The Depth of Deception // H. Potter

flashback: the triwizard tournament

"Now. There is, apparently, a rather nasty rumor flying about the school that Quidditch will not be played this year. That rumor, I'm here to tell you is absolutely true. There is an explanation. You see, Hogwarts will this year play host to a legendary event. An event that has not taken place in over one hundred years; The Triwizard Tournament." Dumbledore spoke.

Everyone in the Great Hall was ecstatic. Amara glanced at Draco and saw his face light up. 

"For those of you who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament was originally conceived some seven centuries ago as a way for the three largest European wizardry schools to engage in a series of magical contests while their respective student bodies experienced the benefits of cross-cultural social intercourse. In other words; one got to spend an entire year getting to know people who spoke a funny language. Unfortunately due to a distressing high death toll, the Tournament was canceled, until now." Dumbledore continued. This 'tournament' was dangerous. 

"Please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic!" Dumbledore announced as the doors to the Great Hall burst open, revealing a large swarm of ladies in baby blue dresses.

All of Hogwarts was stunned, mostly the male population. Amara looked at Draco, who seemed to be drooling over the girls. Amara scoffed and rolled her eyes aggressively.

"Calm down, Amara," Blaise whispered in her ear, "we all know you're the hottest one here." Amara smirked at Blaise, as she could feel his breath on her neck.

"And now our friends from the north! Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang!" Dumbledore announces, and the next flood of students comes in, this time all male. The testosterone levels in the Great Hall seemed to rise all of a sudden. However, Amara's hand found Blaise's under the Slytherin table.

"I would like to say a few words before we bring in the casket. Eternal glory. That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament. But to do so, that student must survive three tasks. Three very dangerous tasks." Dumbledore becomes more serious.

"You see, the Triwizard Tournament has an unfortunate history of killing off its participants. For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain, we have the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Mr. Bartemius Crouch." Dumbledore signals and Mr. Crouch comes up to speak to the three schools of students.

"After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that, for their own safety, no student under the age of seventeen will be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament. This decision is final." With Mr. Crouch's announcement, utter outrage struck upon the students.

"The Goblet of Fire. Anybody wishing to submit themselves to the tournament need only write their name upon a piece of parchment and drop it into the flames within the next twenty-four hours. Do not do so lightly. If chosen, there is no turning back. As of this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun." Dumbledore spoke, addressing the students one last time.

As the end of the first week approached, it was time to announce the Triwizard champions.

"The champion for Durmstrang is...Victor Krum." Dumbledore announces, as everyone began to clap. Something about Viktor was intimidating, he sort of scared Amara in a weird way. 

Dumbledore announced another champion, "The champion for Beauxbatons is...Fleur Delacour." Once again, the Great Hall erupted in joyous cheer. The Hall was quiet again, awaiting to hear who the Hogwarts champion would be.

"And lastly, the Hogwarts champion..." Dumbledore read to card from the Goblet, "Cedric Diggory!" Everyone was clapping for him, including the Slytherins.

"Excellent! We now have our three champions. I'm sure I can count upon all of you to give your full support to each and every-" A collective gasp interrupts Dumbledore short. A fourth shred of parchment fluters forth. For a moment, Dumbledore simply lets it float in the air, regarding it suspiciously, then he takes it.

Amara was just as confused as everyone else. What was happening?

"Harry Potter."