Hi all this is my first fanfiction so please go easy on me. I've been reading fanfics for some time now and was finally inspired enough to write a fanfic myself. Also English isn't my main language so I apologize for any and every mistake I make.
Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own Harry Potter. I write this purely for my amusement and do not make any profit while doing so.
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"Harry Potter."
His world started to crumble as he heard his name uttered by Dumbledore. The entire Great Hall had gone mute and was staring at him in disbelief. Slowly majority of the students' faces started to shift to looks of jealousy and anger. Harry didn't even have to look at his best friend, Ron's face to know his reaction.
Still in shock Harry glanced at Hermione and saw that even Hermione was wearing a dubious look.
"Harry Potter." Dumbledore read again, this time a bit more forcefully. Hermione gave him a hard shove which pushed him to his feet. Slowly he started to make his way to the ante chamber where the other three champions were.
He had his head down and tried his best to ignore the angry whispers that were determined to hurt him. He chanced a glance at Dumbledore and saw a contemplative look on the headmasters face.
'He thinks that I might have put my name in the goblet.' Harry thought wearily.
As he entered the ante chamber he saw the other three champions watching him curiously. Fleur Delacour took a few steps towards him and asked, "What eez eet? Do zhey need us back in zhe 'all"
Harry who was still quite dazed just stood there unable to form any rational thought. Just as Fleur was about to repeat the question Ludo Bagman bustled in wearing his stupid grin and exclaimed, "Ladies and gentlemen may I present you the fourth Tri Wizard champion. This is too astonishing for words." He finished happily.
"But surely you jest. 'e ees just a leetle boy!" Fleur exclaimed.
Something sparked in Harry at that comment. He was so sick and tired of everything in his life and after everything he's been through hearing that remark was the last straw for him.
At that moment the headmasters of the three schools barged in to the ante chamber.
"Madame Maxine thees man ees saying that Arry Potter 'as been chosen as zhe fourth champion. There must be a mistake?" Fleur piped immediately.
"Dumbleedoree I demand you take action to thees, zhat boy 'as 'oodwinked zhe goblet of fire." Madame Maxine demanded from Dumbledore.
Ignoring her Dumbledore rushed to Harry and asked urgently, "Did you put your name in the Goblet Harry?"
"No sir."
"Did you ask an older student to do it for you?" Dumbledore pressed on.
"No, I did not. Sir you have got to believe me" Harry answered back eyes blazing unlike never before.
"Surely 'e ees lying." Madame Maxine voiced her thoughts.
"Dumbledore I also demand that you take action against this or I would be forced to withdraw my school from this tournament" Karkaroff exclaimed angrily.
"Empty threat Karkaroff. You cannot take your student away from this tournament whether you like it or not. For that matter even Potter can't do anything other than to compete in this blasted tournament." Alastor Moody shouted as he entered the chamber.
"Then what are we supposed to do, Hogwarts has an unfair advantage of having two champions. The boy must be craving for attention so bad if he did something like this." Karkaroff retorted angrily.
Harry was livid at that remark, as he was going to defend himself Moody interrupted him.
"On the contrary Karkaroff I think Potter didn't do this. Whoever entered Potter wanted him dead." Moody said ominously while glaring daggers at Karkaroff.
"Regardless of that Mr. Potter has to compete in the tournament or face dire consequences." Barty Crouch senior interrupted the verbal duel between Karkaroff and Moody. "The first task will be held on the 24th of November." Crouch continued before anyone could interrupt him. "It will be a task to test your courage and adaptability to tough situations."
"With that shall we all retire for the day? What is done is done, and we have four champions for the better or worse." Dumbledore announced with a tone of finality.
"But thees is unfair to us Dumbleedore? There are two 'ogwarts chamions" Madme Maxine argued again.
"No there isn't." Harry said quietly but quite firmly. The entire rooms' attention was now fixed on him. Everyone was shocked to see his blazing eyes.
"Cedric Diggory is the true Hogwarts champion. I will compete independently in this tournament." He announced.
Dumbledore sighed; he looked to have aged 15 years in the span of an hour or so. "Are you sure about this Harry?" It broke Dumbledore's heart to alienate Harry even more but he saw no other alternative.
"Yes sir. I am." Harry responded quietly.
"Very well this meeting is over, everyone please retire for the day. Mr. Crouch, Mr. Bagman, do you plan to stay at Hogwarts today? We can prepare guest quarters for you." Dumbledore asked the two ministry officials as he and everyone else started to move out of the chamber.
Harry wasn't paying attention to that. His mind was reeling from today's events. Particularly from what Moody said. 'Someone was out for his blood this year too. Is it Voldemort again? Why can't I catch a break?' he thought bitterly.
He was so engrossed in his thoughts, that he didn't even realize Cedric was right beside him until Cedric spoke up.
"So you really didn't put your name in the goblet?" he asked.
Harry sighed, "No Cedric, why would I... I mean I'm already quite famous why would I risk my life to get more fame? Also assuming that I did want to get in to the tournament, do you really think that I would be able to get past an age line drawn by Albus Dumbledore himself?" he answered sadly. "No one's going to believe me huh Cedric?" He questioned resignedly.
Cedric didn't have an answer. They walked in silence each engrossed in his own thoughts.
"Well I go down from here" Cedric piped as the Hufflepuff common room is in the basement not far away from the Hogwarts kitchen. "Look I'm not 100% convinced but I know you're a good guy Harry, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I'll try to keep the puff's off your back as best as I can. I won't guarantee anything though." Cedric declared firmly.
A smile graced Harry's lips and he gave the Hufflepuff a thankful look and nodded, "Thanks Cedric. It means a lot to me. Well then I'll see you around I guess." He finished awkwardly.
The 6th year nodded and started walking towards his common room. Harry sighed again and started his trek towards the 7th floor.
...
A/N: Just an idea I had for a while. I just wanted to put it out there!