Chapter 10
Having meet with Lord Black it was time to meet with Dumbledore and the Minister. They had planned to announce the champions this morning on in the court yard at 1030. I had called Lord Black early this morning so I could head off the announcement. Win or not heir Potter would have a fighting chance in this should he deiced he did not wish to leave the tournament. Before heading to the office though I looked for the grim like dog which I found. He nodded for the go ahead and I entered.
"Ragnok I did not think you would be here," Cornelius Fudge the Minister of Magic stated. With him was his dreadful Senior Undersecretary a toad faced women named Dolores Umbridge. Also in the room was Dumbledore, Igor Karkaroff, and Olympe Maxime.
"We did write the contract Minister," I said "I noted the fourth champion on it this morning and as tradition I should check that the contract is being followed."
"Yes the fourth," Fudge said "First time for everything. We are looking into how it occurred."
"Well it is not the first time actually," I said "In fact it is the fourth,"
"Really," Dumbledore said. "I had not heard."
"Yes it was early years it occurred," I said "The first was the third tournament in 1309, the seventeenth in 1379, and the twenty-fifth in 1419. Each one the cup could not decied between two for a school. The first was a pair of twins from Durmstrang. One competed under the school the other his family. Similar happened in 1379 and 1419 tournaments. I assume Heir Potter will be representing his family,"
"Yes yes that would be ideal," came for Fudge and "I don't believe so" came from Dumbledore. It seemed Dumbledore had chose to stick to his little game. I could not help but smile as I knew I would win on the out come.
"Why ever not,"
"Harry has not been full made aware yet of his family," he said "Due to his home he has had difficulty catching up."
"I beg to differ," I said. "Heir Potter has claimed his heirship this summer and actually has come far. I also know for a fact Dumbledore that he has requested you call him by his legal name of Harrison. If you had bothered to check with Gringotts you would have seen that Harry was not his birth name."
"See there is no reason not to Albus," Fudge said before turning back to me. "We can ask before the announcement,"
"Yes and I do need to see them before you announce," I said "Now the second matter is private chambers for the champion,"
"Private chambers," said Delores Umbridge.
"Yes according to the amendment made in 1364 private quarters are to be arranged for each champion and mentor. These arranged by their school should they have quarters like they do now or the host school," I said. "Headmasters?"
"Viktor was moved into the quarters last night," Igor said.
"Fleur is moving in today,"
"Dumbledore,"
"We only have one so I have chosen that the Hogwarts champion will stay in their dorms,"
"I say not," I said "I am sure another quarter for Heir Potter and his mentor can be arranged. It should be done within the week or so. I don't expect his mentor..."
"Hem hem," Umbridge interrupting me.
"Do you need a cough drop madam?" Olypme asked which gained her a foul look.
"You keep saying mentor," Umbridge said ignoring her. "Rules state that champions are to do this alone and unaided."
"It does not,"
"Of course it has there is not mentors in history,"
"Are you saying I can not read a contract my people have written for you since this tournaments inception madam?"
"She is not Master Ragnok," Fudge said giving the women a look. "But she is correct there is no mention of mentors,"
"Yes well it started with it being the duty of the headmaster," I said "but when they became judges of the tournament they no longer could perform that duty. After that it was up to the champions to chose but they could forgo a mentor if they wished. The last hundred years or so of the tournament few had mentors,"
"Very well," Fudge said. "Why don't you all call the students and we get things settled,"
With the headmasters called elves to retrieve the students in question. I kept close watch of Dumbledore as he had played to many tricks already. It was hard to see but he did not like I had out played him but if he only knew it wasn't I that found the last clause he would be more upset.
~POV Change~
I had woken on a strange couch. Remus sat across from me in a chair not looking very comfortable. The mirror was open and facing me but seemed to have shut down as I could not see anything but myself. I sat up and found my glasses and looked to find McGonagall sitting at a table.
"So your awake," she said and grabbed some tea and came over. "I have a note ready for professors today if you wish to skip,"
"I think it would be better to just face it now," I said taking the tea and looked to Remus.
"He finally fell asleep about two hours ago," she said. "Sirius had to run off as the Goblins had called him,"
"I hate that I ruined their time away,"
"Oh Harrison you could never," she said sitting next to me. "Both of those men care for you very much. I don't think there was ever a time before that Halloween I ever saw them not smile at just the mention of you. I think Sirius boasted about you just as much as your father did. You are family and real family does anything for each other."
"But Remus was finally going to get some help with his furry problem," I said.
"And that is not going anywhere," she said "That man, Ivan, understands that pack comes first. I am sure the invitation is still open when things get situated."
I was going to speak but Sirius came busting through the floo. He got his bearings and survived the area. He came over without a word and gave me a big hug.
"What are you doing here?" I asked when he finally released me. "What if some one sees you?"
"It does not matter right now," he said before shaking Remus awake. Remus of course asked the same questions but Sirius waved him of and sat on the table looking at Remus and I who he placed on the couch. "The goblins have given me a few options for us."
"Great," I said "What are they?"
"First you need to make a choice," he said "I can't tell you everything as it could sway you and if found out this would give you plausible deny ability. You have to trust me,"
"Siri," Remus said
"Harry can get out of this if we point out something but not pointing it out can give us a major advantage in other area's we are trying to get ahead on," he said. "It is your choice Harry as I am not going to force anything,"
"If I do this though I have to be alone,"
"No you don't actually," he said with a crooked smile. "There is an old rule that was never taken out just used less as time went on. Champions are allowed a mentor to help them train for the tasks. In this case I would say Remus would be the best option. He would stay here at the school with you all year. This lets us investigate what the hell happened and gives you someone to relay on."
"Where did you find this?" Remus asked as Sirius handed him a book.
"Harry is not the first Potter in the tournament," he said "This is the journal of Maynard Potter in 1644 who was the Hogwarts champion. He did not win but came close and he mentions how he had a mentor. I got called to the goblins and this rule was still in play.
"Amazing," McGonagall said. "but what of Remus staying here?"
"Rules state schools most offer the champion and mentor private quarters," he said
"My creature status Sirius," Remus.
"Never in the rules does it say that someone of creature blood can not mentor. The only rule is that they must be able to preform magic," he said "A vampire in 1559 was the Durmstrang champion mentor. As for your condition you can make it known on full moons you will leave even being the day before any transformation. We can go back to Potter Manor for that,"
"We?"
"You really think I am staying there alone," Sirius said "It will just be that Professor Lupin got a companion over the summer months,"
"Well not a total lie," I said which lightened the mood.
"So Harry it is your choice," Sirius said.
"I will do it," I said. "Once you can though you have to explain where this helps."
"Alright then," he said with a nod. "Ragnok is here and I will give him the sign you agree. Now he is going to ask you to represent your family instead of the school. Officially if you win it goes as a Hogwarts Potter win. You will wear your crest and colors instead of the schools. The last important thing is your mentor as rooms is not a big deal. When asked say you would like Remus as your mentor. As said they can not deny you."
After I agreed he then and we called Dobby to get my clothes and food. After eating, as McGonagall had breakfast brought to us, I got ready for the day and to be called. Walking through the halls to get to history absolutely sucked as students whispered and called me a cheat. The only ones that seemed happy were Gryffindor and I suspect many just did not care how I was entered just that we were in it. Finally a student came from McGonagall at 10 with a note. We were meeting in Dumbledore's office. There I found the rest of the champions, the headmasters, the minister, Bagman, Crouch, and a toad faced women wearing pink standing with Ragnok.
"Professor McGonagall said I was needed sir," I said.
"Yes my boy," Dumbledore said "We are going to be announcing the champions but wish to clear things up first."
"It has come to our attention that this is not the first time with four champions," the minister said. "So we have come to make an arrangements on how the school is represented."
"Cedric can have that honor," I said before Dumbledore could give his opinion. "I have to compete and not by choice he wanted to be the Hogwarts champion so I can represent my family. He is the true Hogwarts champion in my mind,"
"Easy there," Fudge said with a smile.
"It has also come to be known that a mentor is able to be chosen," Crouch said "This is an old rule that is put to choice. Your mentor would stay with you all year and must be chosen now as they need to be announced as well,"
"When the rule was made it was the headmasters but as they are judges the rule changed. It can be anyone as long as they are not a professor," Bagman said "If you do not wish to have one you do not require one. Mr. Krum,"
"I do not wish for one," he said
"Miss Delacour,"
"Am I able to call my mother?" she asked "I would like her if possible but I must ask,"
"You may use the floo," Dumbledore said and she went to make the call. Madam Maxime placed a privacy spell up so not to disturb us.
"Well she is busy," Bagman said "Mr. Diggory,"
"No one sir," he said.
"and Lastly Mr. Potter,"
"I would like Remus Lupin sir,"
"Impossible," the toad women said "that beast is not allowed in this school."
"Actually Madam Umbridge," Ragnok said "No law has passed saying he can not come here only that he can not teach…"
"And this would be teaching!" she screeched.
"It would not be," he said "and if you would have let me finish it does not say that a creature can not be a mentor just that they have the ability to perform magic. A vampire was once the mentor for the Durmstrang champion."
"What of the full moons?" questioned Fudge.
"I am sure Mr. Lupin would leave the school the afternoon or even day before and not return until after," Ragnok said. "As long as Mr. Lupin accepts the position he maybe your mentor,"
"I can call him," I said and got out my mirror. I called him well Fleur's mother came through the floo. As Remus knew I would call him he accepted and said he would floo in. Shortly their after he came through the door saying he came by McGonagall's floo.
"Now that we are all here why don't we bring the champions down to the press release." Fudge said. Everyone but Dumbledore seemed to agree so we headed off. The whole way I attempted at fixing my hair but Remus laughed and told me just to give up. They set us in a room to the side where we could see the conference.
Fudge stood center and on the highest step with the Umbridge women to his slightly behind him as she would que us to come in. The step below held Bagman, Crouch, and Ragnok to his left and all the Headmasters to the right.
"Welcome everyone to the announcement of the 1994 Triwizard Tournament Champions," he said to the large group of press and other important people. "Before we start we would like to inform you a fourth champion was chosen from the goblet. I have been assured that though extremely uncommon that it has happened on three other events. Tradition of a fourth champion allows one to represent their family and the champion has chosen to do so. It has also come to our attention that the champions could chose a mentor if they so chose and two of the four have done so.
"Firstly from Durmstrang Viktor Krum," he said and Krum went out. The press snapped photo after photo but he was extremely famous and popular. Viktor stood on the step below his headmaster.
"The Beauxbatons champion is Fleur Delacour who has chose her mother Apolline Delacour," as she was announced she and her mother walked with such grace. The men in the crowd seemed dumb founded at the two women. That was until Fleur tapped her mothers shoulder and whispered something. The men seemed to snap out if it after that.
"Why are the acting like that?" I asked Remus who looked at me confused.
"You feel nothing?" he asked
"Should I?"
"Most men do," he said "both of those women have veela blood. My guess the mother did not even realize she was using the allure. Veela have this natural allure to them that attracts those attracted to that gender so some women would also have felt it. Rarely are full pure veela born male but it is has happened. Half veela are born male and have that trait. Anyway the allure makes people go a bit wonky,"
"So why don't I go wonky,"
"Likely due to training you had this summer honestly," he said before we turned our attention back to the conference.
"The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory," he said and Cedric came out and stood by Dumbledore. I took a deep breath as I knew I was next. "The last champion is Harrison Potter representing the Potter family. He has chosen Remus Lupin as his mentor,"
As I walked out it caused a frenzy. The press started asking question after question. Being as I had been kept from the press even after rejoining the wizarding world they sure had a lot. Remus took his place behind me pretty much blocking Dumbledore from any access to me.
"Now with the announcement we will take questions," Fudge said. He then pointed to one of the reporters.
"Minister you called him Harrison care to explain?"
"It came to the attention of the Ministry that his paper work after the events of that night was not right," the minister said. "The Potter family has a history of not registering names of a child until they attend Hogwarts. This seems to be the case here and it was never crossed check. All records are in the process of correcting all files."
"Mr. Potter is only 14 how did he get entered in this tournament?" asked another.
"That is currently under investigation," Crouch said "The goblet is an ancient artifact and can not be changed for age. An age line was placed around the goblet."
"Mr. Potter," one women said "Why did you enter even though they raised the age,"
"I did not enter," I said "Mr. Crouch makes is sound like I did but I assure you I did not it appears as someone got my signature from homework and placed it in. I made promises not to enter and I intended to keep them."
"Harry," said a blood women with long nails and jeweled glasses. "Why chose this man to be your mentor?"
"Miss…
"Skeeter of the Daily Prophet," she said
"Miss Skeeter all of the other reporters are using my last name and you should do the same as it is respectful here and I am sure you would show the other champions the same respect," I said before answering. "On top of that my short name is for those I chose can use it and never did I say you could.
"To answer your question I chose Remus for many reasons," I said "Remus was the best defense professor we have had in my years here at Hogwarts. He is well versed in charms, transfiguration, and defense. If you look at his O. and N.E.W.T scores you are likely to find him the top five of his year."
"What of his condition?" said one reporter. "It only came out a few months ago that Mr. Lupin had be hiding his lycanthropy."
"Remus and the wolf are not the same," I said "Why should he be judged on a fact that he had no control over. He was bitten at a young age and never has he caused a problem. My parents had no problem with him so why should I,"
"Mr. Lupin you knew the Potters and they knew of your condition?"
"James Potter was one of my best friends," he said "We shared a dorm for seven years and he along with our other friends figured out my condition mid way through our second year. This conference is not about me or Harry but the champions,"
The conference then continued. We were all asked questions but many were geared at me. Eventually it was over though and we were brought back into the castle. Dumbledore wished to speak with Cedric and I alone but Remus refused to leave. So we went to his office and talked.
"Champions are traditionally given their own quarters," he started "I only have one made up though at this time. I would prefer Harry to stay within the dorm,"
"Cedric can have it sir," I said "I am sure with Professor McGonagall's help we can find a room near the tower. That way I am still close."
"Your dorm would be the best place..,"
"I don't see how," Remus said. "Harry will need just as much concentration as Cedric will need. I will also be staying her sir,"
"I also don't believe it wise aft…,"
"Are you denying me access to my mentor?"
"No my boy just that after last year many parents will not be pleased I allowed him to stay."
"Sir," Cedric said "all honestly you did not care when you had him here as a student or hired him last year. Why would it matter? He is going to take the precautions and not be here during the moon so I don't see the issue. I can even have my father send an agent to assure parents. I am sure he will agree. Harry also needs more one on one time then I will as he is two years behind me and three behind the others."
"I don't mind being close to the tower though at all," I said. "That way I can still see my classmates. I am sure they will love Remus new pet,"
"New pet?" Dumbledore asked.
"I acquired a large dog over the summer," Remus said "The mutt would not leave me alone so took him in,"
"Padfoot does not like being called a mutt," I said remembering how he claimed to be purebred over the summer.
"Well as long as he cause no issue I don't see why not," Dumbledore said knowing full well what dog we were talking about. We were then dismissed so I went back to class well Remus got things figured out living wise. With the meeting and press conference I had completely missed Runes so headed to wait outside the potions lab.
"Missed you in Runes," I looked to see Daphne walking towards me. "Hermione said you did not return to the dorm either last night,"
"Couldn't face it last night," I said "Surprised your still talking to me honestly"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Seems most of the school thinks I stole Cedrics honor," I said.
"I know you did not enter," she said sitting next to me. "I have spent the last two months getting to know you. You don't care about fame or glory. You just want to be you,"
"Thanks Daph," I said. We chatted a little before heading into potions. After that we avoided the great hall and ate by the lake with Hermione, Neville, and the quidditch team. I was able to avoid most everyone during the defense at least. It wasn't until I got back to the common room that there was a problem.
Ron was sitting with Seamus who seemed to be on his side of things as of late. The were chatting in the common room sitting with a few of the other older boys. Clearly they were not happy with me. It was Ron though that drew the attention to me.
"Well if it isn't the glory hog," he said. "Really had to make another year all about you huh,"
"Not something I strive for Ron," I said "I did not enter this god damn tournament. I promised people I wouldn't. Heck I did not even go near the damn cup."
"Yea right," Seamus said. "Now that we know you got that damn cloak maybe you used that huh. Go down well we are all sleeping and enter your name."
"Are you all bloody thick," Angelina said. "Harry says he did not enter that means he did not enter. When has he every lied?"
"That he was a parselmouth," one boy said who I thinks name was Cormac.
"I did not know it made me different," I said. "How was I suppose to know that it was not something common. I didn't grow up in the magical world."
"Still a glory hog," Cormac said. "Just cause his name he got on the qudditch teams before tryouts."
"Every year the attention is on him," Seamus said. "First with the rumor of that damn stone, second year the stupid chamber, and last year he an escaped convict. He does something bigger every year just to stay relevant,"
"I NEVER WANTED THE ATTENTION!" I yelled silencing the whispers that were started around the room. "I never wanted to be famous. I would rather be a no one and have my family then be famous because they died. I don't do anything to stay relevant I do it to survive. First no teacher believed us. Second Ron convinced me to god damn Lockheart instead of a real damn teacher. Last year well didn't have any control over that. It doesn't matter though what I say though cause you will just believe what you want to,"
With that I left and went to my room. I packed a few things and made sure Stheno kept my trunk locked. I then went to McGonagall's chambers not wanting to stay the night with Seamus and Ron. I knew she would let me stay at least until we got my chambers figured out.
Not as quickly as I thought I could get it out but here is the latest chapter. Figured I owed you all some. Working on chapter 11 now. If I can get ahead on chapters again I am going to attempt regular posting. Again no promises but it might not just be this story.
From this point on I would also like to thank Kiochii for helping me with ideas. She has been a big help with idea for this story and others. Even giving me new ideas.