Chapter Nine: The Weight of Being Chosen
The first thing Charlie noticed when he woke up was the silence.
Hogwarts was never truly quiet, but this morning, the usual hustle and chatter felt different—more cautious, more charged. When he entered the Great Hall for breakfast, he could feel the weight of hundreds of eyes on him.
The previous night had been chaotic. After the champions had been chosen and dismissed, the school had erupted into speculation. But the loudest noise had come from the Gryffindor dormitory.
Flashback – The Argument Between Harry and Ron
Harry had been furious, confused, and exhausted. The moment he stepped into the Gryffindor common room, all eyes had turned to him. Whispers buzzed through the crowd, some curious, others skeptical. Seamus, Dean, and Neville had stood off to the side, uncertain of what to say. Fred and George exchanged looks, clearly trying to hold back their own theories.
But Ron? Ron was livid.
"So, you thought you'd just enter yourself for the glory, did you?" Ron had snapped, his voice sharp with anger.
"I didn't put my name in!" Harry had shot back, his frustration spilling over. "You know I didn't!"
"Oh, right." Ron scoffed, shaking his head. "Because the Goblet just—what? Picked you out of nowhere?"
"I don't know how it happened!" Harry yelled. "I didn't want this!"
Ron's face had been unreadable for a moment before he scoffed. "Yeah, sure. Enjoy the fame, Harry." Then he had stormed off, leaving Harry standing in the common room, fists clenched.
Back to Present – The Hall's Divided Reaction
This morning, the tension lingered.
The Hufflepuff table was divided. Some students congratulated Charlie, but others looked at him with thinly veiled disappointment, whispering about how Cedric should have been their champion.
Gryffindor was mostly occupied with Harry's unexpected selection. While some supported him, others believed Charlie should have been Hogwarts' sole champion. The way Ron sat away from Harry spoke volumes.
Slytherin House openly mocked the situation, with Malfoy's drawling voice carrying across the hall.
Ravenclaws remained neutral but intrigued, analyzing every aspect of the Goblet's decision.
Charlie sat down at the Hufflepuff table, forcing himself to act normal. He wasn't going to let the doubts get to him.
Across the hall, Harry was keeping his head down, shoving food around his plate. Ron wasn't sitting beside him.
[New System Quest: Carry the Banner]
Task: Represent Hogwarts with dignity and prove yourself worthy of being a champion.
Reward: +5 Reputation, Unlock Passive: The Champion's Mentality (Basic).
Charlie sighed. This wasn't just about the tournament anymore.
Charlie found Harry outside, sitting near the Black Lake, staring blankly at the water. The ripples reflected the gloomy sky above, as if mirroring the storm in Harry's mind. Charlie hesitated before stepping forward. He had considered leaving him alone—Merlin knew he had enough to deal with himself—but something told him that they needed this conversation.
"You alright?"
Harry looked up, his green eyes dark with exhaustion. He scoffed. "What do you think?"
Charlie exhaled and took a seat beside him on the damp grass. "Yeah. Same."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The wind picked up, rustling the trees along the edge of the water. It wasn't exactly awkward, but the weight of what had happened the night before hung between them.
Finally, Harry spoke. "I didn't put my name in. I don't know how it happened."
Charlie studied him carefully. He had been asking himself that same question—how had Harry's name ended up in the Goblet? There was no easy answer. Someone had to have entered it for him.
"I believe you."
Harry blinked, clearly surprised. "You do?"
Charlie shrugged. "Look, I might not know you that well, but let's be honest—you already get enough attention just existing. Why would you do this to yourself?"
Harry let out a bitter laugh. "Try telling that to Ron."
Charlie had noticed the tension between the two Gryffindors at breakfast. Ron hadn't so much as looked at Harry, and Harry, for his part, had kept his head down. "He'll come around."
Harry shook his head. "No, he won't. Not for a while, at least. He thinks I'm lying. That I wanted the fame."
Charlie was quiet for a moment. "That's rough."
Harry sighed, running a hand through his already messy hair. "It's just—why me? Why both of us? The Goblet was only supposed to pick one champion per school. I didn't even want this."
Charlie frowned, looking out at the lake. "Yeah… I've been thinking about that too. The Goblet's never made mistakes before. So why now?" He turned back to Harry. "You think someone did this on purpose?"
Harry's jaw tightened. "Dumbledore thinks so. But no one knows who. Or why."
Charlie let that sink in. If someone had entered Harry's name, it meant there was a bigger game at play. One neither of them fully understood.
After a few moments of silence, Charlie leaned back on his hands and smirked slightly. "Well, at least you won't be alone in all of this."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Charlie grinned. "Come on, Potter. You really think I'm just going to sit back and let you take all the glory? We're both champions now. Whether we like it or not."
Harry exhaled, a small smile creeping onto his lips despite the stress still clinging to him. "Yeah, I guess we are."
The tension between them eased slightly, though there was still an underlying edge to their conversation. They weren't friends—not yet—but they weren't enemies either. And for now, that was enough.
Charlie barely had time to process his conversation with Harry before he found himself face-to-face with a group of older Hufflepuffs in the hall-way.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere that Hufflepuff House was known for felt heavier that morning—as though judgment hung in the air.
"Cedric should've been chosen," a tall seventh-year named Michael Whitmore said, crossing his arms. "He earned it. He's been training for this for years."
Charlie kept his expression neutral. "I never said he didn't deserve it."
"But you still put your name in," Amelia Wright cut in, her sharp gaze unrelenting. "Why? You knew Cedric was the best choice. What made you think you had the right to challenge him?"
Before Charlie could respond, a new voice cut through the tension.
"He has every right, just like I did."
Charlie turned to see Cedric Diggory standing nearby, arms folded but expression calm.
Michael frowned. "Cedric—"
"No," Cedric said firmly, stepping closer. "The Goblet doesn't make random choices. It picked Charlie. That means he earned this just as much as I would have. And if you lot really believe in Hufflepuff unity, then maybe you should try supporting him instead of tearing him down."
A murmur went through the gathered students. Some exchanged uncertain glances, while others still looked unconvinced.
Selena, who had been standing quietly until now, stepped forward. "Cedric's right. The tournament has started. Complaining about who should or shouldn't be in it doesn't change anything. If Charlie's going to represent Hogwarts, he deserves our support."
Charlie glanced at her in surprise, but she didn't meet his eyes.
Michael exhaled sharply but eventually nodded. "Fine. Just… prove us wrong, alright?"
Charlie smirked. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
[Favorability Change: Cedric Diggory +10 (Supportive Ally)] [Favorability Change: Hufflepuff House ??? → ??? (Mixed)]
Charlie could feel the weight on his shoulders lessen ever so slightly. He wasn't alone in this—not completely. And that was something to hold onto.
That night, Charlie returned to his dormitory, mentally exhausted. The day had been filled with whispers, judgment, and the realization that he was now one of Hogwarts' representatives. He let out a deep breath as he collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Just as he closed his eyes, a familiar system notification flared to life.
[System Update: Champion's Path Unlocked]
You have been chosen as a Triwizard Champion. A special growth path has been activated.
New Features:
Tournament Training Quests: Unique tasks to increase skill levels.
Adaptive Training Mode: A personalized training plan for competition preparation.
System Store Expanded: Exclusive items available for champions.
Before Charlie could process this, another notification followed.
[Bonus Reward: Triwizard Champion Surge]
Due to being chosen as a Triwizard Champion, you have received:
+500 Reputation Points (RP)
Exclusive Champion's Reward Chest Unlocked
Charlie sat up immediately. 500 RP?! That was unheard of. His hands trembled as he pulled up his System Store, eager to see what was now available.
Champion's Limited-Time Store
Available for 48 Hours
Arcane Core Enhancement (250 RP) – Permanently increases Magical Power and Mana Efficiency, bringing it to near-professor levels.
Advanced Spell Mastery Scroll (150 RP) – Instantly grants mastery of a single spell at an elite level.
Phoenix Rebirth Potion (300 RP) – A potion infused with phoenix tears, capable of restoring magical reserves and healing major injuries.
Wand Synchronization Rune (200 RP) – Enhances the connection between the user and their wand, improving spellcasting precision.
Dueling Instinct Crystal (200 RP) – Grants an instinctive ability to predict opponent movements during combat.
Mystery Box (150 RP) – Contains a random high-tier magical artifact or spellbook.
Charlie quickly checked his total RP: 575 RP. He bit his lip, thinking carefully.
If I choose wisely, I can skyrocket my magical strength overnight.
Charlie's Purchases:
Arcane Core Enhancement (250 RP) – His Magical Power skyrockets, bringing him on par with veteran professors.
Advanced Spell Mastery Scroll – (150 RP) – He selects Protego Maxima, turning his defensive magic into an impenetrable shield.
Wand Synchronization Rune – (200 RP) – He applies the rune to his wand, feeling an immediate connectionbetween himself and his magic.
Remaining RP: 25
As soon as he confirmed his purchases, a surge of raw magical power coursed through him. It felt like liquid fire in his veins, his body trembling as his magical core expanded. His perception of magic sharpened instantly, as if he could feel the energy in the very air.
His wand hummed in his hand, the bond between them more synchronized than ever before. When he lifted it, he could sense every spell he had ever learned with newfound clarity.
[System Notification: Power Surge Detected]
Magical Power has significantly increased.
Charlie clenched his fist. This was real. He had just taken a massive leap in magical strength.
The next morning, when Charlie entered the Great Hall, the professors took notice immediately.
Dumbledore's twinkle of curiosity sharpened into something more assessing. His usual air of amusement faded slightly as he studied Charlie with clear interest. It was rare for the headmaster to focus so intently on a single student, but the surge in Charlie's magical aura was undeniable.
McGonagall stiffened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She was never one to jump to conclusions, but she knew advanced magic when she sensed it. Her sharp eyes followed him as he moved, as if she were trying to determine whether this newfound power was the result of sheer effort or something more.
Flitwick tilted his head, sensing something unnatural. As a master duelist and Charms professor, he was more attuned to the nuances of magical control than most. He could feel the way Charlie's spells would now flow more effortlessly, more precisely.
Snape's gaze darkened, his expression unreadable. He rarely acknowledged students outside his own house, but his instincts told him that something had shifted. If Charlie had suddenly gained power beyond what was natural, Snape would find out how.
Moody's magical eye zoomed in on Charlie, narrowing with suspicion. The ex-Auror was a man of paranoia and experience. He recognized the signs of someone who had advanced too quickly. His voice was low when he finally spoke. "You been dabbling in anything you shouldn't, Alden?" he asked, his tone casual, but his eye never stopped scanning him.
Professor Sprout, usually warm and supportive, approached Charlie with a rare moment of seriousness. She gave him a small smile before lowering her voice. "Charlie, Professor Dumbledore would like to speak with you after breakfast," she informed him. "It's best you don't keep him waiting."
Charlie swallowed. If Dumbledore wanted to speak to him, it could only mean one thing—
Charlie had never been inside the headmaster's office before, and the moment he stepped in, his curiosity ignited. The circular room was filled with odd trinkets and enchanted objects, their quiet whirring and occasional flashes of light filling the space with an air of mystery. The Sorting Hat rested on a shelf, looking as lifeless as an old hat should—until it shifted slightly, as if aware of his presence.
But what truly caught Charlie's attention was the magnificent phoenix perched on its stand.
Fawkes observed him with piercing golden eyes, his crimson and gold feathers shimmering faintly even in the dim candlelight. As Charlie took a cautious step forward, Fawkes tilted his head, then let out a soft, almost welcoming trill. Warmth spread through Charlie's chest—it was a sound of reassurance, of trust.
"He likes you," Dumbledore commented, stepping forward from behind his desk. "A rare honor. Fawkes has always been an excellent judge of character."
Charlie hesitated for a moment before gently reaching out a hand. To his surprise, Fawkes leaned forward slightly, brushing his beak against Charlie's fingers before letting out another soft note.
Dumbledore watched the interaction with quiet amusement before motioning for Charlie to take a seat. "Now then, Mr. Alden. I believe we have much to discuss."
Charlie sat upright, still unsure of what to expect. Dumbledore's expression remained unreadable—calm, yet watchful.
"You have grown remarkably in magical strength over the past day," Dumbledore began. "This is not something that goes unnoticed, particularly by those with experience."
Charlie swallowed. "I—"
"—Need not explain," Dumbledore interrupted gently. "I do not assume wrongdoing, nor do I believe in condemning ambition. However, I would advise caution. Many paths to power exist, but not all of them are worth the price they demand."
Charlie knew exactly what he was referring to. Questionable potions, dark rituals, forbidden magics—there were always shortcuts, but none without consequence.
"I trust that you are making your own choices," Dumbledore continued, "but I would be remiss if I did not ensure your well-being. Therefore, I must insist that you obtain a clean bill of health from Madame Pomfrey."
Charlie nodded slowly, understanding the underlying message—Dumbledore wasn't accusing him of anything, but he would be watching. Closely.
Dumbledore reached into a drawer and pulled out a stack of parchment, bound together neatly.
"These are my personal notes on advanced transfiguration. I believe they will prove useful to you."
Charlie's breath caught as he took the notes, flipping through the first few pages. The depth of knowledge here was immense—spells, theories, even some concepts he had never encountered before.
"Consider it an investment, Mr. Alden. One that I will be keeping a close eye on."
Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled, but his words carried a subtle weight.
[Favorability Change: Albus Dumbledore +10 → 75 (High Regard)]
As Charlie stood to leave, Dumbledore spoke one last time.
"I will be watching you closely from now on."
Charlie nodded, gripping the transfiguration notes tightly. He had entered the office with questions and left with something even greater—expectation.
The atmosphere at Hogwarts had changed. The Triwizard Tournament had already shifted the dynamics between students, but two Hogwarts champions instead of one had added an unexpected layer of tension. The division was no longer just between schools, but within Hogwarts itself.
Charlie had expected some backlash from his housemates, but he hadn't expected it to be this complicated. There was no outright hostility—Hufflepuffs weren't known for that—but the murmurs, the uncertain glances, and the awkward silences spoke volumes.
"Charlie didn't steal anything," Cedric told a group of younger Hufflepuffs who were still debating the legitimacy of the selection. "The Goblet chose him. If you believe in fair play, then you should accept that."
While Cedric's words helped smooth things over, the feeling of unease lingered. Some still believed Cedric was the rightful champion, others believed Charlie had somehow cheated the system. A few, however, were beginning to support him, recognizing that he was now their representative, whether they had expected it or not.
Slytherin's Mockery and Draco's Antagonism
If Hufflepuff was divided, Slytherin House was united in their scorn.
"Hogwarts' so-called champions," Draco Malfoy sneered during lunch, lounging at the Slytherin table with Crabbe and Goyle flanking him. "One's a walking accident, and the other? A Hufflepuff who thinks he's important."
Charlie, who was passing by, paused but didn't stop.
"You're awfully invested in this for someone who wasn't even chosen," he said, smirking slightly. "Jealous, Malfoy?"
Draco's expression darkened. "Don't flatter yourself, Alden. The only thing worse than a Mudblood champion would be a Hufflepuff champion."
Charlie's grip on his wand tightened, but before he could retort, Selena placed a hand on his arm.
"Ignore him," she said quietly. "Not worth it."
Charlie exhaled slowly and walked away, but he made a mental note—if Malfoy wanted to push him, he was more than ready to push back.
Gryffindor's Loyalty is Fractured
While Gryffindor still supported Harry, there was a noticeable rift forming between him and Ron. The redhead had barely spoken to Harry all day, still fuming about what he saw as a betrayal.
"Ron still isn't talking to me," Harry muttered as he and Charlie walked down a corridor after class. "I don't know how to fix it."
"He'll come around," Charlie said, though he wasn't sure if that was entirely true. "Just give him time."
Some Gryffindors—particularly those who respected Charlie—were acknowledging him more openly. The Weasley twins had even placed bets on whether he or Harry would last longer in the competition, much to Hermione's dismay.
Ravenclaw's Interest
Unlike the other houses, Ravenclaws were more analytical. Rather than getting caught up in favoritism, they debated why the Goblet had broken its own rules.
"It had to be tampered with," one student reasoned. "No way it suddenly decided to choose a fourth name on its own."
"But if it was tampered with, why Charlie and Harry? Why not another seventh-year?"
They had no answers, but their questions made one thing clear—people were watching closely, trying to understand what had really happened.
Moody's Unsettling Observation
During Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Moody didn't say much to Charlie outright, but his ever-watchful, magical eye lingered on him longer than normal. When class ended, as Charlie gathered his things, Moody's gruff voice broke the silence.
"Alden."
Charlie turned, feeling the weight of Moody's gaze. "Yes, Professor?"
"A word of advice—trust no one. And keep both eyes open."
There was no further explanation, just a nod before Moody turned and limped away, leaving Charlie with yet another mystery to unravel.
[New System Quest: Prove Yourself]
Task: Gain respect from your peers by demonstrating your worth as a Triwizard Champion.
Reward: +5 Reputation, Unlock Passive: Unyielding Determination (Basic).
Charlie sighed. If people expected him to fold under pressure, they were in for a surprise. He wasn't going anywhere.
Charlie knew that his sudden increase in magical strength wouldn't go unnoticed, but he hadn't expected just how closely the professors would be watching him.
In Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall observed him keenly. She had always been strict but fair, and today was no different.
"Mr. Alden, stay after class for a moment."
When the rest of the students had left, she approached him, her piercing gaze studying him for a long moment.
"You've been improving at a remarkable rate," she said. "Perhaps even too quickly."
Charlie tensed slightly, but McGonagall's expression softened.
"Transfiguration is not just about skill, Mr. Alden. It requires patience and understanding. Do not let haste compromise control."
Charlie nodded. "I understand, Professor."
McGonagall's lips twitched in approval. "See that you do. I will be observing your progress carefully. Do not disappoint me."
[Favorability Change: Minerva McGonagall +5 (Cautious Support)]
During Charms, Professor Flitwick pulled Charlie aside after class. Unlike McGonagall, Flitwick's tone was far more enthusiastic.
"Quite the impressive jump in spell control, Mr. Alden! I daresay your technique is becoming sharper by the day."
Charlie grinned. "I've been putting in extra hours."
Flitwick nodded approvingly. "Diligence is always rewarded. If you ever wish to refine your dueling techniques, I would be happy to assist."
[Favorability Change: Filius Flitwick +10 (Mentor Interest Unlocked)]
Potions class was a different story entirely. Professor Snape remained unimpressed.
When Charlie perfectly executed a complex potion, Snape merely sneered.
"Adequate work, Alden," Snape drawled. "Though I wonder if you're spending more time showing off than actually learning."
Charlie held back an eye-roll and simply nodded. "Noted, Professor."
Snape's eyes narrowed slightly at the lack of reaction, but he turned away, muttering something under his breath.
[Favorability Change: Severus Snape -5 (Mild Disdain)]
After class, Charlie found himself cornered by Moody. The professor's magical eye whirred as it scanned Charlie from head to toe.
"You're getting stronger, lad. That's good. But power makes enemies."
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "You think someone's going to come after me just for getting better?"
Moody let out a rough chuckle. "Lad, in my experience, people don't like things they can't explain. And you? You've just become very difficult to explain."
His voice dropped into a serious tone. "Always be prepared. Danger isn't always what it seems."
Charlie nodded, the weight of Moody's words settling in.
[New System Quest: Shadow of the Unknown] Task: Uncover any hidden threats lurking around the Triwizard Tournament. Reward: +5 Perception, Unlock Passive: Danger Sense (Basic).
McGonagall and Flitwick are supportive, encouraging Charlie to train.
Snape remains dismissive, believing Charlie's selection was a mistake.
Moody gives Charlie a cryptic warning:
"The first task is coming. Always be prepared, lad. Danger isn't always what it seems."
Charlie scans the System Store carefully, weighing his options.
After considering his upcoming training needs, he decides to purchase:
Dueling Gauntlets (250 RP) – To enhance his wand handling and spellcasting speed, ensuring he reacts faster in combat.
Spell Mastery Scroll (100 RP) – To improve his proficiency in his specialty: Transfiguration magic.
[Remaining RP: 75]
Charlie Alden – Current Stats
Level: 18 Reputation Points: 75 Specialization: Transfiguration (Developing)
AttributeScoreMagical Power62/100Spellcasting58/100Reflexes55/100Intelligence60/100Stamina57/100Dueling Skill50/100Occlumency20/100
Passive Abilities:
Instinctive Reflexes (Basic) – Minor boost to reaction time in duels.
Champion's Mentality (Basic) – Increased mental resilience during competitions.
Albus Dumbledore – Observed Stats
Level: ??? Specialization: All Fields (Master)
AttributeScoreMagical Power98/100Spellcasting96/100Reflexes85/100Intelligence100/100Stamina88/100Dueling Skill95/100Occlumency100/100
Passive Abilities:
Arcane Genius (Advanced) – Near-instant understanding of magical theories.
Master of Transfiguration – Supreme Transfiguration ability.
Elder's Insight – Can analyze hidden magical potential in others.
Charlie stared at the stats comparison, his eyes widening slightly.
Still so far to go…
But instead of discouragement, a small fire lit within him.
[New System Quest: The Road to Mastery] Task: Train tirelessly to reduce the gap between yourself and the greatest wizard of the age. Reward: +10 Reputation, Unlock Passive: Scholar's Focus (Basic).