บท 53: The Champions' Bond

The Great Hall buzzed with energy, the excitement of the Triwizard Tournament mounting as the students gathered for the Goblet of Fire selection ceremony. The grand, enchanted cup stood at the center of the hall, its blue flames flickering with a mysterious glow. The air was thick with anticipation as students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang waited to see who would be chosen.

Raja sat with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, observing the excitement around them with a calm demeanor. Although he knew exactly what was going to happen, he kept a neutral expression, blending in with his classmates. Ron and Hermione leaned in, barely containing their excitement.

"Who do you think it'll be?" Ron whispered, his eyes darting toward the Goblet.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Hopefully someone who's actually prepared for this… It's a serious competition."

At last, Dumbledore stood up, his voice commanding silence across the hall. "The time has come for the Goblet of Fire to reveal the champions of the Triwizard Tournament."

A hush fell as the flames turned red and spit out the first name.

"Fleur Delacour!" Dumbledore called.

The students applauded as Fleur, her face glowing with excitement, stepped forward from the Beauxbatons table. Her fellow students cheered, pride evident in their expressions.

The flames roared red once more, and another piece of parchment flew out.

"Viktor Krum!"

Durmstrang's students erupted in cheers as Viktor Krum, the famed Quidditch player, stood and approached the front. He maintained his usual stoic expression, though a glint of satisfaction shone in his eyes.

Finally, the Goblet flared up for a third time, and the name of Hogwarts' champion was called.

"Raja Rudra Powers!"

Raja took a deep breath, suppressing a knowing smile as he stood and walked toward the front. The Gryffindors cheered loudly, though many were visibly surprised. Raja had always been skilled, but the idea of him being the Hogwarts champion added a layer of intrigue. He nodded at Dumbledore, then turned to face the crowd, his expression calm yet focused.

As the cheering began to die down, Dumbledore's gaze shifted to the Goblet, which unexpectedly flared again, spitting out another name. Confusion spread across the hall as Dumbledore caught the piece of parchment, his expression darkening.

"Harry Potter!"

A stunned silence fell over the room. Harry sat frozen, eyes wide in disbelief. He turned to Raja, Ron, and Hermione, shaking his head in denial. "I didn't put my name in," he whispered, his voice trembling.

"Go on, Harry," Hermione urged, her voice gentle yet firm. "There must be some mistake, but… well, just go up."

Raja gave Harry an encouraging nod. "You're not alone in this. We'll figure it out."

Harry rose hesitantly and walked to the front, the weight of every gaze pressing down on him. As he joined the other champions, the whispers began, swirling through the hall like a storm. Most students exchanged suspicious glances, some muttering accusations that Harry had somehow manipulated the Goblet for glory. The atmosphere grew tense as Dumbledore led the champions into a side chamber, his expression troubled.

In the side chamber, the tension was palpable. Harry felt the pressure mount as he faced the other champions. Fleur, looking confused and slightly disdainful, shook her head. "'Ow is zis possible? A fourth champion?"

Krum said nothing, his face impassive, but Raja's calm and reassuring gaze met Harry's. He knew Harry hadn't put his name in, and though he sensed the implications, he kept his expression neutral.

Dumbledore entered the room, followed closely by other faculty members, including Mad-Eye Moody and Barty Crouch. "There's no precedent for this," Dumbledore said, casting a concerned glance at Harry. "But it seems we have two champions from Hogwarts."

Barty Crouch stepped forward, his voice cold and unyielding. "The Goblet of Fire creates a binding magical contract. Once chosen, a champion cannot back out. It is final."

Harry's heart sank as he processed the words. He looked at Raja, hoping for an explanation, but Raja merely offered a comforting smile, a silent assurance that he was not alone in this.

"Don't worry, Harry," Raja whispered as they left the chamber. "Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together."

The next morning, the whole school was abuzz with news of the unusual selection. Harry quickly became the center of rumors, students whispering that he had somehow manipulated the Goblet for attention. Despite his denial, accusations circulated, fueled by jealousy and suspicion.

In the Gryffindor common room, the atmosphere was cold. Most students cast wary glances at Harry, their expressions ranging from disbelief to envy. Even Ron, Harry's closest friend, seemed distant, his face marked with anger and betrayal.

"You could've told me, Harry!" Ron said, his tone laced with bitterness. "You didn't have to hide it. Do you know what it's like, being left out like this?"

Harry's face fell. "Ron, I didn't put my name in. You have to believe me!"

Ron's face hardened. "Right, because the Goblet just magically added you in for no reason."

Raja stepped between them, his voice calm but firm. "Ron, that's enough. I believe Harry. Whatever happened, he didn't ask for this."

Ron muttered something under his breath, storming off in frustration. Raja placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Let him cool off, Harry. Sometimes it's hard for people to see the truth when jealousy clouds their mind."

Harry nodded, though he looked defeated. Raja knew that the strain of the coming challenges, combined with the pain of Ron's rejection, would weigh heavily on him.

Despite the animosity from his classmates, Harry threw himself into preparation, focusing on training and strategizing for the tasks ahead. Raja, too, began his own intensive regimen, quietly working on advanced spells and honing his skills. Although he knew the upcoming challenges, Raja wanted to be ready for any unexpected twists, all while keeping Harry's safety in mind.

One evening, as Raja practiced in a secluded area near the Forbidden Forest, he sensed someone watching him. He turned, only to find Mad-Eye Moody observing him, his magical eye swiveling in his direction.

"Raja, isn't it?" Moody's voice was gravelly, his gaze assessing. "Practicing hard, I see. Good… the tournament's not for the faint-hearted."

Raja nodded respectfully. "I've heard the challenges are dangerous. Just trying to make sure I'm prepared for anything."

Moody's face broke into a crooked grin. "Constant vigilance, my boy. You've got the right idea. Trust no one and keep your wits about you."

Raja met Moody's gaze, wondering if there was more to his words. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied, filing away the advice.

As the days passed, tension continued to simmer at Hogwarts. The Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students kept mostly to themselves, while Hogwarts buzzed with rivalry and resentment. Despite Raja's efforts to support Harry, the constant suspicion from their peers took its toll.

Hermione did her best to mediate between Harry and Ron, but the divide seemed insurmountable. Harry, feeling increasingly isolated, leaned more on Raja and Hermione, grateful for their unwavering support.

One afternoon, while they sat by the lake, Harry confided in Raja, voicing his fears. "Sometimes I feel like I'm all alone in this. It's as if everyone wants me to fail."

Raja offered a reassuring smile. "You're not alone, Harry. You've got us. And remember, those who doubt you don't see what you're truly capable of."

Harry sighed, a mixture of gratitude and frustration. "I just wish Ron could understand."

"Give him time," Raja advised. "People often react out of fear and jealousy, but true friends come around. Until then, keep your focus on what's important."

Harry managed a small smile. "Thanks, Raja. I don't know what I'd do without you and Hermione."

In the weeks leading up to the first task, Raja continued his silent preparations, delving into spells and techniques that could give him an edge in the tournament. His primary focus, however, was on keeping a close watch on Harry, knowing that dark forces were at work.

As the students gathered in the Great Hall one evening, Dumbledore gave a brief announcement regarding the first task. "Champions, the details of your first challenge will remain a mystery. However, I advise you all to prepare well, as the task will test your courage and quick thinking."

Raja caught Harry's eye and nodded subtly. They both knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together. Their bond had grown even stronger through the trials of isolation and rumor, and Raja silently promised himself that he would be there to protect Harry every step of the way.

The night before the first task, Raja stayed up, reviewing his notes on magical creatures, elemental spells, and defensive charms. He knew the tournament would be dangerous, but his determination to protect Harry and uphold Hogwarts' honor fueled his preparation.

As he finally drifted off to sleep, Raja felt a quiet sense of resolve. The Triwizard Tournament had drawn him into the spotlight, but his role was clear. He would be the steadfast guardian, watching over his friends, and facing every challenge with the strength of his knowledge and courage.

With the first task looming, Raja knew one thing for sure: whatever trials awaited, he would face them with unyielding resolve, ensuring that neither he nor Harry faced the dangers alone.