Red dragon

55

"Evans. He's been framed." A Ravenclaw student insisted.

"Yeah He's Harry Evans." Harry was shocked. It was a vastly different reception to what happened last time. They were all supporting him.

Professor Snape moved forward and asked in a serious tone. "Harry did you put your name in the goblet of fire?"

"No Uncle Severus." Harry answered truthfully; using a trick that he had been saving. It probably wouldn't work ever again.

The professor turned to Dumbledore. "He didn't do it." Then walked off in bit of a daze.

"Well, go through the doors, my boy; we need to discuss this."

"Will I have to compete; I don't want to. I have a potions essay I need to do." There was a small snigger from a few of the Gryffindor students.

"Most likely, Harry."

"Bu-"

"Harry, go on." McGonagall pointed Harry away and the boy trudged off reluctantly. Zana came behind her master and hissed violently at the cup. She then swished her tail and strode elegantly after Harry. How dare the strange fire thing upset her master?

"Harry, vhat are you doing 'ere?" Fleur asked; her voice full of concern.

"My name came out of the goblet."

"What?" Cedric looked down at Harry. "Harry are you okay?"

"You're worried about him? This is an outrage!" Came Krum's voice. "He cheated."

"I've known Harry for years; he's like a brother to everyone at this school. You didn't put your name in, did you?"

"No."

"See." Cedric took that word as gospel.

Kararoff shouted as everyone came into the room. "He is just after the prize money."

"Mr Kararoff." Cedric addressed politely. "Harry had two million galleons in his trust vault."

"How did you know that?"

"I heard you taking to Oliver Wood in your first year." Cedric spoke again. "He doesn't need it."

"Then he wants the fame; the attention."

"Harry hates attention Mr Kararoff." Professor McGonagall insisted. "He is constantly referred to as 'the boy who lived'. I've noticed that he cringes every time someone reminds him of that."

"Hogwarts can't have two champions."

"Well Harry's name had no school on it."

"I don't want to compete." Harry insisted. "I'll have to miss lessons."

McGonagall smiled. "I'm sure someone of your ability's can handle it."

"But my OWLs."

"You can take them next year, Harry."

"Exactly Professor, I've only got a year to revise."

"See?" Cedric insisted. "Does he look like someone who would want to compete in a tournament like this? An exam maybe…."

"Well either way he needs to compete." Mr Bagman stated. "It's a magical contract. He can't get out of it."

"This is the worst." Harry complained. He felt really whiny. He didn't want to have to do it not again. Why did his life have to be so stressful?

"You'll be fine Harry." Cedric put his arm on Harry shoulder. "Maybe we should bring Oliver or someone here; Harry looks…"

"No I'm fine." Harry picked up his cat and hooked her around his neck. "There is no other option, is there?"

"Sorry Harry, you have to compete."

"Well now that that is settled. Deepest apologies Mr Potter."

"It's Evans-Potter."

"Of course, of course. Let's crack on. Your first task will be taking place twenty fourth of November. It's designed to test daring and courage. You may not ask advice or aid from any teachers. You will go into the task with only your wands as your guide." The task was explained. "And as of the demanding nature of the tournament, all champions are exempt from end of year exams."

"This just gets worse." Harry complained. "God I sound like Hermione."

"Well I suppose that's it." Harry was ignored. "You will be given your second task once the first is completed."

"Severus could you take Harry to Madam Pomphrey. I'm sure he'll need Dreamless Sleep tonight."

"Of course."

"Talk to you tomorrow, Harry." Cedric waved encouragingly as the boy was led out of the room. The second the door shut Harry heard the arguments coming from the room.

"I'm sure you'll be fine Harry."

"I know- it just sucks."

"You still have to do my essay, Mr Potter."

"Of course sir."

The spent the rest of the way in silence. Until they got into the medical wing.

"Oh Fray what happened?" Harry hurried up to the girl.

"Nothing; just a sprained ankle."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Congratulations. Cedric's not giving you a hard time, is he?" The Hufflepuff girl asked.

"Oh no, he's fine with it. Everyone's convinced I've been put in the tournament so that I'll get myself killed."

"Cheery." Fray smiled at him.

Madam Pomphrey looked up. "Dreamless Sleep, Harry?"

"Yes." Professor Snape answered for him.

"Could I have it up in my common room? I want to go and complain to my friends."

"Get a bit of tension out?" Harry nodded. "You will take it though?"

"I promise."

"Here we go then." She nodded. "I want to see you before breakfast though."

"Thanks ma'am. See you later Fray."

"Bye Harry."

"Well that's you all done Miss Westward." The medi-witch decided, sending the Hufflepuff girl on her way.

Harry entered the common room to a cheer. A Banner saying 'Evans was FRAMED but he'll win this anyway' flashed above the fire place.

"Hi guys."

Ron and Draco were the first to come up to him. "We heard you have to compete."

"I know."

"You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?" Hermione asked in a whisper.

"Yeah, and it sucks. I don't want to. I tried to change it."

"But you'll be amazing." Fred and George insisted.

"I know." He sighed. "Come on, let's celebrate. If I'm stuck in this might as we'll make the most out of it." The whole room cheered again.