They were all back on the beach, erecting the magical tents and generally getting prepared for the arrival of their little visitors when Amelia and Bill appeared. Their demeanours demonstrated that they obviously needed to have a discussion in private. Deciding to use one of the tents, Harry, Hermione, Sirius and the Grangers sat in what was amazingly a comfortable living room under canvas.
Amelia realised this was her show and found she had no qualms about warning the people here about what she suspected might be coming their way. "Fantastic news about the last horcrux, the firewhisky came out in my office again as Bill and I shared a toast. What's got me worried though is some things I've been hearing regarding Dolores Umbridge. Sirius, she's stirring up the muck within the Wizengamot. I expect you'll soon receive a summons to appear before them regarding your plans for the orphanage."
It was a thoughtful Hermione who had a suggestion. "What if we set up a preemptive strike? Harry, do you remember we promised Skeeter an exclusive interview with your godfather? That appearing in the Prophet just before the Wizengamot demand answers should pull the rug out from under them."
This saw her receiving a quick kiss from her betrothed. "A fantastic idea, and we can still give Luna a couple more exclusives for her father. I don't ever want Rita anywhere near the Institute."
With that potential problem being so easily solved, it was clear something else must be bothering Amelia - she didn't disappoint.
"It's an open secret within the Ministry that Hogwarts is holding the revived Tri-Wizard tournament this year, with two other schools from abroad travelling to Hogwarts to compete alongside the still to be chosen Hogwarts champion."
Looking at Hermione, the information started popping into Harry's mind. "They haven't held this tournament for centuries, because a number of the contestants continually kept ending up dead. The last two champions received their awards posthumously - why the hell would they want to revive something like this?"
Nodding in agreement of Hermione's sentiments, Amelia then expressed what had initially triggered her alarm bells. "The competition is being restricted to witches and wizards who are of age..."
Hermione immediately began to share Amelia's worries. "Harry's considered of age, but has obviously left Hogwarts. How are these contestants chosen?"
Amelia had heard from Susan just how smart this which was, and was shocked at how quickly Hermione had gotten right to the heart of the problem. "Any potential champions need to place their name into a magical artefact - the Goblet of Fire. It chooses the champion for each of the schools, creating a binding magical contract as it does so."
"Oh shit! Why do I feel as if someone just walked over my grave?"
None of them thought Harry's comment was funny, nor his apprehension unwarranted. All could clearly see here's what had prompted Amelia to speak with them. Sirius found himself a lot more worried about this development than any summons for himself to face the Wizengamot.
"Bill, could Gringotts look into this supposed binding magical contract the cup creates? We could try and obtain a set of the rules for the competition but we also know that rules can be rewritten - or downright ignored - if it suits Dumbledore or Fudge's agendas."
Amelia agreed with that, but had more information to share with them. "What really set my alarm bells ringing is that Umbridge suddenly started upgrading all the tasks to lethal levels. Amos Diggory was telling everyone at the Ministry who stood still long enough that his son, Cedric, would be one of the favourites to represent Hogwarts as her champion. That was until Umbridge contacted his department about bringing Dragons to Scotland for this tournament - and that's only the first task. I think his son will currently be getting ordered not to go nowhere near that goblet."
While both were discussing the situation over their bond, it was Harry who spoke about what they had decided. "This is something we should certainly keep an eye on, just how 'binding' this contract might be will decide on how closely the situation needs monitored. It's at least a few months away though, and there's such a lot to be done before that. It goes without saying that Dumbledore would do practically anything to drag me back to Britain - if not Hogwarts castle itself. I have people looking out for me now though, so that puts us miles ahead of where we would normally be in these situations. It's now placed on our to-do list, and will move higher up the list as the date approaches - or we find out more worrying information. Do we all agree?"
That question was greeted by nods of agreement, though Dan and Emma's were rather forced. The subject was closed for the moment however when the tent flap opened and Remus led Jillian into the tent - with a stowaway.
"After hearing where I was going, this little madam parked herself outside my office door and begged to be brought along. I hope you don't mind?" The last part was said in jest as Harry and Hermione were clearly very happy to see Joan again. Their wide smiles were soon joined by Joan, now wearing a matching expression.
"I couldn't wait to see Hermione, and Harry, again."
Hermione only managed one step before Joan rocketed right into her arms. "Oh I think we could overlook this little stowaway..."
She was holding Joan while having another conversation with Harry. Emma was soon being introduced to the little witch too.
.....
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