November 1994
Hogwarts' Grounds
Harry reached near the other champions and took his seat on an empty wooden chair. It was few minutes before the first champion Cedric would walk in the area to try and get the golden egg.
The Hufflepuff star was clearly nervous and he was clenching his fists tightly. No matter how talented the three champions were, they were still school going children.
He was gazing expressionlessly and randomly when the ruffled in and in walked Albus Dumbledore followed by Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch.
After the night Dumbledore had been thrown out of Hogwarts by Harry this was first that Dumbledore had made a public appearance. Contrary to Harry expectations, Dumbledore had made no attempt to arrive in Hogwarts and the preparation had been coordinated between Minerva, Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch.
Dumbledore as a person was very intrusive. He did not understand personal boundaries and would always try to force his opinions on any matter. He would never take a 'no' for example and would project any rejection to his proposals as a non serious matter.
But his sudden lack of attempts in trying to enter Hogwarts or forcing something else on Harry had made him cautious. His mind would always wonder about what could possibly the old man be planning? And he also had no idea of the objectives of the old man.
His attention shifted towards the ongoing interaction happening inside the tent.
"There you are Minerva," Dumbledore smiled towards his former colleague.
Minerva nodded in acknowledgement. Though her face remained neutral, Harry could feel the disappointment and disgust emanating from her. Dumbledore adding potions into the food of students and professors was something which had crossed the last red line for Minerva.
The old coot ignored Harry and the other occupant in the room.
"I wonder Minerva, what was the need of such a big arena?" He questioned with a frowning face.
He continued with a curious expression, "A small enclosure would have been a better option. It would have made the competition more interesting."
"And the audience would also have been much closer to the actual action," he added further.
Bagman, the buffoon chimed in before Minerva could answer, "Yes. A small enclosure would have made things more interesting but headmistress McGonagall remained stubborn about a big ground."
"She said it was necessary for the safety of the audience," he added.
"Yes," said Minerva.
"With all the things happening and with so many dignitaries present along with the mass audience, I do not want any unwanted things happening," she added stoically.
Dumbledore nodded in understanding, "I understand."
He leaned in, "Say, Minerva, why would call such a large audience? A smaller limited audience would had been a better option."
Minerva for certain reasons had opened Hogwarts ground for the entirety of wizarding population. Also, Invitation to high ranking people from the ministry and also to people from other countries had been send.
Free tickets were announced for the common populace. They had to get the free ticket which would allow them the entry. Thousands of people have marked their attendance.
"No special reason, Albus," replied Minerva. "The wizarding Britain has been going through a lot of chaos in recent times."
"With all the negative things happening around us this could act as a good change of perceptions," added Minerva.
"Maybe this tournament gives us some thing which may affect our future in a positive way," she replied as if gazing into future.
Dumbledore nodded though his expression clearly told that he was not very satisfied. The frown on his face was clearly distinguished.
The trio took their leave and few moments later with a loud hoot the tournament began.
Cedric was the first to walk in. Harry could hear the commentary of Ludo Bagman. As the Hufflepuff boy secured the golden egg, the crowd erupted in loud cheer.
Cedric was followed by Fleur and Victor Krum respectively.
With another loud hoot, it was finally Harry's turn.
Harry's face turned resolute and he walked in.
He stepped inside a massive ground which was as large as Quidditch field. Surrounding the ground were 6 feet high fences made of stones. It had been further reinforced by the powerful magic of Hogwarts' professors. An average wizard would take quite a few bombarda to put a hole in these walls.
There was another ten feet gap after which the stands for the spectators had been built. Few dozen aurors had been stationed in the gap and randomly in the spectators stand as a protective measure.
Important people like the minster of magic and other foreign delegates were seated in a large VIP box constructed
At the centre of the ground, a circular rocky arena had been built. In the centre of the rocky arena, a large dragon was lying down.
Just in front of the arena towards Harry's right, at a high platform the judges of the competition were seated.
Harry strode casually towards the massive dragon. He had an expressionless face devoid of any anxiety or nervousness which had been spotted by the previous champions.
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