Dumbledore paced in a circle, finally letting Sly go as he curled at the back. The champions shared a look, confused as to what was happening. Why was he here?
Spinning around sharply, Dumbledore glared once more at Sly. “Harry! Did you put your name in the goblet of fire?!”
Sly gulped, stepping back once more.
“Answer me!”
“Hey now, why don’t we calm down?” Cedric jumped between Dumbledore and Sly, holding up his hands. Cedric turned back to Sly, a kind smile on his face. “Did you put your name in?”
Sly shook his head fearfully as Cedric nodded sweetly.
“Did you get one of the older students to do it for you?” Once more, Sly shook his head. “Do you know how it got in then?” Another shake. “You sure?” A nod. “See sir, that was a lot more peaceful.”
“He’s lying!” Madame Maxime burst through the door, hitting the lamp that got in her way.
“The hell he is,” Mad-eye growled as he glared at Madame Maxime. “The goblet of fire is an exceptionally powerful magic object, only an exceptionally powerful conjurer could have hoodwinked it. Magic way beyond the talents of a fourth year.”
Sly gulped, unsure whether to be terrified of the teacher or thankful.
“But he is no ordinary student, is he? It may have escaped your attention however that boy was able to destroy a basilisk with only his magic. He’s survived the killing curse twice and uses both wandless and wordless magic- a skill that is way beyond the talents of a fourth year.” Igor glared at Sly who whimpered slightly.
“But that would mean he would have to both beat an exceptionally powerful magical object but also do it in a way that no one else has done before. That is not in the capability of a fourth year, even one as exceptional as Slythist.”
Sly blinked, glancing at Mad-Eye. He said his full name. Most people couldn’t do that or bother with that. Not even Ama could.
“You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought, Mad-Eye,” Igor sneered, glaring at Mad-Eye who grimaced.
“It was once my job to think as dark wizards do, Karkaroff perhaps you remember?”
“That doesn’t help Alastor,” Dumbledore interjected, pushing Mad-Eye back. “Leave this to you, Barty.”
“The rules are absolute,” Barty announced, “the goblet of fire constitutes a binding magical contract. Mr Potter has no choice; he is, as of tonight, a Triwizard champion.”
Sly shook his head, his magic swirling around him. ‘No!’
“There is nothing to discuss.”
‘They didn’t even get my name right! I am Slythist Weasley-Potter! I’m not competing!’ Sly’s magic began lifting the objects in the room, dangerously picking up wind.
“Potter, I said there is nothing to dis-” Barty didn’t finish as Sly’s magic exploded, throwing the object back and shattering all the nearby glass.
Protecting themselves, the adults continued to shout at Sly, making it worse with each passing moment until finally, Mad-Eye Moody stunned him.
~~~
Gasping awake, Sly looked around in confusion.
“Ah, you’re awake. You caused quite the commotion below. Shame it didn’t get you out of the tournament.” Mad-Eye sat beside Sly, grinning as Sly pushed himself up.
‘What happens now?’
“Firstly, you apologise to the teachers you injured when you lost control. Secondly, you prepare to take on the Triwizard tournament.”
‘I don’t want to compete.’
“I guessed but you do not have a choice.” Mad-Eye paused for a second. “Before you go, I wish to apologise. After our lesson, I talked to your teachers. They told me what happened. I’m very impressed you lasted as long as you did in my lesson. You have a lot of talent but you do not need to fear my lessons. I will not use those curses in front of you.”
Sly smiled softly, nodding as a thank you.
“If you ever need my help in the tournament, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Jumping, Sly grinned. ‘Thank you’ appeared in bold shiny letters above his head.
“Go on now, it’s time for you to get back to your dorm.”
Sly nodded, rushing back to his dorm, slowing down once he knew he was out of Mad-Eye's line of sight.
He didn’t want to compete.
~~~
Sitting on the wall edge, Sly stared off at the night sky, not wanting to return to his dorm just yet.
“How did you do it?” Ron glared at Sly, scowling harshly. Sly didn’t answer. “Never mind. Doesn’t matter. You could have let your brother know though.”
‘Let you know what?’
“You know bloody well what!”
Spinning around, Sly glared at Ron. ‘I didn’t ask for this to happen, Ron! Okay? You’re being stupid.”
“Yeah, that’s me. Ron Weasley, Sl- Harry Potter’s stupid brother.” Ron spat out the name, making Sly flinch.
‘I didn’t put my name in that cup. I don’t want eternal glory. I just wanna be…” Sly trailed off, lowering his head. “Look, I don’t know what happened tonight and I don’t know why, it just did ok.’
“Just like things with Ginny?”
A long silence stretched out. ‘I didn’t mean for… I didn’t want…’ Sly couldn't find the right words as Ron turned around.
“I don’t care. Piss of.”
Sly was left alone, the silence hammering against his ears. Curling down, Sly tried to stop himself from crying.
~~~
“Sly? Sly? Where are you?” Roger turned around, his eyes snapping on Sly’s frame. “Sly? Are you okay?”
Sly forced his head up, catching sight of his closest friend. Roger didn’t ask what was wrong, nor did he try to get words out of Sly. He simply helped Sly up and brought him to the dorm.
An owl waited on his bed, another note from the mysterious person.
‘Cub, I know you didn’t put your name in the goblet. I know it's tough right now, but it’ll be okay. Keep your friends close, cub, good luck. Padfoot.’
YOU ARE READING
Death Parts Us
FanfictionWhen Sirius Black breaks out of prison, seeing his godson hanging around that rat, he does the most logical think that occured to him. He was going to break into Hogwarts and rip that stupid rat into a million pieces. He couldn't imagine a single t...
