Twilight Saga characters

created and owned by Stephenie Meyer

And the characters and plotline of

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

created and owned by J.K. Rowling

Chapter 25: Celebrations and Nightcaps

We had met Rosalie on the way out of the Hall. "Rosalie, would you please wait for Bella and bring her home. She shouldn't be to long." Carlisle asked politely.

Rosalie scowled, but didn't object – at least not verbally.

I was about to, though, when he turned to look at me "Edward, I am sure you will want to celebrate with your housemates for a bit. Enjoy your moment, but don't be too late." Edward we need to talk to you, but you need to keep up appearances.

I nodded. I understood my role. I just hoped the revelry didn't take too long. I knew there were things Dumbledore wanted to ask, and there were definitely some questions in my mind… and I wanted to see Bella. I had hoped to sit and wait for Bella myself, while watching through the mind of Hermione, or Harry… or if worse came to worse, Ron. Instead I made my way down to the Hufflepuff common room, low in the castle.

"Ed-ward, Ed-ward, Ed-ward!" the chanting started as I walked in.

"What took you so long, mate?" Patrick ran up, giving a half hug, then facing the group, "To the rightful Hogwarts champion – the champion from Hufflepuff"

"Here, here" cheers erupted anew.

"Do Hufflepuff proud!" Ernie yelled about the roar.

"Do Hogwarts proud!" James yelled even louder, followed by an even greater chorus of cheers.

After a minute more, the roar diminished to a hum.

"So are you nervous?" Cedric asked.

"Of course he's not nervous!" Ernie gave me a hardy punch, then discretely rubbed his knuckles. I supposed it had been a hard punch. "He's from your line, ain't he?"

Cedric laughed. "I suppose!"

"Seriously, though – Edward, what do you think? Are you excited?" Patrick asked.

"Ya – speech!" James shouted, then whipping the common room into a roar again, he started shouting, "speech, speech, speech".

I looked at Cedric nervously… I wasn't used to this kind of attention. He gestured as if the floor were mine, "Go on, Edward, say a few words…"

I looked around the room at the excited, joyous faces… I cleared my throat out of nervousness. The room quietened. I momentarily panicked, wondering, what does one say in a situation like this? I took a deep breath, "Thank you… I am overwhelmed. I know it was a little shocking when my name was called… Just thank you for cheering." I grinned. There was a pregnant pause before they realized that was all I was going to say. Then cheers erupted once more, quieting down more quickly this time, as my housemates broke off into smaller discussions.

"Well you did it." Patrick noted.

"I haven't really done anything yet…" I replied, "but I hope I can make Hogwarts proud."

"And hey, stay safe!" Cedric said, "If you need any help, just ask us, okay?"

"Will do!" I smiled at him. He was already here to help me, he had given up his chance to do so. I would be forever grateful for that.

I stuck around chatting with the guys, accepting well wishes from other students before they headed off to their dorm rooms, and offering a hearty "For Hufflepuff… For Hogwarts" as the occasion called for it.

I had been there for 23 minutes, when it seemed the crowd had dissipated enough to find a polite excuse to return to Venlaw. "Well, guys, I should probably go home. My dad told me to not be too late." I began, relieved that I could actually say that truthfully.

"No! Edward – we're still celebrating here" James complained.

"Ya – you should stay over" Ernie offered, "we can pull a cot into our room."

I was touched by their camaraderie. I had never been asked to stay for a sleep-over... I had never had friends like these. I couldn't remember much of my human life and the only men I was close with in my vampire life were my family. Part of me wished I wanted to stay over more then I wanted to be home – with Bella… and that I didn't have obligations to fill…

Noting my hesitancy, Cedric jumped in, "Hey guys, I'm sure Edward is tired… It's been a long day… How about we plan to have you hang out another night, when things aren't quite so crazy…" he offered kindly.

"That would be…fun." I replied, surprised as I heard the truth of my words in my voice. "We will definitely have to do that." I smiled, knowing I would make a point of following through on that promise.

"Edward, did you enjoy your celebration with your housemates?" Dumbledore asked as I returned home to Venlaw, meeting up with him and Carlisle in the library.

"Certainly – they were very enthusiastic" I replied, warmly remembering the camaraderie I had enjoyed. However, now that I was back home, what I wanted was Bella. As I stood there, making polite conversation, I listened for her heart beat, locating her upstairs in the vicinity of our bedroom… All I wanted, at this moment was to go to her – felt anxious about it, really. But we were here for a reason, and I could see Bella very soon.

Dumbledore chuckled, "Maybe you should fetch Bella. I'm sure she'll have something to contribute to the conversation."

I left more quickly then was natural for a human, and ran up the stairs. I momentarily wondered at two things that struck me as I left. Firstly, it certainly seemed that Dumbledore knew I wanted to see Bella. I wondered if he could read my mind. Secondly, I was struck by his remark to Carlisle as I left the room.

"Remarkable – really – his connection – his love – despite the obvious limitations."

I didn't dwell on either very long. I needed to see Bella. I found her lying across our bed reading, 'Hogwarts, A History'. She hadn't heard me come in…

"I haven't seen that book lying around before." I commented, teasing her about her practise of reading the same classic novels over and over until they fell apart.

A slow smile spread across her face, "Hermione lent it to me."

Our casual demeanour lasted a mere four seconds before we launched ourselves at each other, meeting at our lips. We kissed each other fervently, like people in the desert, dying of thirst. I reacquainted myself with her scent, her taste, the warmth of her body. Oh how I loved this woman. It had only been several hours, but I had missed her. Our weekends were our time – a time when we didn't have to pretend. And we had lost a large portion of today. I finally released her lips to allow her to breathe while I trailed down her jaw to her neck.

"I missed you too." She whispered after gasping for a breath of air. I smiled against her clavicle, as I felt the rush of her blood and took in her strong scent. Those words were pleasure to my ears. The man in me wanted to keep her up here and lock the door – but I knew we were expected back down in the library.

"Dumbledore wants to meet with us" I said regretfully. I heard a deep sigh in response as she pulled away. I guessed she had felt the same as I.

"We shouldn't keep him waiting, then" she said just as regretfully, as she took a few deep breaths and tried to calm herself. I watched the flush begin to drain from her cheeks. "I think I'm ready" she said after a moment.

"Thank you for joining with me… I know it has been a long day" Dumbledore smiled kindly.

"That is what we are here for," I replied, taking a seat at one of the small tables, Bella at my side.

Carlisle clearly said, "We're ready" and the rest of the family appeared quite quickly in the library.

"Firstly, congratulations Edward on being chosen." Dumbledore started, "I don't want any of you to lose sight of the fact that Edward was chosen, legitimately, by the Goblet of Fire from among all the Hogwarts students who put their names in. I hadn't thought that would be possible. I had planned to do the very thing Moody suggested – but the results would have been disastrous… I am glad we didn't have to go down that road."

"Things didn't seem to go all that well, as it was" I commented, recalling the ugly scene in the side chamber.

"Yes, well, this we can overcome. I am quite certain if there had been a third, the entire tournament would have been called off – and that would have been disastrous – both for relations between the schools and for the tournament itself. The champions are bound to compete. If they hadn't…" he broke off, unwilling to expound on the dire consequences.

"Speaking of Moody – I don't mean to be disrespectful. I know he is someone you trust implicitly, but the inner voice I heard tonight is causing me some concern."

"Oh? Can you tell me what you heard?"

"As I mentioned before, I can hear no more then what you are willing to say – so I only heard exactly what he said, though I hoped he might slip. He didn't. But it was the tone. It was more then just a different sounding voice – the tone of his voice gave different implications to the words he was saying. It was almost as if…." I wasn't sure how to describe it without voicing my suspicions.

"As if what, Edward? You can speak freely here."

"It was almost as if he knew what had happened and was glad for it… When he expounded on his suspicions, he sounded certain enough in his external voice for someone who is confident in their assumptions, but his inner voice was certain. And when he spoke of there needing to be a powerful wizard or witch to do the confundus charm, I thought I could detect a sense of pride in his inner tone. And…." I paused, as this was the most condemning observation I had made, but Dumbledore nodded for me to continue, "He sounded almost....pleased by the predicament Harry is in."

"Ludo Bagman was also pleased…" Carlisle noted. Dumbledore gave him a quick look, "I was listening too." He admitted.

"Yes, but Ludo was pleased because this is new and unprecedented. He is pleased by the publicity this will bring to the tournament." Dumbledore commented, "Moody, on the other hand is a trusted friend and colleague. I don't understand what could be behind this difference in his tone you are hearing… It is perplexing. I wish Barty had taken me up on my offer for a nightcap. I would have very much like to have discussed this with him…" he spoke almost as if we weren't in the room, musing over his thoughts…

After three seconds of silence, he spoke to us directly, "Edward, I don't want to give you the impression I don't take your observations seriously. In fact, I do. I wasn't surprised by Moody's quick deduction as to how Harry's name could have come from the Goblet… but I would have expected more then one theory… I was also disturbed by the way Barty was looking at Moody – as though he was trying to figure something out… He suspects something, I am sure of it. I just don't know what and to whom it relates…"

We all paused then considering his words.

"What can you tell me about Harry?" He went on.

"He is just as confused and in shock as we are. When he answered you that he did not put his name in the cup, he answered truthfully." I suspected Dumbledore already knew this, "And he seems to have no idea who else might have done this on his behalf."

Dumbledore nodded, as if confirming his suspicions. "Bella? How are things up at Gryffindor?"

This was why Bella was meant to go to the celebrations I realized. This was her role. I was somewhat frustrated – I could have 'heard' everything through Harry or Hermione… or Ron… I didn't like the idea of putting her in the middle of this, regardless of how safe the circumstances… I noticed Dumbledore looking at me thoughtfully, as though he wanted to say something, but refrained.

"There are mixed feelings among his housemates. Several celebrated with him… The Weasley twins were particularly interested in how he managed to overcome the age line."

Dumbledore chuckled, "Yes, I imagine they would be."

"No one seems to believe that he didn't put his name in, except Hermione…"

"Not Ron?"

"No…" she hesitated. The look on her face told the story before her words did, "Ron is furious. They had a pretty ugly fight about it, actually. He believes Harry did enter his own name just to put himself in the spotlight. He is jealous and, I think, hurt that Harry didn't tell him how he did it – let him in on the secret. They aren't friends…" she looked down, grief apparent on her face.

"And you and Hermione are caught in the middle."

She nodded.

"That will be difficult for you… You must do what you can to bring them back together. Harry will need Ron." Dumbledore said softly.

"Of course… We already spoke a bit on that… Anyway, as I was saying – there is a mixture of those who are pleased to see a Gryffindor champion and those who are resentful… though most want to see him beat Edward."

"And how have they seemed to take the selection of a foreigner?"

"That doesn't seem to be much of an issue – I think they are more incensed over having a champion from Hufflepuff, then the fact that he is from America. A few comments were made, but nothing I would consider serious…"

"Thank you Bella… you are very perceptive. I appreciate you taking the time." Dumbledore turned his attention to Rosalie.

"And what of Slytherin."

"They are incensed, of course. Slytherin had the best contenders – it is shocking one of them wasn't chosen." She responded in true Rosalie, or was it Slytherin form.

"Any concern about Edward?"

"Only that he is Hufflepuff… Truthfully, they are most upset about Harry. Edward isn't much of a concern – other then the fact that there are several superior Slytherin contenders..."

He nodded… "And I don't suppose you overheard anything from Ravenclaw students?"

"Just the same as Bella – mostly about how Harry managed to beat the system and get himself entered…"

"Carlisle?"

"It was quite a point of debate at the table before they left for the night… Actually became a bit of an intellectual battle over who could figure out how Harry beat the age line. The students are upset, understandably, but they seem to have intellectualized it…"

"And Edward?"

"Initially, there were some concerns with his being a foreigner, but as there are no rules against it and Hufflepuff so clearly accepted his nomination, they moved on fairly quickly… especially after Harry's name was announced."

"I see… and Edward, what did you hear?"

"Nothing more then what the others have said… everyone has been very accepting, after the initial surprise. Actually, it has been rather nice, feeling apart of things."

"Good… good…" he said, deep in thought, but pleased nonetheless… His face turned serious then, "Now, about the first task, I can not tell you anything. But certainly, you will be prepared. I am sure you will be successful, though the risks should not be underestimated, even for you. I would practise up on my use of the shield charm."

"Alright…" I replied, curious as to what might be behind his suggestion…

"Is there anything else you might have to tell me? Any other questions?" He looked around the room… My siblings shook their heads "no" and started to dissipate, sensing the meeting had drawn to a close.

I paused until they had left. I had a question, but wasn't sure if it was appropriate to ask. I decided to go for it, "Dumbledore – I am curious. Do you have the ability to read minds?"

"I certainly have the ability to use Legilimency, if that is what you are asking?"

"I'm not sure. Snape used Legilimency on me. It was very intrusive and obvious. What I am wondering is if you have the ability to read minds like I do, without intrusion?"

"Edward, I don't make it my practise to use Legilimency unless absolutely necessary. I certainly haven't used it on any of you… Or anyone else in recent history. Why do you ask?"

"There have been several times when you have commented or reacted to information that would lead me to believe you knew what someone was thinking. It made me curious."

"Ah, I see – like tonight when I suggested you fetch Bella?" He smiled, knowingly. I nodded, "Edward, I am not able to read minds in that way, but I do have a talent for reading people. As I understand it, you had a similar talented before your transformation. It could be that we share that ability, but I have not been changed to a vampire…"

I wonder if… Carlisle began surmising the possibilities of a wizard turned vampire.

"And, I have to say, your feelings with respect to Bella are very apparent to anyone with the least amount of perception… though you try hard to hide it at school."

I smiled. That wasn't something I was embarrassed about, though his comment concerned me, "Do you think others suspect?"

"There are not many who are that perceptive…" he said cryptically "a few, but not many…"

I nodded in understanding. "And…" I wasn't sure how to say this without offending Bella… though I was concerned for her safety, "I was wondering if it would be helpful for me to read the Gryffindor minds to gather information… I can reach them from any point in the school – or even from Venlaw if I concentrate hard enough."

He looked at me knowingly. It was as if a thought, a piece of information he had wanted to share suddenly flitted back into his mind and he was considering whether or not to say it. He must have decided for he said then, "Edward, you have a gift… an amazing gift that I am most appreciative for. You have probably already noticed that Bella is extremely gifted as well. I would be curious to see what happens when she transforms as you have." I frowned at the comment. We had never mentioned Bella's plans to become a vampire in his presence. "Bella – you are very perceptive, more perceptive then perhaps even I… Your ability to read people is beyond hearing the voice in their head. For the use of your ability, I am extremely grateful."

She blushed at the complement… I loved the colour of her skin when she does that…

Edward, I am letting you read my mind so you can understand what I am saying. You are very protective of Bella. It stems from your great love – but you need to let her do what she is here to do. You can't do everything for her, nor should you. She is more powerful then you realize.

In Dumbledore's thought I understood. As difficult as it was, I needed to let her do her part, to trust that she would take care of her self… I wasn't sure I could do that, but I nodded my understanding.

"Well, I best return to Hogwarts. I am sure there will be some sort of mischief on a night such as tonight… Good evening… and Happy Halloween." He smiled almost childishly at that and left.

When we returned to our room, I sensed Bella has something to say. Instead she pulled herself to me in an embrace. I hugged her back, saying nothing, waiting. She began to unbutton my shirt, running her hands over my chest, sending electric shocks of pleasure through me. I wasn't sure where this was going, but I was enjoying following her lead. She stopped after a moment, to my disappointment and pulled herself to me again, wrapping her arms around me under my shirt. I felt the warmth of her against my cold chest. Then something wet hit me.

"Bella, are you crying?" I was concerned – what worry had I caused her? Was this all too much?

"I don't know" she sobbed, "There are so many conflicting emotions – I am so… proud of you – for what you have done – for who you are… And, at the same time, I wish you weren't you… no, not that" she shook her head "I wish you weren't in this position. That we didn't have to face this risk…"

I understood what she meant by that. I wished that too, though I didn't want to give up this opportunity.

"And, I regret that we aren't married yet…" she said softly. I was sure that she meant something more then that, but she didn't expound. I didn't ask.

"But I'm so glad you are here." She looked up at me, smiling through her tears. "I love you!"

"As I love you." And I bowed down to kiss her softly on the lips.

Just as our lips met, I heard the door burst open behind us.

"IT'S DRAGONS!" Alice said, aghast.