Chapter 7: The Triwizard Champions
Peri glided gracefully through the gathering of professors and elders, aware of their curious gazes following her every movement. Her keen eyes caught a glimpse of Mad-Eye's magical eye twitching erratically as if scanning the room for potential threats. A shiver ran down her spine as she couldn't shake off the distrust towards him, especially after witnessing his cruel treatment of the students earlier in the term.
As she traversed further into the room, Peri noted its cozy yet cramped dimensions, adorned with vibrant portraits of powerful enchanters and spellcasters. A grand fireplace stood elegantly at one side, its flames roaring fiercely and filling the air with a warm crackle. Suddenly, the figures within the portraits sprang to life, their lively discussions about Harry Potter catching Peri's ear as they turned to face her with curious expressions on their painted faces.
"It's Snape's daughter…" a witch murmured to a wizard sporting a walrus mustache.
The wizard, his eyes reflecting a hint of recognition, replied with a subtle nod, "I had to request relocation for my portrait from that classroom when he…"
His gaze shifted towards Peri as she moved on to join the other champions, "When he and Ms. Rice... now Banks were engaged in adult activities. I hastily abandoned my original portrait in sheer terror."
Peri scrunched her face in distaste, shaking her head at the unsettling revelation. "Not the mental image I wish to keep," she mumbled almost inaudibly.
Viktor, Cedric, Fleur, and Harry huddled by the crackling fireplace, its warmth casting a cozy glow in the dim room. The older trio exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why Harry had sought them out instead of joining the rest in the bustling Great Hall. As they chatted, Cedric's attention shifted at the distinct sound of approaching footsteps, recognizing them as Peri's with a furrowed brow. "Peri?" he called out softly, his curiosity piqued.
Harry and Fleur turned to face her, with Viktor also looking at her, "'eri, have zey come to ask you to bring us back to the Hall?" Fleur asked.
Her eyes mirrored his, a mix of disbelief and fear on their faces.
Without letting him get a word in, the doors burst open, and a swarm of adults rushed into the room. Cassie's gentle touch provided comfort and support as she reassuringly touched her friend's trembling back. Meanwhile, Ludo Bagman held Harry's arm tightly and guided them through the chaotic crowd. Cassie's touch was a whisper of reassurance compared to Bagman's urgent pull on Harry.
Bagman couldn't contain his excitement as he exclaimed, "Absolutely extraordinary!" He turned to address the group, "Gentlemen...and lady," he began, "Allow me to introduce you to not just one, but two Triwizard champions?"
Viktor straightened to his full height, sternly looming over the two young students. His dark eyes swept from Bagman to Harry, Cassie to Peri, and back again, taking in every detail.
Cedric appeared unfazed, though his eyebrows were raised as he looked between Bagman and his friends, unsure if he had heard correctly.
Fleur tossed her long, blonde hair over her shoulder and remarked with a laugh, "Oh, how very funny, Meester Bagman."
"Funny?" Cassie spoke up this time, a frown creasing her brow. "No, no, it's not a joke at all!"
"Mom…" Peri whispered anxiously, avoiding eye contact with anyone as she stared into the dancing flames of the fire.
"Harry and Periwinkle's names…" Bagman started before being interrupted by Snape's presence behind Cassie and Peri.
He towered over them, his cold eyes fixed on the back of Peri's head as he stated firmly, "It is Peri…"
Bagman looked at him quizzically and asked, "Excuse me?"
"She goes by Peri…her given name is Periwinkle, but she prefers to be called Peri." His voice was laced with a touch of irritation.
He nodded, his gaze shifting back to the students. "Harry and Peri," he stressed Peri's name before proceeding, "just emerged from the Goblet of Fire."
Viktor furrowed his brow slightly while Cedric appeared politely puzzled. Fleur's expression darkened upon hearing the news.
"There has been a mistake," Fleur remarked disdainfully to Bagman, her tone more directed at him than Cassie, "they are too young."
Bagman turned towards Harry and Peri, offering them reassuring smiles. "According to the rules, if your name is selected, you must compete... they will have to give it their best shot."
Fleur turned to her headmistress and Remus. "Madame Maxine! Mister Lupin," she approached them briskly, "They are saying that this young boy and 'eri are also meant to compete."
Madame Maxine glanced at Dumbledore in confusion.
"What is the meaning of this, Dumbledore?" Karkaroff interjected, looking perplexed. "Three Hogwarts champions..."
Peri tore her gaze away from the fire and examined the parchment in her hand. She noticed that her school was marked as Ilvermorny. Turning from her mother towards the adults behind her, she announced firmly, "Ilvermorny."
"What?" Karkaroff inquired sharply as everyone's attention shifted towards Peri.
She held up the scorched parchment. "Mine says Ilvermorny, not Hogwarts."
"Ilvermorny isn't even competing!" he growled in frustration.
Cassie handed him the parchment with a pointed look. "They are now..."
"She doesn't even go to school there."
"The Goblet believes she does. She is studying here under Hogwart's education but will compete for Ilvermorny."
"C'est impossible," Madame Maxine announced, her hand resting on Fleur's shoulder. "'Ogwarts cannot 'ave two champions, and zere cannot be a champion from a school not even invited to participate."
Karkaroff's eyes bore into Dumbledore as he questioned, "Why didn't your Age Line prevent younger contestants from entering? Madame Maxine brought three young students; she could have added their names."
Madame Maxine replied, "Madame Delacour requested her sister accompany us, and Lady Roux entrusted me with her two children. They came along under the condition that Meezer Lupin joined us... Their mother will join before the first tournament."
A dark suspicion crossed Karkaroff's face, "Using Sirius Black's children as bait to draw him out of hiding back to Hogwarts."
Remus intervened sternly, "This has nothing to do with Ida and Remi! It's about the Triwizard Tournament. Their grandfather, Emilie's father, believed it would be a valuable cultural experience for them."
Snape's voice sliced through the tense air, his accusatory gaze zeroing in on Potter. "Karkaroff, this debacle rests squarely on Potter's shoulders."
Peri observed Richard, who interjected to shield his family honor, "Spare my wife from your insinuations; she is already fraught with worry. These challenges are difficult! We all understand this! Do you honestly think my wife would gamble our daughter's safety?"
Karkaroff's attention shifted to Snape before returning to Richard, a sneer playing on his lips, "Maybe you had a hand in this."
Richard's jaw clenched, a storm brewing in his eyes as he retorted, "I've been present for every moment. Every illness. Every fear she has ever faced. I would never endanger her or any of my kin."
Snape's stare bore into Richard before softening slightly, "Potter and Peri's persistent defiance of rules. They have been pushing boundaries since their arrival here—"
"Severus, I appreciate your assistance," Dumbledore said authoritatively. His gaze shifted from the heated exchange to the cluster of young students before him. "Peri, did you submit your name to the Goblet of Fire?"
Cassie's protective instinct flared as she interjected, her grip on Peri tightening like a shield.
Dumbledore acknowledged her with a gentle expression. "Cassie..."
Peri met her mother's unwavering gaze, the same shade of sky-blue eyes staring back at her. "I swear, I didn't," she reassured her mother before addressing the crowd. "I fear for my life," her voice trembled with raw emotion as she uttered her final plea.
Dumbledore's piercing gaze bore into the room, fixing on each person in turn. "Did you seek the aid of a senior student to enter your name into the mystical Goblet of Fire clandestinely?"
The air was tense as his words hung heavily in the chamber.
"Not. I crave excitement, not a death wish," Peri retorted dismissively, her disdain evident in the flicker of her eyes.
Turning towards Harry, Dumbledore repeated his question. Peri observed astutely as Snape, Karkaroff, and Maxine exchanged knowing glances before vehemently denying Harry's claims.
Madame Maxine's voice cut through the silence like a sharp blade. "Ah, but it is clear they are deceiving us!"
"They could not have crossed the Age Line," Professor McGonagall said, looking at her two students, "I am sure we can all agree on that —"
"Dumbly-dorr must 'ave made a mistake wiz ze line," Madame Maxine said with a shrug.
"It is possible," Dumbledore said politely.
"Dumbledore, you know perfectly well you did not make a mistake," McGonagall argued, "Really, what nonsense. Harry and Peri could not have crossed the line themselves. They did not have any older students do it for them. Mrs. Banks did not want her daughter in this position; surely this is good enough for everybody to be convinced that someone put their names in without their knowledge."
"Mr. Crouch… Mr. Bagman… Mrs. Banks?" Karkaroff spoke, his voice trembling with barely contained frustration. "You are our objective judges. Surely you will agree that this is highly irregular?"
Bagman wiped the sweat from his forehead with a crisp white handkerchief, his usually jovial expression now severe and tense. "We must follow the rules of the tournament, and those rules state clearly that anyone whose name is drawn from the Goblet of Fire is obligated to compete. While we appreciate Mrs. Banks' expertise, her daughter's unexpected involvement as a champion creates a conflict of interest and renders her unable to continue as a judge."
"I demand that we resubmit my students' names," Cassie interjected firmly, snapping out of shock. "The Goblet must be reset, and we will continue drawing until each school has two champions."
Karkaroff's face grew red with frustration, and he stood up abruptly, pointing an accusing finger at the others. "This will not work! The fire has burned out and cannot be rekindled until the next tournament. And even if it could, Ilvermorny could not have two participants unless I had my goddaughters submit their names—which I refuse to do. I will not put any more of my students in harm's way."
"In that case, Durmstrang will not participate either," Karkaroff exploded, his anger boiling after months of negotiations and compromises. "After all of these meetings, this is how it ends? I am tempted to leave right now!" His voice echoed through the chamber, filling it with tension and frustration.
"Empty threat, Karkaroff," Mad-Eye growled, standing near the door, "You cannot leave your champion now. He has got to compete. They all have got to compete. Binding in the magical contract, like Dumbledore said."
He limped forward, and there was a loud clang with every right step.
"Convenient? I am afraid I do not follow."
"Don't you? It is quite simple, Karkaroff. Someone placed Potter's name into the goblet, knowing he'd have to compete if it came out. They added King's name to ensure he had someone as young as he is."
"Someone 'oo wished to give 'Ogwarts two bites at ze apples, plus Ilvermorny," said Madame Maxine.
Karkaroff gave her a slight bow, "I quite agree. I shall be lodging complaints with the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards —"
"If anyone's got a reason to complain, it's King and Potter," Mad-Eye growled, "but…funny thing…I don't hear him saying a word. We have heard King speak slightly about her feelings about this. Clearly stating she does not want to die, she is fifteen. She is a powerful, young witch…probably the brightest in her year, she remains terrified of death."
"Why should zey complain?" Fleur burst out, giving her foot a stomp. "Zey 'as ze chance to compete, 'isn't zey? We 'have all been 'hoping to be chosen for weeks and weeks. Ze honor for our schools? A thousand Galleons in prize money — zis is a chance many would die for."
"Maybe someone is hoping Potter is going to die for it," he growled, "And for his protection, gifting him King as his guardian. Not caring if she survives or doesn't."
The tension in the room formed with the silence of his words. Bagman bounced nervously up and down on his feet. "Moody, old man…what a thing to say!"
"You seem to have given this much thought, Moody." Karkaroff spoke coldly, "A very ingenious theory."
"It's my job to think like Dark wizards do, Karkaroff — as you ought to remember…"
"Alastor!" Dumbledore warned. Peri could figure out the meaning of this, knowing Mad-Eye was a retired Auror, but also by her mother pulling her closer. He fell silent while remaining to survey Karkaroff, whose face was burning.
"How this situation arose, we do not know," Dumbledore said to the entire room. We have no choice but to accept it. Cedric and Harry will compete for Hogwarts, while Peri will compete for Ilvermorny."
"I will send word to Ilvermorny's headmistress," Richard said.
Bagman nodded, agreeing, "I will add a letter with yours." He turned to the champions, "We have got to give our champions their instructions, haven't we? Cassie or Barty, who would like to do the honors?"
"I will," Cassie released Peri, who was stepping in front of the champions. "The first task…The first task is designed to test how daring you are. We are not telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality for any witch or wizard. Very important. The first task will take place on the twenty-fourth of November in front of the other students and a panel of judges," paused, allowing them to take in the information, "You will not be permitted to ask for help or accept any with any of the competitions that are held. If you do so…" a flicker of an idea crossed her eyes; she then shook her head, stopping herself from letting the concept fully consume her mind. "You will receive the instructions for the second task once the first is complete. All of you are exempted from the end-of-year tests."
She looked at Crouch and Bagman, "That is all," Bagman informed everyone.
"Would you like to stay the night, Barty?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, Dumbledore. I must get back to the Ministry."
"You'll come for a drink before you go."
Bagman looked at Crouch brightly, "Come on, Barty. I am staying…so are Cassie and Richard."
"I think not, Ludo."
Viktor and Fleur had already left the room with their headmasters, "I suggest you three go to bed," Dumbledore said with a smile on his face, "I am sure Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff will be waiting to celebrate with you. It would be a shame to deprive them of this excitement."
Cassie's arms enveloped her daughter in a warm, protective embrace. She leaned in close, her breath tickling Peri's ear as she whispered fiercely, "I will do everything in my power to keep you safe."
As they pulled away, Cassie's tender gaze met Peri's, and she gently brushed a strand of dark hair away from her daughter's face. "I love you, my dear," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
"I love you too, Mom," Peri replied, returning the sentiment.
As they made their way out of the room, Peri couldn't help but notice Snape's and her mother's shared look of fear. They both had the same worry etched into their eyes—the fear of losing their child. But while Cassie's eyes showed only concern and love, Snape held a hint of guilt that did not go unnoticed by Peri.
Snape felt jealousy toward Richard, who was now wrapping his arms around Cassie before leading her out through a different door to meet Bagman and Dumbledore for a drink. Peri waited on Harry and Cedric.
The Great Hall was eerily quiet, illuminated only by the flickering glow of the pumpkins floating above. As the trio made their way through the deserted hall, their footsteps echoed off the stone walls, giving an eerie quality to the atmosphere.
"So," Cedric smiled slightly, "We're playing against each other…again for me and you, Harry."
"I s'pose," Harry spoke, barely audible.
Cedric and Peri arrived at the grand hall entrance, their footsteps echoing on the polished marble floors. "How did you manage to enter your names?" Cedric inquired, his gaze shifting between Harry and Peri.
"I swear I didn't," Harry responded earnestly, his eyes locked with Cedric's unwavering honesty.
Observing the exchange, Peri sensed Cedric's doubt lingering in the air. "We speak the truth," she affirmed, frustrated at being mistrusted.
As Cedric bid them farewell and headed towards their respective house entrances, Peri couldn't hold back her concern. "You truly doubt us?" she challenged him, her brow furrowed in disbelief.
Halting in his tracks, Cedric turned back to address them. With a glance towards the now-empty staircase where Harry had vanished, he explained his reluctance to believe their claims.
"My mother oversees this competition with Bagman and Crouch. I can't risk her reputation or my safety for a chance at glory. These tasks are difficult; there's real danger involved. I value my life too much to gamble it away."
He blinked, staring at her, unsure what to say, "Death?"
"Death," she repeated, then walked off without another word.
Peri strolled down the dimly lit corridor, the echo of her footsteps blending with the hushed whispers in the air. A hidden door slid open as she whispered the secret password, revealing the lively standard room beyond. The space was alive with activity; students lounged on emerald velvet sofas and gathered around a roaring fire that cast dancing shadows across the room. Startled, Peri found herself being tugged by Draco towards the sunken living area.
Pansy's eyes bore into her accusingly as she approached, her voice sharp with anger and betrayal. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards the unfolding drama. "You should have told us!" Pansy scolded, her words heavy with emotion.
Peri wrenched her arm free from Draco's grasp, fixing him with a steely gaze. "Don't pull people," she admonished before turning to face Pansy's interrogation. "I didn't choose to enter," she explained firmly, frustration evident in her tone. "I do not need wealth or fame—I'm here against my will, forced into a competition I want no part in."
Ignoring her protests, Blaise pressed on with his questions. "Then what is going on?" he probed.
Meeting Pansy's gaze head-on, Peri shook her head vehemently. "It's about Harry or some other ulterior motive," she insisted. "My presence is merely a facade—a ruse concocted by those who believe he needs protection." She squared her shoulders, determination flashing in her eyes. "I may be older and deemed 'smarter,' but I never signed up for this dangerous game."
"So you didn't?" Pansy questioned again.
Peri's screams echoed through the room, filled with anger and frustration. "No!" she yelled. "How are we even related?"
She stormed off, leaving Draco behind. He paused before following her. As they reached the small entrance hall to their dorms, she turned to him, "Malfoy."
"Malfoy?" he asked, taken aback by her sudden change in tone.
She let out a tired sigh. "Sorry...Draco. What do you need? I'm exhausted and want to go to bed."
He hesitated, deciding to change his original words. "Good luck," he finally said, pulling a white rose from behind his back and handing it to her.
She raised her eyebrow at him. "I thought you liked my sister."
"I do, but my parents made me aware that there is to be a ball for the tournament."
She nodded slightly as she took the rose from his hand. "Ah, yes...the Yule Ball. My mom is currently having our dresses made. It looks like mine will need to be more elaborate now that I have placed in the competition." She redirected the conversation back to its original point. "What about it?"
"Will you go with me?"
"Draco... I'm not sure."
He let out a soft sigh. "Please. I cannot attend with Holly despite my desire to do so. Perhaps she would understand and accept it better if I went with you instead of someone else."
She considered his words, realizing that this may appear better to Holly than watching him spend the whole night with someone she didn't trust. "Alright...I accept."
She mustered a feeble smile as they parted ways towards their respective dormitories. Delicately placing the lone white rose on her nightstand, she whispered an enchantment to preserve its bloom indefinitely, defying the need for water. Slipping under the covers, the weight of transformation that had unfolded in recent months pressed upon her. A sense of foreboding crept in, hinting at further unwelcome shifts looming on the horizon.