The Goblet of Fire
Chapter 1: The Goblet of Fire
“Harry Potter ,” murmurs Dumbledore.
The whispers and mumbles around him do nothing to help his shock.
“Harry Potter! ” shouts Dumbledore.
Everyone looks at Harry as he is just staring at Dumbledore, mouth open. He starts to shrink as he feels the stares. He then feels a sharp elbow in his side.
“Get up there,” hisses Hermione as she pushes him up. He shakes his head frantically while she is pushing him up.
“I didn’t do it!” He exclaims as he gets up. “I just wanted one calm year.”
He slowly walks up to Dumbledore.
“Tell me I don’t have to compete,” Harry pleads to Dumbledore for everyone to hear. “Tell me there is a way out of this!”
“I’m sorry my boy,” Dumbledore responds in a sad tone. “But you have to compete.”
Harry feels some sort of magic wash over him. He is searching inside for something as Dumbledore pushes him towards where the other champions are.
“Wait!” exclaims Harry.
Murmurs are heard all around wondering what he is going to do next. Harry and Dumbledore stop. Harry takes his wand out of his back pocket and holds it up.
“I, Harry James Potter, Swear on my magic that I didn’t put my name in the Goblet of Fire, nor did I ask anybody else to do so, so mote it be!” intones Harry. A flash of light accompanies the end of the phrase. Thankfully earlier that month one of Hermione’s research obsessions were magical vows.
“Expecto Patronum” cast Harry. Prongs jumps out his wand and looks ready to attack. But doesn’t see anything so he looks at Harry expectantly. Harry smiles and caresses Prongs on his head and feels much better.
“Harry, my boy, that was very irresponsible of you to do that,” says Dumbledore with a disapproving look as he gently pushes him towards the other champions.
Harry walks with Prongs to the other champions. Before he says anything Fleur is the first to say something.
“Do they vant us back in the hall?” Asks Fleur. Harry shakes his head in a bit of a daze.
“Uh no, I—” started Harry.
“My, my what an amazing turn of events this is,” interrupts an over enthusiastic Ludo Bagman. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the Fourth Triwizard champion!”
Fleur laughs a gentle laugh. “That eez a hilarious joke!”
“I am afraid it is not, Miss Delcour.” responds Dumbledore.
“This is an outrage!” exclaims Karkaroff. “How come Hogwarts gets two champions? Relight the Goblet of Fire. I want to have another champion.”
“Eet ees a leetle unfair,” Headmistress Olympe replies.
“Unfair,” scoffs Harry. “You do realize all of these champions did this of their own free will and are all of age. While I was just hoping for one quiet peaceful year where I can sit and watch other people cheat death for once!”
“Now now Harry-” starts Dumbledore.
“Headmaster please,” Harry interrupts by holding his hand up. “You probably know better than anyone that I have not had any calm since I entered the wizarding world.”
“Entered?” questions Cedric. As Snape raises an eyebrow.
“Since the death of my parents I have lived with mum's sister, Petunia! ” Harry sneers.
“Tuney?” Exclaims Snape to the surprise of everyone including himself.
“Yea?” questions Harry to Snape. “What of it?”
“Nothing.” responds Snape a little too quickly.
“We are getting off topic,” reminds the Minister.
“Right. Is there anyway that I can’t be apart if this awful competition?” Says Harry.
“Unfortunately not Mister Potter,” says the minister. “You must compete.”
“Bugger” says Harry.
“Now,” says an overexcited Ludo Bagman. “You four now have the honor to participate in this tournament. And the first task will be on November 24!”
There is a pause after he says that. All four champions look at their respective headmasters and each other. Then like they all came to a silent agreement look at Viktor.
“Vhat is the task?” Asked Viktor
“You will find out the day of.” Dumbledore says serenely. “Now head back to your common areas. I am sure your classmates would love to celebrate your entrance into this tournament.”
Suddenly Harry feels very tired. He goes to stroke Prongs and realizes he is still holding his Patronus. He releases the spell as he falls in step with Cedric.
“I am sorry this happened Cedric.” Says Harry. “Really I didn't put my name in the Goblet nor did I ask anybody to do so on my behalf.”
“I believe you,” says Cedric. When he turns and sees Harry’s surprised face he says. “We heard your Vow. And I saw your Patronus, which by the way you have to teach me that spell. So yes I believe you.”
“Thanks,” Harry says sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck. “Of course I will teach you that spell if you help me survive this tournament.”
“For sure.” was Cedric's smooth reply as he waves goodbye to head to the Hufflepuff common room.
As Harry walks to the Gryffindor common room. He wonders, not for the first time in his life, how his parents would feel about this situation. He needed to write to Sirius as soon as possible.