Nothing Without You (That Special Something sequel)

Chapter 15: The tri-wizard tournament

31st October 1994. 19:02.

I was sitting next to Ludo Bagman, who was talking to me about his days when he was a quidditch player. I wasn't really listening though. Just smiling and nodding. I kept on glancing at Harry, sitting down with his friends at the Gryffindor table. He smiled at me every once in a whild, and I smiled back. The Halloween feast seemed to be going on for longer than expected. But we knew why. Because two schools from different countries had come to Hogwarts for the tri-wizard tournament, which was finally back.

And the goblet of fire was right in front of me, waiting to choose the champions.

My plate became clean, and Dumbledore got to his feet. Silence filled the hall and Dumbledore gave instructions to the unknown champions. Excitement bubbled up in me, and you could see it on the students faces. Dumbledore waved his wand and the flames surrounding the hall dimmed, leaving us in the goblet of fire's light. Everything was silent for a while, the tension building up in our bodies, then a tongue of flame bursted from the goblet, revealing a piece of parchment.

Dumbledore picked it up.

"The champion for Durmstrang," Dumbledore said loudly. "will be Viktor Krum."

The hall erupted in cheers as the famous Quidditch player walked over to Dumbledore, shook his hand, and left into a chamber on the left of the hall. The cheers died down, and it was silent again. Then, suddenly, the goblet spat out another piece of charred parchment. Dumbledore caught it.

"The champion for Beauxbatons," Dumbledore spoke again. "is Fleur Delacour."

The hall erupted in cheers again, and a beautiful blonde, young woman strutted to Dumbledore. She shook his hand, and waltzed over to the chamber, and disappeared. It was silent again. I felt sick. The Hogwarts champion was next. I prayed for Angelina. She was one of my favourite students. The goblet spat out the last name, and Dumbledore's hands shook as he read it out.

"The Hogwarts champion," he said. "is Cedric Diggory."

The hall exploded into applause and cheers. He was a Hufflepuff, but he was incredibly talented. He would be great. He shook Dumbledore's hand, smiling broadly, and went into the chamber. Dumbledore turned around to the students.

"Excellent!" Dumbledore called happily, when the cheers fell down. "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real -"

But Dumbledore suddenly stopped speaking, and everyone stopped smiling. 

The fire in the goblet had just turned red again. Sparks were flying out of it. A long flame shot suddenly into the air, and another piece of parchment fell from it.

Dumbledore reached out a long hand and seized the parchment. He held it out and stared at the name written upon it. There was a long pause, during which Dumbledore stared at the slip in his hands, and everyone in the room stared at Dumbledore. And then Dumbledore cleared his throat and read out - "Harry Potter."

My heart stopped. I couldn't breathe. "No," I muttered. The hall was silent. Everyone stared at Harry. He turned to his friends, and whispered something to them. I stood up, and walked over to Dumbledore. I whispered in his ear.

"He didn't do it." I told him. "I know my godson. It wasn't him."

Dumbledore didn't reply.

Then, Harry stood up. He walked over to where Dumbledore, McGonagall and I stood.

"Well.. . through the door, Harry," said Dumbledore. He wasn't smiling. Harry moved, and I grabbed his arm.

"I didn't put my name in." He whispered. I nodded.

"I know." I whispered to him. I let go of him, and he left us, disappearing behind the door.

"Dismissed." Dumbledore said blankly. The students moved slowly, and began to leave. Dumbledore moved to the staff table.

"Dumbledore, he didn't do it." I told him. I didn't whisper. I was clear and loud. "He would never!"

"I believe you, Dorothy." Dumbledore said quietly, stopping me. "But, as one of his guardians, you are considered 'bias' so I must stop you."

"Stop me!" I said, incredulously. "I'm his godmother, you cannot stop me doing anything!"

"Actually," I heard someone say behind me. "we can." I shivered. It was him. I turned around, and saw him. The man who threw me into azkaban. 

"Ah, Barty Crouch." I said, smiling. "How lovely it is to see you. You must love being the head of the department of pointless crap!"

He frowned. "You are not allowed to participate in the choosing of Mr. Potter's fate. You are biased and mentally unstable."

I laughed and stepped towards him. "What are you going to do to stop me?" I smirked and stepped right towards him, so my face was right in front of his. "Slap me again?"

McGonagall gasped. "He slapped you?"

"What?" I said, turning around. "You didn't know? Maybe if you did he wouldn't even be in such a position. It's too good for him."

"Can zees silly girl be escorted out!" The headmistress of Beauxbatons screeched. "We 'ave more important zings to be worrying about!"

"This 'silly girl' is the best Arithmancy teacher we've got." Dumbledore said. "But, I am sorry to say that you must leave."

"Fine." I said. I faced Crouch again. I walked close to him again. I could feel his breath. I stomped on his foot and looked into his eyes. He groaned in pain. "But if Harry ends up competing, you better  sleep with one eye open."

I let go and stomped off. Dumbledore caught my arm and whispered in my ear.

"Tell Sirius."

"Hermione!" I shouted, catching up with the bushy haired girl. She turned around.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Harry didn't do it." I told her. "Just make sure you know that!"

"I know." Hermione nodded. "He would never do anything stupid!"

"Good." I said. "You are very smart, Hermione!"

She laughed. "I've been told."

I was in my office, and I was sealing a letter to Sirius.

Dear Sirius,

I have no time for pleasantries. I just have to tell you the important things.

As you know the tri-wizard tournament has come to Hogwarts, and the age limit has heightened to seventeen. And Harry is fourteen. He was chosen as a fourth champion. He didn't put his name in. We don't know if he's competing or not.

I'll let you know!

Also, Barty Crouch is now head of Magical Co-operation. Pathetic. I confronted him and everyone knows he slapped me now. I stomped on his foot.

I love you so much!

Please write!

-Dorothy xxx

PS: I'm still wearing my necklace.