"Headmaster, unhand my ward this instant," Severus growled.
Dumbledore let go of the boy's robes and turned to the potion's master. "He got his name into the goblet somehow, Severus! This is not only unprecedented but also dangerous!" he exclaimed.
"No, headmaster, Mr. Potter has honestly admitted SEVERAL times that he did NOT put his name in the goblet," Severus began as he moved to stand in front of his ward. "The rules of the Triwizard Tournament are that each champion chosen by the Goblet of Fire will compete in three tasks. Over the years it has become precedent to have one champion from each school, and to keep the challenges a secret. With this unprecedented choice of champion who must compete, I think it's reasonable to make unprecedented accommodations to keep Mr. Potter safe. Perhaps we should focus LESS on how this problem occurred and MORE on how to protect Mr. Potter since it's obvious someone is conspiring against him. What do you think?"
"What did you have in mind, Severus?" Dumbledore asked with agitation.
"Since Mr. Potter is both only a fourth year and in the crosshairs of whoever entered his name into the goblet, he should have the unique privilege of guidance from his guardian. So that he can be better prepared for each task, I suggest we reveal what the task will be the day before it is to take place. The later suggestion would only be fair if all champions were to be informed of the tasks the day before. The later suggestion would only be fair if all champions were to be informed of the tasks the day before. Since there are bound to be objections to a contestant receiving help from a much more experienced wizard, I'm sure Mr. Potter would be agreeable to deferring the prize to second place SHOULD he win," Severus offered eloquently.
There was suddenly a buzz through the room as many hushed discussions ensued amongst the different members in the room. Severus used the distraction to address the child who'd officially become his ward before the end of term last year. "Mr. Potter, are you alright?" Severus asked.
"Sev-Professor, I swear I didn't do this. Please believe me," the boy pleaded in a hushed voice that broke betraying the emotions he was trying to hold back.
Severus rested a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder though he kept his voice and face stoic. "I believe you, Harry. That is not what I meant. Are you hurting? Are you feeling sick? Tell me what's going on?"
The pale, trembling teenager whispered, "I'm terrified, Sev. I know I'm not supposed to be-Gryffindor savior of the wizarding world and all that-but, my very bones feel like their shaking. I-I can't shake the feeling that I will die. I don't know what I'm going to do, Sev."
"First," Severus answered in an equally hushed tone despite the silencing spell he'd thrown up around them. "You are NOT the savior of the wizarding world. You are a CHILD. So, get that nonsense out of your head. Secondly, bravery is not the absence of fear it's the absence of fear, it's the strength to not let that fear control you. You are quite possibly the bravest child I've ever met. Third, you will not die if I have anything to say about it." Severus offered a reassuring squeeze to the boy's shoulder before turning his focus back to the room.
He cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. "Have we reached a consensus, or shall we reconvene in the morning? It has been a long day after all," the man asked allowing a touch of venom to lace his words.
"We agree to these terms," each champion offered one by one, and each headmaster responded with a nod.
"Well, it's been decided, everything will be fine. Good day," Severus replied abruptly and guided Harry out of the room with a swish of his cloak.
***TIME LAPSE***
When Harry and Cedric went to grab the cup together, Severus got an uncomfortable feeling, so he too reached out to touch the cup. The next thing he knew they were in a graveyard with the dark lord and his followers looking at them like juicy cuts of steak. Severus wasted no time in pushing Harry behind himself as Voldemort spoke.
"Ah, my once loyal S-S-Severus," the monster hissed. "How nice of you to bring me a traitor, my enemy, as well as some convenient practice."
Severus spoke almost silently, "Harry, we're going to make our way to the cup. Stay behind me at ALL times but defend yourself when you must. Cedric, your help will be appreciated but you are still a child, so I expect you to stay close and be careful."
The trio started to move and quickly the battle started.
"Harry and Cedric, you must take the cup together to return regardless of whether or not I can do so. I can apparate if I need to but ONLY once you both are safe," Severus instructed as they closed in on the prize amongst the fray. Harry shot out the occasional spell-mostly expelliarmus-from his place behind Severus. Cedric shot out spell after spell slowly clearing their path to the cup. But Severus, he expertly turned and twisted- keeping one arm constantly ensuring his charge was safe-while his other shoot out spell after spell. He protected both children while simultaneously holding back both Voldemort and his followers. Well, he held them back far enough that the trio was able to arrive at the cup. Severus threw up a shield at the last moment and all three grabbed the cup.
Arriving back at Hogwarts, Severus reassured himself his charge had come out relatively unscathed, ordered Cedric to see the Medi-witch, and then straightened turning his stoney gaze to Dumbledore. "The dark lord has returned. I hope THIS is enough to persuade you ALL the Triwizard Tournament should STAY dead!" the potion's master said harshly before turning to Harry and gently guiding him to their quarters.