Along Came Trouble | Book 2

Chapter 10: I Believe You

Finally, the night of the Champion selections! I've been looking forward to this for so long!

Hermione decided to be boring, and sit alone, while reading. I, however, stood with Harry and Ron, talking to them instead. "Eternal glory. That'd be nice." I said.

"Yeah, but I don't really need it." Harry pointed out.

"I could use some glory." Ron told us, making me chuckle.

"Eternal glory would be just a ton of food for you, Ronald."

"Hey!" He hit my arm playfully, while Harry shook his head, grinning.

Soon, Dumbledore came in, and asked everyone to sit down. I sat on the bleachers beside Hermione, and looked up at the Goblet of Fire. To be honest, it was really cool.

The Headmaster droned on about not being able to turn back, and whatnot, before he actually began doing what we were here to watch.

A slip of paper shot out of the blue fire, and he caught it with ease. "The Beauxbatons Champion is Fleur Delacour!"

The end of the Ravenclaw table, where the Beauxbatons were sitting, erupted into squeals and cheers, as Fleur stood proudly. Dumbledore shook her hand, and gestured to the room where the Champions were to go after their selection.

Once she was gone, the next piece of paper shot out. "The Durmstrang Champion is Viktor Krum!"

Loud whoops and whistles echoed through the Great Hall, as Viktor stood up, following Fleur's actions.

Finally, the Hogwarts Champion! "The Hogwarts Champion is Cedric Diggory!"

Don't go thinking I was the only one who didn't clap. I said this would be fun to watch, but, watching people die is a little different. Cedric is clearly a wimp.

Ugh, all that excitement for nothing! 

Dumbledore began talking again, but, I was too busy paying attention to the Goblet. For some reason, the fire in it had turned red, and began swirling around.

Everyone noticed as well, and began gasping, and muttering to each other. The Headmaster turned around, and looked at it.

Oddly enough, another name shot out, making me jump. He caught it, just as he did with the others, and read it aloud. "Harry Potter?"

Isn't he only 14? 

I looked at him, and he looked right back, fear in his eyes. He sank down into his seat, so I sat up taller. Maybe Dumbledore wouldn't see him.

"HARRY POTTER!" 

Hermione rolled her eyes, and scoffed. "Go on, Harry!" She hissed. She jerked him up, and shoved him forward, making me hit her arm.

I watched as poor Harry fearfully approached the Headmaster. 

"He's a cheat!" A boy shouted. "He's not even 17 yet!"

"Oh, shut it!" I snapped, making the room fall silent. 

Dumbledore handed him the slip of paper with his name on it, and sent him back with the other Champions.

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"I hope he's okay. They won't make him compete, will they?" I asked Hermione worriedly.

"Doubt it, I mean, he's only 14. He can't compete, it's against the rules. Besides, I highly doubt he put his name in himself." She assured me. 

"Well, who did then?"

"It would be impossible for someone to enter his name. He knows he did it himself." Ron grumbled angrily.

"Are you seriously jealous?!" I demanded at him.

"Why would I be jealous?" He snapped.

"I don't know! Why are you mad then?"

"Who said I was mad?"

"Your face and your negative attitude, that's what! How dare you speak of your best friend like that behind his back?"

"Guys, please stop," Hermione pleaded wearily.

"I will if she does."

Rolling my eyes, I stormed up to my dorm, and slammed the door. Ron was such an arse! 

After taking a long shower, and changing into a tanktop and shorts, I fell onto my bed, and dozed off into a restless, and angry sleep.

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"I'm scared, Riley," Harry said to me. "They're making me compete."

"I'd be afraid too. Just know that you have friends to support you, and help you throughout the whole thing." I told him gently.

"Yeah, but Ron's not really helping with the way he's acting." 

I sighed, and nodded. "Ignore him. He's jealous because he's not in the center of attention."

"It's not like I want to be,"

"I know you don't,"

"You believe me, right? That I didn't put my name in the Goblet."

"Of course I believe you. Jeez, I know you're not that stupid."

He chuckled. "You think I'm stupid then?"

"Duh! All boys are stupid, Harry. But, sometimes, a girl has to learn to overlook their stupidity, and see their inner beauty."

"That was cheesy."

"Ugh, don't remind me. Anyway, if you ever need someone, you know who to go to."

He smiled a little, and nodded. "Thanks, Riley. You're a pretty good friend, you know that?"

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't."