Chapter 21 :
In the end Dumbledore somehow managed to calm everyone down. -Harry was pretty sure there had been blackmail implied somewhere in the Headmaster's words though, because even Mad Eye accepted one of the potion laced lemon drops.- It was agreed that nothing could be done about the young Gryffindor's entry in the tournament since the selection was magically binding. So Ludo Bagman, with more giddiness than was appropriate, announced that the First Task would be about courage and the Champions would therefore face their trial without knowledge of what awaited them.
Now the last Potter was on the way to the Gryffindor Tower -the Feast had ended while they were arguing and everyone had left already-, and he felt... empty. He was tired of this nth mess and feared what would welcome him in the Common Room. He remembered all too well how mad Hermione had seemed and how betrayed Ron had looked.
He had no hope about the rest of Gryffindor, nor about the rest of the school. They had repeatedly proved to be sheeps in human clothing, always following the one shouting the loudest instead of thinking for themselves or at least try to discern the truth of a matter. They had no opinion other than that of the herd. But... If even Ron and Hermione, his best friends, didn't believe in his innocence... Harry didn't dare to think about it. It sounded way too painful.
Too soon for his taste, he arrived in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady. He was far from ready but the painted woman gave him an encouraging nod before opening without waiting for the password, effectively throwing him to the wolves.
As soon as the portrait opened, a hush fell onto the excited mutters in the Common Room. Every Gryffindors turned toward him to stare him down in an awkward silence. Harry entered warily, looking at his shoes. He knew what they were thinking : they were somewhat happy that a fellow Gryffindor was chosen as a Champion, but couldn't forgive him his « cheating »... Nor the fact that he didn't share his method with them so they could have their own chance at the Tournament.
As usual, the uncomfortable silence was broken by the Weasley Twins as they energetically jumped on him :
"Harrykin ! Our Champion ! Our Hero !"
They caught him by the shoulders and mock-whispered so everyone could hear :
"From a delinquent to another, tell us-"
"What is your secret ? How did you do it ?"
Perfectly guessing the outcry that would come, Harry still decided to be honest, answering reluctantly :
"I didn't do anything. I don't know how my name came out of the Goblet."
"Wait... Seriously?!" Exclaimed the shocked Twins.
"Liar." Said an unknown voice in the back, soon picked up again by everyone.
"You did it on purpose ! You're just too much of an ass to share with your Housemates !"
"Yeah ! Selfish tosser !"
"You just want to keep the glory to yourself !"
"Asshole !"
"Cheater !"
"Hear ! Hear !"
"SILENCE, WORMS !" Suddenly bellowed Hermione, stomping down the stairs of the boy dormitory like a furious queen.
Everyone parted way in front of her, unwilling to attract her wrath upon themselves.
"Harry." She smiled sweetly, her hair seeming to take life from the rage emanating from her aura. "Come, Ron is waiting for us in your dormitory."
Some of the cowering Gryffindors sniggered in delight at the thought of the dressing down coming to the young Potter. They couldn't wait to see the arrogant twat being taken down a peg.
AN: shorter chapter this time. I don't know when I'll update next because of stuff, I'll try next week if I can but no guarantee