The Goblet 's Surprise

Summary

As part of the Triwizard Tournament, the Goblet of Fire may re-ignite after choosing the champions. This is a rare part of the choosing ceremony during which the goblet justifies its choices by showing something about each champion that influenced its decision.

Chapter 8: The Preparation

Even though the Goblet made it to the end of the vision in the last viewing, it spent enough time emitting Basilisk poisoning symptoms to the audience, that it went out of commission again for another few days. The fact that the Goblet didn't extinguish completely was already causing a stir in the legendary Hogwarts rumor mill as everybody tried to guess what the Goblet plans to do next.

As Hermione pointed out, the most reasonable explanation is that the goblet will show another memory from third or first year. However, this is the rumor mill we're talking about. Since when has the mill settled on the most reasonable explanation? While there is a group of people who agree with Hermione, the outlandish nature of the chamber of secrets incident has stirred the imaginations of the students.

Voldemort's apparent fixation on Harry, and his seeming ability to return from the dead, has resulted in a very large following of another theory as to what the Goblet will do. The new popular theory is that the Goblet will show an epic battle from the future in which Harry fights Voldemort in a final confrontation. The only things this group cannot agree on is where the battle will take place, and who will win, although some have suggested that Harry lost the battle, and his soul traveled back in time to try again.

Of course, as soon as people started talking about the Goblet showing something from the future, more minor theories came up where the Goblet might show Harry competing in one of the tasks … before the task in question happens. This minor theory, while not as prominent as the final battle theory, caused Bathsheda Babbling to return to studying the Goblet's runes to figure out if such a decision on the Goblet's part might cause the Goblet's tournament tampering detection runes to activate. Her concern was partially fueled by the definite presence of time runes that are not used for tracking time.

With Harry's defeat of the Basilisk and of Voldemort for the second time (they don't yet know about quirrelmort), Harry was glad to have a ready made excuse to hunker down in the library, where Madam Pince would do all the work in keeping potential annoyances away. The rest of the school might be focused on the Goblet itself, but Harry didn't have the luxury of forgetting about the looming first task.

With less than two weeks remaining, and still no concrete idea on what he will be facing, Harry continued his project of finding spells that would be useful in any of the encounters he had thus far, and learning them. The research was driven by a few criteria: the spells must affect the magical creature's sense of smell, sight or hearing. The spells must also be able to affect those senses without being cast directly at the magical creature. The last part is necessary due to the creature's likelihood of being resistant to magic.

So far, with Hermione's help he identified several spells that they already learned that he can use:

Levitation Charm: drop something on the creature's head (Hermione argues that this satisfies their criteria because being concussed affects the senses)

Lumos: With a bit of extra power, this can be used to temporarily blind the beast

Serpensortia: Harry is a bit reluctant about this one after what happened in second year, but there is no denying that these little critters could act as a distraction, or even a way to bring down the creature if they manage to get a bite in.

Engorgement Charm: Not really something to use on its own, but if you're using the levitation spell to drop something on top of the creature, casting this spell to make it bigger before it makes contact might be a practical thing to do

That was the extent of all the spells they already know, and so they moved on to making a list of spells they are yet to learn.

Accio: A spell they will soon start learning in Charms class, might be useful in acquiring any rocks that are out of reach for the concussing levitation treatment. Harry considers the usefulness of this one a long shot.

Silencing Ward: a very advanced alternative to the silencing charm that Harry can cast on himself and still maintain the ability to vocalize spells. The key is that the creature he is facing won't be able to hear a thing, not even footsteps. The downside is this spell requires fifth year knowledge of ancient runes and charms.

Incarcerous: Conjures ropes, with potentially many uses depending on where they land. Harry could see using this to force the mouth of the creature shut so that poisonous fangs aren't a problem.

Disillusionment Charm: Since Harry doesn't want to make his cloak public knowledge, this method of hiding from sight is on the list.

And many many more.

Harry already began practicing some of those spells on the second list, while continuing to look through their previous years to see if they could use some of those spells in creative ways to get an edge. During their exploration of the standard book of spells grade five, they came upon a spell that that Harry nearly dismissed: the conjunctivitis curse.

They were about to move on when they noticed a note in the spells description that if it was aimed at the eyes of even the most magically resistant creature, it will cause a great deal of pain, and blind the affected eye. This combined with the way Harry defeated the basilisk made them start coming up with a list of spells that can be used if aimed at a weak point such as the eyes or the mouth.

Conjunctivitis Curse, Slug Vomiting Hex (rationale here is the beast won't be focusing on Harry if it's busy vomiting), and Densaugeo. That last one sparked a discussion.

"Hermione, the last thing I need is to give the creature longer teeth", exclaimed Harry when Hermione insisted that they consider this spell.

"Harry, you're forgetting that Malfoy used this spell the other day as a form of attack! Why would he use it against you if all it did is open up the possibility for you to bite him?"

"How I am supposed to know how that his mind works? Maybe he was hoping I would shield it back at him, so he can get the benefits of his own spell!"

"You're giving that pompous brat too much credit Harry, and are you trying to say that I got some sort of benefit from Malfoy's spell Harry?", cried Hermione.

Harry suddenly remembered how distraught Hermione was after that incident, though he assumed at the time it was due to Snape's caustic comment.

"No, that's not what I meant", stammered Harry, "you're not the kind of person to bite somebody"

"Harry, those teeth kept growing all the way to my waist by the time I got to the hospital wing. My biggest fear was that I would trip, fall on top of those teeth, and break them", said Hermione as Harry winced at the last part.

"So, you think this spell would force the creature to be extremely careful", said Harry and Hermione nodded. Harry wrote the spell down. Giving the creature something to worry about was okay in his book.

They left the library to go to one of the side classrooms so that Harry can practice some spells in peace. When they got there, Hermione brought up a concern that Harry was thinking about himself.

"Harry, what will we do if the Goblet shows our third year next?"

"You mean if it shows how we rescued Snuffles with that spinner of yours?", asked Harry, "I've been wondering about that too, and the only thing I can think of is they would hopefully be too distracted by the fact that Snuffles is innocent and Wormtail is alive. They might even forgive us given the circumstances if the Goblet forces them to see the truth. If worst comes to worst, Dumbledore can take all the blame, my memories will definitely implicate him as the one who told you to use the spinner"

"I'm not talking about the rescue of Snuffles Harry", said Hermione, "I admit that is a concern, but I'm more concerned about how the purebloods will react when they learn that such a rare and powerful magical artifact was given to a mudblood"

"Don't call yourself that foul name Hermione!", exclaimed Harry.

"Don't worry Harry, I was only framing it in the way the purebloods will", said Hermione.

"Maybe it won't get that far", mused Harry, "We were attacked by hundreds of dementors before our trip with the spinner, maybe it will run out of magic reproducing that horrible experience, and never make it to the spinner adventure"

"We've already established that the goblet will continue visions where it left off Harry, all that will do is delay the inevitable", said Hermione after a shudder when she remembered the dementor incident.

"In fact,", started Hermione, "I'm hoping the goblet will run out of magic at that point, the last thing we need is the ministry raising a stink about the spinner so that they can distract everyone from their failures regarding Snuffles"

"What does it matter if the goblet runs out of magic?", asked Harry," you said yourself it will just continue the story later"

"It will delay the ministry getting that excuse for another few days, hopefully they will exonerate snuffles before the Goblet recovers", said Hermione

"Trials take longer than a few days", said Harry skeptically, "and that doesn't change the outrage that will occur from the purebloods. I don't know what we can possibly do to change that"

"We should go to Dumbledore and see what he says about this", said Hermione

"What?", asked Harry suddenly wary, "what could he do?"

"I don't know, but you said yourself he as good as told us to use the spinner and your memories will implicate him. He will need to use that brilliant brain of his to come up with a way to get us all out of this problem, even if it's just to save himself"

"Alright let's go", said Harry, still skeptical about Dumbledore helping them, but trusting Hermione.

They made their way to Professor McGonagall's office since they don't know the password to Dumbledore's office, and Hermione pointed out that she was in on the time turner thing, so would be involved in whatever consequences come from it.

Professor McGonagall looked up when the duo entered her office.

"How may I help you Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger?"

"We need to see Professor Dumbledore, immediately!", said Harry

"I'm afraid Professor Dumbledore is not here", said McGonagall, "He received an urgent owl from the Ministry and left"

Harry was getting a distinct sense of déjà vu, and was beginning to wonder if they should have asked Professor Flitwick instead.

"Professor", said Hermione, "this is about that device you gave me last year"

Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows

"What could be so concerning that you need to see the headmaster immediately?", asked the Professor.

"The Goblet …", began Harry

"Ah!", interrupted the professor as her eyes widened in understanding, "say no more Mr. Potter, you and Ms. Granger used that device in some incident that you are absolutely sure the Goblet will deem worthy of showing to the world"

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other and nodded.

"Then why do you need to see the headmaster Ms Granger? As I recall, it was I who gave you that device, not the headmaster"

"That's why we came to you first Professor", began Hermione, "Dumbledore gave us permission to use it in the … incident"

"I see", said the professor, "I will inform the headmaster when he returns, in the meantime, let us pray to Merlin that the Goblet doesn't recover tonight. Ms. Granger, may you wait outside? I wish to speak to Mr. Potter alone"

Hermione left the office, and the Professor immediately rounded on Harry

"Mr. Potter, may I know the reason why your Transfiguration grades have slipped since this goblet fiasco started?"

Harry sighed, he knew this conversation was going to come up eventually. It wasn't just transfiguration, but most of his other classes as well.

"Because of the first task professor, I've been focusing all my time on preparing for it"

"How could you prepare for an unknown task Mr. Potter?"

Harry told her what he researched about the tournament, and how he's been preparing for a confrontation with any magical creature.

"… fact of the matter is, none of animal transfigurations we've been doing recently will help if the animal in question is magically resistant", finished Harry

Professor McGonagall seemed impressed with his reasoning in spite of herself.

"While I appreciate your reasoning Potter, I cannot allow you to fall behind in your Transfiguration education", said Professor McGonagall as she got up, and walked over to a bookshelf. She picked out a book, walked over to Harry and handed it to him.

"Transfiguration of Composition", Harry read the title out loud and looked at his Professor questioningly.

"I thought professors are not allowed to help me in the tournament", said Harry.

"I never said that was for the tournament Mr. Potter", said Professor McGonagall, "Professors are still allowed to help their students in academic matters, and your grades have shown a need for it, Dismissed"

Harry found Hermione waiting for him in the hallway when he left the office

"What did Professor McGonagall want?", asked Hermione

"Later", said Harry, "Let's get to the classroom"

They made their way to the classroom, and Hermione immediately rounded on Harry, who showed her the book that Professor McGonagall gave him.

The book turned out to be a very detailed guide for wizards who want to go into crafting, and use their wands to create any kind of shape from any kind of material. Wizards wouldn't willingly do things the barbaric muggle way of chipping away at stone, or hammering red-hot steel swords. The catch is that transfiguring certain materials is easier than transfiguring other materials. Shaping clay is easier than shaping stone, and so the basic principle of the book is to change the stone to clay, shape it into whatever you want (using magic or your hands), then change it back into stone, or whatever other material you want.

At first it wasn't clear how this knowledge would be useful in a fight against, say, a chimaera, but Harry was slowing getting an idea as they saw many warnings about transfiguring certain types of substances. If a novice crafter is not careful, they might transfigure a substance that would eat away at their desk (or their hands if they were holding it at the time), they might transfigure a substance that would instantly disperse into a cloud of toxic particles, or worse, a substance that would violently explode the instant the transfiguration was finished.

The warnings were not unlike those given by potions masters, spell crafters, or rune architects. There was even a chapter dedicated to safety guidelines to follow when transfiguring a substance, you never tried before, and even various spells the book demands you master before you try anything to prevent accidents.

Naturally, any discipline that needs so many safety warnings is weaponizable, and the book acknowledges this by having a few chapters dedicated exclusively to uses in battle. Simple things like transfiguring the robes of the enemy wizard to stone, instantly heating the stone they are standing on so it spontaneously goes molten, and more advanced things like conjuring wolves composed of molten steel, or rapidly cooling the nitrogen in the air that your opponents are breathing to give them a serious liquid nitrogen problem inside their own lungs.

Speaking of Nitrogen, the book introduces a very outdated version of the periodic table of the elements, and uses this throughout the whole book to explain where everything fit in the bigger picture. This shocked Hermione to the core, since Professor Snape made it very clear that the wizarding world doesn't use such primitive muggle chemistry. Here is a book that embraces it.

Fortunately for Harry's time sensitive concerns, the chapter on warnings and safety procedures doesn't come until after the book thoroughly explains stone and mass transfigurations, and one spell in there already caught his eye if he wished to go for the "drop a stone on its head" plan. The spells for mass manipulation allow him to make something lighter or heavier depending on what he wishes to do. If he mastered them, he could make a massive stone very light so that it's easier to cast the levitation spell, and at the right moment, increase the mass to something crazy so that it falls with the weight of a heavy boulder. The book warns for powerful wizards to not overdo it when increasing mass, or the stone they are working with will crash right through their worktable with enough force to create a meteor impact crater. Harry scoffed at that warning, he doesn't fancy himself as powerful as Dumbledore.

The one thing about the book that deflated Harry's spirits is a lot of the spells that excited him the most are 6th or 7th year level. In fact, it seems the only reason Professor McGonagall thought this book would help him is that the book was intended as a guide for a crafting student throughout his Hogwarts career. There are spells targeted towards 2nd years in the book, and each chapter has recommendations for what year of Hogwarts you must be in before you should start that chapter. Fortunately, the basic stuff like changing shape using clay, and mass, is oriented towards 2nd and 3rd years, but after the safety guidelines chapter, the difficulty climbs quickly into the 5th year, and most of the book hangs around the 6th year. The fact that this books seems to be written with apprenticeship in mind made Harry wonder about Professor McGonagall's intentions.

At dinner, they entered the Great Hall as usual, and noticed that Professor Dumbledore was still absent from his high chair, but that didn't last long as soon enough, Dumbledore entered the Great Hall closely followed by Amelia Bones, Minister Fudge, Mr. Weasley, and a pink lady who looked remarkably like a toad. Except for Mr. Weasley, they have been showing up to every meal just in case the Goblet decided to recover.

The moment Dumbledore reached the front of the Hall where the Goblet stood, the Goblet suddenly let loose a burst of flame that shaped itself into a ring of blue flames around the rim. It was a subtle effect, but it caused the entire hall to go silent in seconds. It did the same thing the day it finished showing the Chamber of Secrets incident.

"I see we will be getting another viewing today", said Dumbledore, and the Goblet attacked Harry again with that memory stealing fire, and plunged them all into a timeline again. They noticed that the dart on Harry's second year was greyed out, Harry presumed it was because they've already seen the chamber of secrets. This time, Harry was paying more attention, and saw the Goblet clearly highlight the dart on the third year before the timeline vanished.

A scene in the Leaky Cauldron formed as Mr. Weasley took Harry aside.

"Harry, there are some within the Ministry who would discourage me from divulging what I'm about to reveal to you, but I think that you need to know the facts. You are in danger, grave danger"

Harry thought he knew where this was going, so asked, "Has this anything to do with Sirius Black sir?"

"What do you know about Sirius Black Harry?"

"Only what he has escaped from Azkaban"

"Do you know why?"

Harry suspected, but was still clinging to hope that this year will be somewhat normal, so refused to give voice to his suspicions, he shook his head.

"Thirteen years ago, when you stopped …"

"Voldemort", finished Harry, with the slight hope that this would derail Mr. Weasley.

"Don't say his name!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley.

"Sorry …", said Harry, not sorry at all.

"When you stopped, you know who", said Mr. Weasley with an emphasis on the last part, "Black lost everything, but to this day he still remains a faithful servant, and in his mind, you are the only thing standing in the way of you know who returning to power. And that is why he has escaped from Azkaban. To find you ..."

There was no more denying where this was going, but Harry still refused to give voice to it until the silence became unbearable.

"And kill me", finished Harry

The silence continued, and the look of pity on Mr. Weasley's face confirmed his statement. Eventually, Mr. Weasley recovered.

"Harry I want you to swear to me that whatever you might hear, you won't go looking for Black"

Harry didn't see this one coming, and responded before he could give it any more thought,

"Mr. Weasley, why would I go looking for someone who wants to kill me?"

Mr. Weasley seemed to have taken that as a promise and left, leaving Harry to think about it and figure out what it means to him. Harry could see why Mr. Weasley would be concerned about Harry looking for Black given what happened in his first and second years, but in both cases, Harry could not come up with what he did wrong to warrant Mr. Weasley's request.

In both cases, Harry might have had his "saving people thing" influencing his decision, but there was also the selfish reason of not wanting to lose his true home. Harry decided he did nothing wrong in both of those cases, and decided he's not sure what Mr. Weasley was getting at. If Black threatened Hogwarts or his friends in any way, he would certainly go looking for him. He'd gone without the security of a true home or friends for far too long to lose either of them to some homicidal maniac.

He'd already made the decision between Hogwarts and his life twice before, and if Voldemort or a giant snake weren't enough to scare him off, what chance does the so-called "second in command" have? With the knowledge that Black is likely to go to Hogwarts, Harry resolved to stay on his guard. Perhaps that is what Mr. Weasley wanted. In the Great Hall, Harry noticed Mr. Weasley had his face in his hands.

=== Authors Notes ===

Hey everybody, I'm back. I see many of you missed me :)

My delay was caused by a combination of work and writers block. The writer's block is a weird one. I know exactly what I want to do for the visions themselves, and even the first task, but the problem is … getting the story to these points with chapters like this one.

One thing that annoyed me with some other GOF fics is when Harry is somehow able to get superb grades in school while focusing on the tournament. With the kinds of spells school teaches, and the kinds of spells needed for the tournament, I find it more likely that Harry wouldn't be able to muster the motivation needed for the school spells since he genuinely has bigger problems, and needs all the time he can get to find and master the tournament spells. Though I don't mention it here, I can even imagine him cutting some of the more useless classes such as History of Magic. The tournament does after all excuse him from end of year exams.

Now with Fudge present and the pink toad in attendance, how many of you are hoping the Goblet will show the entire time turner incident in this particular viewing?