The school year was just around the corner. Mrs. Weasley, as expected, left things to be sorted out, just like Ron. In fact, the delays were only caused by them, since Ron is the human form of laziness, and Mrs. Weasley, of confusion.
It makes sense, since she had to take care of 7 children, so similar but with such glaring differences. Ginny was very excited to be able to wear her new dress, and Hermione, despite being overflowing with happiness, still gave me a few good slaps on the arm for my audacity in choosing.
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After a peaceful trip to Hogwarts, and Dumbledore's shiver-inducing announcements, and Alastor Moody's unconventional arrival, things started off quite calmly. Classes were going well, and I was quite annoyed with the useless Divination classes. Let's just say that seeing horrible deaths happen when I got high grades was quite uncomfortable.
On another point, there was a tacit agreement between Hermione and me.
After a quick visit to the library, and skimming through a book with the history of the Triwizard Tournament, I invited her to the possible ball. As my girlfriend, she readily accepted, of course, taking into account that it might not happen, according to her.
But I knew... She knew it would happen. The school, as incompetent as it is today, would not make people, mostly with few financial resources, waste a fortune on something they would not use.
Although I showed considerable improvement in my potions skills, Snape continued his mission, which was to protect me despite trying his best to make my life hell.
Let's just say that soon, he would have a nice surprise...
Transfiguration became my favorite subject, not because McGonagall gave me any kind of preference, but because I was really good at it. Transforming things into something else was becoming second nature to me.
Charms was the next subject I was doing very well in. Truth be told, the theoretical part of all subjects was at a level well below my practical skills, but it would still give me a bit of a headache.
Thank God, Merlin, in the case of wizards, that Neville and his green thumb existed to help me with herbology. It was also the excuse I came up with to help the boy's confidence, saying that I would help him with the practical part of spells and transfiguration.
DADA was, without a doubt, something that old Harry took very seriously. I think it was, in fact, the only subject that my predecessor had studied in any way. Even with the professor's use of the Unforgivables on spiders, it didn't shake me at all.
Knowing what was to come, of course I was taking some protective measures, such as studying, even if I didn't understand much, about the wizarding constitution. It was so archaic, and so many things contradicted each other, that it's taking me a long time to digest it all.
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It was close to Halloween, more specifically, a week before Halloween, when the delegations from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons arrived at Hogwarts. After the presentation of the schools and a few more warnings from Dumbledore, he presented the Goblet.
"In one week, more precisely at the Halloween feast, it is scheduled for the Goblet of Fire to expel the names of those chosen to represent their respective schools.
As said before, I reiterate that any student under the age of 17 is prohibited, and knowing my students," his eyes turn to some Gryffindors, "I must warn you that I will be implementing an age line around the Goblet.
Be aware, this will not be the only protection, but the one that everyone can see. I wish you all a good week, think carefully before signing up and, for those who wish, good luck in being selected to represent our school."
He finishes his speech, receiving mixed applause from the Hogwarts students, while respectful applause from our guests.
The reason was simple: restricting the age would exclude many who were willing to venture into something like this, even if they are not aware of the dangers that such a choice entails.
I just sigh, knowing that, even if I don't want to, my damn name will come out of that Goblet.
I was already preparing myself psychologically for all that torment, including the break in friendship that Ron would make. On the one hand, not having to put up with him with his envy and prejudice will be a blessing, but I need to think about Hermione in this.
The decisions that I will make at the right time, now, is to take advantage of every minute, study everything I can, to present the much-needed changes that I need to present to the others.
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The week flew by, and soon, the three schools, as well as the judges of the tournament tests, were gathered in the Great Hall, waiting for the choices made by the Goblet.
Everything was going well, until...
"HARRY POTTER", the scream not of anger, but of surprise and displeasure at the small piece of parchment in her hand, made me, even if unconsciously, groan softly next to Hermione.
She, of course, looked at me as if I had a literal rope tied around my neck, as I was being hoisted. Sighing, I give her a chaste kiss on the lips, as I stand up, to start hearing the whispers of the other students, accusing me mercilessly.
Getting close to Dumbledore, he hands me the piece of parchment, where my handwriting was, with my name on it. I carefully hold the parchment, and remove my wand, making the expression of Dumbledore and the other adults nearby, worried.
"I, Harry James Potter, swear on my life and magic, that I did not ask, insinuate or put my name in the Goblet of Fire. So Be It. Expecto Patronum." My silver Harpy Eagle comes out of the tip of my wand, making a complete circle around the entire Great Hall, disappearing shortly after.
McGonagall had her hands covering her mouth in surprise, while Flitwick looked proud and much calmer. Snape was the only one looking at me with fury, concern and surprise mixed in his eyes. Dumbledore just nodded, as if he understood what I did.
He then indicated the side room where the other competitors were waiting.