Remember that really wholesome chapter I just posted? The one brimming with hope and crushes and a kiss? Yeah me neither, have some angst :D
Marinette peered into the Great Hall warily, the dull roar of chattering students filling her ears. Most of the students had already gathered for the evening meal, which would precede the champion selection. She was hesitant to set foot inside, knowing full well that as soon as one person noticed her presence, the entire hall would be staring at her.
News of her kiss with Adrien had spread through the populations of all three schools like wildfire, which meant that Alya knew. Which meant that at some point the brunette was going to grill her for details.
That wouldn't usually be a problem, but Marinette didn't have all of the answers. She needed to have a long, long conversation with Adrien before she was ready for Alya's onslaught, but the alternative was...
Marinette eyed the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables respectively, weighing her options. Both had members that were likely to insult her in some way, but the Gryffindors would be somewhat predictable. Members of the Slytherin table had the potential to be outright malicious in a new way, and that wasn't something Marinette was excited for.
She heaved a sigh, stepped through the doors, and made a beeline for the Gryffindor table, spotting Alya and heading for her. As she walked, she heard whispers and could feel eyes drifting towards her, but she kept her head held up and slid in next to Alya, who gave a threatening glare to some Hufflepuffs at the neighboring table. The Hufflepuffs in question swiftly returned their gazes to their dinner plates and began eating, glancing over when they thought they could get away with it.
Marinette paid them no mind and began to fill her plate with the various foods in front of her. Sensing that Alya had just taken a deep breath (the one that usually preceded her interrogations), she turned to the brunette and held up a hand.
"You get five questions right now. I don't know the answer to most of the questions you probably have, so choose wisely." Alya immediately pounced.
"Are you and Adrien dating?"
"Not at this time."
"Is it true he was talking to nothing, and that you joined him?"
"He was talking to some Thestrals, and yes I joined him."
"What are Thestrals?"
Marinette smirked. "Interesting third question." Before Alya could retract it, Marinette answered. "It's a winged carnivorous horse that is only visible to people who've seen death. Very docile though, and the one I was petting seemed friendly enough." Alya paused, considering fighting the validity of the question, but apparently had gotten enough new information to let it slide, because she continued.
"Is it true that when you kissed, Chloe screamed? Like actually full on screamed?" Alya looked hopeful that Marinette could confirm this, but Marinette merely shrugged.
"I honestly couldn't tell you. You could ask Kim though, he was there." Alya nodded thoughtfully, placing a potato in her mouth and chewing. "Last question," Marinette reminded her. Alya's responding smirk made Marinette very, very afraid.
"Alright then. How was it?"
Marinette froze, completely blindsided by the question. "F-fine, I suppose."
"You suppose?" Alya asked, eyebrow arching. "Is he not a good kisser?"
"No!" Marinette said hastily. "He's amazing, I just… Didn't know how to react?"
Alya looked appalled. "You kissed him back right?"
"Of course I did!" Marinette protested. "But it was my first kiss! It was a lot to process!"
"Fireworks?" Alya asked knowingly.
"Fireworks!" Marinette exclaimed. "My brain couldn't handle it, and I started stuttering. Then he chuckled and kissed my cheek, freaking winked like a smug son of a bitch and said he'd see me tonight at dinner, and then…" Marinette's cheeks started to turn red at the memory.
"And then what Marinette?" Alya asked, grinning excitedly.
"Then he said I was beautiful, dove into the lake and swam away."
Alya's mouth dropped in shock. "He went swimming? At this time of year?"
"That's what I said," Marinette said, shaking her head. "He's dedicated at least."
"Wait," Alya said. "That means he was shirtless! You saw him shirtless?"
"Technically I kissed him shirtless," Marinette mumbled.
"Merlin, Marinette," Alya breathed. "How ripped is he?"
"Alya!" Marinette groaned, putting her head in her hands in a futile attempt to hide her face, which was surely scarlet at this point.
"What?" Alya defended. "I'm curious! He's a professional athlete!"
Marinette sighed, trying to think of a comparison for her.
"You know that painting of Gavin Arthur the Third on the fifth floor?" Alya nodded. "Think that, but… Actually no, that still isn't right. He looks like a greek god Alya. He's too hot for his own good."
"I know," a voice sighed from behind them. "I've tried my best to tone it down, but every day I just seem to get prettier and prettier."
The girls whirled around to find a grinning Nino Lahiffe, who slid onto the bench on the other side of Alya, who was glowering at him playfully.
"Talking about Adrien are we? I heard rumors that he was kissing somebody down by the lake," he teased, waggling his eyebrows at Marinette.
Marinette chose to ignore the question and began to eat her dinner, much to Alya's disappointment.
As Marinette ate, she kept an eye out for Adrien, who was surprisingly nowhere to be seen. Most of Beauxbatons had already shown up, Madame Rajas included.
"Hey Marinette, did you ever talk to Fu?" Nino asked, leaning behind Alya so he could see her.
"Talk to Fu about what?" Alix Kubdel asked, plopping down on the bench across from them. Kim followed close behind, sitting down next to her and helping himself to a large chicken leg without bothering to put it on his plate.
"About making sure my name doesn't come out of the goblet. And yes I did," Marinette replied, staring at her full plate in regret. She really wasn't all that hungry, with her stomach churning from the anxiety of waiting for the champions to be selected. "He didn't seem that concerned."
"That's good at least, right?" Kim asked in between bites.
"That's up for discussion," Alya muttered darkly.
"What do you mean?" Alix had paused in collecting her food and was giving Alya a piercing look.
"I…" Alya hesitated and glanced at Marinette, who discreetly shook her head. "It's not my story to tell, to be honest. We kind of had our faith in the faculty shaken last year, and let's leave it there."
"What happened?" Kim asked curiously. He yelped as Alix's elbow made a surprise appearance in his side, and sheepishly mumbled an apology.
It was at this moment that Adrien walked into the hall, causing most conversations to sputter to a halt, as if wondering what he would do. He spotted Marinette and waved cheerfully, who waved back with a shy smile, knowing full well that everyone in the hall was staring at her.
To her disappointment, he gestured towards the Beauxbatons contingency, shrugged, and made his way over, briefly speaking to Madame Rajas before he sat next to a girl from his school who looked as though she were going to throw up at any moment. Whether that was because of the strange Bulgarain sausages in front of her or the upcoming selection was up for debate.
Conversation resumed again, and the rest of dinner passed uneventfully, most of the students wanting to talk about the tournament. Some had gathered around Malcolm Hall further down the Gryffindor table, who was discreetly taking last minute bets.
"Am I still the favorite in Malcolm's pool?" Marinette asked, watching as Malcolm took a bet from Luka, who laughed at something the bookie said before walking back to his seat.
"Last I heard," Nino said. "Why? Are you planning on betting?"
"No. Just wondering." Marinette sighed and eyed her plate distastefully, before fully giving up and putting her fork down with a sigh.
"Anxious?" Alix asked. When Marinette merely shrugged, she continued. "I sure as hell would be. I mean, with your track record of getting into really sketchy situations, as well as the death rate that the tournament had, and-"
"Alix?" Alya interrupted sweetly. "I don't think you're helping."
Alix's mouth snapped shut, and she ducked her head in embarrassment.
"It's fine," Marinette said, waving her hand dismissively. "You aren't saying anything I haven't thought hundreds of times already."
She didn't miss the concerned look Alya and Nino shared, nor did she miss Headmaster Fu finally rising from his chair and climbing the stairs to his podium. Apparently neither did anyone else, for the rest of the hall fell silent almost immediately.
"Good evening," Fu said, a warm smile on his face. "And welcome to the selection ceremony." A few cheers and whoops broke out from the throng of students and he chuckled. "Before we begin, I have a few announcements to make."
"Number one: I feel I must reiterate this point, as rumors have been swirling around the school. If you are selected, that is final. The Goblet of Fire contains a magically binding contract. Once chosen, there is no turning back." He gave a very stern glare out across the student populous, many of whom shifted uncomfortably.
"Number two:" he continued, smile returning. "The Duel Club will be back in action-" he was interrupted by the Hogwarts contingency erupting into cheers, with a few students even shooting sparks into the air in celebration.
"As I was saying," Fu continued, as Bustier tittered behind him. "The Duel Club will be back starting one week from tomorrow, which is Saturday the 22nd. I am also pleased to tell you that Professor Vincent has extended his invitation to both of our visiting schools."
The applause began again, and promptly doubled in its enthusiasm as said professor leapt onto the staff table and took a sweeping bow.
Marinette's gaze snapped to Adrien, who had immediately perked up with an ear-splitting grin on his face. His gaze flicked to her and she smiled nervously. He gave her a thumbs up and turned to the girl next to him, who nodded, but looked otherwise distracted.
"And now I believe… Ah yes, there it is." The students gasped as the lighting in the room shifted dramatically.
The goblet's flames had become a ghostly blue, flickering with a new light that set an ominous glow upon the room. Marinette's anxiety returned in full force, as she hoped beyond all hope that it wouldn't be her this time. Anyone else. She glanced across the room and her eyes fell on Xander Yates, who was watching smugly.
Well not anyone else, she amended silently.
Suddenly the flames grew into a pyre, and a single ember was launched into the air, before it burnt out, turning into a piece of paper, which spiralled neatly into Headmaster Fu's hands. He unfolded the parchment, reading the name inscribed.
"The Durmstrang Champion is Ivan Bruel!"
The Durmstrang contingent exploded with noise, cheering and pounding the tables, while the other schools applauded politely. Ivan rose, and with only the barest of smirks on his face to indicate his emotions, walked to Fu, who directed him to a chamber off to the side of the room.
Marinette caught Adrien's eye, and he winked, pointing at the girl next to him who looked exceedingly nervous. Marinette showed him she had his fingers crossed for him, and he smiled, before glancing back at the goblet with what looked like dread.
The noise died down, and attention again returned to the goblet, watching as the flames built up yet again, before spewing yet another parchment from within its depths. Fu caught it deftly and swiftly read its contents.
"The Beauxbatons Champion," he began, and Marinette immediately looked to Adrien, who had a fixed smile on his face. "Is Adrien Agreste!"
Any and all quidditch fans let out loud cheers of approval, and Adrien did an excellent job of keeping his face straight. He rose, whispering something to the girl next to him, who had burst into tears.. Adrien smoothly walked through his applauding peers, never once looking away from his destination. He gave Master Fu a firm handshake, and quickly followed Ivan into the side chamber, closing the door behind him.
For the third time that evening, all eyes turned to the goblet as the flames turned blue again, and Marinette watched in mounting fear as the final piece of parchment was launched towards the ceiling. Thousands of eyes watched as it descended into Fu's hands.
Alya grabbed Marinette's hand, and gave it a comforting squeeze. Marinette hardly noticed, staring at Fu, hoping that he would say any name but hers.
"Our final champion!" He announced, flipping it over slowly. "Representing Hogwarts is…" Fu stopped and stared at the parchment in disbelief, re-reading it. His mouth twitched downwards, and he let out a long suffering sigh. His eyes flicked to hers, and Marinette knew exactly whose name was on the parchment. He took a few moments to compose himself, and when he spoke, his voice wasn't nearly as strong as it had been. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
Marinette felt like somebody had dumped her into the black lake. A pang of hollowness rang through her swiftly followed by a sense of fear that she couldn't quite internalize. One that made its way swiftly through her system, and left her feeling completely helpless.
Marinette rose from her seat numbly, oblivious to the applause and cheers around her. Alya had let go of her hand in shock, and if she had glanced at Nino, she would have seen the rage clearly showing on his face. Marinette walked around the end of the table and began to approach the headmaster, knowing the resignation was clear on her face.
Fu had a tight lipped smile, and briefly shook her hand before gesturing towards the side room. Marinette took exactly five steps towards it before she stopped. Her resignation and fear was fading, being replaced by an emotion that was far more volatile. She took a deep breath and forced herself to keep walking towards the side room, opening the door quietly before stepping through and closing it softly behind her, hearing Fu begin his closing statements.
"Marinette?" A soft voice inquired. She looked up, and her eyes found Adrien, who was leaning around a trophy case, with a concerned look on his face. "Are you okay?"
Marinette couldn't bring herself to answer. She merely stepped away from the door, moving a few steps to her left, before she slid down the near wall, resting her arms and head on her knees, in an attempt to calm the emotions roaring in her chest, screaming to be unleashed. Ivan watched in interest from the other side of the room.
Adrien made to move towards her, but before he could, the door flew open, and a positively exuberant Simon Grimault bounced through, beaming at them.
"Perfect!" he exclaimed, rubbing his hands excitedly as the headmasters, ministry officials and professor followed him in. "We have our three champions! I have to admit Mr. Bend, I had my concerns about using the Goblet, but it seemed to work out just fine!"
That statement alone completely erased the miniscule amount of progress Marinette had made in controlling her now rapidly growing anger. Something in her snapped.
The ministry official smirked and began to answer, but stopped when he heard laughter coming from his left. All eyes turned to Marinette, who had begun chuckling. The chuckles soon turned into bitter, empty laughter, and she turned her eyes onto the adults, most of whom were staring in confusion.
"Just fine?" She asked hollowly, eyes flashing in anger. "Did it, Mr. Grimault?" She slowly rose to her feet, her emotions roiling in her chest, pleading to be unleashed. "Did the Goblet of Fire do its job properly?" Marinette spat.
"I… Assume so?" Mr. Grimault said, offering a confused glance to those around him.
Marinette took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "I didn't put my name in." Marinette said, her anger still clearly lurking beneath the surface.
It was at this point Mr. Bend chose to interject. "Now girl, let's not be ridiculous. The Goblet of Fire is an exceedingly powerful object, that-"
"You can shut up," Marinette snarled. The man actually took a half step back in surprise, before recovering and starting to talk again.
"Young lady, I am an ICW representative," he said haughtily. "I expect to be treated with respect, and-"
"That's great," Marinette interrupted again, glaring at the man. "Really. That's really great, expect all you like. But considering I had no respect for you before this, and now that it's clear that using the Goblet was your idea, I probably never will have respect for you, so let's cut to the chase. I'll say it again. I did not put my name in that cursed artifact."
The adults stared at her, before Madame Rajas scoffed. "And why should we take your word for it? Not that it matters of course. You are now bound to compete."
"Will a magical oath do?" Marinette drawled, pulling out her wand. "I swear on my life and magic that I, Marinette Dupain-Cheng-"
"Marinette no!" Headmaster Fu yelled, trying to stop her.
"Did not attempt to enter this tournament through any means." Marinette said forcefully, continuing over the headmaster. She stared him in the eyes, defiant. "So mote it be." She snarled, and felt the magic wash over her. She pointed her wand to a trophy case, which shattered. "Wow, I still have my magic, look at that," she said dryly, shoving her wand back into her pocket.
The adults stared at her in a mixture of horror and shock, especially her professors, who had never really seen this side of her. Marinette knew she was being sarcastic and crass, but she couldn't bring herself to care at the moment. She turned her full attention back to Fu, who couldn't look her in the eyes.
"Get me out of this," she said plainly. Fu winced.
"I can't," he admitted guiltily.
"Figure it out."
"I'm sorry Marinette," he replied, shaking his head sadly. "But there is nothing I can do."
Marinette took a deep breath and glanced around the room. All of the professors were staring at her with something that was close to pity. The government officials all had blank expressions, and Ivan was still watching the goings on with a single eyebrow raised. Adrien had at some point moved next to her, and was glaring at the adults. Marinette turned back, and focused her attention back on Fu.
"He warned you," she whispered, and Fu flinched, knowing exactly who she was talking about. "He told you this would happen. This is your damn fault as much as it is his," she spat, pointing at Mr. Bend, who again looked ready to interrupt, but Grimault grabbed him to stop him. She stepped up to Fu and glared down at him. "I want a copy of the bloody contract. If this thing is legally binding, I will compete."
"It is," Grimault murmured, flinching as Marinette's eyes snapped towards him.
"I still want it. If I'm competing, I need to know everything I can about it. Somebody wants me in this damn tournament. I intend to survive and figure out who." Her eyes flicked angrily between each adult. "Do you have any intention of figuring out just put my name in? Or will I have to do that by myself as well? Oh wait I forgot!" she said mockingly. "There's no justice in this school, is there?"
"Ms. Dupain-Cheng, that is out of line!" Professor Bustier snapped, crossing her arms. "We may not be perfect, but we try our best!"
"Just like you did for me last year?" Marinette asked flatly.
The Hogwarts staff flinched, minus D'Argencourt, who merely raised an eyebrow at his colleagues. When it became clear that nobody had a response, she continued.
"Do any of you have any intention of figuring out who did this?"
"Yes." Fu stepped forward. "This is my failure. I will do what I can to find who did this."
"That may be easier said than done Guiying," Headmaster Kohler warned.
"I agree." D'Argencourt folded his arms, looking thoughtful. "The enchantments on the Goblet of Fire are impressive, yes, but they are also well documented, and have been thoroughly researched for centuries. I would need to look at the cup itself to see if they have been tampered with."
"That might not be possible," Grimault said, looking apologetic. "The cup is to be returned to ICW property by tonight, as part of the new stipulations for the tournament."
"Whose idea was that?" Bustier demanded.
"It was cosponsored by many members," Bend said, reentering the conversation. "I was one of them."
"Brilliant thinking," Madame Rajas sneered. "I don't know why I expected this could have gone smoothly."
Bend twitched, glaring at the witch, who glared back.
"Is there anything you can do Thomas?" Grimault asked.
Bend let out a sigh. "Possibly," he admitted. "I could petition the ICW next time they convene but-"
"But they're on recess for the next month," Fu finished grimly.
"I can give you access to the cup until it is collected, but that's in one hour."
D'Argencourt immediately made for the door.
"Headmaster, I would appreciate your assistance, and that of yours Headmaster Kohler."
"Of course," Kohler said. "Guiying?"
"I will join you soon," Fu promised. "I need to talk to Miss Dupain-Cheng. Thank you all."
Everyone began to file out, Adrien casting a worried look at her over his shoulder.
'Later,' Marinette mouthed. He nodded, and continued out.
"Caline, wait," Fu called, stopping the transfiguration professor at the door.
"Headmaster, if this is about the prophecy I will break your kneecaps," Marinette growled.
"Fortunately for both of us, this is not about that," Fu said, smiling faintly. "I cannot convince you to listen, as it is ultimately your decision, as you have said. This is far more important. Your survival. I don't doubt your ability," he added, noticing the look on his students' face, "But some of the most magically gifted children of their generations died in this tournament. You need all of the help you can get. Caline, are you on board?"
"Of course!" Professor Bustier exclaimed.
"Excellent. I will talk to Armand as well. Are you willing to work with us Marinette?"
"Yes," Marinette said with no hesitation.
"Good. I will owl you within the week."
Marinette nodded and walked towards the door. She paused in the doorway and looked back at the two adults.
"This does not mean I trust you," Marinette said firmly. "You have a long way to go before we get there. Especially you, headmaster."
"I know Marinette. I promise that I-"
"Don't promise, headmaster. Just do it." With that, she strode out of the doorway, leaving Fu and Bustier alone.
"Do you think we can get her through this?" Bustier asked softly.
"Honestly? I think she could get through this by herself," Fu replied. "But I'm taking no chances this time. I won't fail her again."
He began to head for the door, but paused when Bustier spoke again.
"If what the prophecy says is true… We can't afford to."
"No," Fu murmured. "No we can't."
*Cough* So uh... yeah! That's over
Also just to clear things up, Professor Vincent is based off of Adrien's photographer. Just as flamboyant, more bad ass for my purposes :)
To be honest did you see this going any other way? I... I was truly tempted to leave one of, if not both of them out of this tournament, but also... mmm... delicious character conflict.
That being said... It's time for... uh... *gulps nervously* questions. Anyone?
... Anyone?
... Anyone besides Marinette?
*siiiiiiigh*
Okay. Marinette.
Marinette: THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A GOOD YEAR
Me: Yes I know I-
Marinette: HOW COULD YOU
Me: Listen it's not like-
Marinette: ONE. YEAR.
Me: It's not like I've actually told anyone what happened your first few years.
Marinette: Are you going to? Because I know damn well that you already know what my backstory is. I want EVERYONE to be mad at you.
Me:... I was planning on it yes.
Marinette: How were you planning on doing it?
Me: ...
Marinette: It's going to be absolutely horrific isn't it?
Me: Yes. Yes it is.
Marinette:... I'm leaving your story.
Me: You literally can't do that but okay.
Anyone else?
Chat Noir: Hi it's me.
Me: Oh hi! How are you? It's been a while hasn't it?
Chat Noir: Indeed. When's the last time you even thought about me?
Me: To be honest, not very recently. Especially from a 'when I last wrote a chapter with you in it' perspective.
Chat Noir: Will I be in the next one?
Me: Bold of you to assume I have the next chapter planned lol.
Chat Noir: Do you?
Me:... Yeah actually a pretty decent amount.
Chat Noir: Am I in it?
Me: That would be telling. You don't get the script until I'm done with it.
Chat Noir: But whyyyYYYyyyYyYyyYYyy.
Me: Because this conversation isn't actually happening and you're just a figment of my imagination.
Chat Noir: Okay okay, one more question. Why am I here?
Me: What do you means?
Chat Noir: I mean like genuinely, why am I here, from a character perspective?
Me: Ahhhh I see. Yeah I can't tell you that.
Chat Noir: What? Why not?
Me: So many reasons. Number one among them being that there's a plot twist that's coming that... have I even set it up yet? I should probably hop to that, but I also have several, several chapters to work with before that happens... Hmmmmmmm. Idk I'll think on it.
Anyways that'll be all :D
I hope you enjoyed
Review please, you know you want to :D
Love you all
~Nebilas~