"You're nervous, understandable considering what today means for you and the champion selection likely isn't helping your anxiety.", Helga said in a very motherly and concerned tone.
Harry brushed it off and said, "I'm fine, I just need to get through today and all will be alright."
Helga and the others didn't look convinced, but they knew Harry well enough now not to push him further. Harry said goodbye to the paintings and decided to head to the Great Hall to get some lunch before heading to the common room.
Upon entering, he was jolted in shock as he saw the twins getting thrown across the room by the Goblet of Fire which was surrounded by what he assumed was the aging line Dumbledore was supposed to draw. His shock turned to humor though as he saw that whatever the twins had taken to try and get passed the line had somehow aged them by a lot and they began arguing, which led to an old man brawl. Harry noticed Krum walking towards the Goblet and put his name in while sending what Harry could only describe as a smoldering look to none other than Hermione, which he found very odd but really didn't care. Maybe dating Victor Bloody Krum will get her to relax finally and get off my case, though I don't think Ron will be too receptive to the idea, he thought. Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Penny smiling at him.
"I hope you're not thinking anything foolish, glasses. I don't want you getting in trouble again, especially in front of foreign dignitaries.", she said in a teasing manner.
Harry snorted and said, "Trust me, I have no desire to go anywhere near that thing and getting caught up in another ridiculous adventure, not when I finally have almost everything I've ever wanted. What about you though, have you decided to enter? You are the best student who's of age alongside Cedric, who I know is going to enter."
Penny just shook her head and said, "Nope, I leave the craziness around this place to you as I much prefer a good book near the fireplace and having to berate you at the end of every year for giving me a heart attack. I just came by to check on you since today is…you know."
Harry gave her a sad smile and said, "I know and thank you, but I'll be alright once this day is over. Anyway, want to join for lunch? I know you've been studying hard for your NEWTs despite them being eight months away and I know how you get when you don't eat enough."
Penny nodded, "That would be nice, I could use a break. It's been a little harder without Percy helping me as a study partner."
Harry noticed the slight sadness in her tone at the mention of Percy and said, "How are things between you and Mr. Rules anyway?"
Penny just said, "Things have been more difficult lately since he started his new job at the Ministry working directly under Fudge, but I'm sure everything will be fine when I finish school. Speaking of young love, what's going on with you and Tonks? Everyone's been talking about the two of you and I even heard someone say there's a betting pool on how far you've gone."
Harry felt Penny was trying to convince herself about Percy just as much as she was trying to convince Harry and was annoyed when she told him about the Tonks thing. He also caught a hint of familiarity between her and Tonks with how she said her name. "You know Tonks?"
Penny smiled fondly and said, "Yeah, she used to date Percy and Ron's brother Charlie and so we met a few times at The Burrow and in school when she was a student, even became friends but we haven't spoken since she graduated and broke up with Charlie."
Harry nodded and said, "Nothing's going on between us, we just get along really well and she and I are kindred spirits in a way as we share a lot of the same goals, interests, and values. I won't deny I'm starting to fancy her, but I seriously doubt she has any interest in me."
Harry didn't notice the small frown on her face at how he talked about Tonks in an affectionate manner, but he did hear her say, "Any women would be lucky to have you, Harry. You're sweet, kind, brave, handsome, and you still care about the happiness and security of everyone despite how they may treat you. I don't think any other man would be half as good a romantic partner as you. If you love someone, you should let them know and allow them to decide from there, otherwise you might miss out on something great."
Harry internally winced as that last part could be applied to the girl in front of him as even now his heart is telling him that he loves Penny, even if he is starting to really like Tonks, but he couldn't as she still wants to love Percy so he decided to put those feelings down right then and there for good. He thanked her and told her he would think about it as they finished there meal.
Later, Harry found himself once again in the Great Hall, this time surrounded by the entire student body of Hogwarts, the foreign students, the teachers, and the Auror guards including Tonks who smiled at him. The First Weekend of Hogsmeade is coming up, maybe I could ask her if she wanted to come along. Ugh, no wonder I can't get a date with anyone who isn't a fangirl if that's the best I can come up with, he thought. Harry was brought out of his sad thoughts when Dumbledore announced it was time for the champion selection in an overdramatized style that wanted to make him roll his eyes.
The Goblet lit up and a piece of parchment flew out, causing Dumbledore to grab it and announce Victor Krum as the Durmstrang champion and Harry thought Karkaroff was going to snog poor Victor as he went to the back. The Goblet lit up again and this time Dumbledore announced Fleur Delacour as the Beauxbatons champion and Harry saw the Veela girl from yesterday get up. So that's her name, huh? Pretty like her…wait what did just I say? Okay, I really need to get my love life in order before something stupid out loud like I'm supposed to have a harem when I become a lord, he thought. The Goblet came to life one more time and Harry tensed as, even though he didn't enter, he couldn't shake this bad feeling, but that ended as Dumbledore announced Cedric Diggory as the Hogwarts champion and no one was happier than Harry, even more than the puffs.
Harry and the others were about to leave when the Goblet lit up once more and everyone froze as a piece of parchment came out and Dumbledore grabbed it and said the one thing that would change Harry's life forever, both for the good and the bad.
"HARRY POTTER!", Dumbledore shouted. Harry couldn't move, not until he felt McGonagall come up and push him forward. After he grabbed the parchment from the old man, he began walking to the backroom and he could already see the disgusted and angry faces on all the students, including Ron and the rest of the Gryffindors. He noticed Penny and Tonks looking at him in concern and Su, Tracey, and Susan also looked a little worried. He walked into the room where the other three champions were waiting and he felt like he was going to faint.
Cedric noticed him and said, "Hey Harry, do they need us back out there? Are you all right, you look sick?" Harry was about to answer when the teachers came in and Harry prayed they would believe him but that was soon proven wrong.
"HARRY, DID YOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIRE!", Dumbledore did not ask calmly as he shoved him up against a shelf. It took every bit of restraint Harry had not to lash out at the old man.
"No, I didn't and I didn't ask for an older student to do it for me.", Harry said. He heard Snape scoff.
"Is this a trick to have a better chance of winning Dumbledore? Hogwarts cannot have two champions!", Karkaroff said fuming. Maxime nodded in agreement.
"I don't want to be a champion, I refuse to participate.", Harry said to the shock of the others.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, Mr. Potter as the Goblet creates a binding magical contract when you enter your name and if you refuse, you lose your magic.", Crouch said.
"I didn't enter my name!", Harry shouted and his magic began leaking out.
"You know, 'Arry, you could have Occlumency performed on you to see if you're telling the truth.", said Fleur surprisingly. Harry was curious as to why she would help him, but he decided to take her advice. He knew what Occlumency was and he didn't like people entering his mind, but he was willing to risk it for this.
"I'll agree to it if it gets me out of it, although I shouldn't need to as I saw Fred and George try to put their names in the Goblet when they got past the age line and it hit them with magic so it should have done the same with me.", Harry said. The three champions agreed with Harry, saying they witnessed it as well. That got the teachers thinking and they seemingly were starting to believe Harry, with Moody being his biggest supporter, backing up his theories.
"Well, it seems we have been lax in security despite the precautions as Harry is in the middle of a conspiracy. We will have to be better prepared in the coming months during the tournament, but for now Bagman and Crouch shall explain the rules to the four of you.", Dumbledore said.
Harry narrowed his eyes and said, "What do you mean four? I just told you I'm not doing it."
Dumbledore shook his head and said, "I'm sorry Harry, but I'm afraid without knowing who is responsible or the affect withdrawing will have on your magic, you will have to compete."
Harry was fuming, "So you're going to leave me to wolves, again? Maybe you should look at the Death Eaters you keep allowing into the castle as the suspects."
Dumbledore was shocked at the tone and Snape wanted to lash out, but one look from the old man stopped him dead. Bagman, who was giddy at having four champions (one of them being Harry Potter) in the tournament, told them that the Wand Weighing Ceremony would take place in two weeks' time and the First Task two weeks after that. They were dismissed and Harry didn't even look back at the teachers as he stormed out and made his way back to Gryffindor Tower next to Cedric.
Cedric decided to break the ice, "So, I guess the ol' Halloween luck struck again, huh?"
Harry let out a hallowed laugh, "Yeah, I guess it did. I'm sorry Cedric, this was supposed to be your moment and I ruined it."
Cedric stopped and put his hand on Harry's shoulder and said, "Hey, I know you didn't do this, some asshole did. I know we're competing, but I'm with ya' till the end to the end of the line, like always."
Harry was shocked and couldn't say anything except, "Thank you", in a whisper.
Cedric nodded and the two split up to go to their respective common rooms and Harry warily walked into Gryffindor Tower. Immediately, he saw Ron pacing back and forth like a lion waiting for his prey, Hermione looking frustrated, Neville looking conflicted and sitting shyly in the corner, and everyone else glaring at him. However, it was the chaser's reaction that broke his heart, as Angie was crying with a look of betrayal in her eyes as everyone knew she would have been chosen as champion had Cedric not been there and she probably thinks he decided to make headlines again instead of telling her about how be chosen. Alicia was trying to console Angie with a look at him that 'now's not the time' as she correctly guessed by looking at his expression that he wanted to talk to Angie. Katie looked even more conflicted than Neville did as she looked like she couldn't decide whether to scream at him or embrace him.
Ron couldn't help himself when he got into Harry's face and said, "How did you do it? Why didn't you tell us?!"
Harry sighed, "I didn't put my name in the cup, Ron. The teachers believe that the Death Eaters who attacked us at the World Cup are behind this." That made many of the Gryffindors look conflicted, but they still appeared unconvinced without hard evidence.
Ron shouted, "Yeah right, this is just another way to make you look good and ignore the rest of us. Famous Harry Potter, as if you didn't already have it all."
Harry felt like killing Ron but restrained himself and looked at Hermione, "Is that how you feel too? That I'm a liar and a cheat?"
Hermione took a breath and said, "You've been acting very strange lately, Harry. Disappearing all the time and being good at magic you weren't good at before."
Harry felt his heart break and said, "If you two do this, then we're done. For good."
The two in question looked hesitant for a few moments due to Harry's seriousness but they became resolute in their beliefs and just like that Harry's closest friends had abandoned him, as well as the entire Gryffindor House as they allowed their jealousy to overcome all that he had done for them.
Harry felt empty inside as he walked up into the dorms and sat down, he knew he couldn't stay here and so decided to pack up and head to the chamber. He called for Dobby, who worked in the kitchens, to take all of his belongings and take them to the chamber after he swore the house elf to secrecy about it. When he got there, he told the founders about what happened and them being shocked and saddened was an understatement and agreed that it was best he stay here…all alone.