Harry's watched Moody carefully, normally he might even be concerned that he was showing too much interest in the man, but he definitely wasn't the only one who was looking. Half the hall had turned to stare at him. The Slytherin's reactions were interesting, there were some angry looks among the students, but they were curiously subdued, Though Harry wasn't certain whether it was because of fear or respect.
Harry watched intently and then saw what he was looking for. Moody's tongue flicked out of his mouth, just briefly in a sort of tic. Harry's eyes filled with malice as he stared at Moody. The flask that Moody kept with him at all times, was the same one he continued to use after the cup, so simply drinking from the flask wasn't proof aof anything. However, that tic had told Harry everything he needed to know.
He felt his magic inside him start to clamor for release and for a moment Harry wasn't sure that he wanted to prevent it, but Draco elbowed him in the side, which brought Harry back to reality long enough for him to settle back into his seat. Harry hadn't even realized that he had risen, just slightly, in preparation to get up and attack.. He turned to meet Draco's grey eyes, anger still reflected in his own eyes. Draco didn't say anything, but his expression was a combination of seriousness, puzzlement, and what Harry almost thought was concern, which was enough to bring Harry back to some sense of equilibrium. Harry held Draco's gaze for a few moments before he nodded slightly and then looked away. Draco watched him for several more moments before turning his attention back to didn't see a pair of deep blue eyes watching him speculatively and suspiciously from a little ways down the table.
There was one last set of announcements. Harry listened to the announcement as Barty Crouch got up to speak about the Tri-Wizard tournament. Harry searched Barty's face from this far away, wondering if he was already under the Imperius curse, but Harry couldn't detect one way or the other.
Barty Crouch Senior stood, looking very formal as he glanced around the room. "This tournament will be a test of skill, bravery, and power. To ensure that an impartial judge chooses who is best to compete in this tournament, we will be using the Goblet of Fire. Anyone may write their names on a piece of paper and submit their name to the Goblet of Fire, and be chosen to be a Tri-Wizard champion and to represent their school in the tournament for eternal glory."
There were excited murmurs around the hall at this statement. Crouch around, pleased at the excitement his announcement elicited in the population of Hogwarts. Harry and Draco exchanged quick looks but hadn't said anything. Though Harry noticed the sternness in Dumbledore's expression at that announcement, anyone could tell he was not pleased, and he stepped forward with his arms raised, irritation in his tone. "The Ministry, in it's… infinite wisdom, has decided there shall be no minimum age requirement, for this tournament."
There was no mistaking the mutual scowls that crossed the faces of both Dumbledore and Barty Crouch as they stared at another for just a few seconds. It was clear that Dumbledore wasn't happy about there being no age restriction, and Crouch was equally as displeased about Dumbledore's shot at the Ministry.
Dumbledore turned his attention back to the students who were hanging onto their words. "Please do not take this commitment lightly. The Goblet of Fire represents a binding magical contract. if you submit your name, and you are chosen, you will be required to compete or lose your magic. The Tri-Wizard Tournament is a dangerous competition and the number of competitors who have lost their lives in the past saw the end of the tournament until now. Do not enter your name lightly. There is no having second thoughts or getting cold feet. If you enter, and you are chosen you will be required to compete!"
Harry turned his attention away from the front, and met Draco's eyes for a moment, but he didn't miss the ominous tone Dumbledore used when he unveiled the goblet and announced loudly. "The Tri-Wizard Tournament has begun."
Harry did however see Dumbledore wave his hand and make the opening feast appear at all of the tables. He couldn't help a reflexive breath and a closing of his eyes as he took a deep breath of the food from Hogwarts. For just a moment he forgot where he was, and it took him back to the first time he had smelled all the delicious aromas and couldn't wait to try them all.
Then Harry snapped back to reality. This wasn't his Hogwarts. No matter how much it might smell like it. He had to stop reminiscing. He helped himself to several dishes and some pumpkin juice. After loading his plate up, Harry deliberately snapped his holly wand into his hand. An action that was noticed by a few with raised eyebrows including by Draco as well.
When Harry cast several detection spells on his food and drink, it was someone sitting close by, who spoke up. "Are you expecting someone to poison your food Flamel?" A masculine voiced asked with a slightly mocking note. Harry turned to regard a sneering Marcus Flint, with a carefully raised eyebrow. "Did you see this food prepared?"
Marcus Flint frowned, and shook his head, "Of course not. Cooking is for house elves." He said with a sneer. Harry briefly wondered if that was simply Flint's default facial expression any time he spoke.
Harry shrugged a bit, "That may be, but it also means you have no idea what's in the dish you're eating." Harry didn't bother continuing the argument with the older Flint, who apparently had to repeat his final year of schooling in this universe as well. Instead Harry turned back to his meal, making sure all the charms came back clean before he began to eat.
It was something that Ron had actually gotten Hermione and he to do in the old world. After Ron had been poisoned any time they had food that they couldn't see prepared the three of them had meticulously checked their meals. Ron found that a side benefit of it was the fact that he managed to avoid a large number of jokes from his elder twin brothers at the same time.
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