The Goblet Fiasco
"Harry Potter."
Silence filled the hall.
Harry's heart raced. Everyone turned to stare at him, but he didn't move. He couldn't, even with Hermione nudging him sharply and hissing in his ear that it was okay, he would be fine, they would fix it.
When was it ever fine?
Harry's stomach felt like it was filled with lead, but the rest of him was brimming with unbridled fury.
Every year, something went wrong. Something happened to him that caused everyone to hate him, and every year he had to once again prove himself innocent. Two out of the three years he'd been at Hogwarts, him "proving" himself had meant defeating the darkest wizard of all time, the very wizard that murdered his parents and left him an orphan, abandoned at his muggle aunt's to grow up hated.
When he'd found out he was a wizard, he was excited, of course he was! But he was cynical. For a while he'd had the faintest glimmer of hope maybe he'd be entering a world where he would simply be normal, accepted, and valued for he was.
But no. Instead, he went from hero to villain to hero again, in the same endless cycle every single year.
He knew what would happen now. He'd plead and beg Dumbledore to stop him from competing, and he'd be denied, just like he was every summer when the headmaster told him that no, once again he had to return to his relatives, and he was sorry but it was the best thing for him.
After being forced to compete most of the school would turn on him, and believe he entered himself because he wanted glory. The teachers would be harsher on him, and he would get picked on in the corridors again.
Harry was done. He didn't care anymore. The fury subsided and he was left feeling empty.
Who cared what anyone else thought? He knew that all he ever did was try to be good, and do the right thing, and improve his magic. He knew his morals were fair and just, and he knew that he was kind.
But he was done playing this never-ending game. He wasn't a psycho, he wasn't going to turn dark or evil or anything. He wasn't going to seek revenge or vengeance. But... he wasn't going to let himself be walked all over anymore. And with the threat of Voldemort looming over those who were smart enough to know that it wouldn't be long before he returned? Well, maybe it was time to have a little fun. Harry wasn't going to maintain his mask anymore, he was done pretending he could handle everything thrown his way.
He was breaking slowly. Giving into it, just slightly, might just take some of that pain away.
Hermione had stopped hissing at him. She and Ron were watching him carefully, Hermione concerned and Ron thoughtful. Harry squeezed Hermione's hand gently and then let go. Ron winked at him and he nodded back, grateful he still had his two best friends.
He stood up and let his shaking hands fall to his sides. He glared harshly at Dumbledore, who blinked in slight confusion. Harry made his way into the back room, where all the champions were waiting. He ignored all the whispers, all the stares. He was used to it by now. It didn't make it comfortable, but it was tolerable.
"Potter?" Cedric said in surprise when Harry shut the door with a soft click. "What are you doing in here?"
"I... my name. It came out of the goblet." Harry said, not bothering to pretend to be stoic. He braced himself, ready to deal with the imminent tantrums of the three champions, but...
None came.
Harry looked up and met Cedric's gaze. He didn't look accusatory in the slightest. He looked more shocked than anything else. Then he scowled.
"Oh, Potter, someone is always out to get you aren't they?" Harry's shoulder's slumped with relief.
"I know right? Like come on now, it's getting silly." Harry said earnestly. "All I wanted was one year of normality, one!"
"So, what ze boy is saying is that his name was entered without his permission?" Harry and Cedric turned to Fleur, who was frowning. "Surely zat is illegal, and they cannot make you compete? You're just a child!"
"I mean, ouch?" Harry said, feigning hurt. "But you'd think so, wouldn't you? Our headmaster is out to get me though, he'll make me compete."
Fleur and Krum looked troubled by this. Cedric, however, nodded knowingly.
"He does have a tendency to land you in all sorts of trouble." Cedric said thoughtfully. "It's rather unsafe."
"Don't worry, Potter." Krum said gruffly. "Whatever happens, we've got your back."
"Really?" Harry smiled when the other three champions all nodded fervently. "Thank you so much, you have no idea-"
"HARRY POTTER!" Harry jumped and spun around to face Professor McGonagall, who looked furious. "Please tell these absolute imbeciles that you absolutely without a doubt did not enter your name into that goblet, because for some reason they seem to think I don't know you at all for so much as thinking you would never pull a stunt like that!"
Harry was just relieved the wrath of his head of house wasn't aimed at him.
"I didn't." He said to her and she calmed down, but only enough to grab him gently by the shoulder and position herself slightly in front of him.
"He will not be competing. You will not force my student to play a part in these ridiculous games that he never even consented to be entered into!" She hissed at the other teachers and Ministry officials.
Crouch pursed his lips. Snape looked - well, Harry couldn't tell if he was at war with himself or just really badly constipated. Dumbledore looked grave, the other two headteachers fuming, and Bagman delighted.
"I'm afraid it's a legally binding contract." Dumbledore said, giving Harry a look he was all to familiar with. The look that usually meant Harry's doom. "I'm afraid, dear boy, you must compete."
"Don't call me that!" Harry said shortly. "And no, I won't participate."
"Too right he won't!" Professor McGonagall growled. "There has to be a loophole. Something, anything that will get him out of this!""
"The real question is," Everyone turned to look at Professor Moody, who had just entered the room. "Who entered the lad's name?"
Snape remained silent as the rest of the staff began arguing furiously. Harry just let them. The other champions joined in, arguing alongside McGonagall for Harry's freedom from the tournament.
"You won't make him do this!" Harry resisted the urge to laugh in relief when Hermione slammed the door open, eyes wild and hair wilder. "He doesn't want to, he says no."
"Weasley, Granger, out!" Snape demanded through gritted teeth.
"What, and leave Harry to the sharks? No thanks." Ron said, as he and Hermione flanked Harry and shot the adults harsh glares. "If you want us to leave, you let Harry leave to."
"Well, it's clear there is no option." Dumbledore sighed. "Harry, I'm sorry, but you will have to participate. Fully."
Everyone stood in silence. Hermione gaped at the headmaster, and Ron grabbed Harry's shoulder, squeezing slightly. McGonagall gave Dumbledore a look that could kill, and everyone looked a mix of resigned or annoyed.
Harry took a deep breath and Hermione's hand found his own, squeezing slightly. "Fine. Whatever, I don't care anymore."
"Well, now that's all cleared up!" Bagman clapped, grinning. "The first task is in a month, and remains a mystery. This task will test your quick planning and critical thinking skills, your ability to adapt and think fast, and your daring when facing the unknown. Good luck!"
Hermione and Ron practically dragged Harry from the room.
"Kitchens." Hermione muttered, and the three headed straight there, followed by the other champions. Upon arriving in the kitchens, the house elves made them all some hot chocolate and they sipped in silence.
"Well, what now?" Cedric asked, bright-eyed despite the late hour.
Harry grinned.
"I have a plan..."