I present you with another chapter of my story, with the help of HowInMadeHowie.

This chapter is once again over 10k words, and the reason being that me and HowInMadeHowie wanted to bring some attention to the reactions in the other houses. So that concluded to this long chapter. I also have another A/N at the end of this chapter.

Hope you all have fun reading it.

Harry heard the whispers around him. He sighed and took his glasses off to facepalm in frustration, dragging his hand over his face to remove the contacts from his eyes without anyone seeing it. He then let his hand with the contacts fall in a way so his contacts landed in his robe pocket. His housemates were all looking at him, some of the wondrous and others very angry. Harry could feel all the stares around him.

He folded the glasses slowly and put them into a pocket of his robe, while he kept his eyes closed for now. He then stood up from his spot on the bench and turned around to face the Great Hall. He then pulled out his wand and pointed it up towards the ceiling, making the whispers become silent as the students were curious on what he was doing now.

Behind Harry Hermione looked on with a wide eyed expression as she realized what Harry was about to do. She glanced over to Susan and Daphne who had similar expressions, although Daphne was more guarded with her emotions but the blonde Slytherin met Hermione's worried look and nodded subtly in understanding.

Harry took in a deep breath and raised his voice. "I swear on my life, magic and honor, that I did not submit my name to the Goblet of Fire or ask an older student to do so. So mote it be." His wand lit up in a bright white light, showing everyone that he still had his magic. And that meant that magic had judged his oath to be true.

Harry still kept his eyes closed as he began to walk towards Dumbledore. When he stood before the headmaster, Harry turned back to the crowd sitting at their tables. Opening his eyes, the students closest to him gasped before Harry raised his voice again. "And if you are all asking yourself why I made the oath on my honor aside from my magic and my life, there is nothing in the world that is more important to a Witcher."

Harry looked at the four tables in front of him, hearing John's movement and the shallow breath from the teachers behind him. Harry knew that some already had known that he was a Witcher, but the majority were obviously surprised at this declaration. Harry watched the different reactions in the Great Hall, ranging from nervousness to anger. He then heard a shout from the Slytherin table, telling him to get out of the school. "Your kind is not welcomed here, freak!"

Harry shrugged and addressed the Slytherin. "As much as I would like that, I cannot do that. Just like the headmaster had told us beforehand, when your name is chosen after it was submitted, even without your approval it seems, you are obligated to compete in the tasks. But to honor the traditions for the tournament at least, I will not compete for Hogwarts, since every school can only have one champion." Harry paused,to let that announcement sink in. "However, as I am forced to compete in the tournament, for then I will be a member of Kear Morhen, School of Magical Combat."

Harry watched the occupants for a moment before turning to Dumbledore. " Headmaster, will you allow me to get the headmistress of Kear Morhen?" Both knew that Keira was merely a figurehead for the purpose of the tournament but they knew the public had to be appeased.

Dumbledore placed a hand on Harry's shoulder to reassure the young man. "Of that, my boy, I can assure you I will send an owl as soon as I return to my office later. And you, in turn, can send her one in the morning. Although I do regret that you were put in this position." Dumbledore paused as he knew Harry would understand his meaning; they really did not have to send an owl since the AIs would surely have filed the report the moment Harry's name came out.

Dumbledore collected his thoughts and decided to move this discussion in the antechamber with the other champions. "For now, why don't you join the oher champions while I dismiss the students."

Harry nodded and calmly walked over to the room behind the staff table. As Harry walked past Moody his enhanced hearing picked up his accelerated heart rate. Harry had to work hard not to show any reaction, but Callie did not waste any time reporting this detail to her sister.

Dumbledore smiled genially to the students to try to calm the surprised group of Harry's shocking revelation. "While I imagine many of you have many questions, I'm afraid that they will have to wait. And please do refrain from making your way to the owlery tonight to send those letters home that I imagine many of you will do. But alas, as curfew is soon approaching you would not want to be caught out of bed tonight."

As Dumbledore turned to make his way to the other teachers he was having a very distressing conversation in his head. 'Cortana, I would have appreciated some warning.'

In his glasses Cortana appeared and shrugged helplessly. "While I know you are an accomplished Occlumens you are not really a trained ONI agent. I couldn't take the risk. We still don't know who submitted Harry's name into the goblet. The only lead we have to go on is that this person is using polyjuice potion."

Dumbledore thought about that for a moment. 'That is worrying, but I presume you have a plan to discover who this is?' Dumbledore decided to ignore the comment about being a trained spy, and focused on the real issue at hand.

Cortana paused before answering since she just got a flash report from her sister. "A...plan? Sure! My plan? Nope!" Cortana smiled mischievously.

Dumbledore sighed internally trying to have some patience with this eccentric AI. 'I am not in a mood for games, my dear. Perhaps you can enlighten me?' Dumbledore approached Minerva and Severus as he asked them to join them in the antechamber to support Hogwarts and temporarily, Harry.

Cortana just shook her head and smiled. "Ah but it's not my plan. It's one of Harry's crazy plans. If you remember the report from the Quidditch World cup, you should have an idea of how effective his crazy plans are." Internally, Cortana wonders if Harry was part of the Human-Covenant war how effective the young Witcher would have been. He would truly earn the title "Demon", of that, she was certain.

That admission gave the aged headmaster pause. 'Of that, I have no doubt. Very well, I will let Harry take the lead on this.' Before entering the ante chamber, Dumbledore glanced at the Master Chief and nodded towards him subtly.

John understood Dumbledore's meaning clearly. Johnving glanced over at the students still whispering amongst themselves; no one was in a hurry to return to their common rooms.

John stepped forward and Cortana turned on external speakers. In a tone reminiscent of Chief Mendez John barked out. "Prefects!"

All Hogwrts prefects and the Head Boy and Girl stood up in attention. "As the headmaster kindly reminded you, you are all dismissed. So, get a move on and escort your charges to your respective common rooms. Any student who thinks they can sneak out and make their way to the owlery tonight will soon find themselves in my obstacle course tomorrow morning!"

That threat got through most students. No one wanted to run the obstacle course in this weather. As John stood and watched the students leave he saw Cortana frowning in his visor. "Cortana?"

Cortana scowled as she wondered how she missed this detail about Moody. "It seems Harry picked up something as he was about to enter the antechamber. Moody's heart rate has been oddly spiking and has not, as of yet, slowed down. And it seems he's losing his grip because he's actually blanking. See for yourself"

Cortana directed a camera towards Moody to John and sure enough Moody's face was blank, confused. More than that, Moody was staring at the antechamber.

—-

Harry walked through the door of the antechamber and saw the other three champions standing close to the fireplace. They were all looking at him with obvious surprise. Although Harry was hiding his own surprise when he and Callie came to the conclusion who may have submitted his name. But he wanted to be sure it was Moody, or whoever was pretending to be Moody. Callie was cackling madly in his head when she realized his crazy plan to expose the pretender. "Oh you have got to be kidding me, are you serious? Can I tell Cortana at least?" Harry gave his silent consent, but warned her not to spoil the surprise.

Cedric was the first who found his voice. "Ah Harry, should we come back out...wait, where are your glasses? And since when do your eyes look like…" Cedric trailed off when realized what Harry had been hiding from his friends. Cedric's eyes widened in shock at the implications of this revelation.

Harry smiled wanly and stepped closer to the others. "Well, there is no beating around the bush, as I am sure the headmasters and ministry wizards will also come in here and tell you anyway. I was also chosen by the goblet, even if I did not submit my name myself. And now, I also have to compete in the tournament." Harry smiled bitterly, though being forced to compete wasn't the issue in his opinion, it was being forced to reveal himself. He couldn't deny ONI did have a point to hide his augmentation in plain sight but he was still worried how people would look at him.

Cedric looked at Harry, searching for any signs of this being a joke. When he did not find any humor in Harry's bitter smile Cedric sighed and raked his hair with his hand. "Man, you never have a quiet year, do you Harry. First the whole thing when you ended your first year in the hospital wing, then in your second year the whole thing about the Chamber of Secrets, and last year the dementors and now this. And looking at your eyes now, it makes so much sense now that you would be so good in all the things you do. But since when are you a Witcher?" Cedric looked at his young friend with a raised brow.

Harry crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against a wall close to the fireplace. "If you want to hint at my Quidditch performances, let me reassure you that none of my abilities help me being faster on a broom. So, even if I could see the snitch sooner than the other seekers; when they were closer than me to it and seeing me accelerating, the opponent would be able to catch the snitch before me. But if it makes you feel better, I was already planning to step down as a Seeker. And as for when I became a Witcher, I'll tell you when we have time for ourselves. Or when the headmasters ask me to, but I hope they do not."

Krum raised an eyebrow, looking at Harry. "You play as Seeker? What broom do you fly?"

Cedric laughed, patting Krum on the shoulder which the Durmstrang champion did not appreciate as much as Cedric could have hoped, judging the glare that Krum sent towards the Hufflepuff. Cedric raised his hand from Krum's shoulder in a placating gesture but answered for Harry. "Believe me Viktor, I hope you allow us to call you by your first name. While he flew a Nimbus 2000 in the beginning of his career, his team won every match since he joined them in his first year. Harry set the record for youngest Seeker in a century as well as fastest catch to end a game, also in his first year. And now he has a Firebolt even you could learn a thing or two by watching him." Internally, Cedric did not know if he was relieved that Harry was stepping down or upset that he would never get a chance to beat him. Then again if Krum and Harry take a practice run and Harry beats the Quidditch pro that might make Cedric feel better.

Harry smiled, glad that at least the two Seekers would not hold it against him that he was a Witcher. But looking at Fleur, he saw that she was conflicted. As a Veela, Harry thought that in the past, they were hunted by Witchers on a contract and that she was afraid of him now.

But he was proven wrong when Fleur stepped closer and hugged him gently, as she began to talk to him in french again. "Je suis vraiment désolé que vous deviez concourir parce que quelqu'un a soumis votre nom. J'espère que nous pourrons vous aider dans les tâches. Et au fait, tes yeux ont un bel éclat, tu aurais dû le montrer plus tôt."

(I'm so sorry that you have to compete because someone has submitted your name. Hopefully we can help you with the tasks. And by the way, your eyes have a beautiful shine, you should have shown it sooner.)

Harry lifted an arm to lightly pat Fleur's shoulder, signaling her that he was thankful for this sentiment.

The door to the antechamber opened again, with Dumbledore coming in first and walking over to Harry. Behind him were the other Heads as well as Crouch and Bagman, next to Snape, Moody and McGonagall stepping into the room. Harry noticed John was last to enter the room as the Spartan closed the door behind him, John gave Harry a subtle nod that he agrees with his findings.

Mr. Bagman was obviously surprised by what had happened before. He still did see something positive about this, already thinking how he could use this development to his advantage. And just as he wanted to talk with the champions, he was interrupted by Dumbeldore.

Dumbledore addressed Harry with a neutral expression. "Mr. Potter, first let me thank you that you made a magical oath that you did not submit your name, either yourself or by asking an older student. This will make the discussion about what had happened in the Great Hall far easier. Please allow me to ask this question, when will Headmistress Metz arrive after she receives our letters?"

Harry looked at Dumbledore and shrugged. "As far as I know she could be here as soon as she reads the letters. And I'm sure that she would come with another Witcher assigned as an escort. So think about his accommodation too, Headmaster."

Dumbledore just nodded, thanking Harry for this information. "I will make sure that their rooms will be prepared when they arrive. Now for the more important matter in hand, how you will be able to compete in this tournament."

With an angry scoff, Karkaroff made himself heard, and the others were now looking at him. "Really Dumbledore, are you really going to allow a Witcher to compete in the tournament? This is against the rules I had read. And I am sure Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman both agree to this."

Harry scoffed in response, drawing everyone's attention to him. "Yes, let's have me sit this tournament out and while I do that, I lose my magic. You might think just because I'm a Witcher I can live without my magic. But the fact is, and you know as well as I do, if I lose my magic, Witcher or no, I'm dead." Harry paused, raised his eyebrow in challenge towards Karkaroff. "Did you forget, that I was born a wizard first, I only became a Witcher a few years ago. But you don't care if I die, do you Karkaroff?"

Karkaroff glared at Harry, showing that he was in the least bit intimidated. "And what are you implying by that, boy?"

Harry shrugged and just leaned back against the wall as he crossed his arms casually. "Oh? So you have no reason to try to get back in your old friends and master's good books? In my opinion there are two kinds of Death Eaters. The cowards who wear the masks; too afraid to show their faces. And those, like yourself, who were bold as brass to go out and attack people without a mask. That's how you got caught by the Ministry, isn't it? But when you ended up in Azkaban you turned into a true coward and sold your friends out to get out of prison."

Behind Karkaroff Harry noticed Moody's normal eye twitch and his wand hand clenched into a fist. It seemed Harry had struck a nerve with that last one. Callie also reported that Crouch has remained impassive, in fact Callie noticed Crouch was too calm, while Moody's heart rate was spiking again.

Karkaroff glowered at Harry even more. Gritting his teeth he tried to restrain his anger but his response showed he was only barely containing it. "I don't know where you got your information, boy but I gave up that life years ago, foolishness of youth." Karkaroff shook his head as he turned to Dumbledore. "Who has been telling this fool such outlandish stories?"

Again, Harry interjected before Dumbledore could respond. "You want an outlandish story? How about Voldemort coming to my home before I was born; trying to convince my mentor to join his cause. Have you heard this story? No? It's a sad story, really!" Harry put on a mock frown as he recalled the tale.

"Geralt turned down Voldemort's offer. Oh, did I forget to mention my mentor is Geralt of Rivia? Guess I forgot to mention that." Now Harry saw Karkaroff and to Harry's surprise, Moody, both of their eyes (or in Moody's case, his normal eye) widening in shock.

Pretending he didn't notice Harry continued. "Anyway, Voldemort didn't take being turned down very well. You might recall what happens if you refuse Voldemort's hand in 'friendship'." Harry used the air quotes to emphasize that Voldemort doesn't have friends. "Voldemort swore he would come back and get his vengeance on Geralt and his allies. Over Twenty Death Eaters, plus Voldemort against three Witchers and three sorceresses, terrible odds…for the Death Eaters. Geralt did most of the killing. As I understand only two Death Eaters plus Voldemort survived. Is that outlandish enough for you?" Harry grinned seeing Karkaroff actually pale in fear.

Harry decided to really push their buttons now. Pushing off against the wall Harry walked up to Karkaroff, the Durmstrang headmaster actually took a step back in fear for the first time.

"Now, if you ask me, Death Eaters got their sense of cowardice from their master. Did you ever wonder about the meaning of Voldemort? It's actually French." Harry turned to Madame Maxime and calmly asked. "Madame Maxime, I imagine the French were not too impressed with Voldemort, but could you inform the people here who are not fluent in French, what does Voldemort mean in English."

Madame Maxime's lips thinned in an impassive look as she tried to get where the young man was driving at but he was not wrong, the French were not very impressed with the British Dark Lord. Dispelling the memories from over a decade ago she spoke curtly. "Non, we were not amused. Zis Voldemort, it was not amusing for us. But to answer your question Monsieur Potter it means 'flight from death'."

Harry nodded and turned back to Karkaroff. "In other words, a man who is afraid to die; sends his Death Eaters like cannon fodder. You should consider yourself very lucky you weren't amongst that group Headmaster Karkaroff, because if you were Geralt would be looking for you. Since Witchers around the world have been watching out for Death Eaters. While the Ministry would rather arrest and then send them to prison, Witchers would just simply cut off your heads and be done with it. Dead enemies don't come back to fight…well, unless they're Inferi but that's neither here or there. Point is, you're all still cowards to me and mine. Geralt would be very…interested to know that you're here. Unless you want to retract your complaint about my participation in the tournament as a Witcher."

Harry gave Karkaroff a cold stare as he held his ground. During all of this both Callie and Cortana were keeping a close watch on Moody. Moody was having a harder time staying in control of his emotions and his wand hand kept clenching into a fist as if the man was eager to pull his wand out and curse someone. Callie told Harry Moody was staring at Harry angrily as if he was personally offended by Harry's words.

While Karkaroff was nervously shifting around, Dumbledore was having a very lively conversation with Cortana. 'This was Harry's crazy plan? I was not even aware ONI gave him a full background on Karkaroff! But…Alastor? Are you certain?'

Cortana appeared in his glasses and shrugged and. "It worked though. He got a reaction, multiple reactions in fact, and not the kind you would expect the real Alastor Moody to have if he heard that. So, the question is, do we make a move on him now or later. We don't know who is under the polyjuice. Just give me the word and I'll pass it to Harry and we'll move to the next phase"

Dumbledore stroked his beard as he watched Karkaroff finally give in to Harry's stare. Dumbledore sighed internally and gave the go ahead. 'Very well, proceed.' Dumbledore was curious to see Crouch and Bagman's reactions. Bagman was…nervous but Crouch was oddly impassive. Dumbledore frowned as he watched Crouch just stand there unmoving.

Cortana also took notice of his confusion "Yeah, I noticed that too. But our priority is Moody so we'll get to Mr I-Am-The-Law! after we deal with the current problem." Dumbledore was brought out of his internal discussion with Cortana when Karkaroff tried to get his attention. Cortana helpfully replayed what Dumbledore missed due to their discussion.

Karkaroff thought to play his last card to get the Witcher to back off. "Dumbledore! Call him off! He's still your student!"

Dumbledore shook his head sadly at Karkaroff's imploring for help. "I am sorry Igor, but I cannot interfere." At Karkaroff's aghast expression Dumbledore explained. "The moment Harry has decided to reveal he was a Witcher and declare he was competing as a Wicher, his participation in the tournament can only be judged by a Witcher or a Sorceress from his own school, as laid down by the ICW centuries ago. Granted, during the tasks we as judges can give our scores of his ability to complete the tasks but as this is not a task in question I cannot interfere."

Dumbledore gestures to John and offers a benign smile. "You can, of course, try your request with the Master Chief. He is one of few people Harry will listen to without question." Dumbledore looks around the room and notices everyone is looking at him curiously. "I should also add, for many of you might not know, that Harry is not an untested Witcher. He has already had a monster kill on record and by record I mean to say the largest monster kill ever handled by a single Witcher." Dumbledore smiled proudly and nodded to Harry. "Not only did he slay this beast alone, he was gifted a goblin forged sword to do so. A gift that Ragnock himself presented to him." Dumbledore knew this was a half-truth but he doubted any would get the full story from Gringotts.

Fleur glanced between Harry and Dumbledore with a surprised look and asked curiously, "Largest?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed Miss Delcour, a thousand year old basilisk. I'm told it was 60 feet long."

Cedric blinked in surprise when he put the pieces together. "You mean Harry killed Slytherin's monster? In the Chamber of Secrets?"

Again, Dumbledore nodded. "Correct Mr Diggory. Of course at the time Hogwarts could not openly contract Mr Potter for the job but he did it as a favor to Hogwarts. Please understand, Witchers do not go out killing monsters for glory or gold. The gold they collect from their contracts is merely for expenses and labor."

Karkaroff swallowed nervously. If this boy was able to kill a basilisk by himself perhaps it would be better to allow him to take part in the tournament, but he would have to even the playing field as it were. With that an idea came to him. "Very well, however I would like to make a stipulation if you are to take part in the tournament. As you pointed out, you are also a wizard but you are competing as a Witcher. I think it's only fair that you turn over your wand for each task. This should make it fair for the others who do not have your abilities." Karkaroff looked between Dumbledore and Maxime and saw both nodding their agreement. "Well, Mr Crouch? Mr Bagman? Is this satisfactory to you both?" Karkaroff looked at Potter as well.

Harry nodded slowly. "I can do that. I will turn my wand to my headmistress before the tasks begin so she can hold it for safekeeping." As Harry gave his permission to stipulation Callie reminded him it was now time for the next phase, unmasking Moody.

In a move that caught everyone bar John and Dumbledore by surprise Harry was suddenly in front of Moody looking directly in his normal eye. Harry lifted his hand, but moved his fingers in a distinct pattern. "I would suggest that you hold still." With Harry's other hand he reached out to grab Moody's shoulder to keep him in place.

Moody looked at Harry, but his normal eye soon closed and his magical eye stopped moving; he seemed to fall down to the ground. John caught his other shoulder and held him to the wall to prop him against it.

Karkaroff shook his head to dispel the shock of the sudden change the Witcher had displayed. Never mind the fact he moved so fast! Blinking in surprise, Karkaroff bluntly asked Harry what he had done.

Harry shrugged and stepped closer to Moody. "I used a Witcher technique, AXI, to calm down his mind. He has behaved suspiciously since my name came out of the goblet." When Harry was close enough to Moody, he patted the older wizard's robes to see if he could find something.

Harry pulled out the flask he had seen Moody use every hour. ONI had on record that Alastor Moody was very paranoid and did not accept any food or drink that he either had made himself, but for him drinking every hour on the dot was strange. Harry opened the flask and sniffed it. "Well, whatever this is, it'sn't butterbeer." Harry said dryly. Harry looked over his shoulder to where Snape was standing and called out to the Potions Master. "Professor Snape, can you identify this potion?"

Harry handed the flask over to Snape, who grabbed the flask out off Harry's hand and took a good sniff. Scowling, he closed it back up and handed it to John. "You will need this later Chief Wulf, as I am sure that what I will reveal now will cause us to call the DMLE. What's inside this flask is Polyjuice potion. That would mean that this person is not Alastor Moody" Snape scowled at the unconscious "Moody" and then turned to Dumbledore. with a shrug. "Unfortunately I was not watching him during the feast or when the champions were being chosen so I do not know when the potion will wear off."

Dumbledore shook his head in dismay. "Whoever this is knew Alastor's habits very well to play the role accurately. Although I wonder how he or she sustained themself for so long on just Polyjuice potion. Unless they drank regular fluids in private which I suspect is the case. A pity we do not know when the potion will wear off."

John, who was holding up the imposter Moody by the shoulder spoke up for the first time. "Ten to fifteen minutes, give or take." The only person who was really aware of everyone during the feast was Cortana and she went back through the armor's data and found the time "Moody" took the last swig from his flask.

Dumbledore chuckled in amusement at the shock from everyone in the room save for Harry, who was not surprised. "Ah, I often forget that the Master Chief is perhaps the only one more paranoid than Alastor to take note of his unusual drinking habits." Inside his glasses Cortana gave Dumbledore a deadpan look that simply implied. "Paranoid? Him?" Dumbledore just thought to appease her 'Well, I did have to cover for you somehow.'

Dumbledore smiled sadly. "Consequences of being in an active war zone I imagine. Still I hope you all can indulge us in some patience while we find out who this is."

Harry, who was still patting Moody down, handed over a wand to John who took it and placed it in a compartment in his armor. Then Harry felt something metallic and he reached into a pocket and took out a key ring with a series of keys. Frowning in thought as to why "Moody" would carry this around. Harry took a curious sniff of the keys and looked up to Dumbledore. "I think the real Moody is in a trunk; I can still smell his lingering scent that doesn't match with this guy." Harry handed the key ring to Dumbledore who promptly thanked him.

Stroking his beard in thought as he considered what Harry had reported he decided to delegate tasks a bit. "Minerva? When we are finished here, could you and Poppy head over to Alastor's office and see if you can find where he has been hidden and move him to the hospital wing?" McGonagall nodded in agreement and took the keys from the headmaster while the others in the room patiently waited for the imposter to be revealed.

Dumbledore sighed and glanced over to the champions. "Do forgive me, this was not how I imagined how this evening would go. But I must ask that whatever you see and hear tonight from this point forward that you do not reveal it to your friends. As of this point it is now an open DMLE investigation and I imagine Madam Bones would prefer to keep the details here to minimum." Dumbledore looked at Cedric as he was the Hogwarts Champion, he was one point that the rumor mill could gain access to.

Cedric noticed Dumbledore's intent gaze and swallowed nervously. "Of-Of course, Professor, I won't tell anyone, but I can talk about what Harry said?" Cedric looked between Dumbledore and Harry for his consent.

Harry shrugged, feeling Cedric's gaze. "I don't mind, although I imagine some people will try to twist my words for their own reason to spread false rumors, so I would appreciate you setting them straight." Suddenly Harry heard a subtle shifting around "Moody" that had him focusing his attention on the imposter. Harry called the others' attention. "He's reverting back."

Before the imposter's face was revealed Harry swiftly removed his magical eye as he doubted whoever this is was going to need it. Everyone in the room was watching as "Moody" grew a bit taller, where the peg leg fell off and a normal one took its place. He also got younger.

It was McGonagall who gasped in shock as she recognized the young man. "Bartemius Crouch Junior? I thought he died in Azkaban."

Dumbledore and John both turned to look at the father, who was staring blankly at the revelation of his son. Seeing the lack of reaction from Crouch Senior Dumbledore decided to take decisive action. Pulling out his wand he cast a stunner at Crouch Senior, who promptly fell to the floor unconscious.

Bagman was the first to react to Dumbledore's unexpected move. "Was that really necessary Albus? I mean, Barty would never-"

Dumbledore's curt voice cut Bagman off. "Ludo, whether Bartemius is complicit to his son being out of Azkaban and alive is unknown at this point, but what is known is that he, Bartemius Senior, has been acting rather odd since we came into the antechamber. It is better safe than sorry to stun him and have Amelia question him." Dumbledore turned to look back at Junior, who was now laid down on the floor by the two Spartans. "However, this is worrisome. If Junior has been posing as Alastor for the past two months and not even I noticed…" Dumbledore trailed off as he tried to consider what this meant.

John spoke up to try to put Dumbledore at ease. "We never considered polyjuice as a means to infiltrate the school. I thought there were wards to detect this."

Dumbledore frowned in thought. "As did I," But inside his mind Dumbledore had another thought he could not openly voice. 'Did the Marauder's Map reveal anything like this?'

Cortana winced in his glasses as she just looked at the map the moment Junior was revealed. "Well, yes and no. The map shows two Bartemius Crouches in the room with us, it does not make any distinction between father and son. I think we might need to consult the remaining Marauders to find out if we could have gotten tipped off sooner. But even if it did we wouldn't be able to tell if it was the father or the son until the potion wore off."

Dumbledore watched as John began to carry both unconscious men and walking towards the exit of the room. "Severus, please accompany the Chief and put both Crouch's under disillusionment charm so they will not be noticed until you arrive at the dungeons. As I said before, we do not need more rumors to begin to spread." Snape nodded and then followed John out the room.

Dumbledore turned back to Bagman, looking at him quizzingly. "Should we continue with the instructions for the tasks, Ludo?"

Bagman was still taken aback by how casually this "Chief" lifted two unconscious men on his shoulders. When Dumbledore called him, Bagman snapped back to reality and began to stutter "R-r-r-right. The first task. Well, I think, seeing that we also have another headmistress with us in the foreseeable future, that we wait with the explanations until the wand weighing ceremony. This way, we will not have to repeat ourselves multiple times. And I also want to know beforehand if Barty will be replaced as a judge by someone else from the Ministry. I am sure that Amelia will arrive here during the day tomorrow as soon as we call her. So I suggest that we let the Champions return to their respective quarters and call them when it's time for the aforementioned ceremony."

The others all nodded and now turned towards the exit to leave. Everyone's mind was thinking about what happened tonight and what that meant.

Karkaroff was especially nervous, having sold out many of his old accomplices, he never knew that Crouch Junior was so dedicated to the cause, and now appearing out of thin air, so to speak, could only mean one thing and Karkaroff was afraid of it. 'Has the Dark Lord really returned?' Karkaroff had noticed that the Dark Mark had become a shade darker since the Quidditch World Cup, only fueling his fear now.

Out in the Great Hall, both Karkaroff and Maxime led their charges towards the exit of the castle. Fleur waved at Harry and Cedric and wished them a good night, while Krum just nodded. Both Hogwarts students thanked them and then walked towards the stairs, where they had to part ways themselves.

At the stairs, Cedric just nodded towards Harry and stepped down the stairs while Harry had to climb up. Callie mentioned that Harry should prepare himself as the other Gryffindors were partying that he was chosen. Sighing, Harry soon arrived in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady.

Breathing in deeply, Harry steeled himself to jump into the lion's den when he told the portrait the password.

—-

The atmosphere in Kear Morhen was tense. Everyone at the dinner table knew what was about to happen in Hogwarts and just waited for the news to arrive. And soon, Catherine came up from her lab with a sullen expression on her face. "I just received a report from Callie and Cortana. Harry's name came out of the bloody goblet. You all know what this means."

Keira nodded, standing up from the table. "I will go to my room and look at my dresses. I need to look like a headmistress after all." Catherine's voice stopped Keira from leaving the room.

Catherine shook her head and pointed out that Keira should be focusing on something else. "Whilst I know you would need to check your wardrobe you also have to write Dumbledore a letter, telling him when he should expect you and Lambert." Catherine looked at Keira's husband apologetically. "Which also means you'll have to pack some clothes as well."

Keira sighed and nodded her agreement, thinking she'll write the letter from her bedroom.

They heard Lambert laugh, trying to lighten the mood a bit. "Come on Keira, you have more than enough good looking dresses in your wardrobe closet. All you have to do is to leave the ones which show off your body too much. Or do you want to rival the Veela in getting attention?"

This little jab seemed to work, as the occupants of the ancient castle chuckled a bit. Keira just looked over her shoulder while she cooked her hip. "Oh you know it Lambert, if I wanted then all the male students would soon forget that there are even Veela in Hogwarts. But no, we both need to look like someone who leads a school. So come with me, we need to match our clothes to make the impression that we have something similar to a uniform, at least in colors."

Now Lambert stood up grumbling, asking himself what was wrong with his clothes. As they had left the main hall, Geralt looked back at Catherine. "Do we have any theories on why Voldemort wants to kill Harry during the tournament? Somehow it just feels out of character for him to let something up to chance."

Catherine sat down at the vacant seat left by Keira, thanking Dobby and Winky for the dinner appearing before her. "ONI does not think that Riddle wants to use the tournament to kill Harry, but to capture him. As for how, we have good reason to believe that the trophy at the end of the third task will be a portkey and transporting Harry to a place where Riddle and his henchmen are waiting for Harry. ONI has gathered enough information about this mode of transport that we know that it can be layered like a computer program, so setting the key to Harry's magical signature would change the target if he touches it first. But for what end? We do not know and cannot think of anything."

Yen, who held her daughter in her arms, had an idea. "What about being able to perform a ritual? There are some that need the enemy to be present and having taken something from them. I will look in the library if I can find a ritual that would work for Riddle in these circumstances. But the question remains, how did Riddle find out about such a ritual when the knowledge about them would be so restricted that it is almost forgotten."

Triss leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. "Can we somehow narrow it down? Some rituals need a specific time after all, so trying a ritual meant for winter in the height of summer would be just stupid."

Catherine nodded, pulling out her tablet and swiping over the screens on it. "The third task will fall on the summer solstice. So I would just look at those rituals which are most efficient during that time."

Geralt frowned as he thought about this whole mess that Harry was put into. Looking over to Catherine he had to know the answer to a puzzle that has been eluding him. "And the person who submitted Harry's name? Are they still an active player?"

Catherine grimaced, she had hoped Geralt wouldn't ask this but she couldn't deny his request for information. "No, he's not active anymore. He got sloppy in the end. So sloppy that both Harry and John noticed. It was Bartemius Crouch Junior." Catherine paused, seeing the confused looks on the others' faces. "And his father was also stunned by Dumbledore, suspected of being under Imperius. Both are now being taken to the cells in the dungeons."

Geralt placed the coffee mug he was about to drink before lowering it on the table. "So, Crouch Junior was the one who put Harry's name into the goblet, but the question is what do we do now when Riddle shows himself?" That was the question that was on everyone's mind, in Kear Morhen and Hogwarts.

—-

In the Hufflepuff common room, the mood was just a bit put off after Wulf had told them that they should return to their houses' common room. While Susan was sitting in a corner together with Hannah, some of her housemates were arguing about what had happened in the Great Hall. The loudest was Zacharia Smith, who said that Harry should be thrown out of Hogwarts.

They soon were interrupted when the door to the common room opened and Cedric stepped in. Looking around, Cedric walked further in and stopped in the middle of the room. "Now, I guess that you have some questions, but I have one for you all beforehand, who of you do know what a Witcher truly is. And I do not mean the rumors or superstition about their kind, but what kind of people they are, who have chosen to protect us from monsters too strong for a wizard to handle." Cedric looked around the room to make sure everyone was listening.

The silence that followed told Cedric everything he needed to know. He looked around and saw some people even looking to the ground in shame. To his surprise Susan stood up and walked over to him to stand by his side.

Susan raised her voice, now finally able to speak her mind about what had happened tonight. "I have known Harry for a few years now, and I have never been afraid of him ever since I got to know him. I had found out in our second year during the Chamber of Secrets incident that Harry had become a Witcher, but I had to swear that I would keep it a secret until Harry revealed it himself after I had asked him about it. But he was still the same boy mentally when he first stepped into this school."

She was interrupted when Smith scoffed at the mention of when Harry had become a Witcher. "Yeah sure Bones, Potter is still the noble wizard you want him to be. Look at it, if what you said is true and Potter has been a Witcher since he was 12 years old, that would mean that he would be the youngest Witcher in history. In my opinion, he just used the Witcher reputation to hide the fact that he cheated somehow to be in the tournament and take the glory from our house."

Susan stomped on the ground hard, causing the small table next to her to shake. "Harry would never do something like that. He hates to be in the limelight, and him being famous is something he despises. Why do you think he never told anyone that it was him who fought and killed the monster in the Chamber of Secrets? It was a fucking basilisk for Merlin's sake! If he wanted he would have all the fame he has now from that feat alone."

Smith scoffed again, waving his hand dismissively towards Susan. "Another thing you think he did. I want to point out a glaring detail about that. If a basilisk really had roamed this school, it would have been closed a long time ago. Or did you see this beast for yourself, Bones?"

Susan breathed in and stepped closer to Smith. "I saw the motherfucking skull of the thousand year old basilisk over the fireplace where Harry lives when I visited him over a summer break. And before you try to scoff at me again, how about you read about the basilisk yourself? Its gaze can kill, but a parselmouth is immune to said gaze. So the only solution was for Harry to fight that giant snake, to save us all. And now you want to throw him under the bus just because his name came out of the goblet?" Susan paused and she grinned up at Smith with a challenging look. "Or you could ask Chief Wulf about the basilisk, he was the one who led the goblin and Auror escort to harvest the carcass. Are you willing to call him a liar? Or my aunt? She was with them!" Susan's glare at Smith actually had the obnoxious boy take a step back.

Cedric stepped next to Susan and placed his hand on her shoulder to try to calm her down. "Thank you Susan for saying what was on my mind. I know Harry as well to be a fair Quidditch player, a good friend who always was close by if you needed his help." Turning to the other Hufflepuffs, he smiled when he saw that everyone with some exceptions were on his and Susan's side. "Now, how about we just be glad that I was chosen and not a Slytherin to represent Hogwarts? And when the first task comes around, I want you all cheering for EVERY champion, no matter what school he or she comes from. WE ARE HUFFLEPUFF, LOYAL TO OUR FRIENDS, A MISERY TO OUR ENEMIES!" Cedric shouted the Hufflepuff motto to the cheers of his housemates.

Susan relaxed when another hand landed on her shoulder. She then was pulled towards a chair by Hannah, who had a grin. The blonde hoped she could get some good gossip from her best friend about Harry.

—-

In the Slytherin common room, Malfoy stood in the middle of the room and tried to rally the Slytherins to see his point of view. "Potter is a freak! He should not be in these noble halls. It is our duty to throw him out in any way we see fit!"

Malfoy was interrupted when Tracey punched him in his face, with Daphne standing right behind her. Daphne then addressed the room, who had not even flinched when Malfoy got punched in the face. "I know that some of you think how Harry placed his name into the Goblet of Fire, and you all are looking for a loophole in his oath. But he swore on his magic and his honor as a Witcher, and as such I personally know that he did not want to be any part of the tournament." Daphne paused to let those words sink in. "But he told me, if this happened, and he believed it would, he would participate in it as a Witcher, because it was the honorable thing to do."

Malfoy grunted and pushed himself to his elbows from the floor, growling. "What do you know about those freaks, Greengrass? Witchers do not have any honor in the first place, for a few gold coins they would even have killed a human. And do tell us, how can a freak without any feelings even feel remorse for lying to our faces and not even making the oath correctly?" Malfoy sneered up at Daphne.

Malfoy was interrupted by Daphne, while Crabbe helped him up. "Oh? Then tell me, where is it stated that a Witcher has lost all humanity when they go through the ritual to make them a Witcher? I visited Harry in his home, where he lives together with other Witchers and other strong people. And let me tell you, I never had seen a man loving his wife more than Geralt of Rivia loving Yennefer of Vengerberg." When she mentioned those names, she noticed that some older students looked at each other in fear.

Daphne continued with her rant. "And Harry has proven himself to be a true Witcher by killing the monster that was in Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets. Now, who among you thinks they could be able to stand up a good fight against Harry? A Witcher capable of slaying a thousand year old basilisk when he was just 12 years old?" Daphne looked around the room to see if anyone was foolish enough to take up her challenge. Internally she knew nobody was willing to try this today because of much bigger Harry is to when he was just twelve.

The room fell silent, even Malfoy looked at her with his face becoming paler than it ever was. Daphne just nodded and turned towards the door to her dorm. Tracey and Astoria followed her, as they had decided to sleep in the same room tonight.

—-

In Ravenclaw tower, Padma Patil was looking at some books from their own library while her housemates were discussing what, or rather how, Harry's name could have come out of the Goblet of Fire. She was glad that almost no Ravenclaws really blamed Harry for what happened, but they were all still curious. Padma sat with Luna, who looked serious at a book for the first time Padma had seen the younger witch.

Padma looked at the title of the book and wondered why Luna was reading this particular one. "Why are you reading Hogwarts, A History Luna? Are you looking for something specific?"

Luna just nodded and turned a page. "I think it needs to be updated. It fails to mention anything about Witchers attending Hogwarts. I am sure that Harry is not the first Witcher after all this time. Maybe we should write a letter to the publisher? "

Humming in thought, Padma turned back to her book and continued to read her book about wards. Padma found it refreshing seeing Luna being so down to earth for a while. She just wondered when Luna would be back to her old self.

—-

Harry stepped into the common room, being met by a cacophony of different sounds from the other Gryffindors celebrating. Harry had heard from Callie that his housemates had started celebrating the moment they had returned to the common room, because his name was chosen by the goblet. And true to her word, Harry found himself looking at a crowd having a party, even if there were some looking at him angrily. He then felt a pull on his robe sleeve, except it was only moving his arm as Harry stood still. Looking down, he saw Lee trying to pull Harry towards the middle of the room.

Pouting, Lee stopped in his endeavor and just asked Harry to celebrate with them. Harry shook his head and turned towards the others. "You may celebrate that a Gryffindor was chosen, but please remember what I had told all of you that while I have to compete, I will do that as a Witcher. As such, during the tournament I am not a fellow Gryffindor to you all. I am sorry, that was not something that I wanted to happen."

Harry looked around the room, searching for Hermione and soon found her sitting by the fireplace. Harry then was approached by Angelina, grabbing his hand. "Harry, please accept that we are just happy that a Gryffindor will show what he can do. Even if you will be doing the tasks as a Witcher; in our heart you are still a Gryffindor. So please, do not feel like you have to leave us, just because you are a Witcher."

Harry had to suppress a small tear coming out of his eyes as he nodded and asked to be left alone for a bit. "I will be by the fireplace with Hermione, please be as quiet as you can with your party." When Harry walked over to the fireplace, he noticed that Neville was coming over to the fireplace, waiting until Harry sat down. But just as Harry placed his hand on the backrest of the wingback chair, he was called by McLaggen's obnoxious voice. But before Harry could even formulate an answer, he saw Fred and George together with Lee just pulled McLaggen to the side and berated him. Harry could not help but to listen to what the twins were saying.

Fred was directly in front of McLaggen, being uncomfortably close for some others. Gritting his teeth Fred glared at the younger boy. "Harry is not a freak! He is a Witcher; you must have heard the rumors McLaggen, during the Chamber incident two years ago. That it was Harry who killed the monster down there. And now that we KNOW that Harry is a Witcher, it makes so much sense." With a much calmer demeanor, he turned to Harry and saw the young Witcher looking at them. Surmising that Harry had to have listened in on what he said to McLaggen, Fred asked Harry with a calmer voice. "Hey Harry, what was down there by the way?"

Harry was about to answer, but he stopped when heard Hermione's voice as strong as it ever was. "It was a basilisk. A thousand year old basilisk to boot. I saw its skull over the fireplace in Harry's home." The whole common room went silent when they heard Hermione's explanation. She then explained that Harry was the only one who could have fought it, when she had noticed the many curious looks from the others.

George just nodded, turning back to McLaggen. "Well, that explains many things. And you wanted to throw him out? You really are stupid McLaggen."

The rest of the Gryffindors laughed loudly at McLaggen's angry red face. Harry looked around and noticed that Ron was nowhere to be seen. Sitting down on the chair, he asked Neville if he had seen Ron.

Neville nodded, taking a goblet that was placed on the table thanks to the twins bringing some snacks and drinks to celebrate. "As soon as we got back to the common room, he stormed towards the dorm. He looked pretty pissed, to be honest. Mumbled something about how unfair that you have been, keeping all the secrets to yourself. I guess he will not listen to reason for the next few weeks, you know how he can be." Neville shrugged apologetically.

Harry just nodded, leaning back on his chair. "Frankly, it was only a question of when he would feel betrayed. Now I do not look forward to sleeping in the same room as him while he is like this. But I do not have a choice." Harry turned towards Hermione, who was still sitting in the same position since he walked over to her.

Hermione noticed Harry looking at her and lifted her head to look him into his eyes. With a sad smile, she patted the spot next to her in a silent gesture if Harry could sit beside her on the sofa.

When Harry changed seats, he was just a bit surprised when Hermione leaned on his shoulder. Harry could hear her heartbeat even better than before, and knew that she was very afraid of what would happen now. He tried to calm her down a bit by placing his arm around her shoulders and pulling her even closer. "Everything will be fine Hermione. You know what I am truly capable of. And I am prepared to show it to everyone. The people who planned to put me into this tournament will learn what it means to make an enemy out of me." Harry knew he was speaking a half truth but it was the truth she needed to hear.

Hermione nodded and sighed. "I am sorry Harry, I tend to forget that you are able to hear everything around you. Do you remember when we talked at the beginning of the year when the tournament was announced? Please be honest with me, did you already know that this would happen?" Her voice was quiet enough that he was the only one who could hear her. Hermione glanced up to Harry with the silent question if they could include Neville in this small discussion. Harry nodded and motioned for Neville to come a bit closer to them.

Neville looked at her quizzingly, wondering what she was on about. Hermione then explained to Neville that they had a small talk at the beginning of the term about the tournament, where she and Daphne together with Susan had told Harry about their worries on what could happen.

Harry sighed himself, leaning back on the sofa while still holding Hermione close. Harry hated lying to his friends but he knew the role he had to play and went with the prepared cover story ONI had suggested. "When we had heard about the tournament, the possibility that someone would try to enter my name crossed our discussions back home. And yes Neville, thanks to Geralt being a regular in the Ministry, he had already heard about the tournament being held this year and informed us. First, we had found it fascinating on how the champions would be chosen and what the task would entail. But after the attack at the campgrounds; we had begun to think that some Death Eaters would use the tournament to try…well for the lack of a better word, kill me. That is if not Ron would try it first, and speaking of which, I better get up to our dorm room and talk with him to get it over as soon as possible. Good night." Harry stood up from his chair and climbed the stairs to the dorm rooms.

He walked past the other Gryffindors in the common room, saying that he was tired and wanted to sleep. Fred and George both looked after him with a worried look. But they knew that Harry could watch out for himself.

Harry soon arrived at the door to his dorm room, opening the door. And just as they had suspected, Ron was sitting on his bed with his back away from the door. Harry entered the room and walked over to his bed.

Ron heard the door opening, but he did not turn around. He knew that it had to be Harry. Maybe he was already getting tired of the attention he was now getting after he had somehow cheated to submit his name to be able to compete. But that was just one thing Ron was angry about. And with Harry now present in the room, Ron decided to let his anger out. "When were you going to tell me that you are a bloody Witcher?"

Harry had just opened his wardrobe closet to take out his pajamas when he heard Ron's question. He pulled the clothes out and laid them on his bed. "I do not see the problem you have, Ron. The whole school now knows, and maybe by the day after tomorrow also the rest of Britain. So why are you this angry with something like that? I am still the same bloke you knew since the first day." Harry did not feel as he should defend himself like that, but he at least tried to defuse the situation. Something that obviously did not work as Ron's expression was becoming even angrier than before.

Ron stood up from his bed, almost storming towards Harry. "My problem is that you kept the fact that you are a bloody Witcher to yourself. But noo, the great and famous Harry Potter had decided to come out as a Witcher after he had submitted his name for the Triwizard Tournament in some way or another. And now you even have the audacity to compete in another school's name?"

Ron was stopped in his rant when Harry stepped up to him, towering over the redhead with an angry look. "Listen to me, Ron Weasley. I had no intention to be chosen as a champion for the tournament, and if you had listened to me giving my oath about that, you would know that. But it seems that as soon as my name came out the flames, you just saw red and did not listen to anything anymore. You also seem to think that everything I do and decide it needs your permission. And you know what, I had it with you trying to get me away from everything I care about just to spend time with you. You never ever tried to get to know me as much as your brothers and sister did. So take your anger and shove it up your ass."

Harry stared down at Ron, looking for any sign of shame on the redhead's face. But the only thing Harry saw was the anger seemed to grow even more. Ron then walked over to the door and opened it, walking out. Harry could hear him walking to the common room, but Harry stayed in the dorm. Harry didn't have to wait long before both Dean and Seamus both came to the dorm and looked quizzingly at Harry.

Dean looked between Harry and the door and then back at Harry with a puzzled look on his face. "Hey man, what did you do? Ron came storming into the common room and asked a prefect if it would be possible to switch dorms."

Harry shrugged, putting his pajamas on. "I just told him what was on my mind, and to be honest, he had it coming. And if he wants to sleep elsewhere, I am sure that the common room has some comfortable sofas. And if he wants me to leave this room, he can wait a long time for that. Or do you two also have a problem with me?"

Seamus looked at Dean, but he just shrugged as Neville came into the room. Dean answered Harry's question. "No mate, I do not have any problems with you. I mean, as far as I know a Witcher is just a human with some special skills to fight monsters. So why should we scorn you just because you have become one?"

Neville was now sitting on his bed, nodding in agreement. "My Gran had told me about Witchers she knew after I had written to her during our second year when Letho was looking for the monster. She only said good things about how honorable Witcher were, if you did not swindle them out of their payment that is. Hey Harry, do you have the Witcher medallion?"

Harry tugged at the chain that was around his neck, pulling the medallion out from under his shirt. The other boys looked at the wolf's head in awe, with Neville nodding again knowingly. "So, you are a member of the school of the wolf. My Gran knows Geralt of Rivia." Neville turned to Dean and Seamus who were looking at him in surprise. He explained where his Grand heard of him. "He's seen often in the ministry because he has so much work from them." Turning back to Harry Neville had a thoughtful look, he asked his friend. "Did he also train you with Chief Wulf?"

When Harry nodded, Neville grinned. "You should show off your sword play when you get the chance. It sure is a sight to behold. But I think we all have enough for tonight and should go to sleep."

A/N: And here we are at the end of this chapter. I wanted to apologize to you all for the delay, but the scene in the antechamber with the champions was very hard for me to nail down, but thanks to HowInMadeHowie, who revised and rewrote almost the whole first section of this chapter it came out wonderfully. My foundation was solid, but I had made the rest to unstable in the original draft, that it was collapsing on its own. So thanks some time and patience from HowInMadeHowie, this chapter turned out so much better in comparison to my original. So please go visit his profile and look at the other stories he does help out.

And a Review of this chapter would also be nice, so if you have the time, please do write one.

Until next time.