The Girl Who Fought

Chapter 6 - 5 Tri-Wizard Champions?

The assembly for the champions arrived and everyone was gathered into the Great Hall. Ruby, Cho and Luna sat with Harry, Ron and Hermonie. The professors were in the front as some of the staff brought the Goblet of Fire to the middle of the room. Dumbledore soon calmed down the audience.

As Ruby was looking around the Great Hall, her eyes locked with Draco's. He gave her a small smile and waved to her. She did the same. Soon, Dumbledore's voice boomed inside the hall.

"Tonight is the night the goblet picks our 3 tri-wizard champions! If you are chosen, best luck to you all. You will need it." The goblet's fire turned pink and soon a fancy, pretty paper flew out. Dumbledore caught it and read the name

"Our first champion is....Ms. Fleur Delacour!" Dumbledore said in a loud, clear voice.

The hall erupted in applause from the Beauxbatons girls as Fleur stood up and went to the front of the hall. The fire turns pink again and another paper flies out.

"Our second champion is...Mr. Viktor Krum!"

Chants and shouts were from the Durmstrang boys. Viktor went to the front of the room with Fleur. The fire turns pink once more and reveals another paper

"Our last and final champion is....Mr. Cedric Diggory!"

Ruby and the rest of Hogwarts clapped and cheered Cedric on. Ruby saw the nervous look on Cedric but that nervousness was turned into a fake smile as he went to the front of the room.

"Give it up for our 3 Tri-Wizard champions!!"

Everyone clapped once more, but then the fire turned pink. The staff looked in confusion. Dumbledore looked at it with disbelief. The Ministry looked in fear.

Instead of one paper flying out, there were two. The papers swirled around and soon landed in Dumbledore's hand. What came next was shocking

"Harry Potter and Ruby Langston..." Dumbledore stated as a whisper but was still loud enough for everyone to hear. The room was filled with whispers and muttering. Ruby looked disbelief but confused. She never asked anyone to put her name in the fire. Who would do such a cruel thing?

"HARRY POTTER AND RUBY LANGSTON!!!" Dumbledore shouted.

Harry and Ruby went to Dumbledore. He looked at them with anger and hands them the paper with their names on it.

The room went quiet but students were talking

As they got to the front, Ruby saw the looks of the professors. Snape looked remorseful and worried. McGonagall placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and had a face of solemn. Hagrid was solemn as well. Soon, Ruby and Harry were lead to the back room.

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"How is this possible? I thought it was only supposed to be three champions?" Ruby said

"I'm not sure. But whatever happens in this tournament. We should work together." Harry said as he guided their way.

"Sounds like a plan, I'm in."

They reached the back where Cedric, Viktor and Fleur were waiting. Fleur ran and hugged Ruby

"How can this be?" Fleur asked

"I don't think this has ever happened before. At least to my knowledge" Viktor said

"Let's just stay calm, I'm sure the professors aren't going to actually let them compete. Maybe it was an error." Cedric said as he took a seat

"Let's hope. I know Professor Dumbledore isn't happy about this." 

Then, there was a roar of footsteps and yelling on the staircase. The professors poured in and Dumbledore grabbed Harry.

"HARRY!!! DID YOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIRE!!" Dumbledore yelled, pushing Harry into some trophies.

"No sir!" Harry said timidly

"Of course he's lying!" Madame Maxime said.

Dumbledore looked at Ruby and started barreling towards her. Until a black view blocked his path.

It was Professor Snape.

"We shouldn't scare her, besides Ms. Langston is new here. I highly doubt she would've wanted to partake in this tournament" Snape said

"Of course she wouldn't! Me and Ms. Delacour have known Ms. Langston for years. Ruby is a superior and honest student. Even her mother knows that." Madame Maxime said as she placed her hands on Ruby's shoulders out of comfort.

"Ms. Langston, did you ask someone to put your name in the fire?" Dumbledore asked

"No sir. I did not." Ruby said confidently

"We don't even know if she is telling the truth." Moody said as he hobbled to the fireplace.

Ruby's emotion changed into anger. She took a step towards him. 

"Fine! Give me a Veritaserum potion then." Ruby shouted towards Moody.

All the professors and champions looked at her.

"Ms. Langston-" Ruby cut off Professor McGonagall

"No. If he or either of you all don't believe me, then give me the potion. Then you will all know the truth!"

"That won't be necessary Ms. Langston. Surely, Professor Moody didn't mean any  trouble." Snape said.

She saw a little smile appear on his face but slowly faded away. That was weird.

"Minister Crouch, what do we do? Surely, we can't let these kids compete. They are only 14."

"I'm sorry Professor McGonagall, but the damage is done. The goblet of fire has a powerful contract that can't be broken. Ms. Langston and Mr. Potter have no choice but to compete in the tournament."

Fleur hugged Ruby tight and held her hands.

"Soyez prudent Ruby" Fleur said as everyone disbanded and went to their dorms. As Ruby walked to her dorm, she saw the stares of the students. Mostly Draco and his friends. When she saw Draco, he looked angry.

Then, Cho and Luna guided Ruby to the common room.

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Later that night while the students were sleeping. Ruby was in the common room by the fireplace. Rereading the letter Ryan left for her from his will

*My dearest Ruby,

Know that I will always be with you every step of the way. If I'm not there as you grow up, I'm sorry. You are a strong girl, and I taught you everything you need to know in case something were to happen.

But, there is an important matter to discuss. Your mother didn't want me saying this. Find him. Your biological father. Don't be angry at him for what he did but grateful for why he did it. Your father is a good man, despite when you first meet him.

Make me proud Ruby, and please look after your mother for me. I love her and I love you. You were always a daughter to me. Our bond will never break, no matter what happens.

With love,
Ryan*

"Rereading the letter?"

Ruby turned around and saw Cho. Cho joined her near the fireplace.

"I was. I just don't want to let him down." Ruby looks back to the letter

"You can never let him down." Cho says as she embraces Ruby.

Ruby lays her head on Cho's shoulder and hugs her back.

"I'm glad you are my friend Cho"

"And I'm glad you are my friend too."

Ruby smiles slightly as they break apart.

"Always"