Harry argued Quidditch and brooms with the three Durmstrang champions and Cedric the rest of the time until Dumbledore and the Malfoys returned to the room. Krum championed the broom he rode in the Quidditch World Cup, a Lithuanian model called a 'Žaibas' which translated into English was a 'Lightning'. Victor claimed the broom was much more stable on tight turns and only fractionally slower than a Firebolt in a straight run. The five agreed to spend the next Saturday flying just for fun.
The conversation came to an end when Dumbledore, the Malfoys, the other School Heads and the Ministry representatives returned to the room.
"May I have your attention?" Dumbledore called out as the room became hushed. "After discussion with my counterparts, we are deviating slightly from the previously planned order of events.
"On the 28st of November, our first task will be a test of magical strength, quick wits, and spell knowledge. We shall be holding a Magical Duelling Tournament. The champions will be divided into three groups. Each group will consist of one champion from each school chosen randomly. Each champion will duel the other two members of their group twice. The champion with the most victories from each group will then move to a final group of three champions. This round each champion will only face their opponents only once. Each win is worth 10 points while a draw is worth 5 points; giving a maximum number of points available to each champion as sixty points.
"Professor Flitwick of Hogwarts, a former International Duelling Circuit champion, and Professor Groer of Durmstang, also a former champion of the International Duelling Circuit, have agreed to honour us as of Masters of the Arena. Professor Moody of Hogwarts and Professor Davis of Beaxbatons shall serve as Masters of Wards.
"The first round will occur on the last weekend of November. The final round will occur the next Saturday. There shall be two duelling courts and it will alternate so only one duel is occurring at a time. For the final rounds, only one court shall be used."
As Dumbledore smiled at the excited faces of the nine champions, Harry could see the arrogant confidence on Draco Malfoy's face. However from long association (unwilling though it was) Harry could also see determination and some fear in those eyes.
'Probably wants to prove himself to his parents after their argument with Dumbledore,' Harry decided. Malfoy would have two chances to score points. There was little chance of Malfo making it into the final three round.
"Now, as I am sure we are all aware, we have nine Champions. We shall divide our champions into three divisions with the three Champions from each school making up one division. Each champion shall duel the other two members of their division with ten points awarded to the winner of each duel. The winner of each division will advance to the second round. Inclusion in the second round guarantees a finish in the top three no matter how many duels have been won."
A low murmuring broke out amongst the champions and assembled witnesses as Dumbledore paused a moment. Then the Headmaster's eyes settled on Harry with his customary twinkle. Harry could almost feel the shoe starting to fall.
"Mr Potter will serve us as our Master of Ceremonies and student commentator during the matches."
"You mean an excellent Ministry poster boy?" Harry muttered as he noticed the wide smiles on Crouch and Bagman's faces. He was already thinking of Padma and her reaction to the latest news. However, Cedric and the Durmstrang students snickered at Harry's comment.
"It won't be too bad, Harry," Cedric commented with a grin. "Just pretend you are Lee at one of our Quidditch matches. At least you won't have any rogue Bludgers after you."
"You Seekers- always afraid of a flying ball," August Penev commented in a mocking manner.
Victor scowled at his classmate. "August is a Beater. Can't fly too well so just hovers in one place swinging piece of wood at empty air." August sneered back but Harry could see amusement in both boys' eyes.
The mocking conversation continued as the champions with their 'host' left the ceremony room. Harry smiled but really didn't take part. He really felt the need to get out of the castle and let the Beast run free through the forest.
It had nothing to do with wanting to avoid Padma a wee bit longer.
28 November 1994
If Harry thought Padma wouldn't take his inclusion in the duelling contest, even as the MC, well her reaction had nothing on Padfoot's. The older Marauder started by calling Dumbledore a senile, manipulative old bastard. Then he got nasty. It was quite an educational discussion for Harry.
Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be much that could be done. Bartemius Crouch was standing firm in an unholy alliance with Lucius Malfoy and Ludo Bagman. Sirius reckoned that the Ministry wanted the Boy-Who-Lived associated with the Tournament to increase its stature while Malfoy wanted a distraction from his son's participation. Between Sirius's incarceration and being the last of the Blacks, the Ancient and Noble Family of Black no longer had the sway it once did in the Wizengamot. Sure, they were 'apologetic' for the 'error' of placing him in Azkaban without even a trial but that didn't translate into a political power. The Potters never had any significant political stature and as an underage wizard, even Harry's hero status didn't any help since it was that very status that seemed to be driving the Ministry.
Instead, the Marauders announced their plan to prepare Harry to perform an MC's job properly. Or didn't so much announce as simply claim Harry's Sundays and his time from 5-7 every weekday morning. When Harry complained about the lost sleep, Sirius countered that he was missing something even better to be there so Harry could just deal with it.
Dumbledore authorized the Marauder's visits to the castle for what Sirius referred to as "showmanship" training. However, neither Marauder felt it important to mention what they considered showmanship training to be.
Their training was a combination of three skills. The first was simply to understand the standard student duelling rules as sanctioned by the ICW. To this end they had Harry study the rules and watch memories of several matches seen by themselves, and Professor Flitwick with the Charms master on hand to provide critique and commentary. Harry enjoyed listening to the small professor cheerfully deliver brutal critiques to both himself and his opponents in various duels.
The second part was the most uncomfortable for Harry - public speaking. Harry was never comfortable in front of crowds. Having to speak intelligently in front of three school and the other visitors was not a happy thought for Harry.
But it was the third item that they spent the most time on. Remus and Sirius decided that if he had to speak on it then he should know it. They ran him through exercises and duels until he thought he would drop. Then they taught him how to fight.
Harry was is in the top five students in his class and regularly scored well above his classmates in Defence class. Although many of the darker Slytherins and their allies would argue his scores as favouritism, most simply recognized Harry as being the most gifted Defence student in the current student body. So Harry felt rather confident that he would be able to do well in their training.
Big mistake.
What Harry forgot was Sirius and Remus along with his parents fought the Death Eaters on numerous occasions. For all that they were only a few years out of Hogwarts, the Marauders and Lily were potent fighters against the Voldemort's forces. In addition, Sirius received the training required of the scion of the Black Family. That gave the dog animagus a large variety of decidedly grey spells to choose from in a fight. Remus, as the scholar of the Marauders, was also well-read with a deep if not as dangerous spell selection. However, he also had the strength and endurance of a werewolf to counter Harry's own natural advantages.
Harry found that the sessions were enjoyable and he was learning a lot. By the time the First Task came around, Harry was disappointed to be ending the duelling sessions with the Marauders.
...
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