A Potter Secret

Questioning the Decision

Harry walks in to a room with the other champions, still staring at the slip of paper. Isabella Angela Potter was scrawled out the scrap. The champions all turn to him and Cedric looks at him, confused. Isabella runs in as a kitten, climbing the couch in order to jump to the table closes to Harry. Cedric's about to say something when Dumbledore bursts in and grabs Harry. "Harry! Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?" Dumbledore demands. Cedric steps forward as Isabella freezes, knowing she's not supposed to be there. He picks up Isabella and tucks her into his pocket so she can still see.

"No sir," Harry replies, honestly and confusedly.

"Did you ask one of the older students to do it for you?" Dumbledore presses.

"No sir."

"You're absolutely sure?"

"Yes sir."

"Well of course he is lying," Madam Maxine insists, hitting a chandelier out of the way of her head as she walks.

"The hell he is. The goblet of fire is an exceptionally powerful magical object," Mad-eye reminds. "Only an exceptionally powerful conjurer could have hoodwinked it. Magic way beyond the talents of a fourth year."

"You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought Mad-Eye," Karkaroff insinuates.

"It was once my job to think as dark wizards do Karkaroff perhaps you remember?" Mad-eye asks.

"That doesn't help Alastor. Leave this to you Barty," Dumbledore says. They all look at him as he stands turned away from them.

"The rules are absolute, the goblet of fire constitutes a binding magical contract. Mr. Potter has no choice. Unless he has a relative who can take his place, he is as of tonight- a tri-wizards champion," Barty decides.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"This can't go on Albus. First the dark mark, now this?" McGonagall cries.

"What do you suggest Minerva?" Dumbledore asks.

"Put an end to it. Don't let Potter compete," McGonagall insists.

"You heard Barty the rules are clear," Dumbledore reminds. "I've interfered as much as I can!"

Everyone pauses for a moment. "How do you mean?" Minerva inquires.

Dumbledore sighs and stands straight. "Mr. Potter's name was not the name that came out of the goblet," Albus starts. "Ms. Potter's, on the other hand-"

"Isabella was entered in the tournament?!" Severus shouts. "How is that possible. No one knows her as a Potter except select staff members."

"I don't know and I don't know how to help either of them except to trust in our teachings to Isabella and know that, as Mr. Potter's sister, she will help him however she can."

"You forget she's also friends with Mr. Diggory," Severus reminds.

Dumbledore nods as Alastor enters. "Alastor, keep an eye on Harry will you?" Dumbledore asks. "This may be his match."

"I can do that," Mad-eye says.

"Don't let him know though, he must be anxious enough as it is- knowing what lies ahead. Then again, we all are," Dumbledore reminds.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"How did you do it?" Ron asks. They sit on their beds. Harry is silent. "Never mind. Doesn't matter. You could have let your best friend know though."

"Let you know what?" Harry asks.

"You know bloody well what," Ron insists.

"I didn't ask for this to happen Ron. Okay? You're being stupid," Harry shouts.