Harry's expression was somewhat awkward. He looked at the trio's curious or probing gazes, his lips twitching a few times without speaking. Indeed, when Augustus had been announced as a champion, Harry had joined the cheers. Even though Augustus was a Slytherin, Harry had no objections to him representing the school, especially since Augustus had always treated him well. But now, with this unexpected turn of events, how would Augustus and the others view him? Reckless? Ignorant of his limits? A despicable thief of honor? Harry could already imagine the judgment he would face from his peers.
"What's wrong, Potter? Hesitation doesn't seem to suit you," Augustus remarked, completely unprepared for what had transpired. Even though he was known for not always adhering to the rules, he never could have imagined Hogwarts producing a second champion.
Harry forced himself to steady his nerves and let out a small sigh. "I don't know what went wrong with the Goblet of Fire, but now… I've been named as a Hogwarts champion too."
Shock spread across the faces of Fleur and Krum. Two champions from Hogwarts? What was going on? An internal manipulation by the school? Even if such favoritism were in play, such an obvious breach of the rules seemed unthinkable. Since the inception of the Triwizard Tournament, no school had ever produced two champions. An increase in representatives meant a greater chance of winning, and such a move was shameless.
"Did you put your name in the Goblet?" Augustus asked thoughtfully, his eyes fixed on Harry.
Harry latched onto the question like a lifeline. "I swear, I didn't submit my name! Augustus, you have to believe me—I have no idea how my name got in there."
Augustus nodded. "No need to panic. This matter will be left to the headmasters and officials like Crouch and Bagman. Rest assured, Dumbledore will handle it fairly."
Just then, Ludo Bagman entered the room. Grabbing Harry by the arm, he pulled him forward excitedly. "This is extraordinary!" he exclaimed, gripping Harry's arm firmly. "Truly extraordinary! Ladies and gentlemen," he said as he turned toward the others by the fireplace, "allow me to introduce—though it might seem impossible—the fourth champion of the Triwizard Tournament!"
Fleur let out a scoff. "No need for introductions. He's already explained. So, Hogwarts has decided to pioneer a new precedent—two champions in a Triwizard Tournament?"
Viktor Krum straightened, his gaze scrutinizing Harry. His typically haughty demeanor now bore a hint of menace. "Do they have a grave ready for this boy? Or are they leaving that to us?"
Bagman smiled broadly as he rubbed his smooth chin and glanced at Harry. "Well, as you all know, the age restriction this year was only added as a precautionary measure. Since his name came out of the Goblet… well, my position is clear: we've reached the point of no return. The rules state plainly that anyone whose name emerges from the Goblet is bound to compete."
At that moment, the door swung open again, admitting a group of people: Professor Dumbledore, followed closely by Mr. Crouch, Professor Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape. Before McGonagall shut the door behind her, Harry could hear the muffled hum of hundreds of students speculating in the hall next door.
"Madame Maxime!" Fleur immediately called out, striding toward her headmistress. "They're saying this boy must compete in the tournament!"
Augustus observed the crowd entering the room, his expression contemplative. Having two champions from one school might not be as advantageous as it seemed. The tournament was meant to be a contest among schools, each unified behind one champion. With two champions, Hogwarts could face internal division, which would undermine the solidarity and morale that were crucial for the competition.
Madame Maxime stood tall and imposing, her elegant head brushing the chandelier filled with flickering candles. Her vast chest heaved as she demanded indignantly, "What is the meaning of this, Dumbledore?"
"I'd like to know the same thing," Karkaroff chimed in, his voice as cold as his ice-blue eyes. His smile was sharp and mocking. "Hogwarts gets two champions? I don't recall reading anywhere that the host school is allowed such liberties. Perhaps I overlooked something in the rules?" He chuckled dryly, his tone grating.
Augustus crossed his arms, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Why jump to conclusions so quickly? Whether Potter entered his name or not remains uncertain. It's premature to make accusations before the truth comes to light."
Karkaroff's expression turned theatrically incredulous. "Really? Are we to believe someone would plot against him by making him a champion? If that's the case, I'm sure my students would volunteer to take on such a 'burden' any day."
Augustus smiled but chose not to argue further.
"Mr. Crouch… Mr. Bagman," Karkaroff said smoothly, turning to the judges. "Surely you two, as impartial arbiters, find this situation wholly unacceptable?"
Bagman dabbed at his round face with a handkerchief, avoiding direct answers as he glanced at Crouch. The latter stood at the edge of the firelight, half his face cast in shadow, making him look eerily skeletal. When he finally spoke, his voice was as dry and formal as ever. "We are bound by the rules. The rules clearly state that any name drawn from the Goblet of Fire is required to participate in the tournament."
Augustus was startled by Crouch's firm stance. Based on his character and professional neutrality, Augustus hadn't expected such an unequivocal decision in favor of Hogwarts. It seemed inconsistent with the man's usual demeanor.
The situation had spiraled beyond anyone's expectations. According to the rules, Harry was obligated to compete since his name had emerged. However, if the other schools insisted on fairness and demanded to add their own extra champions, the Triwizard Tournament would devolve into a chaotic six-person contest, making a mockery of the entire event. Augustus rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
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