The days drifted lazily by for Harry as Halloween approached. He knew what was coming so he mentally prepared for it. Ron was still being a major git and Ginny's jealousy was beginning to get over bearing. Three times Ginny had tried to potion either himself or Hermione. Harry was worried she would get desperate and try something really stupid.
When the other schools were scheduled to arrive, the school was at a fever pitch. They were all out side by house waiting in the cold.
Harry's eyes were on the eastern horizon. He was holding Hermione's hand and casting warming charms ever ten minutes or so. At long last a carriage came into view flying over the mountains pulled by seven enormous white flying horses. They nearly ran Hagrid down landing. First exited the Largest Woman any in the castle had ever seen, followed by 25 beautiful girls in flowing blue silk robes. They were escorted directly into the castle. As the last girl entered the castle a large sucking sound could be heard coming from the black lake. An old ship that looked like it had been a wreck at the bottom of the ocean from three hundred years ago was coming to the surface. The boys of Drumstrang walked down a gangway towards the castle. After both schools had entered the students of Hogwarts were led back into the great hall.
The Hogwarts students were all seated and the headmistress rand on her glass for silence. She then took the podium.
"I would like first to introduce the lovely ladies of beauxbatons academy of magic, and there headmistress Madame Maxime."
The girls dressed in light blue robes fairly floated down the center aisle with blue butterflies swirling around them. Ron was drooling all over himself as he watched the girls, while Harry only had eyes for Hermione. Once they were seated McGonagall spoke again. "Now I'd like to welcome the proud sons of Drumstrang and there Headmaster Igor Karkaroff." The noise was deafening as they marched forward beating their staffs on the ground making fire with each hit and when they arrived at the front blowing out huge fire dragons. During this Ron was nearly fainting at the sight of Victor Krum as the student flanking Karkaroff. Krum was also eyeing Hermione hungrily. Professor McGonagall spoke one more time. "Please all take your seats and enjoy the meal we have prepared." The meal and desert was eaten and enjoyed by most. Some in the French contingent were complaining. When Professor McGonagall rose to her feet and came forward. "Tonight begins the Triwizard Tournament, and to explain what will be happening, the Head of The department of International Cooperation Mr. Bartimus Crouch." He stepped forward.
"Mr. Filtch if you would please." Filtch rolled out a coffin which he stood on end. Mr. Crouch tapped the top of it with his wand and the coffin melted away, revealing a flaming Gold Goblet with runes etched all the way around it. "The Goblet Of Fire. Anyone wishing to enter the tournament need only place their name on a piece of parchment with the name of their respective school before tomorrow nights dinner, the cup will then chose the champions. No one under the age of seventeen will be allowed to place their name in the cup. Do not place you name in foolishly. Once chosen, there is no turning back as it is a magical contract and you must then compete. Several enchantments have been placed on the cup to prevent anyone under the age of seventeen from entering. I hope to see you all at the choosing tomorrow night." The cup suddenly burnt more brightly. "With this" pointing at the cup "the Triwizard Tournament has begun!" The headmistress then chimed in "Time for bed, you are all dismissed."
That night and the next day went all most exactly as Harry remembered. So sitting with Hermione as the champion selection went on was the same except Hermione's Hand in his knowing what was coming and Snape's eyes watching him the whole time. After the third champion was chosen Snape sneered at Harry as if to say liar, then his attitude totally changed as the goblet flared again and another name came out. The Headmistress looked down at Harry. "Harry Potter!" Harry walked to the goblet put his left hand on it and spoke. "On my life and my magic, I did not put my name forth in the goblet of fire I also asked no one else to do it for me this is my oath!" A light of gold encircled Harry and went into him. Then he took his wand and called out "Expecto Patronum!" A large silver and gold stag erupted from his wand and pranced threw the Great Hall. He then walked to the front of the great hall and to the anteroom beyond.
Even with his oath they were all questioning him in the anteroom, and Crouch once again confirmed he must compete.
Minerva was worried for her Cub; she had yet to give up the position of Gryffindor head. She did ask Alistair to mentor the boy.
When Harry had detention Monday night Snape was fuming. "I know you told me this would happen do actually plan to win it?"
Harry Laughed, "If I don't the contestant that does is toast."
Snape was not amused. "What do you mean?"
Harry sighed. "Last time I went through this Cedric Diggory Died. He will not die this time!"