Ace was woken up with a start as he looked around to see McGonagall and Snape looking at him. He squinted and said "What?" Snape said "Drink this." Ace covered his eyes and grabbed the little bottle, drinking it.
He was instantly perfectly fine, looking at his hands in shock, saying "Oh wow! My hangover is gone! Cool!" Snape snorted and walked away, Minerva looked at Ace and frowned "I am very disappointed in you! You lost control and let underage students drink!"
Ace rubbed his eyes and replied "Sorry." Minerva snorted and said "Come. You'll be helping clean up today." Ace sighed and got out of the hospital bed, stretching and yawning as he replied "Okay~"
A month and a bit passed just like that
Ace watched as Harry dove into the water for the second task. He wasn't too happy about it as the so-called 'Treasures' the Champions had to find were actually the students!
And Hermione was one of them!
At any rate, Ace watched as Fleur lost, Krum brought up Hermione, Cedric brought up Cho Chang, and Harry brought up Ron and Fleur's sister before coming up with marks all over him.
Ace stood up and clapped, walking down and congratulating Harry before returning to the castle. He didn't like this whole Triwizard thing, it was giving him bad vibes. Mostly because the events around it were just too strange!
It felt like a plan more than coincidences!
But for what, Ace still wasn't sure. Although, he had a bit of a clue.
He sat in the library, going over his notes as he thought about it. The Death Eaters at the beginning, Harry's connection to Voldemort and forceful participation in the competition…
Ace sighed to himself and rubbed his eyes, continuing to study
The next day
Ace walked into Dumbledore's office, saying "Old man, I-" before pausing as he saw the Minister and Moody as well. Dumbledore looked over and said "Yes?" Ace walked over and cleared his throat, "Headmaster, in light of Barty Crouch's death. I think the Triwizard Tournament should be canceled."
Dumbledore turned to the Minister, who shook his head saying "Absolutely not! The Triwizard tournament must continue! The Wizarding world requires strength at this time! I will not be seen as a coward!"
Ace turned to him saying "Minister, please! A tactical retreat is not cowardly in the slightest! I have reason to believe these events are for a purpose! Mr. Crouch's death only adds onto that!" The Minister shook his head, replying "Absolutely not, I said!"
Moody interrupted everyone, saying "Gentlemen, I'd like you to know that this conversation is no longer private." as he pointed his wand to the door.
Harry appeared and the Minister smiled "Ah! Harry, my dear boy! Excellent performance, truly!" Harry looked at Dumbledore and Ace, saying "I can come back later.."
Dumbledore waved his hand, saying "No, Harry. The Minister and I are done, please wait here, Harry. I shall return in a moment." as he stood up, adding "After you, Minister." he looked at Ace and walked out of the room, saying "Oh, do help yourself to some Licorice Snaps, Harry. But be careful, they're sharp."
Ace walked past the bowl of Licorice Snaps, smiling at Harry, "Did you see the nurse?" Harry nodded and Ace grabbed a handful of Licorice Snaps, throwing them into his mouth as he added, "Good."
He followed Dumbledore outside as he sent the Minister and Moody off.
Ace chewed on the Licorice Snaps, saying "Old man, I think the students are in big danger here!" Dumbledore hummed and Ace continued "Listen, the Death Eaters showing up and leaving a mark in the air, ominous, right?"
Dumbledore nodded and Ace threw a Licorice Snap in his mouth, chewing as he went on, "Then Harry is forced to compete. Why?" he waved his hand and added, "Because there's something he has to do! Right? But what? Harry has a connection to Voldemort somehow, perhaps this is a plan by Death Eaters!"
Dumbledore stroked his beard, asking "Is there evidence, Ace?" Ace paused and crunched a Licorice Snap, replying "Uhh… Not quite, but it's a theory worth looking into! Only Voldemort would want Harry, right? He's come for him twice before! This cannot be a coincidence!"
Dumbledore frowned and Ace continued, "All I'm saying is, maybe we should postpone things for a while and wait things out. There's no question things are too coincidental! Harry is at the center of the storm here, I don't think it's a smart move to just pretend like nothing is wrong, you know?"
Dumbledore replied "Fudge has his position, you've heard him." Ace rolled his eyes and replied "Who cares about him!? This is not politics! The kids are in danger, man!" Dumbledore turned around, saying "I will appeal to Cornelius once more, however, I wouldn't get my hopes up, Ace. You may have a theory but in the end it is only a theory. Without sufficient evidence, nobody will take you seriously. However…"
He raised a finger and added quickly "I want you to keep a close eye on things, Ace. If you see something obtuse, you have permission to shut them down." Ace nodded and ate the rest of the Licorice Snaps, dusting off his hands as he said in a muffled voice "Got it!" before walking off.
Dumbledore stroked his beard in thought before returning to his office quickly.
Another month and a half passed and the school year was drawing to a close.