Yet Another Goblet of Fire Fic

Harry Potter, Lone Traveler, looked around his most recent arrival point.

As a Dimensional Traveler, he never knew where or when he would appear. And while it was always fun and interesting to wind up in never before seen places and meeting people who had no relation to his original world, it was always interesting to visit his alternates and to enact solutions to the typical world as it occurred at various points.

Even he would admit that his thought processes as a teenager were limited in intelligence and vision, often due to a lack of information on what was possible and what laws pertained to his own circumstances.

It didn't help that teenagers were remarkable egoists who considered (somewhat unconsciously) that the world revolved around them.

He had learned long ago that even a person who was a nexus point (as he and his counterparts tended to be) only made up a very small part of the influences which affected society.

And so he had, at times, come up with basic plans for what to change in a "typical Harry Potter World" solely based on when he appeared. These plans were all subject to modification on the fly depending on the local rules of magic and law that obtained in each universe – they each tended to be slightly different.

And so, when he appeared in what appeared to be Hogwarts, outside of what appeared to be the Great Hall, with nary a soul in sight but audibly during a feast or other gathering (he could hear excited voices among the cacophony which wafted from the Hall), he endeavoured to ascertain exactly when he had appeared.

Just as he considered his first step, he heard the hubbub in the hall diminish and a recognizable voice came through.

"Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision," said Dumbledore. "I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamberwhere they will be receiving their first instructions."

At that, the Lone Traveler rolled his eyes. Of all the incidents of his time at Hogwarts, the Champion Selection Ceremony was one of the absolute worst times for him. It was, in effect, the beginning of the end of a peaceful, happy life.

And he was now placed at a time where he could, perhaps, make the greatest difference in the life of a scared teenage boy.

And so he cast a disillusionment charm upon himself, such that even the Magical Eye worn by (the imposter posing as) Mad Eye Moody would not be able to see through it. 'It was nice having Divine power," he mused to himself.

"The champion for Durmstrang," he heard the strong, clear voice of Dumbledore announce, "will be Viktor Krum."

He heard the Great Hall burst into applause as he casually slid through the doorway into the Great Hall. As expected, no one was paying attention to anything other than the spectacle upon the dais. "Bravo, Viktor!" boomed Karkaroff's voice. "Knew you had it in you!"

The room was applauding the Bulgarian teenager has he made his way to the door which had been used to prepare the champions.

Harry watched as the Goblet lit up once more and another small sheet was ejected. He admired the wandless magic Dumbledore used to call the slip to his hand. His voice called out again: "The champion for Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour!"

Harry was amused at the haughty confidence of the young Veela as she left the hall as well. He, like his local counterpart and friends, noted the overly emotional visitors who weren't picked.

the Goblet of Fire turned red once more; sparks showered out of it; the tongue of flame shot high into the air, and from its tip Dumbledore pulled the third piece of parchment. "The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory!"

"Excellent!" Dumbledore called happily as at last the tumult died down. "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real -"

As he had himself once witnessed, Dumbledore stopped speaking, and looked in confusion and a little bit of horror as the fire in the goblet had just turned red again. Sparks were flying out of it. The Traveler saw the disbelief in Dumbledore's face as he snapped up the last sheet.

In the moment, Harry gauged that this was not one of the extremely Machiavellian versions of the Headmaster. He could see the honest anger and the subtle fear as Dumbledore read out the name, "Harry Potter."

And in that moment, the Traveler acted. Even as the Headmaster started exhorting his student to come forward, he dismissed his disillusionment charm and said one word: "Hold."

And with that one sound the entire hall, already shocked silent by the unexpected selection of his local version, turned to see where the voice came from.

The entirety of Hogwarts saw a man walking from the door between the two middle tables. He was dressed in a Muggle manner. The staff watched in confusion, even as Dumbledore surreptitiously moved to have his wand within easy reach.

The Traveler also saw Crouch Junior tense, but not act.

"Who are you?" the Headmaster asked with some asperity.

With a directed calmness the Traveler replied, "Have you heard tales the legend of the Lone Traveler?" He immediately noticed the confusion within the Hall. There was no recognition in the Headmaster's face. He was somewhat surprised. "I see that you haven't. I am a dimensionally displaced Wizard. Due to the rampant stupidity of trying to meddle with time I am forced from world to world to assist where I can. My placement is directed by powers that are beyond mortal. I have observed what has occurred here and I have decided to intervene."

Dumbledore looked at the man. He appeared to be in his early thirties. He bore a resemblance to the Potters of all people, but more mature. The visitor also wore no glasses and he knew that James Potter, like his son, had worn glasses. For an instant no one but Dumbledore was looking at the man's eyes and for just an instant they changed to the green which marked only one male that he had known. His eyes widened slightly as he saw that this must be a mature version of his favorite student – and one of those eyes winked. He was certain no one else had noticed – and the eyes returned to the blue that they had been.

Suddenly the anger and fear he had been feeling dissipated and his normal cheerful demeanour returned.

"I see. Why have you interfered with this ceremony?" The people in the hall looked confused when the Headmaster was all of a sudden calm and returned to his normal humour. They felt they had missed something.

With a serious tone the Traveler replied, "Look around you Headmaster. The bonds of collegiality within your students are being stretched and twisted. The Hufflepuffs are feeling betrayed, the Slytherins are calculating the change in influence, the Ravenclaws are planning to step back, and half of the Gryffindors are feeling betrayed while the other half are feeling exalted. Your visitors are feeling slighted and the Ministry workers are making plans in their heads."

Dumbledore looked around and saw that the visitor was quite accurate in his observation.

"And while Mr. Potter is an intensely private person, I do believe he would rather avoid the overwhelming forced solitude and suspicion he unjustly experienced two years ago during that whole Chamber and Heir debacle. You must investigate – but I would suggest letting everyone see the truth."

Dumbledore appeared to consider that and then nodded. He gave a quiet word to his Deputy who went to retrieve the other Champions. He then turned to the Traveler. "And how would you suggest we proceed?"

The Traveler glanced over and saw the shock still upon the local Boy-Who-Lived's face, even as Hermione Granger looked worried and Ron Weasley looked somewhat mutinous.

As the three students returned with Professor McGonagall, the Traveler spoke. "Madam Pomphrey. Is there any medical reason – regardless of the Law – which prevents the use of Veritaserum if a fourteen-year old wizard consents to its use?"

Many gasps and surprised whispers sounded throughout the Great Hall as the Matron of the Hospital Wing considered that. "I assume you are speaking of Mr. Potter?"

"I am."

She paused and said, "I know of no reason why there might be negative effects. But I would demand to monitor and ensure his health is not threatened."

The Traveler nodded. He turned toward the boy. "Mr. Harry Potter." The shocked teenager focused upon the visitor. "Your name has been picked by the Goblet of Fire. As Mr. Crouch will attest, there is no known way of disassociating you from the magical contract which this ancient device creates upon selecting a name. It was created during a time where gladiators and slaves were forced to compete for the enjoyment of the masses. It is truly a barbaric device, regardless of what it is currently used for. That cannot be changed.

"But you are assumed, by most present, that you somehow conspired to be picked regardless of the traditions and laws which surround this Tournament. Are you willing to submit to testifying under truth serum as to your involvement with this debacle? Due to the laws surrounding it's use, you cannot be forced to submit, but only this will remove all doubt."

The Traveler smiled internally when he saw the shock and fear dissipate in Harry Potter's face as he said with some vehemence, "I want to answer using the Veritaserum." There were gasps of shock and surprise throughout the Hall. The teachers and the Ministry workers were split between outrage and curiosity.

Severus Snape, previously somewhat gleeful that the boy was being forced to submit to truth serum, looked almost more surprised than most of the students who assumed he must have done something. He almost missed the visitor addressing him. "Potions Master Severus Snape. Do you have Ministerial Sanction to brew Veritaserum?"

He gathered himself and answered. "I do have such Sanction."

"Do you have a stock on hand?"

"I do."

"With the understanding that it's replacement will be paid or within one month by Harry Potter, are you willing to provide it for this investigation?"

He glanced over to the Potter spawn who looked shocked at this but not disagreeable. "As long as Mr. Potter," (the disdain was definitely there), "is willing to state he will pay the 100 Galleons for the ingredients needed to brew a new batch once this one is used, I will provide it."

There was a look of defiance on the 4th year's face as he said, "I will pay for the ingredients as soon as I can retrieve the money from Gringotts and I will pay an additional 100 Galleons for the time needed to brew it." He knew he had the needed money in his vault.

The Headmaster interjected, "The time to brew will be paid for by Hogwarts. You only will pay for the ingredients."

Harry Potter nodded toward the Headmaster but still exuded dislike for the Potions Master even as the man left to retrieve the potion.

The Traveler considered. "Hmm. One more thing." He smirked at the Headmaster as he called out, "Fawkes!"

The gasps were loud in the Great Hall as the Headmaster's phoenix appeared right in front of the visitor. Dumbledore, however, was only amused. "If your human asks, would you be willing to take a letter somewhere and retrieve the recipient if they agree?"

The majestic bird looked at the Headmaster and trilled, the song wafting in the room. Dumbledore asked, "Whom am I requesting?"

"Madam Bones."

Only the Traveler noticed the fake Alastor Moody tense and start to try to withdraw. The entire Great Hall, however, noticed the visitor move almost preternaturally fast and hit the man with a Stupefy.

Only Dumbledore did not recoil in horror. The Traveler, at a glance, saw recognition and a terrible anger in his face. It was quickly hidden. Dumbledore looked enquiringly at the visitor even as those around moved back. "Polyjuiced Death Eater." The hall gasped in horror.

No one but Dumbledore was looking at the man when, without looking, a second stunner was sent without looking at Bartemious Crouch Senior. "Currently under an Imperious Spell," the Traveler noted with an even tone.

Dumbledore only sighed and nodded. "Maybe it is time to let the students go so that these matters can be taken care of."

The Traveler only smirked. "Trust me – no one else needs to be dealt with here. And they'll be out at least two hours. And it would take your magical skill or better to bring them out of those Stupefy spells."

Dumbledore looked resigned as he nodded in answer. Fawkes was quickly dispatched and by the time Severus Snape returned and Amelia Bones was retrieved, the two stunned people had been moved to the small room the Champions had been sent to and were being watched by Filius Flitwick. The Traveler said that the real Alastor Moody would keep a little while longer before being retrieved and the Headmaster unhappily agreed.

Amelia Bones was intensely curious as she looked around at the Great Hall where she had arrived to. "Professor Dumbledore. What is so urgent that you sent your phoenix to retrieve me?"

Dumbledore has a small smile as he replied, "We have two prisoners and a Veritaserum questioning for you to witness." Amelia's eyes widened. "Exciting, isn't it?"

Amelia could only shake her head at the man's childlike demeanour. She knew better than most what power was hidden by such a façade.

The Headmaster looked at Harry who had been talking quietly with Ron, who no longer looked mutinous but now a bit scared, and Hermione, who looked worried still but also curious. "Mr. Potter. Please come up front here."

Harry nodded. The Headmaster conjured a comfortable chair facing the audience and Harry sat down.

Madam Bones had retrieved a dictaquill from her robes and parchment to provide a transcript. Severus Snape stood nearby with the Veritaserum, ready to dispense it. Madam Pomphrey was also next to Harry's chair, having performed a diagnostic, ensuring he was healthy.

Madam Bones nodded to the Headmaster. To the surprise of many, the Headmaster only looked to the Traveler, who only sighed and nodded.

After a quick Tempus spell, he began speaking. "This is a Veritaserum interview given at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The subject is Harry James Potter. His address will not be included due to security concerns. The date is October 31st, 1994. The time is 8:56 PM.

"Interrogator: Department of Mysteries Agent, Codename: Traveler." At that there were surprised murmurs. Amelia Bones quickly cast a nonverbal spell which verified it. It had to be non-verbal as it was a secret as to how it worked.

"Amelia Bones, Director of Magical Law Enforcement, British Ministry for Magic. Witness. Identity of Interrogator verified."

"Also witnessing: Albus Brian Percival Wulfric Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Ludvic Bagman, Director of Magical Games and Sports. Severus Snape, Potions Master, providing the Veritaserum. Madam Poppy Pomphrey, Mediwitch and Hospital Matron, Hogwarts. Various other staff and students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Visiting Headmaster and students from Durmstrang Institute of Magic and Visiting Headmistress and students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic."

The Traveler turned and said, "For all witnessing, you are hereby notified that you are legally enjoined from asking any questions during this interrogation. If anyone asks an unapproved question heard by Mr. Potter, Mr. Potter will be silenced and Madam Bones will arrest and detain the guilty party. Is there anyone who feels they cannot abide by these restrictions?"

No one said anything.

"Very good." He turned back to Harry. "Severus Snape, do you attest that the Potion you are providing is legally brewed Veritaserum and no other potion?"

"I do so attest."

"Do you attest that you also have the counterserum on hand to be provided when requested?"

"I do so attest."

"Administer the drops."

Everyone watched in fascination as Severus Snape stoically placed three drops on Harry Potter's tongue. He then withdrew.

"Madam Pomphrey. Please attest that Mr. Harry Potter has not been medically compromised."

The Hogwart's healer performed two diagnostic spells and then nodded. "According to the charms, Mr. Potter has not been compromised."

"I will now ask control questions to verify the serum is working."

"What is your name and who are your parents?"

"Harry James Potter. James Potter and Lily Evans Potter."

"Do you know the full names of your parents including middle names?"

"No."

There were murmurs of surprise but a sharp look from Dumbledore quieted the room. There were also looks of shock on the face of some staff members.

The Traveler smirked to himself and asked, "When did you find out you were a wizard and who told you?"

"31 July 1991, just after midnight. Hagrid told me."

The Traveler considered the next question and then looked around the room. He prepared to cast a silencing charm. "What is Voldemort's birth name and who was he named after?" Dumbledore's eyes widened but he made no attempt to stop the question from being answered.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle. He was named after his Muggle father." The Traveler quickly silenced the area around Harry even as the room exploded into sound. It took some effort by Dumbledore to calm the room. The Traveler removed the silencing charm.

"Chief Warlock Dumbledore. Are the answers given correct to the best of your knowledge?"

Dumbledore said clearly, "They are correct to the best of my knowledge."

The Traveler rolled his eyes as the room exploded a bit less this time. The Traveler turned and said, "You are warned. Another outburst and you will be prevented from hearing the rest."

The room stilled.

The Traveler removed the silencing charm again and began questioning. "Did you enter your name in the Goblet of Fire?"

"No."

"Did you do anything to get your name placed in the Goblet of Fire?"

"No."

"Did you know in any way that your name would be entered into the Goblet of Fire?"

"No."

"Do you want to compete in the TriWizard Tournament?"

"No."

"If you win the tournament as an illegally entered fourth participant, are you willing to split the winnings with whoever is in second place?"

There were murmurs of surprise at the question and even more when the answer was "Yes."

The Traveler silenced Harry and looked around. "Any more questions that are required?"

Severus Snape looked like he really wanted to say something but he kept his silence.

The Traveler removed the charm and said, "One more control question to verify the serum is still working." He paused. "How big was the basilisk that you killed second year to save your friend's sister and the school?"

"About seventy feet long and five or six feet thick."

The Traveler silenced Harry again and waited until the room silenced. He removed the spell. "Ginevra Weasley. As the only other person to see the basilisk, is that a correct answer to the best of your knowledge?"

Little Ginny Weasley was blushing heavily but answered. "That sounds right."

The Traveler nodded. "Severus Snape, please administer the antidote." The Great Hall watched as it was administered. Madam Pomphrey verified his health once more.

"Okay. Lie this time. Who is your best friend?"

Harry Potter looked around and with a smirk said, "Draco Malfoy."

Everyone at the Gryffindor table exploded into laughter, followed by several from other tables. Even the Slytherins were amused – except Draco who looked mutinous.

"I believe we can verify that's a lie. This concludes the questioning. Return to your seat."

The Traveler moved to speak to Dumbledore and, after giving the Champions the instructions for the Tournament, the students were dismissed.

The ones who were kept included the Champions, Harry, and his friends. Dumbledore protested only weakly but quickly agreed after the Traveler insisted.

The two Crouches were retrieved (the Polyjuice had worn off) and Amelia Bones then began to question the former Azkaban inmate with the Veritaserum that Snape still had.