Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
How?!
Breakfast that morning came with a show. People lingered in the entrance hall. Some even took their plates from the great hall so they could watch and gossip about everyone who approached the cup as they ate. Having come down early to catch Adrian, I stood by the entrance to the dungeons; watching as a handful of students confidently crossed the golden age line with no consequence. As of now, only one had tried to fool it. It was some girl from Ravenclaw. Unfortunately. A beard was not an attractive look on her.
Nervously, I chewed on my bottom lip as I waited. Everything is going to be fine. I told myself as most of Durmstrang finished entering their names before heading to breakfast. It was an interesting system they arranged too. Instead of putting their names into the goblet themselves, Karkaroff collected their slips of parchment. He counted them off like he was taking roll; making sure all his students had turned a slip into him. And then he put them in the Goblet of Fire himself before congratulating all his students on their chances and releasing them to the morning meal. Really likes to be in the thick of things, this one.
Breathing. Breathing helped. I kept expanding my lungs as far as they could go at every exhale. Barty Crouch Jr. is back in Azkaban. I reminded myself as Cedric approached the cup; a folded-over piece of parchment in his hand. All the Hufflepuffs cheered as soon as the goblet accepted his entry and sent up red sparks. With a handsome smile on his face, Cedric joined his friends as they moved on to the great hall.
Off by the grand staircase, the Creevey brothers were passing out the YUP-produced maps and tips pamphlets with the Patil sisters. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence to have sets of siblings assigned to the job or if we somehow thought this pairing would accomplish… something.
Every time someone emerged from the dungeons, my head turned in their direction. Only to frown in disappointment when it wasn't Adrian I saw. Stimpson returned my expression when she exited the dungeons and found me standing by the stairs. When Ginny and the Carrow sisters came up to break their fast, she directly informed me, "Stop lurking. You're embarrassing yourself". Love you too, little sister.
Finally, Adrian made an appearance trailing behind Montague and Baddock. When he saw me, Adrian sighed. But he regained himself with a shake of his head and an offered arm. "Blessed Samhain", he greeted me as I accepted his arm.
"Yea, yea. Happy Halloween", I returned; using the name for the holiday that didn't make me sound like I was stuck in the eighteenth century. Ahead, Montague left Baddock behind the age line with a pat on his small shoulder. "You really don't have to do this", I tried.
"I want to do this", Adrian countered. On the other side of the age line, standing before the goblet, Montague withdrew a folded piece of parchment from his robe pocket.
"You want to spend an hour underwater?" I asked pointedly as we came to a stop behind Baddock. Knowing very well that Adrian had no desire to do such a thing. Ending one life that way was more than enough.
Montague added his name to the goblet. A few seconds later, red sparks shot up just like it had with all the others. "I need to do this", Adrian corrected. He didn't offer his reasons. Not when he had told them to me before. Instead, he communicated with his eyes. He needed to do this in case Harry ended up tangled in this tournament. He needed to do this because he did not want one of our unknowing friends to face something they weren't prepared for. He needed to do this to do his part in spreading Lord Flint's agenda.
Baddock clapped as Montague exited the age line. "I hope you get to be champion", he expressed to the seventh year.
"I wish that too", I said. Although my eyes remained on Adrian.
Exhaling loudly through his nose, Adrian pressed his lips in a thin line. Trading places with Montague, Adrian stepped over the age line. He approached the goblet without any hesitation or second thought; pulling a bit of parchment from his pocket just as Montague had done. There was no difference from Adrian submitting his name to the flames. The parchment was accepted into the fire with the same red sparks as everyone else. Though, Adrian's trip passed the age line was the one that made my heart race and my muscles tense.
In honor of Halloween, bats fluttered across the ceiling and jack-o-lanterns greeted everyone from the corners of the hall and as centerpieces on the tables. For ambiance, the floating candles were dimmer than usual. As was tradition, the feast consisted mostly of tooth-rooting sweets and pumpkin-flavored foods. This feast was a Hogwarts staple. It was something students look forward to every year. However, this year proved to be an exception.
"Hope it's Angelina", Fred said as he eyed the Goblet of Fire that had been moved to a prime spot on the dais. Like everyone else, he was finding the anticipation for what was coming more enthralling than the skeletons tap dancing between the tables. "No offense, Pucey".
From his spot next to me at Gryffindor table, Adrian kept his face blank as he neatly ate his pumpkin ravioli with a knife and fork. He'd been listening to comments like that all day. I grimaced at Fred's words; knowing what possible dangers were ahead of the Hogwarts champion. And I don't mean the tournament. But the part that made my stomach churn was the fact I wished Angelina would be chosen too. Or Cedric. Or Montague. Or, even better, Warrington. And I'm pretty sure that makes me a horrible person.
"I hope it's Angelina too", Hermione shared from where she sat between Harry and Ron.
"Thanks, guys", Angelina said with a smile; leaning around Cedric and Luna so she could be seen. Usually, during feasts, we were expected to sit at our respective house tables. However, with our guests in mind, open seating was permitted. Something YUP was taking full advantage of. Enough so that we took up the front quarter of Gryffindor table.
Hestia sniffed as she pulled her attention away from the sight of Luna and Collin flicking Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans into a jack-o-lantern's mouth. "Cousin Adrian is a shoo-in for champion".
Pushing ravioli around my plate, I tried to hide my nerves. Most of our friends were too excited to notice. Though my withdrawal didn't miss my sibling's attention. Ron and Ginny kept eyeing me like they were waiting for me to implode. While Fred and George, being in the know, kept offering reassuring looks. I knew they were right. Last night, we stayed up watching the Marauder's map. No one who wasn't supposed to be here could be found. And nothing unexpected, as far as the map could tell us, happened in the entrance hall. Meaning, there was no reason to assume there would be an unplanned fourth champion. Making it even less likely that You-Know-Who was planning on using the tournament for his resurrection. And if things did pan out based on Jessie's knowledge, then Cedric would be the champion. So, nothing to worry about. It's just… we were never that lucky.
"Montague should be champion", Baddock chimed in with a rim of chocolate outlining his mouth. Pleased, Montague made a hmm sound as he scooped a helping of kettle corn on the boy's plate.
"What about Cedric?" MacMillian asked from the end of the table; cutting his conversation with Zabini short so he could jump into this one. "Cedric's going to be a great champion".
Embarrassed by the belief of his younger classman, Cedric blushed and rubbed the back of his head. "I'll be happy if the champion is one of us", he said with a smile; redirecting the focus off him.
"Yes", Angelina agreed as she looked up from her pudding to give anyone looking a pointed look. "Especially now that we know YUP is so much more than just a school club".
I rolled my eyes over my hardly-touched dinner as Zabini sat up straighter and Cedric apologized for the umpteenth time. "Sorry. Sorry. We should've told everyone about Lord Flint's intentions from the start. But he was still bringing the United Party together. And he said YUP was-"
Angelina waved his explanation away, having heard it a million times already. "We're over it", Angelina said; speaking for most who hadn't been in the know. Though we had lost Edgecombe after the big reveal. "As long as Flint means what he's preaching".
"He does", Zabini said primly as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. "My mother would never align herself so carelessly if she was unsure of the truth". Of course, what Zabini failed to add was that if Lord Flint was successful, Zabini's family would have a lot more standing than they do currently. So would every family in the inner circle… No matter how good Lord Flint's ideas sounded on paper, there would always be a darker side attached. Subconsciously or otherwise.
Much to everyone's relief, except mine, the feast ended as all food and sweets vanished from the golden tableware. Sighing, I place my fork down as Adrian's hand found my knee under the table and squeezed. "It'll be alright", he whispered. Though he sounded a smidge nervous. But not for the same reason I was.
McGonagall rose from her seat. Immediately, all eyes were drawn to her; giving our headmistress slightly impatient and eager stares. The only ones who weren't were Ludo bagman, who kept looking around the great hall and smiling broadly at anyone who made eye contact with him, and Umbridge, who seemed over this whole ordeal.
"In a minute's time", McGonagall said; her unwavering voice reaching every ear in the hall. "The Goblet of Fire will be ready to make its decision. When a champion is announced, they are to approach the dais to get to the adjourning chamber". McGonagall paused to indicate with her hand to a door that was off to the side of the teachers' table. "Once all champions have been selected, further instructions will be given in the chamber".
A low murmur picked up as friends whispered with their heads bent together. Though it was quickly distinguished as McGonagall pulled out her wand. She made a great arching motion with her arm, causing the floating candles to go out and leaving the hall in near darkness. Only the jackal-o-lanterns were still giving off light; illuminating their faces from all locations in the great hall. Happy Halloween, indeed.
But no one seemed to mind the darkness as everyone only had eyes for the Goblet of Fire. Uncomfortable long seconds passed as we all waited for something to happen. Adrian's hand was still resting on my knee. I clamped my left hand over his and gripped it tight. Please, Merlin. Not him.
The muscles in Adrian's hand tensed under mine, but he did nothing to get me to soften as the flames within the goblet suddenly turned a ruby red. Like sparklers during a fireworks show, bits of light shot off in all directions as a flume of flame jumped up from the goblet and released a singed bit of parchment
Excepting it, McGonagall calmly caught it once it fluttered into her reach. As soon as McGonagall had the parchment in her hand, the goblet's flames turned back to blue. "Durmstrang's champion will be…" She announced slowly; building anticipation. "Viktor Krum".
Applause and cheers erupted from every table. The Hogwarts students were celebrating just as loud as the Durmstrang students. "No surprise there", Ron yelled over the noise as he beat his hands together. "Bet we all saw that one coming".
But no one was louder than Karkaroff. The fool even stood up as he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Bravo, Bravo!" Honestly, the way he was acting, it was like he'd just been selected as champion and not his student.
As if the goblet knew, it waited until Krum had made the walk from Slytherin table to the adjourning chamber, and for the hall to fall silent before its flames turned red once more. Just like before, the goblet released a burnt piece of parchment, and McGonagall plucked it from the air like she was catching a falling leaf. "Beauxbaton's champion will be… Fleur Delacour".
While maybe less rambunctious, the applause for the French contender was equally as loud as the shiny blonde from last night rose from Ravenclaw table. Although, the support Krum got from his own school seemed to be greater than the support Fleur got from her school. If the frowns on the Beauxbatons students' faces were anything to go by.
The hall fell silent for the third and hopefully final time as soon as Fleur disappeared into the chamber. I was gripping Adrian's hand so tightly that I was probably cutting off his circulation. Hell, I was gripping his hand so tightly that I was cutting off my own blood flow. Only Hogwarts was left… Merlin, please don't let it be him.
Once again, the flames turned red, sparks flew, and McGonagall caught the third piece of parchment. It may have been my imagination, but it felt like McGonagall took longer than she had with the others. How she unfolded the parchment was painfully slow. Watching her lips pull back in a small smile when she recognized the name she read was agony. I held my breath. As if that would make time stand still and there'd never be a Hogwarts champion. "Hogwarts' champion will be… Adrian Pucey".
Despite their divided state, Slytherin house cheered loudly. The Hogwarts champion was one of their own. That was something they'd lord over the other houses for a while. But none was louder than the Gryffindor table. Specifically, the YUP members. It was something that caused Slytherin house to send us dirty looks once they realized we'd outdone them. They could hardly brag about the champion being from Slytherin if we weren't bothered by it. "Well done, cousin", Hestia and Flora congratulated.
"Glad it could be you if it couldn't be me", Angelina graciously said as she applauded along with the others.
All the whooping and hollering felt muted to my ears as Adrian thanked them all and shook hands with those who he could reach. With my hand still attached to his, when Adrian stood up, I went with him. Oh, Merlin. And now I'd have to let go.
To be heard, Adrian lowered his head until he could speak directly into my ear; leaving no space between us. "I'll be alright", he whispered. "I know what I'm doing".
And then, with a brief kiss against my cheek, Adrian pulled away. Separating my hand from his, he left me standing by Gryffindor table as he approached the dais; nodding his head in thanks to those who applauded him.
It took Ron, pulling on the sleeve of my robe to get me to sit down. "Calm down, will you", Ron demanded as we watched Adrian shake hands with McGonagall. "It's not like your boyfriend is going off to die in some war".
My heart skipped a beat as my stomach clenched. Oh, Merlin. That's exactly what this is… or could be… the start of a war. Walking behind the teachers' table, Adrian was momentarily stopped to receive an enthusiastic clap on the shoulder from Sirius and a stern word from Snape.
"Ow", Ron yowled as he let go of my robe and scowled across the table at Fred and George. "Why'd you kick me?" He demanded to know as Adrian made it to the adjourning chamber and slipped behind the door.
Neither Fred nor George answered our little brother. Instead, Fred said, "Don't worry, Jolly Holly".
"We'll help him", George promised.
"We all will", Angelina added; having read my face. "Everyone in YUP. And I'm sure the tasks aren't as dangerous as McGonagall and the ministry officials were making them out to be", she tried to assure. But that… really wasn't the biggest concern.
When the applause finally died out, McGonagall stood tall in front of us all. "Good luck to all champions. As they go forth and compete in the tasks designed for this tournament, it is my hope that all students from Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons will support them in their endeavors and cheer for their successes". It became a little easier to breathe, and I forced the muscles in my hands to relax as I leaned into Ron. Something he accepted having finally picked up on my fears. Thanks to Angelina's comment.
This feast was almost over. I just had to keep telling myself that. Tonight was almost over. On the dais, McGonagall continued. "For this tournament is not just an opportunity for our champions to test their magical prowess, but also an opportunity to build friendships-"
The flames in the goblet turned ruby red, something McGonagall only noticed when people started pointing at it. McGonagall cut herself off as she turned to stare at the goblet next to her; bewildered. Clearly, this wasn't supposed to be happening.
All anyone could do was watch as red sparks leaped into the air. Something heavy and resigned made my limbs feel like stone as Ron gaped like a codfish from my side. Across the table, Fred and George were the only ones not watching the Goblet of Fire. I could feel their eyes on me; sharing my dread and worries. Though for completely different reasons.
One last piece of parchment shot up into the air, and McGonagall caught it a little more rigidly than she had with the others. There was a long quiet moment as McGonagall unfolded the parchment and stared at what was written with everyone waiting.
"What is it?" Umbridge demanded from her spot at the teachers' table.
But McGonagall didn't share. Instead, the great hall was sent into a flurry of whispers as Hogwarts' headmistress crumbled the piece of parchment in her hand until it was contained in her closed fist. She turned her back to the students and made a beeline for Sirius.
Whispered words were shared between them that left the great hall fidgeting with agitation. Especially Bagman and Umbridge who seemed personally offended to be left out. Fred, George, and I didn't have to wonder what they were talking about. We knew. And it was only confirmed when Sirius' shaggy head shot up and his eyes panickily searched Gryffindor table. As soon as he found Harry, Sirius started whispering back to McGonagall. He never blinked and Harry never left his sight.
The quiet conversations grew louder as time went on. It probably wasn't a significant amount of time, but it sure felt like it. Soon, the conversation taking place at the teachers' table grew as Snape and Lupin joined in. Each stared at Harry once they started listening.
Catching on that something involving him was underfoot, Harry began to shift anxiously; looking around the table as if one of us could clue him in. I did my best not to make eye contact. Revealing Crouch Jr. and sending him back to Azkaban hadn't been enough. Oh, Harry. I'm sorry.
"What do you this is about?" Ron asked as Bagman and Umbridge left their chairs to join the adults' discussion. Even though they clearly weren't welcome if Sirius' furious expression was anything to go by.
"Nothing good", Harry commented as he slumped his shoulders up to his ears.
After what felt like an impossibly long wait, McGonagall turned to face the rest of the hall once more. This time with Umbridge and Bagman close to her heels. "That will be all for tonight", she announced. Her voice strained as she completely abandoned what she was saying earlier.
Sirius rose from the table, his hands clenched tight as he made his way around the teachers' table and down the dais. His actions caused more of a response from the student body than McGonagall's words. "In an orderly fashion, please return to your dormitories. To our guests, please return to your lodgings. Your headmaster and headmistress will be along shortly".
There was a murmur of unhappiness as a few students started moving. No one liked being left in the dark. McGonagall waved her wand to light the candles she'd extinguished earlier; making it easier for students to find their way out of the hall. But not many moved. Some were complaining amongst themselves. While others were focused on watching Sirius.
Sirius reached Gryffindor table and ignored everyone else as he placed a protective hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry, you need to come with me", he said lowly. Low enough that only the ones who were sitting close enough could hear.
"Why?" Harry asked, craning his head around to look at his guardian.
At the same time, Hermione asked, "What's happened?"
Unlike himself, Sirius didn't take the time to explain. "Come with me", he repeated instead; sounding far too stern to be the Professor Black everyone was familiar with.
Though his voice had the needed effect. Harry climbed to his feet without another word. All of YUP watched along most of the hall as Sirius tucked Harry defensively under his arm. Like an owl guarding its nest. The whispers fell away to normal volume as godfather and godson climbed the dais.
Without paying anyone else a second glance, McGonagall, Sirius, and Harry hurried into the adjourning chamber. Madame Maxime, Karkaroff, and the ministry officials followed. Their expressions were a dizzying array of emotions that barely made sense in light of the circumstances.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron demanded to know.
"Harry will tell us when he can", Hermione reasoned in an unsure voice as the remaining teachers started the arduous challenge of getting everyone out of the hall and off to bed. Gripping Ron's elbow, Hermione pulled Ron to his feet. As many in our house followed suit.
But I didn't move. I couldn't move. Not until Fred and George walked around the table to reach me. "Come on, Holls", Fred said as he and George worked together. Each of them grabbed hold of one of my arms; helping me climb over the bench. Just as well, too. My knees felt terribly shaky.
Once cleared of the bench, I buried my face in Fred's chest and wrapped my arms around his back. "This wasn't supposed to happen", I whispered into his robes; choking on my words.
Fred returned my embrace, his grip tight. "I know", he said as George moved closer; creating a Weasley sandwich to block out the hall as much as he could.
"He shouldn't have to do this". I continued. "How did this happen? We tried…"
But I trailed off. Fred and George didn't need me to rehash things. They knew what we tried. They knew what was at stake. "It'll be okay", George promised.
"We'll figure something out", they said together. At that moment, it was the only thing they could give me.
