Ron remained seated long after Harry had disappeared through the side door. His eyes stayed fixed on the entrance to the champions' chamber, but his mind was elsewhere.
He barely heard the growing chatter around the Great Hall as students speculated about what had just happened.
Hermione, still seated beside him, stared at the Goblet of Fire with a puzzled expression. "I don't understand. How is this possible? The Goblet is only supposed to choose one champion from each school. There are only three schools competing."
Ron didn't answer immediately. His jaw tightened as the same thought kept running through his head. Harry had entered the Tournament.
Somehow he had managed to get past Dumbledore's Age Line, and he hadn't told him a word about it. After everything they had talked about since the Tournament was announced, Harry had kept it secret.
To Ron, it felt like a betrayal.
"Whatever happened," Ron said bitterly, "Harry lied to us."
Hermione turned to him in disbelief. "Ron, you can't know that. Didn't you see his face? He looked just as surprised as everyone else."
Ron shook his head. "The Goblet doesn't just make mistakes. He must have found a way to enter."
"But he's underage."
"Maybe Harry found a better way."
Hermione frowned. "I don't believe that. If Harry had really entered, I think he would have told us."
Ron let out a humorless laugh. "Would he?"
He pushed his chair back, the legs scraping loudly against the stone floor. "I thought I was his best friend."
Without another word, Ron turned and strode out of the Great Hall, leaving Hermione watching him go with a worried expression as the rest of the students continued whispering about the unprecedented fourth champion.
***
The following morning, every corridor echoed with the same conversation. Harry Potter's name was on everyone's lips. Some students congratulated him as he walked past, convinced he had somehow managed to fool Dumbledore's Age Line.
Others accused him of stealing the spotlight from Cedric Diggory. Wherever Harry went, whispers followed.
When the Gryffindors arrived for their morning lesson, Harry entered the classroom expecting Ron to save him a seat as he always did. Instead, Ron deliberately sat beside Dean Thomas. Harry hesitated for a moment before taking an empty seat by himself.
A few moments later, Hermione entered with Victor. Since they had arrived together from the library, they took the empty seats directly behind Harry.
Harry turned around as they sat down. Hermione immediately noticed the disappointed look on his face.
"Why is Ron behaving like that? He hasn't spoken a word to me since last night."
Hermione sighed. "He thinks you hid it from him. He believes you found a way to enter the Tournament and didn't tell him."
Harry looked toward Ron, who was talking to Dean and pointedly ignoring him. "I didn't put my name in the Goblet. I swear I didn't."
"I know," Hermione replied without hesitation. "I believe you."
Harry gave a faint, grateful smile.
Victor, who had remained silent until now, looked at Harry. "It won't last forever. Ron is jealous, not malicious. Give him time to cool down."
Harry wasn't entirely convinced. "I just don't understand why he won't believe me."
"From his perspective, the Goblet of Fire is an ancient magical artifact that doesn't make mistakes," Victor said. "You're the fourth champion. He can't explain it, so he's chosen the explanation that makes the most sense to him."
Harry let out a frustrated sigh. "I wish he'd just listen."
Before anyone could say another word, Professor Flitwick hurried inside, signaling the start of the lesson.
The Gryffindor boys climbed the stairs to their dormitory in near silence. Usually Ron and Harry would be talking about Quidditch or homework before bed, but that night neither of them spoke.
Ron gathered his pajamas and a blanket before turning toward the door. Harry looked up in confusion. "Ron, where are you going?"
Ron didn't even look at him. "I'm sleeping in another room tonight."
"What?"
"I can't stay in the same room as someone who lies to his friends." Without waiting for a reply, he walked out, leaving the dormitory door to slam shut behind him.
Harry stood there for a few moments, feeling more frustrated than angry. "I didn't lie..." he muttered under his breath. He sat down on his bed and ran a hand through his hair, unable to understand why Ron refused to believe him.
Just then, a familiar hoot echoed through the dormitory. Hedwig swooped gracefully through the open window and landed beside Harry. A smile finally appeared on his face.
"Hey, Hedwig." He gently stroked her snowy feathers before noticing the parchment tied to her leg.
Harry untied it and unfolded the letter. It was from Sirius.
Ever since Sirius's innocence had been proven and his name cleared, the two had exchanged letters regularly. Before his death, James Potter had named Sirius Harry's godfather, and now Sirius doing everything he could to be part of Harry's life.
Harry quickly began reading.
Harry,
I need to speak with you. Is it true that you've been selected as a Triwizard Champion?
I can't explain everything in a letter. Meet me tomorrow night in the Gryffindor common room after everyone has gone to bed.
Until then, be careful.
— Sirius
Harry read the letter twice. His confusion only deepened. Whatever Sirius wanted to tell him, it was important enough that he refused to put it in writing.
*****
A/N : 🔥 On Patreon🔥
⚡ A 15-chapter early access is available for those who want to read ahead ⚡
👉 patreon.com/JakeA30