Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own Harry Potter. Who knew.
Anyone who is looking to provide support and get access to early chapters for my stories or see my original content, please visit Pa T-rEoN / FavoriteAuthor
On that note, a big thanks to my newest patrons – Lucas L, Austin L, LarsGameS, Shazbot, Wesbrook, Marcus H, and Andy S! I do not know if I would be as motivated without the support.
Even from a distance, the concern in Dumbledore's eyes was palpable, though it no longer reflected on his features.
The room, which had erupted into a frenzied flurry of hushed whispers upon the appearance of the fourth piece of parchment, fell silent as Dumbledore cleared his throat. His voice, calm yet laden with a subtle unease, echoed only enough to reach the nearest rows of students.
"Harry Potter …"
"Harry Potter …"
And just like that, with the repeated calling of his name, the world sped up to normal speed and Harry watched as the heads of all the people in the hall frantically searched around the room until one by one, they all focused on the Gryffindor table and slowly all the eyes in the Great Hall both students and teachers alike made their way to focus on him.
However, Harry paid no attention to the eyes of everyone else that were focusing on him but rather looked back and forth between his two friends to observe their reaction. Hermione looked at him with a look of shock, worry, and … what Harry thought might be just a hint of suspicion. Looking over towards and making eye contact with Ron he watched as a hint of hurt in his eyes disappeared to be replaced by concern.
Relief flooded Harry as he saw that this time his two best friends seemed to believe that he wasn't responsible for putting his name in the Goblet of Fire, relieved that he wouldn't have to spend the next couple of weeks at odds with Ron and Hermione.
Still enjoying the sense of relief that was flooding his system at that realization, he looked over and saw Dumbledore about to call his name again. Harry confidently stood up, ready to act, positive that what he was about to do would not make Barty Crouch Jr. change his plans, thereby allowing Harry to continue preparing as he had been so far, but it would hopefully make his life that year easier.
Rather than immediately making his way up to the front of the room and then head off to the antechamber to join the other champions, he stood and climbed up onto the bench where he had been sitting before.
Drawing his wand and pointing at his heart he loudly called out, in a voice that while not magically amplified, he was certain would allow the entire hall to hear him.
"I, Harry James Potter, swear on my life and my magic, that I did not put my name in the Goblet of Fire, nor did I arrange for someone else to do it on my behalf. So mote it be."
Watching the brief flash of golden light emanate from the tip of his wand before shooting out towards his chest, before spreading to his entire body and allowing his entire body to glow in a pale golden light for a second, before dissipating.
As the light disappeared, Harry slowly climbed off the bench, smiling as he thought to himself, 'Well I'd like to see how they deal with that."
Standing on the floor, he looked back to his friends and smiled at them, ignoring the looks of horror on their faces, realizing that they both knew exactly what he had just done … what he had just risked, and what would have happened if he had even unknowingly been responsible for having his name in the Goblet of Fire.
Harry nodded to them, before looking down the aisle and beginning to walk towards the front of the room. The entire hall which had fallen silent when his name had been drawn, began furiously whispering, apparently have recovered from the shock, as he made his way between the tables, and Harry was confident that every eye in the entire hall was focused on him.
As Harry approached the head table and the podium, that Professor Dumbledore was still standing behind, as stunned as everyone else in the room … well perhaps, as Harry looked at the Headmaster again, a little less shocked than a majority of the students as his eyes had already regained their twinkle and his usual smile was making its way to his face, although Harry could still see the look of concern in his features.
As Garry reached the podium, he risked a quick look directly into the headmasters eyes and leaned towards him, "I think we need to talk soon, Professor."
With that he turned and headed towards the door that the rest of the champions had disappeared through moments before. As he walked past by "Professor Moody" it took everything in his power not to smile, knowing that while his actions were not serious enough to cause the man to change his plans, they were hopefully enough to make the rest of the year more bearable and leave him less isolated.
With that final thought, Harry exited the Great Hall and as the door was about to close shut, he heard the furious whispers break into loud exclamations. This time Harry couldn't stop the smiled that formed on his face at the pandemonium that he had left behind.
As Harry looked around the familiar smaller room where the champions gathered, he took in the sight of his fellow champions huddled around the fire being watched by the witches and wizards in the portraits around the room. Before Harry could open his mouth to announce himself, he noticed that the characters in the portraits were joined by characters from other portraits who ran into their frames and began whispering amongst themselves. In a matter of seconds, Harry noticed that all of the painted characters in the portraits were openly staring at him.
As Harry took a step forward, trying to ignore the attention from the portraits, he must have made a sound as Fleur spun around. She opened her mouth to say something but froze eyebrows slowly lifting in recognition but still not saying something, rather looking as if her brain was struggling to remember where she knew his face from and was trying to come up with a name.
She didn't have to wait long as at the same time, both Cedric Diggory and Victor Krum recognized him and called out, "Harry …" pausing and looking at each other, before Cedric smiled and looked back to him, "… what's up? Are we needed back there already?"
Harry looked at each of them directly in the eyes, before replying, "Someone entered me into the tournament as well. Shortly after Cedric entered this room … my name came out of the Goblet of Fire as well."
But … c'est impossible." Fleur exclaimed. "It's the Tri wizard tournament. There should only be three of us. How is this …"
The rest of her sentence was cut off as the door to the room that Harry had entered moments before was thrown open and Ludo Bagman led a small delegation of professors and visitors into the room.
"Harry Potter …" he exclaimed excitedly looking back over his shoulder to the others entering the room, "… you sure do know how to raise the excitement surrounding an already historic event!"
He turned to the other contestants who were staring at Harry in confusion, "Ms. Delacour, Mr. Diggory, and Mr. Krum allow me to introduce the fourth Triwizard champion."
Turning to look at Harry he shook his head and smiled, "Your oath, at least, and I am sure Mr. Crouch here, could correct me if I was wrong, I am pretty sure that was an unbreakable oath as I have honestly never met anyone who was brave enough to declare one … certainly not in such a dramatic fashion."
He paused to look at Mr. Crouch who hesitantly nodded.
"Right … Harry, I've got some good and bad news for you."
Harry looked toward the head of the Division for Magical Games and Sports as the boisterous man smiled around the room.
"Well, the bad news is that even though you made the oath that you didn't enter your name … you do not have a choice. The magical contract all champions enter into has been activated and you are now a recognized champion and there is nothing we know of that can get you out of competing …" he paused and looked at Harry finally losing his smile, a little bit of guilt coloring his expression. "Unfortunately, the consequences of not competing as a champion are quite severe. In fact, that brings me to the good news, you, Harry, have a chance that I am sure most of the underage wizards in that hall would die for … I know I definitely would if I was in your position. You have the opportunity to compete in this tournament as the fourth Triwizard champion and there is nothing that we know of that can prevent you from doing it!"
At this statement Karkaroff, who had looked as if he had been struggling to not say anything, finally blurted out. "This is unbelievable, Hogwarts gets two entrants into the tournament. How is this fair?" Turning angrily to Dumbledore, "What are you playing at Albus? You specifically said the age-line you implemented and the additional charms you cast would have prevented anyone underage from entering! And yet not only did an underage student get selected but he became the second choice for your school. How could this boy have been allowed to enter … how can he still be allowed to compete …"
"Karkaroff!" Madame Maxime cut in. "You heard the oath as well as everyone else out there did. Are you honestly suggesting that this boy managed to not only outwit Dumbledore's magic but also that of the Unbreakable Oath."
"But …" Karkaroff began to exclaim again staring at Harry, before being cut off by Madame Maxime again.
"You know as well as I that it is impossible for him to have lied about arranging to get his name into the tournament. And I find it very difficult that a mere boy or any of his friends would have been able to outwit Professor Dumbledore's magic."
Turning to glare at Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch she let anger creep into her voice, an experience that certainly made Harry nervous as he looked at the half-giant Headmistress.
"That being said, I do agree with my colleagues' concerns … I find this to be highly unfair, even if the boy is not to blame. What is to stop me from removing my school's champion. Why should Fleur have to compete in a tournament that is rigged against her?"
Harry head a gasp of shock coming from behind him, "But Professor … how is this fair … why am I to be punished?"
Madame Maxime looked to the Beauxbatons champion, "Fleur … this is not about punishing you. It is more so …" she trailed off as she looked at Harry.
My Bagman took her pause as an opportunity to cut it. "That is a moot point anyways, the same magic that prevents us from allowing Mr. Potter here from withdrawing from the tournament would apply to Ms. Delacour …" and turning towards Karkaroff, "… or Mr. Krum for that matter."
Madame Maxime shook her head slowly not pleased with the answer, "So where does this leave us? Why don't we just open the Goblet of Fire again and let it draw two additional names from the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students? And then at least all the schools will have two participants participating."
Harry looked over and saw Karkaroff slowly nodding, looking back in the direction of the door that led to the Great Hall. However, to Harry's surprise it was Fleur and Krum who started protesting first.
"What? Non madame!" Fleur exclaimed.
"Professor, I don't want any more opponents, I already have three opponents why would I want to face five." Krum stated looking at Karkaroff.
Fleur cut back in nodding her head vigorously, "I agree with Victor Krum, I don't want any more competitors. Besides …" she paused and looked towards Harry, "… no offense, but he is just a little boy. You aren't even in your sixth year, n'est pas?"
She asked looking at Harry, who shook his head. "No, I'm just in my fourth year."
She paused looking a little surprised at Harry before shaking her head sadly, looking back towards Mr. Bagman and Madame Maxime, "See … what does it matter? He is much younger than us. I know I am a much better witch than I was two years ago … capable of charms and spells that I couldn't even have imagined back then."
She looked to Krum who just grunted and nodded his agreement.
Seeing that he was not going to add anything, she continued, "If anything I feel sorry for him, especially if he didn't put his name into the Goblet as he vowed … you didn't did you?" She asked looking at Harry directly in his eyes. Seeing the honesty in his expression as he shook his head, she continued. "See he was put into this tournament, and it wasn't even his own decision. He didn't want this; he certainly didn't plan for it." Turning to her Headmistress she finished. "I doubt he increases the chance of them winning." She paused, realizing what she said, and looked back to Harry a little guiltily, "No offence."
Harry shrugged his shoulders and tried not to smile. "None taken." Turning to face Madame Maxime and Professor Karkaroff he stated, "Honestly if I had the chance, I would remove myself from this tournament."
Professor Karkaroff glared angrily at Harry but after appraising him for several seconds, Madame Maxime turned back to Professor Dumbledore who had been unexpectedly quiet during their discussion, appearing to only be looking at Harry, and in a thoughtful tone inquired, "So where does this leave us Albus. What are we to do?"
Professor Dumbledore gave once last questioning glance at Harry before turning back to Madame Maxime, "Well … I believe that leaves us exactly where it seems we were when we entered the room. We have four champions competing in the tournament. The fourth, several years younger and against his wishes. The certainly shall make the tournament more interesting if nothing else."
Turning towards Harry he let out a small smile, "I am sure there are some students who will definitely find this enjoyable and find some way to … profit off this."
Looking back to Ludo Bagman, he continued on, "Mr. Bagman, Mr. Crouch, and I have spent countless hours pouring over the magic of the Goblet of Fire to find how we could make this tournament safer. Trying to understand which rules were bendable and which we were unable to change, but in this scenario, I do not believe there is anything we can do."
Mr. Crouch nodded, although from the brief pointed glance he sent to the head of the Division for Magical Games and Sports, Harry doubted very much it was equal contribution of labor from all off the three parties. "To my understanding, I believe that the previous statements were correct. Young Mr. Potter will have to compete. And not only token effort, but he will need to compete to the best of his ability, otherwise risk the penalties with dropping out … which …" he looked at Harry and shook his head, "… will be almost as severe as the consequences from your oath."
Ludo Bagman smiled at the four champions in front of him, who for at least Cedric, Fleur, and Krum shared similar expressions, as if they were still trying to process all the news and determining how it would affect whatever strategy they might have made when they had first entered their names."
Madame Maxime spoke up, "But Dumbledore … this is still not fair. If not for the other champions, then at least for the safety of the boy."
Dumbledore looked sadly towards Harry before he turned to his counterpart from Beauxbatons, "I agree, and if you have any other suggestions … if any of you have any other suggestions I'd gladly listen." He paused looking around the room but was met with silence. He waited almost a minute before he looked back at Harry and shook his head sadly, "I'm sorry my boy, but it looks as if you will have to compete. We will look into this of course but even if we find out how this happened, which for the record I don't hold much hope for … if the witch or wizard responsible was strong enough to trick the Goblet of Fire, then I highly doubt they would leave a magical trail of crumbs that I could follow. But even if we do find the individual or individuals responsible, I fear we will not be able to reverse your including into the tournament. I am sorry Harry."
Bagman clapped his hands and rubbed them together excitedly, "Well this is excellent news …" he paused looking back and forth between Harry and Dumbledore, "… well maybe not everyone thinks so right at this moment … but it will be great for the tournament …" he trailed off slightly staring out the window. "The event was already going to be historic, but now … oh just wait till the news hears about this. There won't be a soul in the wizarding world who isn't interested in the outcome of the tournament …"
He shook his head slightly and looked between the four champions. "Even if you don't win the tournament, you will become household names. Everyone will be cheering for you … everyone will be betting on you …"
He stopped talking when Mr. Crouch coughed loudly beside him.
"Right, where was I … Before we get to all that we need to get to the tasks. Which leads me to the first task. The first task will be coming up at the end of November and it will be a test of you courage and planning under pressure. No hints will be given as it is important for any great wizard …" he paused to look at Fleur and smile, "… or great witch to not only be able to be act in the face of an expected danger but also react bravely to the unexpected. The three … excuse me, the four of you will face your first challenge with nothing more than a wand. I wish the best of luck to you … I am quite excited to see how this all plays out."
After Ludo finished, he looked towards Dumbledore to see if there was anything else to add.
Appearing to have nothing more to add, Dumbledore adjourned the meeting, dismissing the students and inviting everyone else up to his office for a night cap. An offer that was only take up by Ludo Bagman.
As Cedric and Harry left at the same time, they ended p walking down the corridor together. They were walking in silence until Cedric paused and put an arm on Harry's shoulder. Harry sighed inwardly hoping to have been able to avoid any questions, but he turned slowly to the older boy.
"Harry … you didn't do this, did you?"
Harry nodded, looking Cedric in the eyes, "I didn't do this. Honestly Cedric, I was telling the truth back there, if I could, I would gladly take my name out of the tournament."
Cedric paused and looked back at Harry a look of uncertainty clouding his face, "Dumbledore and the others were talking about a oath you made … did you really make an unbreakable oath?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Harry looked at him, "I did." He paused shaking his head at the quick intake of breath from Cedric. "I am so sick and tired of all the rumors surrounding me and how students always seem to jump on any chance to be against me. When I heard my name called, I stood up and swore on my magic and my life that I did not put my name in the Goblet of Fire or get anyone else to do it for me."
Cedric stared at Harry; his mouth open in horror. "You actually made an Unbreakable Oath …"
Harry nodded, "I did, I'm honestly tired of always being the victim of the rumors. No matter what I try to say it seems I am never believed. Tried to convince the staff that someone was after the Philosopher's Stone in my first year and ended up having to defend it by myself defending it from Voldemort …" Harry ignored the flinch as he said Voldemort's name and he continued on, "… who was trying to find a way to return. Then in my second year everyone … well almost everyone thought I was the Heir of Slytherin, and it was me that was commanding the Basilisk to attack the students, but it was me who ended up fighting it in the Chamber of Secrets, and last year …" he paused to take a breath as he shook his head. "It just doesn't seem to matter what I do or what I say. No one seems to believe me when I talk so I decided to go a route no one would be able to doubt my honesty.
Harry looked at Cedric who was regarding him with a look of shock, a look that had not disappeared since he had revealed he had made an unbreakable oath, his expression shifting from disbelief to horror and back again as Harry had spoken, realizing that Harry was not jesting.
"Harry … you …"
Harry shook his head at the reaction, "It's all true but it doesn't matter. That was in the past and there are other things happening that are more important."
"The tournament?"
Harry let out a brief laugh, "Well sure, I guess. But it doesn't matter I don't know why anyone was surprised, things seem to have a way of happening to me on Halloween and never for the better, starting with my parents …" Harry trailed off remembering the sight of them appearing when he held the Resurrection Stone.
Cedric looked confused for a second after Harry trailed off, before a look of realization dawned on his face.
He opened his mouth but Harry, who had recovered from the memory, beat him to the condolences, "It wasn't your fault Cedric … its just something I've had to live with." Harry paused as he looked down the hallway before looking back to Cedric.
"But we should probably be getting back to our common rooms, I am pretty sure your house wants to celebrate with you … and I'm guessing the Weasley twins will have done their best to organize quite the little party."
With that Harry turned to head down the hallway only to be stopped by Cedric's hand on his shoulder again.
Harry turned around to look at the older boy who looked at him conflicted.
"For what it is worth, I believe you Harry and I think I would have gotten there even without hearing about you making the Unbreakable Oath. I wish you luck in the tournament."
With that he nodded his head towards Harry before turning down the corridor that led in the direction of the Hufflepuff common room, leaving Harry all alone in the corridor watching his retreating form before turning and heading to the stairs which would lead him up to the Gryffindor common room.
Kind Regards,
FavoriteAuthor
jadesabrexiv - Percy will definitely have a little arc, and thanks for the comments on Ron, while I definitely dont think he is perfect all the Ron bashing stories just take his negative traits way past what was canon, and really like Krum as a character
pillpushr - Rosaline is not done yet ... I just thought that Harry needed to get out of the area to get back to Ron and Hermione and then had no idea who exactly she was so couldn't go find her, but don't fear she got the appropriate treatment to help her deal with what happened ... that being said she remembers Harry
wujuninja - Thanks so much!
Alexiisn14 - I am glad you found it appealing, Daphne will be involved in the story
HeartsGlow - Their communications were a little different this time so as a result things will have changed, but I think it was the dream and events at the World Cup that brought him back
GinsengH - I really appreciate both praise and critique, thanks! Its good knowing what works and what doesntn't. Ya I just felt younger characters were a little less developed. As for plot points part of that was things I think he might have done based on being a little older and things I thought might be needed to drive the plot forward. And working on dialogue
BlindFaunusGirl - Thanks! Hope this was a good reveal
DJ Scales - Poor Harry, never gets a break
22-fall-in-love - Thanks! I love love the feedback
jslee102 - And the champion reveal!
zega606 - Hopefully Harry is acting appropriately to the reveal!
Ariadne Venegas - Good call! I really enjoy when people call whats happening. Did it happen like you thought it would. I guess we will have to see what the fallout from the Oath is
Evergone the Great - I guess the only good thing about a chapter ending is that there will be another one!
Guest, jkarr, - I am glad you liked it!
littleemberlou - Thanks so much! Oh ya you'd think Ron would have been a little smarter than that! But here was Harry's reaction
hunzbookwyrm, stars90 - And so it begins!
Thanks to those of you out to those of you who enjoy my stories, I promise to keep updating the stories as long as you enjoy them, and a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave feedback or reach out to me directly.
Author Note 1 – All feedback is welcome (hopefully constructive!) Looking forward to what you think!
Twitter: FavoriteAuthor_
Instagram: FavoriteAuthor_Fanfic
