three schools of students entered their name yet the cup actually announced four!"

"What!"

"This is absurd! I demand either that little girl withdraw from a competition she obviously cheated to enter or both Durmstrang and Beaubaxton be allowed to redraw for second champions as well. Hogwarts has the disadvantage here which is completely unfair to us all!"

"No can do, Headmaster Karkaroff. Potter must compete. Once an entrée has been made the person drawn has pretty much willingly giving their permission to be drawn into a magically contract to compete or suffer the loss of their magical core."

"Then redraw for a second champion!"

Crouch this time shook his head, a befuddled look still glazing his eyes, "We are unable to perform that as well. Normally after the needed champions are drawn the fire goes out and the Goblet goes into a hibernation mode till it is needed for the next tournament. Besides, I'm not sure how that's going to work next year as the Goblet has done the impossible. Somehow not only has the fire gone out but the Goblet lies in millions of pieces, some embedded in the walls and tables of the school. We are hopeful it can be repaired but its doubtful. Therefore, it's unfortunate, but Ember Potter has no choice but to compete as a Champion in this Tournament unless she wishes to formally withdraw and suffer the loss of her magical core."

All eyes pinned a fearful teenager who rapidly shook her head while desperately fighting the need to cry in front of them all. The adults quickly went through the necessary introductions and rules before allowing everyone to go their separate ways. Ember barely made it to an empty classroom before the tears flowed free. "Why?"

She never expected anyone to answer her hiccupped question blurred by crying, "He has needs." She jumped, twisting about o face her brother. "You shall be fine. Most may be against you but Mum will never let you fall behind nor will Dad or Sirius. You may use Remus as well."

"Why'd did you break the Goblet, Harry?" Despite his average if not below magical strength, Harry did have the unique ability to affect things that frightened those who knew. But then something else fluttered through her rambling thoughts, "Harry?" Her barely heard whisper caused the boy in question to tilt his head in curiosity, "Please tell me it's not this year!"

"What shall be won't be until one shall aide. The price is yet to be decided."

"You can't leave me. I fought and won you."

"I know."

"Good." She sniffled. Talking to Harry always made her feel better as it took her mind off whatever was causing her problems. She had cried out her frustration. Harry was right. She did have people who would be looking out for her, even if it was against the rules, something told her the rules matter little.