Chapter 90
Oliver sat at breakfast that morning with his parents for the last time when the owl fluttered down upon the rail. Recognizing it as one of the Hogwarts school owls similar to the one he received last night, he stood and went to get the message, knowing already that it was from Hermione.
"What is it dear?" Juniper asked when she saw Oliver's worried expression.
"It's Hermione," Oliver said holding up the note. "It seems the twins weren't pulling my leg last night like I thought."
"What do you mean?" Hickory asked.
"I received an owl from them late last night," Oliver said. "I thought they were pulling a prank on me, you know, a last time before I go to play for Puddlemere reserves... Well, it looks like they weren't joking."
"Joking about what, dear?" Juniper asked in confusion.
Oliver sighed and sat down, knowing he couldn't explain without telling them all he knew.
"You remember when I found out about making Puddlemere reserve team, right?"
"Of course," Juniper said. "We were at the World Cup semi-finals."
"That's where I met Viktor Krum," Oliver said. "And we hit it off and have become friends."
Hickory nodded.
"Well, I -" Oliver sighed and shook his head. "I found out from him that he was going to be at Hogwarts this year."
"For what?" Hickory asked, surprised.
"Apparently, they've brought back the TriWizard tournament this year, though the announcement hasn't been made publicly yet," Oliver said. "Anyway, I heard from the twins that Harry's name was drawn from the Goblet of Fire as a fourth champion."
"What?" Hickory asked in surprise. "That's impossible. Only three schools compete, therefore three champions."
"I don't know, all I know is Hermione's confirming it," Oliver said. "Here, see?" he finished, handing them the note.
"Well..." Juniper said. "Can't they just not allow him to compete? How dangerousisthis tournament? I never heard of it before."
"That's because it was banned back in 1792, dear," Hickory said. "Too many people died. And no, they can't... not if the same rules that applied back then apply now."
"What do you mean?" Juniper asked.
Hickory sighed.
"Anyone who's name is drawn from the Goblet of Fire is bound by magical contract to compete. There's no backing out."
"Oh, dear," Juniper said, sitting back in shock. Oliver, you go write this poor girl right now."
"Yes, mum," Oliver said smiling in spite of himself, and got up from the table, glanced at the owl that was still waiting, and had obviously been directed to wait for a response.
9 September 1994
Hello Kittycat,
I wish I could be there, too, to help support you, and Harry, too. You don't have to tell me that Harry didn't enter. I don't believe he would have. It's too bad that Ron's jealousy got the better of him though.
I actually knew about it last night. The twins sent me a letter about it. I had honestly thought they were pulling my leg until you confirmed it. They said a lot of people were upset about it, not just Ron. It wasn't right of him to make you choose between Harry and him and Ginny though, especially without her input. I would try talking to them again if you haven't already.
They weren't too upset about it themselves. More that they were impressed that he found a way to put his name in that they hadn't thought of, so I don't think they hold a grudge. I know, I know, I said that I didn't believe he put his name in, and I don't. That's their words, not mine.
I hope things get better for you, and Harry, too. You still have friends there, and so does Harry. Tell him I said hello back.
Oliver
PS. Mum and Dad want you to keep in contact with them. I'll be heading off to join Puddlemere tonight, so you'll have to write separate letters.
Hermione was intent on heading to breakfast to grab a small plate of toast and jam, planning to eat it quickly before heading off to the Library to meet Viktor before classes. Her plans were slightly delayed by Professor Dumbledore standing and clearing his throat, and she realized that she hadn't been too late to hear his announcements, and closed her eyes, hoping for the best before giving him her full attention.
"Last night," Professor Dumbledore said loudly, his voice commanding silence to reign over the hall, and Hermione took the opportunity to scrutinize the faces of the others at the high table, and they made her heart sink. "As you are all aware," Professor Dumbledore said and she returned her attention to him. "Something extremely usual occurred in regards to the champion selection for the TriWizard Tournament. Such an occurrence is unprecedented. As such, after long discussion with our fellow guest teachers, and with Mr. Bartemius Crouch, who I introduced to you last night as the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic, it has been determined that though the circumstances pertaining to Mr. Potter's entry into the tournament remain clouded, the contract created when his name was drawn remain binding."
Hemione hunched down, looking around as a chorus of boos were heard around the hall, many coming from the Gryffindor table. She was glad that Harry had avoided the hall that morning and was not subjected to the uproar.
"Silence, please," Professor Dumbledore called. "I know you are all upset, and I know that many of you believe that Mr. Potter cheated, finding some way to enter the tournament where others failed. Yes, I might remind you of your many attempts at circumventing the rules set forth earlier in the week," he said and paused, looking around. "Now, I know we cannot force you to accept this ruling nor can we force you to change your behavior towards him, but I ask you to do so as I remind each and everyone of you that this has never before happened, and the circumstances are unclear. Thank you."
Hermione finished her toast quickly after that, and washed it down with a glass of pumpkin juice before getting to her feet and heading to the library. She hadn't been there long before Viktor entered, coming to find her in the back corner.
"Ah, zere you are," Viktor said as he joined her at the table. "How are you zis morning?" He paused, studying her when she didn't say anything. "Vot is vrong?"
Hermione looked up at him and gave a wane smile. "Nothing really," she said. "I'm just worried."
"Ah, about young Harry Potter, and vot happened last night?" Viktor asked.
Hermione nodded.
"I did not zee him at breakfast," Viktor said.
"No," Hermione replied. "He went to the kitchens. He figured that people wouldn't like the news."
Viktor nodded and was silent for a while, and Hermione figured that he didn't know what else to say on the subject when he cleared his throat, drawing her attention again from the book she was flipping through and taking notes from.
"Zo," he said. "How iz your club doing?"
Hermione sighed and shook her head.
"I'm not getting anywhere," she admitted, feeling defeated.
"Novhere?" he asked.
"Well, I talked with our gamekeeper, Hagrid about it, he's generally so open about magical creatures, I thought he'd want to help, but he declined," she said.
"But he iz only one person," Viktor protested.
"True," Hermione admitted.
"You vould give up before you even try?" Viktor asked. "I do not get zis impression from you."
Hermione blushed, squirming slightly under his appraising gaze.
"You don't?" she asked timidly.
"Not at all," Viktor said. "Oliver Vood tell me a bit of you because he receive your letter ven ve met, and he spoke highly of you."
"What d-did he tell you about me?" Hermione asked curiously, her blush deepening.
"He zed zat you vere very um..." Viktor paused searching for the word. "How you say... detour mind?"
"Determined?" Hermione asked.
"Ah, um zat mean study hard?" Viktor asked and Hermione nodded. "Zen yes, detour mind."
"Thank you," Hermione said, smiling. "I - I needed that."
"You are velcome," Viktor said and bid her farewell before heading off to his first class.
Hermione sighed after reading the letter the owl brought back during lunch. So, the twin's weren't mad that Harry had gotten his name drawn from the Goblet of Fire? she wondered as she peered down the table toward them, passed where Ron was sitting with Dean and Seamus. She saw that they were sitting with Lee again, which wasn't really surprising.
Getting up, she picked up her plate, shouldered her book bag and headed down the row in their direction.
"Um," she murmured, interrupting their conversation and drawing their attention. "Can I sit here?" she asked uncertainly and noticed the boys look at each other and then back to her.
"I don't know," George said.
"That depends," Fred added.
"On?" she asked warily.
"Are you going to yell at us for trying to cheat?" Lee asked.
Hermione shook her head adamently.
"No," she said. "I - I was wondering if you'd be interested in knowing why your attempt didn't work."
They blinked and looked at each other again and then back at her.
"You know how Harry did it?" they asked in unison, drawing attention from the other students near by.
"No," she replied. "I don't know what happened with Harry's name being submitted, she replied. "But I trust that he didn't do it."
She heard murmurs rippled around the table and people turned back to the conversations they had been having, not missing a snide comment here or there, but did her best to ignore it and turned her gaze back to them.
"But I know why your attempt failed," she said.
The three boys extended their hands toward the open space next to George. Hermione smiled and sat down.
"First," she said. "I - I want to say I'm sorry. I - I shouldn't have yelled at you about not understanding what I wanted to do in regard to the house elves. Its just strange for me, coming from a Muggle family. Anyway, I wanted to apologize for that, I should have explained my reasoning better."
"Thanks," Lee said. "It must be difficult coming to a new culture when you're not used to it."
"It is," Hermione replied.
"So," George said.
"Are you still trying to free the house elves?" Fred asked.
"I - I don't know," Hermione answered. "I mean, Oliver and his family still think its a good idea and worthy goal, but..."
"But?" Lee asked.
"I - well, I talked to Hagrid," Hermione replied.
"And?" Fred and George asked.
"And while he admitted he didn't know anything about their origins either, when I explained I couldn't find anything on them," Hermione said. "Hedidsay that I wasn't likely to persuade any of them, and I'd be insulting them instead."
"So, what makes you say you don't know?" Lee asked.
"Well, I thought maybe I could use it to get Harry and Ron talking again," Hermione said uncertainly.
"How so?" Lee asked.
"I was thinking ofaskingthem before the champion selection, about whether Ron would want to be the treasurer and Harry to be the secretary of the club I was making," Hermione explained.
"You made a club?" Lee asked arching a brow.
"Well, notofficially," Hermione said. "I haven't talked to Professor Dumbledore about it yet, but yeah, I was putting an idea together to get the information out about how house elves are treated."
"So then what?" Fred asked.
"Well,now," Hermione said. "I was thinking more aboutappointingthem the positions... when we hold meetings, they'dhaveto talk to each other."
"You really want to get them mad at you again, don't you?" George asked.
"Not really, no," Hermione said. "But I don't like them fighting, either."
"Is it really that bad?" Lee asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Ron tried tellingmethat I couldn't hang out with Ginny if I was talking to Harry," she said.
"Ah, sothat'swhat the hand print on his face was this morning," Fred said with a grin. "Set him straight, did you?"
Hermione couldn't help laughing.
"Actually, no," she said. "Your sister did, and then threatened to use him for practice of the Bat-Bogey Hex."
The boys burst out laughing.
"Impressive," the twins said.
"So," George said when he was able to get his laughter under control.
"What did we do wrong?" Fred asked after a moment.
Hermione looked confused for a moment at the abrupt subject change, but then shook her head as realization of what they were talking about came to her.
"Oh, well," she said. "I think your problem was two fold, possibly three. You used too much of the potion, which led to the beards after you were thrown from within the Age Line circle, and that the reason you were thrown was because you took time to celebrate your success instead of just getting on with it."
"You said three," Lee said.
"Yeah," George replied.
"That's two," Fred said.
"Your third problem," Hermione said with a slight smile. "Was that you stayed there after you put your names in, celebrating again."
"What do you mean," Lee asked.
"Well," Hermione explained. "If it had been me, I would have realized that the potion was still aging me. My goal would have been to get in, get my name in and get out. Thatwasyou goal right?Justto enter? Or was your goal to get chosen?"
"What difference does that make?" the twins asked in confusion.
"It makes a lot of difference," Hermione said. "If you're goal was just to enter your name, you did that, even if you were thrown from the Age Line circle and aged so fast; but if your goal was to get chosen, it wouldn't have happened even if you'd have done everything correctly and gotten back out of the circle."
"Why not?" Lee asked.
"Well," Hermione said. "The potion was still working, that was why you were aged so quickly after being thrust from the circle. I think, even if you'd succeeded in putting your name in and getting out of the circle without being thrown out, when you aged beyond that of what a student should be, your name wouldn't have been chose. Understand?"
"So..." Lee said.
"It was all," George continued.
"Just a waste?" Fred finished.
"Yeah," Hermione said. "'Fraid so..."
She stifled a laugh at their chorus of groans.
"So, um..." she murmured after a moment of awkward silence. "Do you think you could help me out?"
"With what?" Lee asked.
"Harry and Ron," Hermione said. "I still think using the club would be the way to go... I've made badges and everything. It's just two sickles to join, that covers the badge and goes toward the pamphlet campaign."
"What's your pamphlet campaign," Lee asked.
"Oh, well..." Hermione said and looked at them uneasily. "I - I haven't quite figured that part out yet. I mean, I thoughta littlebit about it, like maybe putting bits of information about things they do or go through in them. I'm just not sure about it yet."
She watched as Lee and the twins gave each other a secret look before turning beck to her.
"I don't know," Lee said.
"Seems like a lot to ask..." Fred said
"Yeah," George said. "When you were at leastpartlywrong..."
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked.
"Didn't you say that it wouldn't work?" Fred asked.
"Yeah," Lee said. "I think I remember something like that."
"But it didn't," Hermione said. "You said so yourselves, you got thrown out."
"Ah," George said with a gleam in his eye. "But it did."
"That's right," Fred said. "Wewerein the circle for quite a while, as you saidyourself."
"That's...true," Hermione murmured, going back over the conversation in her head. "But what does that have to do with helping me?"
"Well," George said. "It has to be mutually beneficial."
"How so?" Hermione asked.
Fred, George and Lee looked at each other and then looked back at her.
"We'll let you know," Fred and George said in unison.
"In the mean time," Lee said.
"We don't think it's beneficial to pay out money when we're trying to save it," the twins said.
"Save it?" Hermione asked. "Oh, that's right. Oliver told me that you were saving for a joke shop."
"Oh, yeah," Lee said. "They want to open their own shop in Diagon Alley."
"Those are pretty expensive from what I understand," Hermione said.
"Yeah," George said. "They are."
"But our mail order side is doing pretty well, though mum doesn't like it," Fred added.
Hermione pursed her lips in thought and pulled out the box of buttons out of her bag, tapping her fingers on it thoughtfully.
"I guess..." she said and opened it, pulling three pins out and handing them each one. "It would be okay to pay me for it later."
Fred, George and Lee bit their lips to hold back their laughter when they saw the buttons.
"Um," Lee said "Thanks, Hermione, but that's okay."
"What?" she asked puzzled when he slid his button back to her.
"Yeah," George said handing her back his also. "We don't need them."
"Yeah," Fred added sliding his across the table as well. "You can just tell Harry and Ron we support your cause."
"Oh," Hermione murmured, a little bummed and returned the buttons to the box. "All right."
"We might be able to help you out," Lee said.
"Really?" Hermione asked.
"What?" the twins asked in unison when Hermione looked up and saw Lee elbow Fred who winced.
"Come on guys," Lee said. "Sure we can help her."
"How?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, how?" Fred asked, rubbing his side.
"Hello, guys," he said. "We have a mail order business..."
Hermione watched as the light of realization dawned on Fred and George, but she still wasn't sure how they could help her.
"Yeah," Fred said at last. "I suppose we could help you out..."
"...if you get some of those pamphlets ready," George said.