“i believe you, harry.”

the time for the goblet of fire eventually rolled around in hogwarts, the excited whispers traveling down every corridor and classroom. even at night. harry didn’t know much about the goblet of fire, but he thought it’d be interesting to watch from what he’s heard from upper years.

he didn’t expect to be in it.

“did you put your name in the goblet of fire, harry?” dumbledores voice was calm, a flat edge to it but a twinge of concern for the boy. he didn’t understand how harry’s name could’ve possibly gotten in there.

“no.” the feeling of watchful eyes were starting to bore in the back of his head, shooting discomfort throughout his body. he didn’t like their stares, their judging and scrutinizing watchful eyes made him want to be swallowed into the ground. but now the impending pressure of having to go through with the goblet of fire due to being bound.

the next few days after that were exhausting. his own friends didn’t believe him, not even ron! ron just seemed to be jealous for whatever reason harry couldn’t make out. whenever he tried to make conversation with them like usual they’d come up with an excuse.

not to mention the gossip.

he sat in a cornered area in the great hall as dinner came around, his head lowered with his bangs covering his face as he picked around as his food, his appetite lost … just as he was about to raise up and go empty his tray a voice came from behind him.