Chapter 7
The moment Harry woke he opened his eyes to meet with Viktors whose eyes were filled with worry and then with relief. "Harry...." Harry's voice was weak as he spoke, the words almost a whisper, "I... I didn't put my name in."
Viktor's eyes softened with reassurance, and he quickly responded, "I never believed you did, not even for a second. No one can fake a panic attack and then faint like that."
Madam Pomfrey, having overheard their conversation, approached Harry's bedside. "Would you like a calming draught, Harry?" she inquired, her expression gentle.
Harry considered for a moment, feeling a lingering unease. "That might help. I'm still feeling funny."
Madam Pomfrey nodded and proceeded to prepare the calming draught. She handed the potion to Harry, instructing him to drink it slowly. As the potion took effect, a wave of calm washed over Harry, alleviating the residual tension from the panic attack. The room seemed to settle, and Viktor returned to Harry's side, concern etched on his features.
"How are you feeling now, Harry?" Viktor asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.
"Better with the calming draught....How long was I out?" Harry's voice was weak as he slowly regained consciousness.
"You've been here overnight. You've missed breakfast and lunch today as well..." Madam Pomfrey informed him, her gaze filled with concern.
Just as Harry was trying to process the information, Dumbledore and the other headmasters entered the room. Dumbledore began to speak, "Viktor, I believe it would be best if you waited outside. We need to talk to Harry privately."
Before Dumbledore could finish, Harry, still holding Viktor's hand, spoke up, "Harry asks me to stay. I stay." Viktor's response was firm, a silent declaration of his support.
Dumbledore nodded, acknowledging Viktor's presence, and then directed his attention to Harry. "Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?" he inquired.
Harry shook his head weakly, "No. I couldn't have. I was with Viktor the whole time. The only time I went near the cup was when Viktor put his own name in. Besides, I'm a minor. I don't want to be in this competition. Is there any way I can back out? I'm not too big on risking my life for 'fame and glory,' you know."
Dumbledore exchanged a glance with the other headmasters, and then responded, "We will investigate this matter thoroughly, Harry. As for your concerns, we will discuss the possibilities. Your safety is of utmost importance."
As Viktor mocked Dumbledore's assurance about Harry's safety, saying, "Your safety is of utmost importance," he continued with frustration, "If his safety was important to you, he would not participate! He is too young! It is like sending him to an early grave!"
Harry, sensing Viktor's rising anger, attempted to calm him by patting his hand. "I'm sure Dumbledore is trying, Viktor..."
Dumbledore's expression remained solemn as he addressed Harry and Viktor. "I understand your concerns, Viktor, and I share them. However, the Triwizard Tournament is a magical contract, and once a champion's name is selected, they are bound by its rules. Attempting to withdraw, especially in such a manner, would trigger consequences that could be disastrous not only for Harry but for everyone involved."
He continued, "I did not anticipate a fourth champion, and I assure you, Harry, that if there were a way to release you from this obligation without endangering yourself or others, I would do so. The Triwizard Tournament is a prestigious and ancient magical competition, and the binding nature of its contract is not something to be taken lightly."
Viktor's frustration simmered, evident in the tight set of his jaw and the intensity of his gaze. Dumbledore, realizing the weight of the situation, added, "I will do my best to ensure Harry's safety throughout the tournament. The magical contract, however, is a powerful enchantment, and I cannot simply nullify it without dire consequences."
As Dumbledore spoke, Harry's expression shifted from concern to one of forlorn and resignation of his fate. Harry turned to look at Madam Pomfrey and asked if he was free to go
Madam Pomfrey gave Harry a reassuring nod, indicating that he was free to leave. As Harry got up, Viktor stayed close, ready to support him if needed. Harry addressed Dumbledore, expressing his intention to return to his dormitory.
"I think I'll head back to my dorm now, Professor, if that's alright with you..."
Dumbledore, understanding the emotional toll on Harry, nodded in agreement. "Very well. Rest well now, Harry."
With Dumbledore leading the other headmasters out of the room, Harry let out a sigh and leaned against Viktor, finding comfort in his presence. He asked a rhetorical question, a lament more than an inquiry. "Why me?" Without expecting an answer, he straightened up and headed towards the door, Viktor at his side.
As Viktor and Harry started to make their way toward the dormitories, Karkaroff's voice interrupted their path. The Durmstrang headmaster called out to Viktor, demanding his presence on the ship for a conversation. Viktor looked at Harry, a hint of apology in his eyes, before gently kissing Harry on the forehead. He then turned and followed Karkaroff out of the castle, leaving Harry behind in the echoing corridor.
Feeling the warmth of Viktor's gentle kiss on his forehead, Harry's blush deepened. In that moment, it became crystal clear to him—his feelings for Viktor were undeniably those of love. The realization weighed on him, but it was also accompanied by a certain sense of comfort.
Cursing under his breath, Harry recognized the need to inform Sirius about the unexpected turn of events. Resigned to the fact that his life had taken an unforeseen twist, he headed to his dormitory, intent on reaching out to his godfather and sharing the recent developments at Hogwarts.
Navigating the castle's corridors, Harry felt the weight of the collective disapproval from his fellow students. The anger and accusing stares followed him, a constant reminder of the isolation he now faced. Each step he took seemed to echo the disbelief and suspicion that surrounded him, turning the familiar Hogwarts halls into a gauntlet of judgment and hostility.
Entering the dormitory, Harry had hoped for a moment of respite from the hostile stares and disapproving glances that had followed him through the castle. However, the atmosphere inside his dorm was not much different. The weight of the entire school's skepticism and hostility seemed to have seeped into the very walls.
Even Ron, his closest friend, joined the ranks of those who questioned and accused him. The accusatory words stung as Ron yelled and pestered Harry about how he supposedly got his name in the Triwizard Cup. It was a bitter pill to swallow, realizing that no one seemed to believe in his innocence, that there was a genuine threat to his life, and that he was facing this ordeal alone.
Harry stayed silent as he packed some supplies for writing in his bag. He figured he'd head somewhere quiet to write. As he made his way out of the Gryffindor tower and out of the castle, Harry sat down on the edge of the lake. The quiet rippling of the water and the distant sounds of the castle provided a somber backdrop as he began to pen a letter to his godfather.
Dear Snuffles,
Sorry for not writing last night. I ended up in the hospital wing. I was originally thinking about writing to you about someone I like, but now that doesn't seem quite important. I've been chosen as a Triwizard Tournament champion, despite there already being a Hogwarts champion. I'm honestly scared about what's going to happen next. I feel lost and all alone. Ron's all but killed our friendship over this, and the other students seem to hate my guts. Dumbledore says there's no way for me to get out of this. Please tell me you're safe and sound? I think I'll feel better if I know at least one of us is safe.
Take care,
Harry
Harry sighed and sealed up his letter, then headed into the owlery. He looked around and found Ron's owl, using it to send Sirius his letter. After sending the letter, he sat there for a little while, giving Hedwig some scritches before realizing he needed to head back to the Gryffindor dorms before curfew.
When Harry arrived at the Fat Lady, he saw his trunk and belongings scattered outside the door. He looked at the Fat Lady and asked, "Guess I got kicked out, huh?" She responded, "You are a Gryffindor, and you know the password. I am obligated to open to you." Harry sighed and gathered his things. "It's fine... not worth fighting them about it." He shrunk his stuff and left, heading back down, trying to figure out where he would stay.