The entire population was stilled as they looked towards the Goblet of Fire to choose the first contestant of the Triwizard Tournament. Dumbledore reached forward as the first name popped out of the Goblet.
"From Durmstrang Institute, Victor Krum," the Headmaster announced. The Durmstrang students cheered their most famous student. The stoic teen simply stood up and walked out to the meeting room as they had previously been told about without acknowledging the crowd.
The instant Krum disappeared the next slip of paper appeared. "For Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Ms Fleur Delacour!" This time many (at least the male) students joined in the cheering. Fleur acknowledged them all with a wave not all that different than a Muggle beauty queen accepting her crown.
Then it was Hogwart's turn. "For Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Cedric Diggory!" Even many of the Slytherins joined in for cheering the popular and friendly Diggory.
Dumbledore stepped forward to announce the end of the feast when yet another slip of paper appeared. Nervously, he stepped forward and took the paper.
"For Dogged Magic, Rodger Davies."
Davies stood up with a slight grin as the rest of the students and staff looked on in shock. What did this mean?
The Heads of the other schools were just winding up their protests when yet another slip of paper popped out.
"For the Boneyard, Alfonse DiGiamotto." A boy in Beauxbaton's blue stood up.
"For Howling Mad Witches, Sarah Dimitriova." A girl in Durmstrang robes stood now.
"For Loser Academy, Draco Ignatius Malfoy." Draco looked flushed at the name of the faux school but strutted up to the front anyway. Although he paused to glare at the Gryffindor table when he heard Ron comment, "Wow, he's a dim loser!"
The School Heads and the other Tournament observers were getting frustrated as the names kept coming out. Michele Desmarais of Beauxbatons (Selene Witches School) and August Penev of Durmstrang (Romulus Wizard School) joined the other seven champions in having their names called. Once Mr Penev's name was announced, the flames of the Goblet died. The adults followed the now nine champions into the crowded meeting room forgetting to dismiss the remaining students.
"I guess it's now the Tri-Triwizard Tournament," Ernie commented in the suddenly silent Hall.
....
Alone in his office, the man fumed.
All of his careful planning with the Master was all for naught. Somehow their plan failed and instead of setting up Potter they got a bunch of nothings! Foreigners and half-breeds most of them!
'The Master would not be happy with this news,' the man thought glumly while taking another shot of his drink.
His thoughts fell back onto the events of the night. There might be a way yet to get Potter to the ritual site in a way that would satisfy the ritual's requirements. Old Magic was finicky.
The man smiled and took another shot as another thought occurred to him. There might be some fun to be found here after all. The wizard's grin would have scared a dementor.
"You cheated," Fred (or George) said while glaring at Harry later in the Gryffindor common room.
"You can't bring them into our prank war," George (or Fred) added. Harry merely smiled.
"By them you refer to Mr Moony and Mr Padfoot?" Harry asked. "I didn't. This was purely the work of some lone prankster." Harry paused and then grinned. "Although the Marauders may have had some input into the naming of the schools."
The twins continued to glare for a few more moments. Then they simultaneously broke into grins. "Not bad, Harrikins. It's a prank that will play all year. We might actually have to put some effort into topping you."
"Actually, I even made a profit on that prank," Harry admitted with a smirk.
"You what!" Fred, George, and, ironically, Hermione yelled in protest.
"Harry James Potter, what did you do?" Hermione demanded.
...
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