A bright gold light encased Harry before disappearing, Harry made his way through the silent hall, he snatched the piece if parchment out of Dumbledore's hand and went to the champions room. In there he saw Krum and Fleur looking bored and disgusted as Ron was talking excitedly to them.
"Listen little boy" Fleur spoke in her French accent "I do not care about what you are saying"
"You're not the only one" Harry chuckled as he entered the room, Fleur looked surprised as did Victor, whereas Ron temporarily had the same expression before boiling in anger.
"What are you doing here?!" He demanded
"Breathing, standing and talking. You know, the usual stuff" Harry smirked before leaning against a nearby pillar and crossing his arms
"This place is for champions!"
"Yet they let you in" Harry replied, Victor had a slight curve on his lips as did Fleur "listen Weasley, I'm here because Dumbledore made me come here. I'd have rather left with the other students, if I did then me and Ginny could probably be 'talking' with each other right now."
It was at this moment that Dumbledore burst in the room followed by Madam Maxine, Barty Crouch, Ludo Bagman, Igor Karkaroff, Professor Snape and McGonagall.
"Harry" Dumbledore roared "did you put your name in the goblet of fire?"
"I literally swore I didn't on my magic in front of everyone" Harry replied slowly
"Really?" Fleur raised a delicate eyebrow
"It's true" McGonagall spoke "admittedly he could have found a safer way to prove his innocence but he has without any doubt proved his innocence in that matter"
"Brilliant" Harry exclaimed "I assume that means I don't have to compete" Harry was going to compete but he did want to see what Dumbledore's response was.
"I'm sorry Harry" Dumbledore spoke first "but I'm afraid you must, though you never entered the contract willingly, someone has entered you on your behalf. I'm sorry but you must compete"
"Oh" Harry replied "so do you reckon I can beat your mum or not?" Before Dumbledore could reply the other school heads began arguing about Harry being in the tournament, which then caused the adults to start arguing. Harry was getting bored so he went to greet the other champions.
"Hi" He spoke politely "I'm Harry Potter, I know your names from when they were announced, I apologies for barging into your tournament and stealing your spotlight. Believe me when I say I would have liked nothing better than for someone else to be the center of attention for once, but it appears that you two at least know what I'm talking about." Harry extended his hand
"Victor Krum" Victor shook his hand "Vat do you mean ve know what you are talking about?"
"I'm observant" Harry replied "I saw you when you arrived and when you're name was called, you don't seem to like the attention either. From what I've seen of you in games you play for fun, not because you want fame, much like me. Am I right?"
"You are correct" Victor spoke in his gruff voice
"Fleur Delacour" Fleur extended her hand "and your observation regarding me?" Harry shook her hand.
"I'd kiss your hand but I feel like you've probably had enough with men trying to kiss you" Harry responded once he let her hand go "you had similar reactions and from the I can guess you're heritage has made things more difficult" Fleurs eyes widened
"Don't worry" Harry gave her a friendly smile "I don't judge and I don't believe the rumors either. I know what it's like being discriminated for being something you didn't ask for, I'm actually a parslemouth."
"Thank you" Fleur blurted out after she had overcome her shock "how did you know?"
"The reactions of those around you, angry girls and drooling boys" Harry glanced at Ron before continuing "admittedly you would have gotten those reactions with your natural looks but not at that extent. Either way you don't need to worry, unlike others I don't judge people by their heritage or what they seem like."
"Thank you" Fleur was overcome by a wave of relief and had adopted a slight blush on her face.
"You're welcome but I would recommend keeping the people who know to a minimum, most aren't as tolerant or understanding as I am"
"What the bloody hell are you talking about?" Ron interrupted
"Case in point" Harry replied "sorry Ron but I can't say, it's her business and it's up to her if she wants to reveal it"
"Whatever" Ron glared at him before talking to the other champions "ignore him, he thinks he's perfect because he's all rich and famous."
"As I said many times I am not perfect" Harry responded "if I was then I might just be able to get my hair under control, I can't flatten it no matter how much I try." Fleur giggled a little whilst Krum smirked at his joke
"Look" Ron spoke again "you can't trust him! He's a parslemouth and he seduced my sister!"
"Vat is wrong with being a parslemouth?" Victor asked "as long as he does not harm people, I do not see the problem"
"Thank you" Harry was starting to like Krum even more
"You say he seduced your sister? The red headed girl?" Fleur asked, both Harry and Ron nodded "I have only seen them for a few moments but I believe you're wrong, I saw the way he was looking at her. Those were looks of pure love, if I may ask, do you love this girl?"
"More than life" Harry replied instantly "I'd gladly die for her, and yes, she has not placed me under any potions or spells, and I would hurt myself before I even consider doing the same to her"
"You can't actually believe him?!" Ron practically shouted
"I've heard rumors about your seeker skills" Krum ignored Ron "vould you like to join me tomorrow for a competition?"
"Well" Harry thought about it "I begin my morning workout at five, then I have breakfast at seven, then I spend an hour or two with my girlfriend and I assume I am excused from all lessons due to the tournament so I can meet you anytime from ten in the morning onwards."
"Ten is acceptable" Victor extended his hand and the two shook once more. Before more could be said the adults returned.
"Harry" Dumbledore spoke "I'm afraid that after much discussion, you will have to compete."
"Fine" Harry sighed "I can see I have no say in this, I'd like to make it clear that I was strictly against my involvement in this from the start and I wish the other champions good luck"
"Very nice words" Bagman interjected "now the first task…"
Soon Harry and Ron left the meeting and walked back to the Gryffindor common room in complete silence, Harry walked with his hands in his pockets and a bored expression. Ronald walked as if he was the head lion, he puffed his chest out and widened his shoulders whilst keeping his chin as high as he could. Personally Harry thought he looked like an idiot but he refrained from pointing out the obvious.
Ron entered the common room first, he expected to hear cheers of admiration but all he got was glares from the other students, then Harry entered and the cheers began. Ginny came up and hugged him whilst the twins patted him on the back.
"You alright?" Ginny asked
"Dumbledore says I have to compete" Harry explained "but I figured that since I'm in it I may as well try to win"
"Atta boy" Fred exclaimed
"Good luck Harry" The common room chorused
"Thank you guys" Harry smiled "it means a lot that you believe me but still support me"
"What about me?!" Ron shouted "I'm a champion too you know"
"We know" Seamus glared at him "but unlike Harry you wanted to be in this tournament"
"Yeah so?" Ron argued
"The point is Harry is competing because he has to compete" Neville popped up "you just want the money and a little bit of attention"
"Hey lay off him" Hermione insisted
"She's right" Harry spoke, shocking the entire common room by agreeing with Hermione "for once" They let out a sigh of relief "Ron is finally trying to earn his money and fame, maybe he finally listened to my advice. Though I doubt it, now if you'll all excuse me I'm going to sleep, goodnight guys, night Gin" Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss before heading up to the common room, receiving congratulations as he did.
....
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