Nico di Angelo and the Goblet of Fire

Chapter 10: An Unwanted Amount of Fame

Harry sat there, shocked. He was aware that everyone in the Great Hall had turned to stare at him, even more so than Nico. For one thing, Nico just transferred, and wasn't known that well yet. He would be now, seeing as he was a champion.

Harry was numb. He turned to look at Ron and Hermione, hoping it was a mistake. "I didn't put my name in. You know I didn't," Harry said blankly. Both of them stared right back.

At the top table, Dumbledore called out again. "Harry Potter! Harry! Up here, if you please!"

"Go on, then," Hermione said, giving Harry a push.

Harry stumbled slightly on the edge of his robes. He set off down the tables, feeling like the few hundred feet was miles. He arrived at the head table.

"Well, through the door then, Harry," Dumbledore said. He didn't smile. Harry moved behind the teacher's table. All the teachers looked shocked, including Hagrid, who didn't smile or even wink at Harry.

The faces of the portraits turned to look at him as he entered the chamber. Fleur and Krum were leaning against the wall, looking strangely impressive. Nico moved forward from the corner and raised his eyebrow at Harry. He didn't smile or show any kind of support, but Harry still felt relieved that he had a friend here.

Fleur Delacour turned to look at Harry when he entered. "What is it? Do they want us back in the main hall?" She clearly thought that Harry had been sent to retrieve them and not because he was a champion.

Harry stood there, not knowing what to say until the sound of feet was behind him. Ludo Bagman entered the room. He took Harry by the arm and led him forward.

"Extraordinary! Absolutely extraordinary!" Bagman muttered. "Gentlemen, lady, may I introduce the fourth Triwizard champion?"

Krum straightened up. He looked even more surly. Nico raised an eyebrow and seemed pretty nonchalant. Fleur, however, smiled and said, "Very funny, Monsieur Bagman."

Bagman looked baffled. "Oh, it's not a joke. Harry's name just came out of the Goblet of Fire!"

"Well, there must be a mistake," Fleur said. "He can't enter-he's too young!"

"Well, it is amazing," Bagman said, rubbing his chin and smiling at Harry. "But, as you know, the age restriction was only imposed this year as an extra safety measure. And as his name's come out of the goblet...I mean, I don't think there can be any ducking out at this stage...It's down in the rules, you're obliged...Harry will just have to do the best he-" the door burst open again, revealing Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Mr. Crouch, Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime. Harry heard buzzing from the students in the Great Hall before Professor McGonagall closed the door.

Dumbledore rushed forward and grabbed Harry. "Harry! Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?" He demanded angrily.

Harry shook. "No, sir."

Dumbledore released him. "Did you ask an older student to do it for you?"

"No," Harry repeated.

"Ah, but he must be lying!" Madame Maxime cried.

"He couldn't have crossed the Age Line," McGonagall said sharply. "We all agreed on that."

"Dumbledore must have made a mistake," Madame Maxime shrugged.

"It is possible," Dumbledore interjected politely.

"You know perfectly well you didn't make a mistake." Professor McGonagall said angrily, turning to look at the headmaster. "Really, what nonsense! Harry could not have crossed the line himself, and as Professor Dumbledore believes that he did not persuade an older student to do it for him, I'm sure that should be good enough for everybody else!" She shot a furious look at Snape.