The Boy Who Was Given Up

Chapter Thirty Six: The Triwizard tournament announcement

The rest of the holidays flew past, and it was time for Harry and Draco to return to school.

With the staff changes and McGonagall now as Headmistress, Harry and Draco were allowed to share a room since they were mates. This did not change much in practice, however, since Draco simply moved his things into Harry's room at the end of the hall.

It was the night of the welcome back feast, and there were more changes than usual. Not only were there new teachers, but one in particular caught Harry's attention. A woman in the most atrocious pink outfit had been appointed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

"What do you think the Ministry is doing here?" Harry whispered to Draco.

"I do not know. Dad did not go into work for the holidays because he was with us, so we have not heard anything," Draco whispered back.

It did not take long for them to find out.

"Now students, welcome back to your new houses. They will be like your family while you stay here," Headmistress McGonagall began.

"As many of you may have noticed, there are two Ministry officials present. One is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Umbridge."

McGonagall paused for applause. When there was only a small handful of claps, she continued.

"Well, she is not only here to teach, but also to investigate the school, as Albus Dumbledore previously ran it."

The overly pink woman inclined her head with a smug expression.

"The other Ministry official is Barty Crouch Sr. He is here to introduce an old competition that the Ministry has decided to reinstate." McGonagall gestured toward the man, and he stepped forward.

"The Triwizard Tournament is a dangerous and very competitive tournament meant only for the bravest of souls. The winner will receive fame and glory," Barty Crouch Sr. announced as he made his way to the front.

"Due to the high death toll, this competition has not been run for many years. Because the Ministry has decided to continue the tournament, it will not be the same. In light of past deaths, no student younger than seventeen may enter."

An uproar broke out among students under seventeen, especially the Weasley twins, which made Harry chuckle.

"Students, please," Crouch said firmly, and the room fell into stunned silence.

"Know that if you enter this challenge, you will be entering alone. No aid will be given. Enter at your own risk. There has been bloodshed before, and we do not need any more," he added seriously.

"With that in mind, be careful and polite. Two other schools will be joining us for this competition, and you will receive more information in a few weeks when they arrive," McGonagall continued.

"Until then, focus on your schoolwork and do not forget to have fun. Let the feast begin!" She smiled widely, signaling the start of the evening.

"It sucks that we cannot enter," Theo complained as everyone began eating.

"Yeah, fame and glory does sound pretty good," Blaise commented, smiling at his boyfriend.

"No, I do not think so. After reading about the past tournaments, it is a miracle anyone survived, and you would have to be foolish to enter," Harry said.

"Says you, Harry. You already have fame and glory," Pansy teased.

Harry simply stuck his tongue out at her.