Hogwarts Lion Girl

Harry's palms were sweaty and he felt dizzy.

At Hermione's urging, he stood up stiffly, his legs feeling as heavy as if they were filled with lead and he could hardly move.

He stumbled through the crowd, the gazes from all around him pricking his skin like needles.

He walked up the steps awkwardly and stood in front of Professor Dumbledore.

The professor's eyes scrutinized him sharply, and Harry felt exposed.

"Well, children!" Professor Dumbledore said loudly, "I think this is the end of the party tonight. Please return to your dormitories in an orderly manner!"

The students left the hall one after another, but their discussions still echoed in Harry's ears.

Harry felt extremely tired and just wanted to return to the safety of his dormitories, away from all the chaos and anxiety.

There were already several people standing in the compartment, in addition to Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, there was Fleur Delacour, who held her head high and cast a contemptuous glance at Harry; Viktor Krum stood in the corner, his face expressionless, as if he didn't care about the farce; Cedric Diggory looked at Harry worriedly, his eyes full of confusion.

"Well, now that we are alone here," Professor Dumbledore said in a serious tone, "Harry, we need you to answer truthfully, did you vote your name into the Goblet of Fire?"

"I didn't, Professor," Harry said, his voice trembling slightly. "I don't even know how I was chosen."

"Albus, I think there must be some misunderstanding here." Professor McGonagall tried to speak for Harry.

At this time, another voice came and interrupted Professor McGonagall.

"Dumbledore, shouldn't you give me an explanation?" Madame Maxime walked in from the door with a serious expression.

"I think so too," Karkaroff said grimly, "It's unfair that two champions appeared in Hogwarts at the same time."

"Please calm down, Headmasters," Professor Dumbledore said solemnly, "The selection of the Goblet of Fire is absolutely fair, and we must abide by the rules."

"Rules?" Karkaroff sneered. "This is clearly cheating! Do you want Hogwarts to take the top two spots?"

"Karkaroff, please watch your words!" Professor McGonagall shouted angrily, standing in front of Harry like a lioness protecting her cubs.

"I think the most important thing now is to find out the truth of the matter," a hoarse voice interrupted. It was Mr. Barty Crouch, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Magic, who walked in quickly with a cane.

"Since the Goblet of Fire has made its choice, Harry Potter must participate in the Triwizard Tournament. This is the rule."

"But..." Harry wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Professor Dumbledore.

"Mr. Crouch is right, Harry," said Professor Dumbledore firmly, "It's no use saying anything now. We must follow the rules."

Harry lowered his head helplessly. He knew he was powerless to change anything and could only grit his teeth and accept this absurd reality.

……

Mr. Bagman called Harry and the other three warriors together. He explained the content of the first task with a serious expression: "This time it is a test of your courage!"

But he did not reveal specific details, only emphasizing that the warriors can only use magic wands in the project and are not allowed to accept any help from teachers.

Mr. Bagman also told them that they would be informed of the status of the second project only after the first one was completed.

Finally, he announced a piece of news that made the Warriors feel a little relieved: they could skip this year's academic year exams.

Mr. Crouch stood up with the help of his cane. There was no expression on his thin face. He simply said, "Mr. Bagman has explained it very clearly," and said that he would go back to the Ministry to write a report.

Professor Dumbledore tried to invite him to stay for a drink, but Mr. Crouch refused firmly.

He hobbled out of the room with his cane, and Professor Snape followed him expressionlessly, seeing him off.

Professor Dumbledore rubbed his brow tiredly, and politely invited Karkaroff and Madame Maxime to stay for a cup of tea, but the two flatly refused.

Madame Maxime snorted, took Fleur's hand, and left the room without looking back.

Karkaroff looked gloomy and glared at Harry fiercely, then turned and left the room with Krum. His steps were heavy, as if he was filled with anger.

Cedric had been standing not far from Harry, watching the farce with a complicated expression.

After seeing the other headmasters leave, he walked up to Harry and said sincerely, "Congratulations, Harry. Although I don't know what happened, it must be difficult for you."

As he spoke, he extended his right hand in a friendly manner.

Harry subconsciously took a step back and avoided Cedric's hand.

He didn't know how to face Cedric, let alone accept his congratulations.

"No, I'm not lying," Harry said firmly, "but I will prove to everyone that I am a real warrior!"

Cedric was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Harry to react like this.

He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he said nothing.

He gave Harry a long look, then turned and left the room.

……

A fire was burning in the fireplace made of portrait bricks, illuminating the entire Gryffindor common room red.

The fire that should have been warm made Harry feel extremely cold at this moment, because he was facing the suspicious and scrutinizing eyes of his friends.

"Why didn't you tell us earlier, Harry?" Harry sat in the armchair, his tone full of disbelief and a hint of imperceptible resentment, "What do you think of us? Do you want to be a hero alone?"

Harry explained weakly: "I really didn't put my name in, Harry! I don't know why it happened!"

"But the Goblet of Fire can't be wrong," Dean Thomas interrupted, looking at Harry suspiciously, "unless..."

"Unless what?" Lavender Brown demanded, blinking and with a look of curiosity.

"Unless someone secretly put Harry's name in." Dean lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "Maybe it was to frame him!"

Harry felt upset. He ruffled his hair and said with a hint of pleading in his tone: "Why can't you just believe me? I really didn't lie!"

However, his explanation was not accepted by everyone.

Neville twisted his fingers nervously, while Seamus was quietly discussing various conspiracy theories with Dean.

Even Hermione, who usually supported him the most, remained silent at this moment and just looked at him with a complicated look.

"That's enough!" Harry finally shouted out, unable to bear it any longer. He stood up suddenly, and the chair was knocked over to the ground with a loud bang. "If you really think I signed up for this myself, then I have nothing to say!"

With that, he turned and rushed out of the common room, leaving silence behind him.