Just a quick thing I wrote while I waited for my iPod to update. Enjoy.
The sat shoulder to shoulder, backs perfectly straight, blue silk sleeves rubbing against each other. For some, a bead of sweat dripped down their faces in nervous anticipation. Others held each other's hands, whispered quietly to themselves in French, or simply stared at the Cup that was demanding everyone's attention.
The tension that had been building for days was about to break, and they were ready for it. Friendships could resume, the pressure would be gone, and they would be united behind one chosen sister.
They all knew what was waiting for the champion. Fame, fortune and glory. But most of all, the chance to triumph over the rest, to know that out of every girl- you were the chosen one. It was a prize they would all kill for. Inside the Cup, each one of their names was written elegantly on a piece of parchment. Some looked as though they were considering using a non-verbal Accio to bring their name to the top.
The fire started to dance, fueling their anxiety. It would be any moment now. A few girls looked at their sisters, wondering who it might be. Would it be the prettiest? The smartest? The nicest? The fire moved through the colors of the rainbow, blue to green, purple, pink, orange. Its tempo increased, and the hall was silent.
Shot skyward, time slowed as the parchment was brought to the Headmaster's hand. A tear or two dropped loudly to the floor. For one of them, everything was about to begin. For the rest, the road ended here.
Her name fell from his lips with a decisive finality.
"Fleur Delacour."
There was no time to cry, to question, just regain their composure, and cheer on their sister. She wore a mask of triumph, superiority and confidence. Any other emotion was well hidden. Her sisters showed nothing but admiration and congratulations. The anger, disappointment, relief, and jealously were buried barely beneath the surface.
The Beauxbatons Champion had been chosen.
Yes, the title was taken from the great book A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray. I recommend the whole series. Reviews are appreciated.