The deadline for Triwizard Tournament entries was fast approaching. During this period, prominent contenders like Cedric Diggory, Fleur Delacour, and Viktor Krum all threw their names into the Goblet, seduced by the promise of "eternal glory." Even underage students clamored to participate.
The Weasley twins, Fred and George, for instance, attempted to fool the Goblet with an Aging Potion. Hermione Granger, witnessing their efforts, warned them that Albus Dumbledore's magic wouldn't be so easily deceived. However, the twins believed Dumbledore wouldn't expect anyone to attempt such a foolish ploy, assuming its very absurdity might grant it success.
But, as Hermione Granger predicted, their scheme backfired spectacularly. The potion's backlash amplified the aging effects, turning their hair white and sprouting long beards, much to the amusement of the surrounding students.
...
Finally, the evening arrived for the announcement of the chosen champions. The Great Hall was packed, everyone buzzing with anticipation.
The first slip of parchment shot from the enchanted flames, and Albus Dumbledore caught it. He opened it and announced, "Viktor Krum, of Durmstrang!"
"Whoa!!!"
Cheers erupted from the Durmstrang table. Even Igor Karkaroff, seated at the teachers' table, couldn't suppress a smile.
Soon after, the second champion was revealed.
"Fleur Delacour, of Beauxbatons!"
The Beauxbatons girls erupted in excited chatter, quickly quieting as the attention turned to Hogwarts' selection.
A low roar...
A spark of blue flame, and a third slip of parchment emerged. Albus Dumbledore caught it, a smile gracing his lips as he read, "Hogwarts... Cedric Diggory!"
"Whoa!!!"
The Hogwarts cheers were deafening, particularly from the Hufflepuff contingent. But the celebration was cut short as another slip of parchment burst from the Goblet.
"..."
What the devil is going on?
Silence descended upon the Great Hall.
Albus Dumbledore, equally perplexed, took the slip, opened it, and read, "Harry Potter?"
"..."
Harry Potter felt every eye in the hall bore into him, utterly bewildered.
Draco Malfoy nudged him, hissing, "Hey, Scarhead, you secretly signed up without me? And you got in?! That's not fair!" Despite his words, a hint of amusement flickered in Draco Malfoy's eyes.
Little did he know that only a powerful Confundus Charm could fool the Goblet of Fire, a feat far beyond Harry Potter's capabilities.
Questioning looks from some Hogwarts students, and open suspicion from the other houses, made Harry Potter bristle. But the majority of Hogwarts students were, of course, Death Eaters; how dare these outsiders question Harry Potter?
Led by Draco Malfoy, they launched into a heated argument.
"Harry Potter is underage! It's cheating!"
"Stop talking nonsense! Just because you're useless doesn't mean you can't acknowledge greatness! The Goblet of Fire chose Harry Potter based on his own merit!"
"It's against the rules!"
"If you can't do it, don't hate the game! If you could, you could sign up too; we wouldn't stop you!"
"..."
Finally, Madame Maxime from the faculty spoke, "Professor Dumbledore..."
Igor Karkaroff remained conspicuously silent. He knew which side Harry Potter was on; speaking out would be suicidal. Besides, Harry Potter's standing among the Death Eaters was higher than his. Causing trouble for Harry Potter would undoubtedly bring him harm.
Albus Dumbledore also suspected Tom Riddle was involved, but before he could voice his suspicions, he heard Madame Maxime's hesitant question.
Then Tom Riddle's voice cut through the noise, "What? Do you have any objections?"
Tom Riddle smiled, his gaze sweeping over Madame Maxime and Igor Karkaroff. Madame Maxime's expression froze, and Igor Karkaroff lowered his head, beads of cold sweat trickling down his face.
"Moody" inwardly praised the Dark Lord, convinced Tom Riddle was deigning to help him.
As for the other professors, they were used to it. They knew Albus Dumbledore could handle these disturbances. Even Severus Snape calmly sipped his coffee.
"Speak freely," Tom Riddle continued. "This is a fair competition. Discussing solutions together is the best approach."
Everyone knew it was true, but the problem lay with who was saying it. No one dared voice their dissenting opinions.
Finally, Albus Dumbledore sighed. "Tom, isn't this... a bit much?"
"Huh? You old codger, Albus Dumbledore, you suspect me too?!"
Tom Riddle slowly rose to his feet. "I'll put it this way: I didn't manipulate Harry Potter's entry. If I had, I wouldn't bother lying about it."
"..."
Hearing Tom Riddle's words, Albus Dumbledore fell silent. He knew Tom Riddle was right. The brat was incredibly arrogant; if he'd done it, he wouldn't care what anyone thought.
But then another question arose: if not Tom Riddle, then who? Who possessed a Confundus Charm powerful enough to fool his Goblet of Fire? And who specifically wanted Harry Potter to compete?
Could it be... Severus Snape?
At that moment, Severus Snape, leisurely sipping his coffee, suddenly shivered. He felt a curse directed at him. Hmm... it must be Harry Potter! Just as despicable as his father!
Sigh… it's so much better to have someone like Lily's Harry. It's a pity Harry hasn't had anything from him since.
Even before Harry Potter's situation could be resolved, the blue flame in the Goblet of Fire reignited, and another piece of parchment flew out.
Albus Dumbledore, feeling utterly numb, took the note, opened it, and...
Albus Dumbledore turned and stared at Tom Riddle, his expression blank.
Tom Riddle readily admitted it, "Yes, I did that one."
"..."
The Great Hall fell silent again.
Madame Maxime was particularly distraught, learning the competition was rigged!
But she dared not speak, resolving to whisper grievances about the Dark Lord and Albus Dumbledore to her students later.
"Oh dear, don't look so glum," Tom Riddle said, smiling as he sat. He glanced at the other two headmasters. "You can also choose two more students to participate. Wouldn't that be fair?"
Madame Maxime's head snapped up in surprise. Not daring to address Tom Riddle directly, she turned to Albus Dumbledore. "Professor Dumbledore?"
"That's the only way," Albus Dumbledore said, shrugging helplessly. Then, seeing Tom Riddle's urging gaze, he announced the name on the slip of paper: "Cassandra Volle!"
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