Light Shines Brightest In The Darkness

C2- Expectations

"Your name?"

Tempest's eyes glazed over and became pure white and blank as she replied in a monotone. "Tempestas Lily Potter."

"Which spell did you master in third year, and what shape does it take?" Dumbledore asked, to confirm her identity as an extra precaution.

"The Patronus Charm, and it takes on the shape of a doe."

Dumbledore pretended not to notice the visible start Professor Snape made behind him, and gave a quick nod. "Very well, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?"

"No."

"Did you ask an older student, or anyone else for that matter, to put your name in the Goblet?"

"No."

"Did you know, before your name was called from the Goblet of Fire, anything about your name being entered into the cup?"

"No."

Dumbledore turned from Tempest to the rest of the room. "Satisfied?" He asked.

When there were no objections, he took out his wand and muttered "Finite Incantatem."

Tempest blinked, and her eyes resumed their usual green. "What happened? Did it work?"

Professor Dumbledore withdrew his head from the Pensive, sighing.

"This can't go on Albus."

Dumbledore did not look up.

"-first the Dark Mark, now this..."

"And what do you suggest Minerva?"

"Put an end to it. Don't let Tempest compete! Shut down the entire tournament if that's what it takes... the risk of her- again-"

"You heard Barty, the rules are clear. The binding magical contract..."

"To Merlin with Barty's rules- and since when did you care? The first Triwizard Tournament in over fifty years and this happens... It isn't just coincidence Dumbledore!"

Snape's voice cut in silkily. "Albus, I too find it difficult to believe that this is mere coincidence, but perhaps, if we were to discover the true meaning of these happenings, it would be better to- for the time being... Let them unfold..."

Minerva turned to Snape, aghast. "What? Do nothing? Offer her up... as some sort of bait?"

Dumbledore directed his attention instead to Severus. "I agree with Severus. Alastor, keep an eye on Tempest will you?"

Alastor Moody stumped out of the corner where he had been lurking. "Aye. I can do that. Keep her out of trouble as best I can."

"Don't let her know Alastor- she must be anxious enough as it is... Only fourteen... Knowing what lies ahead..." Dumbledore murmured.

"Oh believe me," Minerva snapped, stalking to the door. "Miss Potter will not so much as be anxious as pissed." The door slammed shut behind her.

Fawkes shuffled his feathers haughtily. Finally looking up from the Pensive, Dumbledore looked at Snape, who as always looked emotionless.

"Goodnight Alastor." Dumbledore dismissed him, only to call to Snape back, "A word, if you please Severus?"

Snape stopped, turning back. "Yes Albus?" he asked coldly.

Dumbledore finally looked up from the Pensive. "I was wondering Severus... About your thoughts on what has been unveiled tonight."