In The Shadows² ★ Draco Malfoy

*Champions

24 hours after the Goblet of Fire had been presented to the three schools, everyone was once again assembled in the Great Hall, anxiously awaiting the results of who the three champions selected would be

Even as they ate the magnificent Halloween feast in front of them, none of the students seemed to be able to eat much as they were either too excited or too nervous about the nearing announcement

But finally once the plates were cleared all eyes snapped up to the staff table where Professor Dumbledore was on his feet and standing next to the Goblet of Fire, who's blue flame seemed brighter and stronger than yesterday

"Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision," said Dumbledore. "I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber" - he indicated to the door behind the staff table - "where they will be receiving their first instructions." With a wave of his wand all of the candles in the ceiling and on the tables were extinguished so the hall was now only lit by the blue light of the Goblet of Fire. After a few moments the flame suddenly turned red and a shot of flame burst out. From it, a poorly cut piece of parchment flew out and fluttered down into Dumbledore's hands. "The champion for Durmstrang," he read out "will be Viktor Krum."

Nearly the entire hall burst into cheers for the legendary seeker. But none was louder than his headmaster

"Bravo, Viktor!" Professor Karkaroff was shouting so loudly that everyone could hear him over the applause "Knew you had it in you!"

When Krum had disappeared through the door behind the staff table the cheers died down and all eyes turned back to the Goblet, which had gone red again. A second piece of parchment shot out, this one round and with decorative edges

"The champion for Beauxbatons," said Dumbledore, "is Fleur Delacour!"

As soon as the beautiful girl stood up from the Ravenclaw table, it seemed every man in the hall forgot how to function properly and Briar shared an amused look with Ginny and Rylee. Fleur was obviously a veela, and if boys would react like this every time she even stood up then it would be a long year

When Fleur disappeared too, the hall fell silent once more, but this time the excitement was almost overwhelming as they knew the Hogwarts champion was next

The Goblet of Fire turned red once more and everyone in the hall held their breath as a piece of parchment fluttered into Dumbledore's waiting hands

"The Hogwarts champion," he called "is Cedric Diggory!"

The Hufflepuff table erupted into cheers, and although the rest of the school cheered too it was nowhere near as loud. Nearly every girl at Hogwarts seemed to be on her feet either clapping, or trying to get a good view of Cedric as he walked towards the staff table grinning broadly

"No!" Ron was trying to call over the noise, obviously still bitter about the quidditch match last year, but no one could hear him

"Excellent!" Dumbledore called happily as at last the tumult died down. "Well, wenow have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, includingthe remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give yourchampions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your championon, you will contribute in a very real --"

But he cut himself off as his eyes fixated on the Goblet of Fire in front of him, and everyone else was watching it too. Its flame had gone red again and a long flame suddenly shot out, carrying yet another piece of parchment

Dumbledore snatched it from the air and from where Briar sat she could see his eyebrows furrowing as he read what was on the parchment. But he cleared his throat and addressed the hall, his voice shaky and uncertain "Harry Potter" There was only silence in the hall as everyone's heads whipped around to look at Harry, who seemed almost frozen, but his face was filled with confusion "Harry Potter!" He called again