"The time has come to find out who will be each school's champions."Fleur sat up straighter as Dumbledore spoke.Her mate had walked in a few minutes earlier and Fleur wanted to make the impression that she was calm and collected.Fleur had planned how she was going to react to her name being called and how she would use the opportunity to say a few words to her mate right after.If she was lucky she could get a token from Hermione to wear in the tournament.
"This is it!"Victoria a fellow Veela said excitedly to Fleur.
"Shh."Fleur was just as excited but they all had an image to uphold.
"The Champion from Durmstrang Institute will be Victor Krum." called out to loud shouts and cheers.
"No surprise there."Natalie murmured from her seat next to Fleur.
Mr.Crouch caught a second piece of paper."The Champion from Beauxbatons Academy will be Fleur Delacour."
Fleur stood upon hearing her name called and gave polite smiles to all of those that offered her congratulations as she made her way to the room she was ushered to.She had tried to search for her mate but hadn't caught more than a glimpse of her on the way out of the hall.As she was led into a room where Victor and his head master Karkaroff were waiting Fleur allowed Madame Maxine to lead her to a spot against the wall where she would be in a position of power.The next person to enter was Harry Potter looking very smug.Fleur wasn't surprised to see him as the boy who lived's reputation for getting into trouble was well known.Her ears perked up when she heard loud angry voices coming towards the room only to be surprised when Hermione walked in trailing behind Dumbledore and a few of the professors and the tournament officials.
"I don't care Albus she can not compete.She isn't even a student here." Prof.McGonagall said.
"It's out of my hands Minerva."Dumbledore replied.
"What is going on here?"Madame Maxine asked.
"It's quite exciting.The cup has picked a fourth champion." Mr.Crouch said with glee.
"What does that mean?"Karkaroff asked.
"It means that Hogwarts has not one but two champions." Mr.Crouch told them.
"What is the meaning of this Dumbledore?!"Madame Maxine all but shouted.
"I'm not sure Maxine.Ms. Granger was not the one to put her name into the cup nor should she be eligible as she is not a student at Hogwarts."Dumbledore sounded just as upset as Maxine but was better at controlling it.
"If she's not a student why is she even at the school?" Mr.Crouch's red headed assistant asked.
"That's none of your concern."Professor Snape snapped at the boy.Fleur wasn't sure but it looked like the professor was seconds away from hexing everyone in the room, grabbing Hermione and making a run for it.
"Well what does the girl have to say for herself?"Professor Moody asked. Fleur decided right then by the way the man was looking at her mate like she was dirt on his shoe that she hated Moody.
"It doesn't matter what she thinks.The point remains once a name is chosen by the cup the person has to compete or they will lose all their magic." told them.
Fleur watched with great interest as Hermione whispered in Prof.McGonagall's ear who nodded in agreement at whatever the girl was saying.The pair were not paying attention to whatever was going on around them and Fleur couldn't help but wonder what was more important than the fact that Hermione's name was put in the cup by an unknown person.Not being able to stop herself Fleur asked the pair."What are you two talking about?"
"Who?"Madame Maxine asked.
"Hermione and Prof.McGonagall."Fleur didn't like the glare the professor sent her way at being called out.
"Well?"Harry Potter's arrogant voice demanded.
"What we were discussing is none of your concern but as it pertains to this situation we will tell you.Hermione was just explaining there was a way for the cup to be coaxed into giving additional names if the other two schools felt it was unfair that they only had one champion when Hogwarts had two." explained Prof.McGonagall to the stunned group.
"Impossible." Mr.Crouch said."The cup would never go against the rules that way."
Snape snorted out a laugh."Like the way it picked two champions for Hogwarts."
"Is this true Dumbledore?"Karkaroff asked.
"If Ms.Granger says it's possible then it is possible."Fleur wasn't the only one who was surprised at the absolute certainty that Dumbledore spoke.It seemed he had great respect for Hermione's magical abilities.
"Are you really going to let some muggle orphan interfere with something as prestigious as the cup?"The read headed assistant asked.
Fleur wasn't the only one who growled at the boy.If she had been closer she would have attacked him herself but McGonagall was faster.Fleur's eyes went wide when she saw the normally mild manner professor grab the boy by the throat,push him up against a wall and point her wand under his chin."Watch your mouth Percy or I will let Hermione deal with you and she won't be as kind as she was the other times you tried to attack her when her back was turned."
"She has no place in this school let alone this tournament."Percy chocked out.
"Actually it is you who has no place here."Dumbledore turned his attention to Mr.Crouch." Mr.Crouch as your assistant has a history of violence towards one of my champions I formally request that he be removed from any of his duties that pertain to the tournament."
Fleur spoke before she could stop herself."I agree."
"It wouldn't be fair."Victor said.
"It won't matter either way as she has no chance of winning the tournament anyway."Harry Potter ignored the harsh looks he received and just smiled smugly at Hermione.
"I'll escort him off the grounds."Snape volunteered.
"You can't do this!"Percy screeched."I am a ministry official."
"No you are are an assistant who has no authority."Snape reminded him.
"That mud blood will get what's coming to her if it's the last thing I do."Percy screamed as he was forcefully removed from the room.Fleur wondered why he hated Hermione so much.From what she could tell her mate didn't even speak to anyone let alone have a chance to offend them.Most people were weary of her or just ignored her.Percy's hatred was personal and Fleur worried he may be a threat to Hermione.Fleur would have to send word to her grandmother about the situation.A threat to a mate was flock business especially if that mate was the one of a future clan elder.
"Now that that unpleasantness is taken care of I believe M.Granger is offering a way for the other two schools to have extra champions to make things fair.Would either of you like the chance?"Dumbledore asked the headmasters.
"If it is possible then I request for a second champion be chosen."Karkaroff said.
"I agree."Madame Maxine said."However I wish to witness the process so that we can be sure that no other tampering happens."
"Hermione would that be a problem?"Dumbledore asked.
Hermione shook her head."The only problem I see is in the future if a tournament happens again that someone could use the spell to have more champions chosen."
"That is a good point." Mr.Crouch said.Fleur thought the man looked somewhat shell shocked with the whole situation.
"Is there a way for you to alter the cup to prevent that from happening in the future?" Prof.McGonagall asked.
"Why are we taking the word of a child?A child I might remind everyone that is a part of the tournament.One that we have no proof that didn't put their name in."Karkaroff asked.Fleur had to admit that he had some valid concerns.
When Dumbledore and Prof.McGonagall shared a look Fleur didn't have to hear what they were thinking to know that they were trying to decide how much they wanted to share.It was Dumbledore who spoke."I offer to swear on my own magic that Hermione will not purposely tamper with the cup."
"What?!"Maxine was not the only one shock.For such a show of faith in a person as strong as Dumbledore was unheard of.
"You can not mean that?"Karkaroff asked shocked.
"I will offer as well." told them.
"Holy shit."Harry Potter said.
Fleur had to agree."Holly shit indeed."
"I think that should prove that Ms.Granger is more than trustworthy enough to preform the spells."Dumbledore said.
There was a tense silence that settled into the room with everyone trying to figure out what just happened.For a man believed to be the most powerful wizard alive just offered his magic in support of a 17 yr old.Looking around Fleur was uneasy with the different looks Hermione was getting.They ranged from rage, skepticism, a little bit of fear and curiosity all focused on her mate.It made Fleur realize that Hermione was much more important than she initially thought.Not only was the girl brilliant but she had the trust of some very powerful people.That would make her a target for those who wished to do harm to her allies.
"I don't think we need to go as far to swear on our magic but I think that the offer is enough to believe that is trustworthy." Mr.Crouch said breaking the silence.
"I am agreeable."Madame Maxine still seemed to not have reclaimed her composure.
"I will agree as well but if I think something isn't right I will insist on you following through on your offer."Karkaroff warned.
"And I will happily comply."Dumbledore said with no hesitation.
"Good it's done.How soon can we get the cup to pick the extra two students?" Mr.Crouch asked.
"I can be done within an hour."Hermione told him.
"You can create a spell that alters the magic of the cup within an hour?"Mr.Crouch wasn't the only one that looked at Hermione in disbelief.
Before Hermione could answer Prof.McGonagall spoke."Let's not worry about that.We should be focusing on whether we want the schools in the hall during the drawing or if we should just inform them after."
"I think that we should do it in the morning that way it can be explained what has happened and gives the new champions the experience the others have gotten."Dumbledore suggested preventing any further questions for Hermione.
"Yes my champions deserve the chance to be cheered just like the rest of them."Karkaroff said.
"It would only be right for everyone to be treated fairly."Madame Maxine agreed.
"Then we will have the naming of the two new champions at breakfast.Then directly following we will have the weighing of the wands and all the champions will have their pictures taken and be interviewed by the press." Mr.Crouch told them.
Fleur didn't fail to notice the worried looks both Porc McGonagall and Dumbledore gave Hermione."Will there be a problem?"
"No, of course not."Dumbledore quickly denied.Fleur didn't quite believe him.She wasn't sure which part the pair were actually worried about.The wand could be concerning depending on what it's made of but Fleur didn't really see the problem with others knowing about it.They could be worried about the pictures and press.With how isolated Hermione was and from what she overheard Hermione and Snape talking about it may be they were afraid that the reporter would try to gain information on Hermione.That was something none of the adults at Hogwarts seemed like they wanted.
"At this point I would advise all of you that you may not team up with other champions to get help with the tasks but as there are two champions from each school that makes that point null and void as you each will have the same mentors.You are still not able to get help from tournament officials.If approached by any one who tries to interfere with the tournament champions are to alert their head masters immediately." Mr.Crouch told them."Most of all though everyone have fun."
"I'm sure they will." Prof.McGonagall snarked sarcastically.
"With that warning we will reconvene in the morning when the new champions are announced.Good luck everyone." Mr.Crouch then took his leave with the rest of the officials following behind him.
"Dumbledore I wish to discuss this spell with you.I have questions about how the cup will decide who to pick."Madame Maxine said.
"That is a good point.How will we know that the cup will pick a proper contender and not just the weakest person."Karkaroff said.
"It doesn't matter because anyone who isn't me is the weakest person."Harry proudly proclaimed.
Victor scoffed. "Spoken like a true coward."
"You got something to say Krum?"Harry puffed up his chest and took a step toward Victor.Before he made another Moody grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
"That's enough."The mechanical eyed man hissed."Save that bravado for the tasks ahead."
"Uncivilized beast."Fleur murmured.
"How dare an actual creature think she can call someone other than herself a beast."Harry spat.
"My kind have a long memory Mr.Potter and have learned time and again who the real beasts in the world truly are."Fleur wasn't scared of Harry.He was a mere baby when he supposedly defeated the Dark Lord but Fleur knew he wasn't the reason the man was was beaten.It Harry's mother that protected him.An event like that had been studied to the minor detail.It was mere propaganda that Harry was given credit.The people in charge wanted to make people believe that the dark Lord was so weak that a baby could best him.
"Should I show you just how much of beast I can be?"Harry bared his teeth at Fleur obviously trying to get a reaction out her.Laughter was probably not what he was going for.
Fleur laughed loudly."Was that a threat?Because I have seen puppies that are more dangerous than you.Then again the only thing you have ever done was when you were a baby."
"You filthy!"Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at Fleur before she had a chance to pull out her own Harry called out."Sectumsempra."
Fleur pulled out her wand quickly but could tell that she wasn't going to be able to put up a shield in time.Bracing herself for the inevitable pain her eyes widened when the spell fizzled out before it reached her.Looking around she noticed almost all the adults in the room with wands out pointed at the boy.Harry was tackled to the ground by Moody and disarmed.Fleur didn't understand what was going on or how she was still in one piece."What just happened?"
"Mr.Potter just proved that he can't be trusted with a wand is what just happened." Prof.McGonagall said as she took Harry's wand from Moody.
"No I mean why didn't the spell hit me?"Fleur asked.
"It seems Harry didn't cast it correctly."Fleur would have believed that but when Dumbledore finished talking he looked at Hermione with worry.
Fleur wasn't sure what the man was worried about though because Hermione didn't have a wand out and Fleur didn't see her move from the spot she was in when Harry had casted the spell.Something was amiss and Fleur wasn't sure how to push to get the answers she wanted.It was beyond obvious that it wasn't Harry's fault that the spell didn't connect but how did it just fizzle out.She would usually say that it was stopped by a shield but the way it stopped wasn't like any shield Fleur had seen or heard of.The spell didn't hit a wall the light literally fizzled our. Stopping a spell mid cast was impossible wasn't it?Fleur wasn't so sure anymore.
"I want that boy to put in the dungeons to be held accountable for attacking one of my students with the intent to kill."Madame Maxine demanded.
"Madame Maxine he is just a child.."Dumbledore started but stopped when Hermione pulled his head down so she could whisper in his ear.Whatever she was saying was very concerning because Dumbledore's eyes went wide and looked at Fleur with a bit of fear. Standing back up he cleared his throat before speaking."I accept your request for the boy to be detained however before he can be turned over to Clan Delacour for his trial he must participate in the tournament."
Fleur was very impressed that Hermione understood politics so well as to take into consideration whom Harry had attacked.Her Veela puffed up in pride knowing that it was her mate that just stopped what could have been a violent conflict if not handled correctly. Hermione was proving to be a very valuable mate to have and Fleur couldn't be any prouder.The only way she would be happier is if she got a chance to speak to her mate.
"Headmaster you can't turn me over to those harpies!"Harry screeched indignantly.
"Shut your mouth boy before I rip out your tongue."Moody threatened.
"Can you be trusted to properly keep the boy detained or should I set something up in my carriage?"Madame Maxine asked obviously pleased that Dumbledore wasn't putting up a fight.
"My ship has many secure locations that would be appropriate to hold such filth."Karkaroff offered looking at Harry in disgust.It seemed the man could put aside his competitiveness to deal with dishonorable people no matter who they offended.
"The dungeon in the castle will work out just fine for Mr.Potter." Prof.McGonagall said.
"He will stay there and only be let out for events or training that pertain to the tournament."Dumbledore told them.
"That is acceptable."Madame Maxine turned her attention to Hermione."As the night has been so eventful will you be willing to meet in the morning before you cast the spell so you can explain it to me in detail."
"Of course Madame."Hermione bowed causing Fleur to hold back a smile at the way Madame Maxine preened at the show of respect.Hermione's likely being the first one she had gotten since they came to the castle.
"I will attended as well."Karkaroff said.
Hermione reached out her arm surprising the man as he reach out his own hesitantly.Hermione then clasped them together in a type of warrior hold that Fleur had never seen before."It would be an honor to have such a talented warrior at my side."
"Well then we will see you in the morning."The flustered man motioned for Victor to follow him.
"I'll take Harry to the dungeon and let Snape know he is going to have a long term guest."Moody grabbed Harry by the back of the shirt and dragged him away the boy screaming nonsense the whole time.
"Hermione you need to get going."McGonagall told the girl.
Hermione looked at what seemed to be a magical watch attacked to her left wrist."You are correct I do need to be going."
"Good night Hermione."Fleur called out as Hermione made her way out of the door.When her mate looked back and gave her a slight smile Fleur gave one of her own.
"Come Fleur you need your rest."Madame Maxine told her.Fleur dutifully followed behind her head mistress.Ad they made their way across the school grounds Fleur caught sight of Hermione making her way to the lake.She remembered that one of the girls had told her that Hermione spent time there.Fleur thought that Hermione simply went there to get some alone time but as she saw her mate slip out of her robes revealing a bathing suit Fleur wasn't so sure.Watching Hermione jump into the lake Fleur had to stop herself from running to make sure Hermione was ok.When she surfaced from the water Fleur sighed in relief.As she reached the carriage Fleur lingered for a moment to watch Hermione swim before forcing herself to go inside. Fleur wanted to go with Maxine in the morning to watch Hermione perform the spell and wanted to look her best.For that she would need her rest.