Ch. 124 Champions

This Hallowe'en, like every one since Harry had arrived at Hogwarts, was filled with activity.

First a Troll, then the first Basilisk attack, then Sirius infiltrates the castle, and now the Champion selection. The Madam who's name rhymes with Growling had a real hard on for the date didn't she?

On this day, my friends and I had gathered in the Exchange before heading to the Entrance Hall.

"I will be entering the Tournament. It seems to be an interesting test of skill and ingenuity, as well as being a source of practical experience. Plus it would be a good way to end my time here with a bang." I say to my friends as we discuss the topic.

"Damn you. You couldn't let others have a chance." Christian complained dramatically. "Doesn't matter, I'm still entering and I'm going to be the Champion. After Master Scamander's lessons it'll easy."

"Hmph. Like you'll even get the chance. If Aedan isn't chosen it'll be me." Tory said in response with a smug smile at Christian.

"Oh yeah?" He challenged," Bring it on then high and mighty Queen. I'll show you just what I can do."

"Can barely match me in a duel, my grades are better and honestly, you act like a wild boar sometimes." Teased Victoria.

Baited by her words, my wild friend roared out," Ha! I've got way more wins against you in dueling and who cares about grades? I'm clearly the most suited in these types of situations!"

"Oh please. That record is from last year and then some." She dismissed without any care. "Remind me, how many times have you won since our 7th year started?"

Christian was stuck there and made a gack sound after hearing her words. Simply because my lady is saying the truth. She has overtaken Christian as the second best combatant amongst us and has been showing immense progress after she had gotten some more experience. She is also the person who's learned the most modded spells and is the closest to learning Protego Sanctum. So her words do have merit.

So as the two bickered, I turned to James.

"How about you? Will you try and represent our school? We are the most likely to hold the title of Hogwarts Champion." I say to him.

"It is a difficult decision for myself." He answered with a thoughtful look before continuing. "I believe that the three of you are much more suited to this type of task. I am simply not aggressive enough."

"It has nothing to do with that. I just think it's about the courage to step forward." I say with a smile and a shake of my head. "Just gotta decide if you'll retreat in the face of the challenge or not. No need to worry about anything else simply because, you already answered the challenge. No one can question your will and you will not have to doubt yourself or ask what would happen if? Sometimes you just have to be willing to jump."

My friend took some time to think about what I had said. It's just how he is. He is willing to stand in front of others and be a shield, but he doesn't act for himself much. He will calmly think his options through before deciding the best course of action for everyone. The only things he usually does for himself are when he peruses knowledge on magic and enchanting. Such is the case for learning the Goblin Smithing Arts.

"Alright. There is no harm in being willing to jump as you said. Plus, I can't let my junior enter while I sit and watch." He finally said with a slight jab at himself.

But then, a wild Christian appeared.

"It doesn't matter you saintly bastard! I'm going to be the Champion!" He roared as if challenged. (Felt like he is channeling Bakugo.)

"Now now Christian. I only said I would enter, the Goblet will let us know who has been chosen." He calmly said as he disarmed my friends passion.

Tory then suddenly appeared from behind him and smacked him on the head, causing Christian to shout in pain.

"Damn woman! What was that for?" He yelled as he rubbed his head.

"Stop acting like a child. We're all entering the tournament and the goblet will decide, so stop shouting at everyone." She said coldly as she glared at him.

"Yes ma'am!" Christian answered as he saluted in a military manner.

'Yeah, she has him trained pretty well. He knows what will happen if he continues to act like an idiot.' I thought to myself with a chuckle.

"It's all well and good to say we will be the Champion, but we should probably enter our names to make that a possibility." I say loud enough to get everyone's attention.

"Then let's go!" Christian excitedly yelled.

"Stop shouting like an idiot." Victoria said with another smack.

"I am rather curious how the artifact works. Do you think they'd let me study it for a bit?" Suddenly asked James.

"I doubt they'll let anyone mess with it until at least tomorrow, but you can always ask." I answered for him.

"True, they wouldn't want anyone to mess with our impartial judge right before the selection." He agreed with a nod.

With a good amount of excitement and energy, we exit the exchange and head towards the entrance hall.

We arrived just in time to see one very peculiar: two old men in school uniform fighting each other on the ground.

"What the bloody hell is this?" Asked a bewildered Christian.

"It would seem that this is the result of someone trying to fool the goblet. Interesting phenomenon." James analyzed as he looked at the situation with great interest.

"Looks like it boosted the effect of an aging potion. I heard that the punishment depends on the means you used to try to fool our wooden judge. I even heard there was a girl that grew a beard because of this." Victoria said with a quick glance.

"It seems this was the path the twins decided to tread. Foolhardy, but creative. I can see why they can create so many products. Unfortunately, everyone severely underestimated the cup and the age line. The line has several loopholes in it, such as getting others to enter for you or levitating the paper to the fire. But the cup would need considerably powerful magic to be fooled. You'd need to be around a professor or Auror level of power at least to succeed. It is a sentient artifact after all." I say as I chuckle at the twins wrestling.

"Really? Doesn't look that special to me." Christian said as he looked at the goblet suspiciously.

"That is because you have to feel the magic Christian. These types of artifacts have different kinds of magical energies, hence they feel unique." James said as he reminded our friend.

"Hmm, I don't have enough experience in that field to really tell the specifics, but it does have an interesting feeling to it." He responded after taking a second.

"Aedan, should we help the two idiots on the floor? They've been like that for long enough." Victoria interrupted as she brought our attention back to the young old men.

"I suppose we should. Unfortunately I do not have the specific potion to cure them at this moment. A de-aging potion isn't really something one needs on a day to day basis. What about you?" I asked to make sure.

"None as well. They'll have to go to Poppy, she'll have it brewed in no time." She said as she shook her head.

"That's what i thought." I agreed as I turned my attention to the twins.

With a flick of my wrist, my wand shoots to my hand, and with a single movement of it, both tumbling boys are now floating in the air.

That got everyone's attention very quickly.

"Fred, George, although this is very entertaining to watch, I suggest heading over to Madam Pomfrey. A potion or two and you'll be back to your red hair and smooth faces. Also, if you ever want to talk about some future business, do come and talk to me. You'd make a wonderful investment." I say as I let them down.

I could have easily done this wandless, but one needs to keep ones true strength hidden.

"Wait." Fred began.

"You want to" George continued.

""Invest in us?!"" The finished in unison.

"Why not? I've been Head boy since you've been in third year. So I've seen the progression of your pranks and inventions. They have potential and I am a business man as well. So if you ever want a little extra support I'd be happy to help you out." I say with a chuckle.

"Alright mister businessman, enough of that." Chastised Tory as she pushed me out of the way and narrowed her eyes at the twins. "Now you two head to the infirmary and get the Madam to look you over. Tell her exactly why you're like this and she'll fix you right up. Am I understood?"

""Yes your Queenliness!"" They shouted in unison and ran out of the door.

"Well, at least I know any of your kids aren't going to end up like Christian." I said with a chuckle.

"Hey! What do you mean be that!?" The bewildered Christian asked.

"I will have to agree with Aedan on this one. No way Victoria will raise such a wild youth." James said with a nod of his head.

"Not you too?!" Our wild friend said as he slumped in depression a bit.

"Stand up straight! Stop acting like a child in public! Can't you at least look like you have any control or decorum?" Nagged Tory this time, proving my point as she tried to cover over her slightly red ears.

He immediately straightened his body body with a conditioned "Yes Queen!"

This got some chuckles from myself and James, while those looking at us stare with open mouths.

"Let's enter our names and head back to our own projects. No need to brag this on." I then say as the four of us take out our slips with our names on them.

We quickly threw our names in and with a blue flash they were gone.

'It doesn't feel anywhere close to my own flame, but they also feel differently than bluebell flames. It is interesting, but oh well.' I thought as I analyzed the Goblet.

We all left together but dispersed to take care of our own projects until the feast. It would be eventful for sure.

Christian went to check up on some of the beasts in the Forest, something he had gotten special permission to do. James went to the RoR to continue his smithing project, which seems to be a pair of greaves. Tory went to the infirmary in order to help Madam Pomfrey with the influx of students. And I went to the Exchange's practice area to work on my in-progress spell.

This allowed for everyone to pass the time quickly until we headed down to the feast.

During said feast, I took charge of socializing with our guests from Beauxbatons again. This entailed talking with a few members who would politely discuss things with me and mostly taking care of Gabrielle. The little girl seemed to have gotten quite attached, apparently I felt like a stern but caring older brother. It happened quickly, but I'm fine with having another cute little sister.

Susan's been becoming more distant as she's been growing, so I don't have as many chances to spoil her. ToT

During this time, I had also taken the chance to talk to Fleur. It seemed she appreciated having someone to talk to around the same age, who doesn't get even a bit influenced by her heritage. If anything, she might be influenced by mine. Her senses are far more sensitive than a normal humans, thus she can feel more of my beast side.

It was during one of these conversations that Crouch and Bagman arrived as well, and that the Headmaster cleared the tables.

He stood in front of hundreds of expectant eyes and spoke.

"The Goblet is almost ready to make its decision. I estimate only another minute is required. Now, when the Champions are chosen, I will ask for them to come up to the Head Table and head to the next chamber. You will be receiving your first instructions there." He announced calmly to the impatient students.

He then dimmed all sources of light in the hall and left only the shining blue flame dancing in the cup alone. It flickered and brightened, building the anticipation of all those present, until it turned red and spat out a partially burnt piece of parchment.

Dumbledore caught it and announced the chosen participant in a clear, strong voice,"The Champion for Durmstrang will be... Victor Krum."

Applause erupted as the guy stood up and head towards the next chamber, with his own headmaster being the proudest and happiest present.

The hall quieted as they awaited the next champion. Not having to wait long as the red flames spat out the second name.

"The Champion for Beauxbatons will be... Fleur Delacour." The Headmaster announced as the applauses rang out once again.

With a triumphant smile on her face, she stood up and walked down the aisle under everyones gazes and disappeared into the next room.

Gabrielle was both very excited for her sister and very worried due to the track record of the tournament. Some other Beauxbatons students were devastated, while some girls actually started crying.

Unfortunately for them, the show must go on and they were soon ignored as most of the students were now anticipating the Hogwarts Champion.

The flame turned red for the third time and the 'final' parchment was revealed.

"The Hogwarts Champion will be... Aedan Bones." He announced with a smile on his face and as the hall erupted with cheers.

"Raven! Raven! Raven! Raven! Raven!" The hall chanted with a rhythm as I made my way to the next chamber.

I could feel the eyes of every person in the hall on me as I gave a slight nod to the Headmaster and disappeared into the chamber.

As I went down the stairs I could hear the cheering going on for a while, until the noise was too muffled to notice.

The room seemed to be a place for the achievements of Hogwarts and some figures of the past. It contained walls full of living portraits and trophies, with a roaring fireplace. Fleur and Krum both looked over to see their final competition.

"Oh Aedan. Are you really ze champion for 'ogwarts?" Fleur asked in a stunned voice.

"It would seem so Fleur. I hope we can still hang out and learn from each other during the year. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity just because we will be competitors. We are meant to foster friendly relations as well." I happily say in response.

"Zat would be nice." She answered with a relieved smile.

"Of course, if Mr. Krum wishes to join us as well, I'd be more than happy to train with you too." I say to the brooding man in Bulgarian.

"You speak my tongue?" He asked in a very surprised manner.

"I have taken the time to learn many languages. I even learned some Mermish due to my friend and I's interest in magical creatures and beings." I answered with a bright smile.

"Then it would be pleasant to have someone to train with. You look strong. Do you play Quidditch as well?" He asked curiously.

"No, that interest belongs to one of my friends. I train for combat and health reasons. I am the founder and president of the Dueling club. I run every morning with my previously mentioned friend, as well as some promising duelers who will take over the club next year. It would be great if you could join us." I responded with my smile still present.

"I believe I will take you up on that offer." He said with a serious look on his face.

"What are you two talking about without me?" Suddenly asked Fleur in French.

"I was simply offering to workout together. I train with a few other students in the morning." I answered simply in English.

"Oh, zen I would like to join as well." She said as if it was decided.

"It would be a pleasure to have you both." I answered brightly.

But at that moment, I noticed a certain messy head of black hair appear from the stairs.

"Harry, what are you doing here? Are they asking for us to come up?" I asked calmly to the very nervous teen.

"No. Um, Aedan, it looks like someone put my name in the cup. And it was selected." He said as he looked at me hopefully.

"Zat is impossible!" Shouted Fleur, half in English, half in French.

Krum frowned but decided not to speak.

"That is worrying." I said with a serious face.

"What? Why!?" Asked Harry as he began to worry.

"It cannot be a simple coincidence. Someone tampered with the goblet, targeting you specifically, in a tournament renowned for its dangers. You will have to be careful." I said to the boy seriously.

"But I don't even want to participate! Can't I just withdraw?" He then asked in a worried manner.

"I don't know Harry. But the officials for the Tournament are coming. We'll see what they have to say." I answered with a shake of my head.

Before he could do anything else our five judges ran down in a hurry, and the canon scene began.

Dumbledore CALMLY asked the kid if he'd put his name in, the other heads of schools aren't happy, Snape is being a twit against Harry again, Moody explains how this could have happened and scares Karkaroff, Crouch says Harry has to participate and now they are forced to accept it.

In face of the unavoidable, Crouch begins to explain how this would work.

Like the canon, the first task tests our 'daring in the face of the unknown.' It will happen on November 24th, we are not allowed to ask for help from any teacher and we will only be allowed our wands during the tasks. We will receive information on the second task after the first has been completed and we will be exempt from end-of-year tests. Doesn't do much for me since NEWT's are required.

After that, Barty left, Ludo stayed for a drink with Dumbledore, Madame Maxime and Karkaroff led Fleur and Krum out, and the Headmaster bid Harry and I goodnight.

"Do you really think someone wants to harm me?" He asked as he had become very worried about this happening, but he was relieved I believed him about not putting his name in.

"It is very likely Harry. Prepare yourself thoroughly for anything, you'll need it. If you need help don't be afraid to come to me. I'll do everything I can to make sure you make it through this tournament." I gently say to the teen.

"But what about you? You're supposed to be against me." Harry asked in a surprised manner.

"I have absolute confidence in myself already Harry. I even invited Fleur and Mr. Krum to learn and train together. So don't worry too much. Unfortunately we will have to talk another time, I believe our houses will be celebrating our participation." I say with a chuckle as I head out first.

I was very correct about that. The Ravenclaw tower was filled with extremely excited students, proud that their houses star had been chosen. Christian happily congratulated me, saying I should 'wipe the flour with everyone.' While Luna airily congratulated me as well.

Seeing the two doing so together gave me a knowing smirk as I tell him to wait until she's an adult. He turns red as he tries to hide his embarrassment by making me chug some butter beer someone snuck in.

It was a pleasant way to end a rather exciting day.