"Harry, could you come up here please." Dumbledore called.
Harry got up slowly looking around at all the angry faces. Cries of outrage were heard through the hall. Harry made eye contact with Daphne and she gave him a nod of understanding as he approached Dumbledore who gestured him to the hall outside. Harry took hold of the parchment with his name on it and walked out of the hall. As he approached the other champions Fleur was the first to speak.
"What iz eet?" she asked. "Do zey want us back in ze 'all?"
Cedric, who knew Harry from quidditch, looked him over and saw the paper in his hand.
"No Harry, surely they are joking?" he questioned the knowing shock on his face.
"Vat do you know?" asked Krum.
There was the sound of voices and people running towards them. Madame Maxime was shouting about protesting, Karkaroff was talking of abandoning the contest all together.
"Now now everyone please quiet down." said Dumbledore. "Now Harry I can tell by you're face you are shocked this happened but I have to ask did you put your name in?"
"No Professor I swear I was hoping for a quiet year." Harry replied.
"But of course he iz lying." cried Maxime.
"The hell he is the Goblet of Fire is a very powerful magical object only and exceptionally powerful wizard could have hoodwinked it. Magic well beyond the talents of a fourth year." shouted Moody.
"You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought Mad-Eye confessing your crime." Karkaroff said bitterly.
"It was once my job to think as dark wizard's do perhaps you remember." he replied challengingly.
"Alastor please. Barty you are the ministry official here it is your decision." said Dumbledore.
"Unfortunately the decision is out of my hands. The Goblet of Fire is a binding magical contract any name that comes out is honor bound to compete or sacrifice their magic. As of tonight Mr. Potter is a Triwizard champion." Crouch said.
"But zis 'as to be a joke. Zis leetle boy can't be a champion 'e iz not even of age." said Fleur.
Harry took offense to the "little boy" comment and started to growl lightly but quickly suppressed it, earning a look from Fleur who seemed to be the only one to notice.
"The age restriction was only implemented this year and had not been woven into the Goblet yet. So truthfully had any underage student gotten past the age line they could have entered. However just the age line isn't the problem this time you see someone bewitched the Goblet into thinking there were four schools not three and added Mr. Potter under the fourth ensuring he became a champion. I will be notifying Madam Bones of the DMLE to investigate the matter but unfortunately Mr. Potter has to compete." replied Crouch.
"There is no way for me to get out of it?" asked Harry.
"Unfortunately no. As I stated, a name coming out of the goblet is part of a magically binding contract that you have to compete or lose your magic." answered Crouch monotonously. "Now champions the first task is designed to test your daring therefore we will not tell you what it is until the day of. The first task will take place on November 24th in front of the other students and a panel of judges. Champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers, champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. Upon completion of the first task champions will receive information on the second. Owing to the demanding and challenging nature of the tournament, champions are exempt from end of year exams and given automatic passing grades. I think that's all they need, right Albus?"
"It is Barty. I assume you are off to inform Amelia about this event." replied Dumbledore.
Crouch nodded and headed out of the hall.
"Now I suggest we all turn in for the night Harry, Cedric, I expect Hufflepuff and Gryffindor are ready to celebrate the joyous news off you go." Dumbledore dismissed.
As Harry walked out still in a form of shock he felt a tug on his sleeve.
"Harry I'll do what I can to help you and I'll let everyone in Hufflepuff know you didn't put your name in and that you are forced to compete. You didn't ask for this so I can't be mad it was evident on your face when you came in." Cedric explained.
"Thanks Ced I could use any help I could get. Merlin knows I'm in trouble." he replied.
The two shook hands and went to their respective common rooms. As Harry approached the portrait of the Fat Lady he saw Daphne waiting outside. She walked up and hugged him.
"Are you ok?" she asked.
"No not really, they told me I have to compete, magically binding contract. The first task is November 24th and it's to test our daring so that is all the information they gave us." said Harry morbidly.
"Well Hermione and I will help you, you know that after all my future is tied to you so I have to make sure you survive." Daphne said, smirking. Harry laughed and hugged her.
"Thank you I shall try not to die but you better hurry back to the Snake Pit, I have to brave the lion's den."
Daphne nodded, hugged him again, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and left for the Slytherin dorms.
Harry turned and gave the Fat Lady the password and walked into the Gryffindor Common room.
The moment he got in he was bombarded with questions of how he beat the age line and if he really entered. Harry tried explaining he didn't put his name in, he was forced to compete due to a magical contract and that he didn't want to party because he was very tired. When he finally got up to his dorm room he got the biggest surprise of the night. Ron was laying on his bed staring at the ceiling.
"What are you doing up here?" asked Harry.
"Oh hey I'm just getting ready for bed. So congratulations, how'd you do it?" Ron asked.
"Well since you asked I didn't. The goblet was hoodwinked into thinking I was the only participant from a fourth school according to Moody. You really think I wanted to enter the tournament?" he explained.
"Well I just figured maybe you used the invisibility cloak." said Ron.
"The cloak wouldn't have made it past the age line I doubt anything could." growled Harry.
"Right yeah cause the cloak could have covered both of us to enter." Ron said sarcastically.
"I didn't put my name in that cup. I don't want to compete, I just want to be left alone. You're being stupid." replied Harry.
"Yea that's me, Harry Potter's stupid friend. If you're not gonna tell the truth then piss off." Ron said, chucking a pillow at Harry's head.
Harry quickly changed out of his clothes and climbed into bed and tried to fall asleep. He spent the night tossing and turning, his dreams replayed the events of the night over and over until he saw himself slithering across the grounds of the graveyard again. Harry woke up Sunday morning feeling even worse then when he went to bed he slowly got dressed and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. When he finally made it to the Great Hall Hermione was waiting for him with a plate already made for him.
"Good Morning Harry, I have a message for you so eat up then we are going for a walk." she said pushing his plate toward him.
Harry ate quickly and followed Hermione out of the Great Hall and down to the Black Lake.
"So what is this message?" Harry asked.
"Oh Daphne wants to see you, she knows you are freaking out." Hermione said, pointing to Daphne, Susan and Tracey waiting for them.
"Harry, Cedric told the whole house last night when he came back what happened. He asked everyone to understand you aren't trying to steal the spotlight and that you are being forced to compete." said Susan.
"You have our support as well Tracey and I only have the end of the week before we get hex happy on some of Malfoy's ilk." said Daphne.
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Her father sent her a letter saying the Prophet said they were making the Greengrass/Black betrothal front page news after the champion selection." Tracey explained.
"And it's going to have our names which means everyone will know." Daphne said.
"Is there anything I can do to help? I don't want you to be at risk for me." said Harry.
"Father said he is going to be talking to Dumbledore about it if it becomes more than just the bad mouthing and occasional hexing." she replied.
"If you need anything let me know I'll put the git through a wall if necessary." Harry said, looking deadly serious.
"Could you do that before or is that just now?" Daphne asked with a smirk.
"I don't know, probably just now." He replied.
"Ok so what did they tell you so far?" asked Susan.
"The first task is the 24th of November and they aren't going to give us any details until the day of because it is supposed to test our daring. So that gives me 16 days to get some decent spell work and then I'll need the break and maybe pick up training before the task." he explained.
"Ok well Hermione, Tracey, and I will search the library for past tournaments to see if there are any patterns in the first task. You and Daphne can work on some decent defensive spells and spend some much needed quality time together." said Susan winking at the two.
"Well first things first Harry needs to go see his favorite girl." said Hermione.
Harry looked wide-eyed at Hermione confused.
"And who exactly is his best girl?" asked Daphne, folding her arms and getting mad.
Harry started to stammer out denials of having any other girl when all three girls broke out laughing.
"Relax Harry. Hermione told us that you have a very unique bond with your owl and that anytime she refers to your best girl she means Hedwig." explained Daphne.
Harry physically relaxed.
"You need to let Padfoot know what's going on, you know they will be worried." said Hermione.
"Oh yeah I should let them know. But I think this calls for a more direct form of communication. I'm gonna head up to the tower and I'll meet you guys in the Library." he replied.
Harry made his way up to the Gryffindor tower to get out the mirror Sirius gave him.
"Sirius Black." he called into the mirror and suddenly Sirius was there.
"Hey Pup. What's going on?" Sirius asked.
"Hey, is Uncle Mooney there with you? I have some news that I need to tell you both." Harry replied looking very worried.
"Hang on, I'll call him. HEY MOONY HARRY NEEDS US." Sirius shouted through the mirror. "Ok Harry what's going on?"
"Ok well you guys know that the champion selections for Triwizard Tournament was taking place last night right?" began Harry then waited for them to confirm. "Well the champions were chosen when the Potter family luck struck again and I was chosen as the fourth champion."
"YOU WHAT?" shouted Sirius.
"How on earth did that happen Harry?" asked Remus.
"Moody reckons someone confounded the Goblet to think there were four schools then entered my name under the fourth to guarantee I was chosen. The only problem is figuring out who and why and before you say there has to be a way out Dumbledore already tired. It's a binding magical contract Daphne and the girls have agreed to help me, I'm going to meet them in the library after this, and so has Cedric, the guy who was chosen to be Hogwarts champion. I know I stand no chance of winning, I'm just going to aim to survive." Harry explained.
"Wow ok, we certainly understand the magical contract but we will contact Dumbledore as well as see how we can help as well and I definitely agree with surviving but maybe try and win." Sirius said with a wink.
"You go meet with Daphne and the others we will talk to you tonight but if you can keep the mirror on you just in case." Remus told him.
They said their goodbyes and Harry headed down to the library where he found the four girls sitting behind a wall of books each studying a different book. After asking where to start and Daphne directing him to a book on basic defensive and offensive magics. The four of them spent until lunch going over books. After lunch Tracey forced Harry and Daphne to take some alone time together while she, Susan and Hermione continued the research. This led to the two taking a walk down by the black lake.
"Harry, can I ask you something?" Daphne asked when she was sure they were far enough from people.
"Depends on I won't lie but I might decline to answer." he replied.
"Do you know I have tried to talk to you in the past but kept getting blocked by Ron?" she asked.
"I didn't but it honestly doesn't surprise me giving his opinion of slytherins." he said, looking upset.
"Yes he always has been very adamant about his views on us he's the same as Malfoy." she replied.
"You know I never noticed it before but that is very true. So what do you want to do after Hogwarts? Have you given it any thought?" Harry asked.
"Actually I have. I really want to be a healer. I learned some from my mum and I have been talking to Madam Pomfrey about an apprenticeship when the time comes. How about you?" she replied.
"Well I haven't given it much thought and honestly if the Ministry ever finds out about, you know I doubt I'll have many options but maybe an Auror like my dad and Sirius were or if they can ever figure out why we can't keep a Defense teacher for more than a year maybe I could teach that." he said, looking a little hopeful.
"You are the best in our year and the year above according to Hermione, who learned from Professor Lupin." Daphne said. smirking.
The two continued to talk for a while about things not pertaining to the tournament. Before long it started to get dark and cold so they headed inside to dinner. The night passed with little entertainment except the conversation with Moony and Padfoot, where Padfoot tried several times to floo to Hogwarts and beat Dumbledore senseless. It wasn't until Wednesday that the post brought the news of Harry and Daphne's betrothal.
The Boy Who Lived Steals Greengrass Heiress
That's write dear readers, this establishment has learned that Harry Potter the Boy Who Lived and recent surprise Triwizard champion has been betrothed to the Greengrass Heiress Daphne Greengrass. We learned that per Gringotts Bank Harry Potter is not only the Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter but also Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. It was brought to our attention that a betrothal contract between the two houses was made centuries ago and only now has met the requirements to be put in effect and the two families have come to arrangements and finalized everything. While the Black family couldn't send anyone to give comment on the betrothal, Lord Greengrass had quite a few things to say.
"We were very shocked when we had learned the contract had come into effect, even more so to learn that Heir Potter was also Heir Black." said Castor Greengrass.
"We believed that Daphne would be wed to the Heir Malfoy, believing him to be the only living male of the Black line through his mother." commented Lady Persephone.
We did our own due diligence and found that through his great grandmother Dorea Potter nee Black who was the only sister of Arcturus Black who was the last living Lord Black on record. This would put him in the same position as Heir Malfoy for the title of Lord Black which begs the question how did he jump the line when Draco Malfoy was born first.
Harry read the article and immediately looked up to Daphne who nodded back at him then looked at Malfoy who was visibly seething.
"IMPOSSIBLE!! POTTER YOU LOUSY CHEAT. I AM THE HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF BLACK." Malfoy screamed storming over to Harry. "How can a filthy half-blood like you even think he is in the running to be the Heir to one of the most famous pureblood houses. I will get you for this I swear it I will…"
"You'll what Malfoy run to daddy whining how Harry Potter bested you again first in every quidditch match you two ever played in then he becomes the youngest ever Triwizard Champion, and now not only is he the Heir to House Black but he gets to marry me." said Daphne walking over and draping her arms around Harry's shoulders and kissing his cheek. Draco was turning a Weasley shade of red before muttering. "My father will hear of this." and walking away.
"Hey Harry, so the news is out there can we sit with you today?" Daphne asked motioning to Tracey behind her.
Harry nodded and Daphne sat on the side not occupied by Hermione and Tracey sat across from them.
Harry could tell most of the school thought he cheated his way in whether Cedric or anyone said otherwise. Harry tried to get through the spell work the girls had looked up for him to get through the tournament. Towards the end of the week it seemed things were about to get even worse, Malfoy had made badges for the school that showed "SUPPORT CEDRIC DIGGORY."
"Like the badges Potter, I had them made last night. That's not all they do look at this." sneered Draco pointing his wand to the badge on his chest. The words changed to "POTTER STINKS."
"Honestly Draco I'm not surprised you thought to make something like that." replied Hermione. "I AM surprised you had the skill to do it however."
"Why you jumped up mudblood. How dare you." Malfoy snarled, reaching for his wand only to find three more pointed at him.
"Now now Malfoy let's not make a mess of things before Potions shall we." said Daphne.
Malfoy backed away slowly and when Daphne and Hermione lowered their guard he struck. Harry saw it coming and cast in return both spells made contact with a target Malfoy's hit Hermione and Harry's hit Goyle. Goyle's face began breaking out in boils while Hermione whimpered and held a hand up to her mouth. Her teeth were starting to elongate past her chin.
"And what is all this noise about?" said a soft, deadly voice. Snape had arrived. The Slytherins clamored to give their explanations; Snape pointed a long yellow finger at Malfoy and said, "Explain."
"Potter attacked me, sir—"
"We attacked each other at the same time!" Harry shouted.
"and he hit Goyle—look—" Snape examined Goyle, whose face now resembled something that would have been at home in a book on poisonous fungi.
"Hospital wing, Goyle," Snape said calmly.
"Professor Malfoy hit Hermione if you notice her teeth." explained Daphne.
"Yes, that does seem to be the case very well Granger Hospital wing." Snape replied almost begrudgingly. "Now let's see that will be fifty points from Gryffindor for inter house fighting. That will also be Fifty points from Slytherin for the same and twenty-five points to Slytherin for coming to the aid of a fellow student."
The day's Potions lesson was on antidotes Harry could barely focus on the lesson when he heard steps coming toward the class. Colin Creevy's meek voice broke through the silence of the working class.
"Excuse me Prof-Professor Sn-Snape, I've been sent to collect Harry Potter." he said.
"Mr. Potter still has another hour of Potions, he will go when he is done." Snape replied coldly.
"Sir I was sent by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman they are collecting all the champions for something and ask them to bring their bags as well." replied Colin, shaking slightly.
"Fine! Potter, get your stuff and get out of my class." said Snape bitterly.
Not wasting any time Harry gathered all his things and rushed out of the class to follow Colin. As they walked along the corridor they ran into Daphne heading back to Potions after escorting Hermione to the Hospital Wing. Harry quickly explained where he was going and that he should be ok if she wanted to get back to the class on antidotes. Daphne agreed to return to class and Harry and Colin continued along. Colin kept up with his usual fanboy routine of over hyping how great it was for Harry to be in this situation, Harry drown most of it out thinking about what could be waiting for him. When they finally arrived at the small unused classroom Harry opened the door and walked in. The first thing he noticed was Krum standing alone looking bored must have been here longest. Cedric and Fleur were engaged in conversation Fleur seemed happy and flirting with Cedric, Cedric seemed to have a slight glazed look in his eyes. It was then Harry caught the faint scent of unusual pheromones, ones he only smelled once before but he couldn't remember where. Harry did see the little man with the camera from the Daily Prophet and made a note to avoid that guy at all costs.
"Ah here he is the fourth champion at last. Come in Harry its time for the Weighing of the Wands ceremony, the other judges and wand examiner should be here in a moment." said Bagman.
Weighing off the wands?" asked Harry.
"We have a professional come in and examine all the champions wands to make sure they are fully functional, no problems as they're your most important tools in the task ahead. Then we have a reporter here to do a photo shoot. This is Rita Skeeter." he explained and gestured to a woman in magenta robes.
"Oh yes might even be front page material given the news we have here in front of us. I wonder if I could get a little word with Harry before we start." she said to Bagman, but still gazing at Harry.
"Er…." said Harry.
"Non 'Arry is not in zis for more fame 'e iz forced you can interview zhe real champions but leave 'im alone." Fleur spoke up, walking up behind Harry who looked shocked at her and gazed at Cedric who just winked.
"Very well we shall wait until after the ceremony." spoke a defeated Skeeter.
Just then Dumbledore, Karkaroff, Maxime, Crouch, and to Harry's surprise Mr. Ollivander came into the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen may I introduce Britain's most notable wand expert Mr. Garrick Ollivander." Dumbledore said, gesturing to the man. "He will be checking your wands to ensure that they are in condition before the tournament."
"Mademoiselle Delacour let's start with you." said Mr. Ollivander, stepping into the empty space in the middle of the room.
Fleur swept over to Mr. Ollivander and handed over her wand.
"Hmm…" he began twirling the wand between his fingers and it emitted pink and gold sparks. Then held it up to his eyes. "Nine and a half inches … inflexible… rosewood… and containing… dear me."
"An 'air from ze 'ead of a veela." said Fleur. "One of my late grandmuzzer's."
That was it the place Harry remembered the scent the Veela at the world cup so Fleur was a veela Ron was right.
"Yes." said Mr. Ollivander, "I have never used Veela hair myself, of course, I find that unless the hair comes from either the veela herself or a relative they make very temperamental wands. And this one seems to be very favored to you my dear."
"Orchideous."
A bouquet of flowers sprang from the wand. "Very well, very well in working order." said Ollivander. "Now Mr. Diggory you have one of mine. Twelve and a quarter inches… ash… containing a single hair from a particularly fine male unicorn who nearly gored me after I plucked it. It appears in fine condition. You take care of it regularly?"
"Polished it last night." said Cedric, grinning.
Harry looked at his own wand and realized he needed to take better care of it, finger marks were all over it. He tried to subtly grab his robes and wipe it down. Several gold sparks shot out the end and almost hit Fleur who looked almost amused at his failed attempt to go unnoticed. Mr. Ollivander gave Cedric back his wand and called over Victor Krum.
"Now Mr. Krum if you please." Krum handed over his wand. "Ahh this is a Gregorovitch creation, unless I'm much mistaken? A fine wand maker, though the styling is never quite what I…however.."
He lifted the wand and examined it minutely, turning it over and over.
"Hornbeam and dragon heartstring… thicker than most quite rigid… ten and a quarter inches…Avis."
The hornbeam wand let off a blast like a gun and a number of small, twittering birds flew out of the end and out the open window.
"Good. Which leaves young Mr. Potter."
Harry slowly walked up and handed his wand over.
"Ah yes Holly and Phoenix feather eleven inches. Mr. Potter this wand is as fine as it was three years ago and trusts you implicitly." said Mr. Ollivander handing the wand back.
"Well then thank you all for coming as lessons are almost at an end I suggest everyone get to the Great Hall for dinner." Dumbledore dismissed everyone.
"Photos Dumbledore Photos." called Bagman. "All the judges and the champions then some singles of the champions."
Harry reluctantly stood with Cedric and Fleur while the Prophet guy took his photos. Madam Maxime dragged things out trying to get the perfect photo.
—--
Hey guys this chapter took awhile the muse just wasnt with me I promise to try and get the next one out quicker also to the one about Harry's blood I do have a plan trying to work it in is one thing but the obivous is faux Moody learning of Harry's affliction I had a couple ideas so Im gonna take a poll I want every reader to DM option one or two to start.
Option One: Voldy knows the cure and that's how he really controls the wolves other than letting Greyback be his normal psycho self.
Option Two: the cop out of using Cedric's blood but still being unable to touch Harry.
Let me know what you think.