*Chapter Five: The Goblet of Fire*
Year: 1994, August
Rayne made her way down the stairs of the Burrow, stretching her arms and yawned. She had a hard time falling asleep the night before, so rose slightly later than she normally did. She heard voices from the kitchen and walked to the doorway to find Molly serving breakfast.
"Hello everyone" Rayne mumbled, a chorus of 'morning' followed.
Rayne walked to the counter to get herself a cup of tea, suddenly a ball of fur flew through the window and knocked her in the temple.
"OW!" Rayne clamped her hand on her head, glaring down at the counter as the fluff ball chipped happily. It was Pig, Ron's small owl. "Ron, post for you" She called over her shoulder as Ron walked up alongside her, taking the letter from Pig's leg and unrolled it.
"Harry says the Muggles have agreed to let him come!" Ron exclaimed, looking back to the family.
"Oh that's wonderful, I was hoping they would" Molly beamed.
"I'll have their fireplace connected to the Floo network for the afternoon, so we can go get him" Arthur took a bite of sausage.
"We want to go too" the twins pipped up, broad grins on their face.
"Rayne, best if you come along too…keep an eye on those two" Arthur inclined his head to the twins, who gave him a feigned insulted look.
Rayne laughed, nodding than looked to the clock. "Both Bill and Charlie should be here tonight, shouldn't they?"
Molly nodded. "Yes, should be here before dinner"
Rayne smiled, excited to see her old friends again. They both took time off of work to come see the Quidditch World Cup.
"Hermione should be here soon as well" Molly set about cleaning the kitchen. "She'll be bunking with Ginny. Got a lot of cleaning to do…"
Rayne sat down, sipping her tea. "I'll help with the cleaning mum"
"Oh thank you dear. We'll start after breakfast. Should be enough time to get done before Hermione gets here"
A few hours later, the Burrow was thoroughly cleaned. Molly was now scolding the twins when she found owl order sheets in their bedroom. Seems they had opened their own owl order store to sell their pranks and wheezes. Rayne had found it brilliant, Molly not so much.
Hermione arrived later on, Ginny showing her to her room to settle in. Hours after that, the fireplace shown emerald green flames. Charlie stepped through, carrying a leather backpack. He smiled when he caught sight of Rayne, pulling her into a hug.
"Rae! Been forever!" He beamed at her as she laughed.
"How have you been getting on?" She asked.
He showed her the fresh burn wounds up one arm. "Just got a nasty little baby Chinese Fireball. Named her Spitfire. Hates almost everyone, wasn't quick enough and she caught me on the arm" Charlie rolled his sleeve back down. "Loves Yona, thought, of course. Never met a dragon that didn't fawn at the sight of her"
"And Norberta?"
"Fitting in brilliantly with the colony. She's even got herself a prospective mate"
"Dating already? Hagrid won't be pleased"
The two grinned and sniggered just as the flames turned green again and Bill walked through. Rayne smiled, throwing her arms around him.
"Bill, so nice to see you again!"
He hugged her back as Charlie clapped him on the shoulder. The talking had gathered the rest of the Weasley family into the living room, where everyone exchanged hugs and greetings. Dinner was jam packed with bodies. Eleven people huddled around the table, laughing and eating. After the meal, Molly handed out slices of pie with dollops of homemade ice cream. With dinner over, the Weasley children and Hermione set out for the garden to play Quidditch. Rayne hung back, helping Molly clean up the mess and listening to the excited cheers and laughter from outside.
The next day, there was a bustle to get things ready for the trip to the Quidditch Cup. By five, they were running late in picking up Harry from Privet Drive.
"Hurry now, hurry" Arthur called up the stairs to the twins and Ron.
They raced down the stairs, excited to see Harry again. Molly got the Floo ready, the flames turning green.
"Alright I'll go first" Arthur stepped to the flames, saying his destination and vanished.
Fred went next, then George, and then Ron. Rayne stepped up, saying the destination then vanished. She flew past the different fireplaces until stopping, colliding into George as he slammed against the wall. Rayne looked around, unable to move. They were stuck in the chimney.
"S-Sorry George" Rayne mumbled.
"S-right" George's muffled voice sounded.
"What happened? Did something go wrong?" Ron asked.
Fred scoffed. "Course not Ron, no this is exactly where we wanted to be"
"Yeah, we're having the time of our lives" Mumbled George.
"Harry? Harry can you hear us?" She heard Arthur ask.
"Mr. Weasley?" The faint voice of Harry was barely audible. "The fireplace has been blocked up, you won't be able to get through"
Rayne sneered. "What on earth did they block it for?"
"Ow! Rayne that's my foot!" Fred hissed slightly.
"S-sorry" Rayne tried to shift away, knocking into George again. "Sorry!"
"Its electric fire" Harry responded.
"Really?" Arthur said almost giddily. "Eclectic? With a plug? I must see!"
"Dad, I think there is only one way out" Rayne tried to look to Arthur.
"Yes, yes, I think you are right, Rae" Arthur nodded. "Harry, stand back would you?"
There was a large explosion and suddenly they were thrown forward, all landing in a heap on the floor. Rayne coughed, waving the plumes of dust from her face. She sat up as the others stood, George grasping her hand and pulling her to her feet.
"Sorry about that" Arthur said, looking to the Muggles. "You must be Harry's Aunt and Uncle"
Rayne noticed the two watching them with horror. Arthur tried to explain about the situation with the fireplace, which seemed to scare them more. Rayne turned her attention to Harry.
"Harry, got your trunk?" She asked.
Harry smiled up at her. "Upstairs"
"We'll get it" Fred said, him and George racing up the stairs.
Rayne heard the banging of the trunk down the steps, than turned as a portly kid around Harry and Ron's age scurried into the living room, hiding behind the other two. Dudley, most likely. Arthur tried to offer some kind words, but the muggle seemed too frightened to speak. Fred and George came in moments after, heaving the trunk.
"Well than, better get cracking" Arthur mumbled, turning to the fireplace and waved his wand. "Incendio!"
Flames rose from the fireplace, turning green as Arthur sprinkled some Floo powder on it.
"Off you go, Fred" He said turning.
"Coming, oh, hang on" Fred said as he spilled some candies from his pocket, hurrying to pick them up. Rayne couldn't help but notice he picked up all but one then gave the muggles a wave before stepping into the flames, saying 'the Burrow' and vanished.
"George, you and the trunk" Arthur said as George carried the trunk in with him, said 'the Burrow' and vanished. Ron was next, and then came Harry's turn. Just as Harry was about to step into the flames, a gagging sound filled the room. Rayne looked over to see Dudley crouched on the floor, holding a candy wrapper. His tongue had swollen ten times its size. The Muggles went crazy, Arthur trying his best to calm them down. The man started hurling things around, narrowly missing them.
"Um, Rae, take Harry and go, quickly! I'll sort this out" Arthur said in a desperate voice.
Rayne had to keep herself from laughing, seizing Harry and dragging him to the fireplace.
"The Burrow" Rayne said as they vanished.
Rayne stepped out of the fireplace, Harry stumbled beside her. Fred was there in an instant, helping Harry stand.
"Did he eat it?" He asked excitedly.
Harry nodded. "What was that?"
"Ton-Tongue Toffee" Fred grinned. "George and I invented them, been looking for someone to test them on all summer"
Ron and George sat at the table along with Charlie and Bill, they all burst into fits of laughter, and even Rayne couldn't help but join in.
"How are you doing, Harry?" Charlie asked, shaking his hand. Bill stood and also shook his hand.
The kitchen fell silent as Arthur apparated beside George, fuming mad.
"That was not funny!" He bellowed. "What on earth did you give that muggle boy?"
"I didn't give him anything, I dropped it. Not my fault he ate it" Fred had a large grin on his face.
"You dropped it on purpose!"
George turned to his father. "How big did his tongue get?"
"Four feet before his parents would let me shrink it!"
Everyone burst into more laughter.
"It isn't funny!" Arthur yelled, going on the explain muggle and wizard relationships.
"It wasn't because he was a muggle!" Fred crossed his arms.
"It was because he's a great bullying git" George also crossed his arms.
"You wait until I tell your mother-" Arthur started.
"Tell me what?"
Everyone turned to see Molly standing in the doorway.
"Oh, hello Harry" She said before snapping her eyes back to her husband. "Tell me what?"
"N-Nothing dear, Fred and George just…I um…I already had words with them"
"If it's got anything to do with Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes-!"
"Why don't we go show Harry where he's sleeping" Hermione pipped up, Ron and Harry quickly ducked after her.
"Yes, lets" Fred said as George stood.
"You two aren't going anywhere!" Molly yelled.
The twins shot a glance to their two older brothers and Rayne. They all gave a shrug, ducking out of the kitchen. It was best to get out of the way when Molly got angry.
Minutes later, they were out on the lawn with the job to set up the tables. Last night's dinner was packed, and now adding Harry there was just no room inside. Charlie and Bill took out their wands, two battered tables lifted into the air with a flick of their wands. They started smashing them into the others, trying to knock them from the air. The twins joined them, standing on either side of Rayne as the three cheered. Soon Ginny, Hermione, Ron and Harry joined them just as Bill's table knocked a leg off Charlie's.
"Will you keep it down?!"
They all paused, looking up to Percy leaned out of his bedroom window, glaring down to them.
"Sorry, Perce" Bill grinned. "How's the cauldron bottoms coming on?"
"Very badly" Percy slammed the window back down.
Bill and Charlie sniggered then set the tables down end to end. Rayne pulled her own wand out, swishing it as the leg reattached with the table. Rayne swished her wand again, tablecloths draped over them.
Soon the dishes filled the table, and everyone gathered at the table. Soon into dinner, Molly started on Bill's appearance.
"That earring of yours, Bill. What a horrible great fang. Really, Bill, what do they say at the bank?"
Bill, as patient as ever with his mother, smiled slightly. "Mum, no one there gives a damn how I dress as long as I bring home plenty of treasure"
"But that hair, Bill, it's getting silly" Molly peered to him. "I wish you would let me give it a trim…"
Bill gave Rayne a look for help. Rayne laughed gently, looking to Molly.
"I quiet like it, Mum" She smiled. "And the earring, too"
"Well of course you do, Rae" Charlie grinned slightly, Rayne sent him a glare.
Charlie sniggered, the twins joining in. Harry casted a curious look at them, Fred leaning to him and whispering.
"Those two have a thing for each other…but they won't admit it"
Rayne, Bill, Charlie and Percy apparated into the woods, a ministry member pointing them to their campsite. The four made their way through the lines of tents, watching the crowds playing music loudly and kids zipping around on toy brooms. Finally they walked up just as Arthur was finishing cooking the eggs and sausage. Rayne walked into an unoccupied bunk and set her bag down. Bill followed her in, setting his bag on the opposite bunk. Rayne peered to him, grinning slightly.
"Best be glad Mum isn't here, or else she would get on you for sharing a room with me"
Bill scoffed, shaking his head and returned the smile. "She'd get on me for one thing or another"
The two shared a laugh as Charlie walked into the room and set his bag on the last bunk. The three walked back to the main room of the tent than outside as Arthur set the food on plates. They sat around their fire, eating and talking about the coming match. Arthur got to his feet, waving at someone. Rayne looked back as Ludo Bagman walked to them, smiling.
"Arthur, old man!" Bagman beamed. "What a day, huh? Could we have asked for more perfect weather? Hardly a hiccough in the arrangements, not much for me to do at all!"
Rayne couldn't help but noticed the group of fatigued ministry wizards rushing past in every direction. While Arthur and Bagman started talking, Rayne turned her attention to Bill and Charlie. She kept her voice low.
"Dad already tell you about this years…event?" She asked.
The two grinned, nodding enthusiastically.
"Couldn't believe it when he told me" Bill whispered.
"If nothing else I'll be there for the first one, but I'll be working of course" Charlie added.
"Yona coming too?" Rayne asked. "Haven't seen her in ages"
"Yea, she's signed on too. Be a nasty time. They want nesting mothers" Charlie scoffed slightly. "Those have to be the worst to deal with…"
Rayne grinned at him. "Nothing you lot can't handle, I'm sure" Rayne looked over to Bill. "Did you ever finish cataloguing that tomb?"
Bill nodded, taking a sip of tea. "Yea, took many hours but I finally got it done. The Goblins say it's one of the most complete tombs they ever saw. What about your lessons? How are those going?"
"Going very well, actually. Most of my students have taken quiet the interest in interpreting runes" Rayne took a drink of her tea. "The twins are actually my top students as of now"
"Glad to hear that. Heard Mum's been getting on them because of their poor grades" Bill glanced to her. "I guess she still figures they'll grow out of their prank business idea"
"Don't know why. Their business is genius, and there's a real market for it"
Charlie laughed slightly. "Always egging them on, aren't you?"
Rayne looked up as the large boom went off, she smiled.
"It's time for the World Cup"
The group walked down the lantern-lit trail. It was a twenty minute walk, but didn't seem nearly that long as they were joking and laughing loudly. Soon they emerged on the other side of the forest, standing before the large stadium. A ministry witch pointed them to their seats and they began the long trek up to the topmost box. They all took a seat, Rayne sitting between Bill and Charlie. Rayne leaned forward in her seat, examining the field as the other witches and wizards filed into the box. Arthur was talking and shaking hands with many he knew from work, Percy standing each time to greet them. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, arrived followed by the Bulgarian minister. Fudge stopped to talk to Arthur and Harry, Rayne barely listening.
"Ah, and here's Lucius!"
Rayne instantly snapped her head up, turning to see Lucius, Narcissa and Draco making their way to their seats behind Arthur. Lucius stopped to speak with Fudge, who introduced them to the Bulgarian Minister of Magic.
"-you know Arthur Weasley, I daresay?"
Rayne had to stop herself from scoffing. Know each other? They downright hated each other, their last meeting ending in a fist fight. Rayne sat silent, watching Lucius and Arthur stare at one another. Lucius scanned his eyes along the row they sat in.
"Good lord, Arthur…What did you have to sell to get seats in the Top Box? Surely your house wouldn't have fetched this much?"
Fudge continued on, either not hearing Lucius or ignoring his remark. "Lucius has just given a very generous contribution to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Arthur. He's here as my guest"
Rayne peered to Arthur, he gave a very strained smile.
"How nice" He said and turned back to the field.
Lucius' gaze went from Arthur to herself, he starred at her.
"Rayne…" Was all he said, his eyes scanning to stop at Hermione; his lip curled in disgust.
Rayne clinched her fist, forcing herself to turn away from her uncle. Bill set his hand over her fist, relaxing her slightly. Before long, Ludo's voice filled the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Welcome to the final of the four hundred and twenty-second Quidditch World Cup!"
The crowd was a deafening roar of cheered and claps.
"And now, allow me to introduce the Bulgarian National Team Mascots!"
Rayne watched as around a hundred veela flooded the field, gliding elegantly like they hovered off the ground. Their silvery hair wisped behind them as they started dancing. They were beautiful to watch. Rayne peered over to see Harry standing, a leg up like he would climb over the wall. Even Ron had a look that said he was ready to do the same. Rayne couldn't help but snigger at them, the veela had such an effect on most men, and some women.
"And now, kindly put your wands in the air for the Irish National Team Mascots!"
Rayne watched as balls of light formed a rainbow, than transformed into a shamrock. The Leprechauns were forming the shamrock in midair, throwing down gold coins to the audience. The Leprechauns zipped down to the field, sitting with their legs crossed on the opposite side of the veela."
The Bulgarian team was introduced, seven scarlet clad players zoomed out on their broomsticks, making their rounds. Next the Irish team was introduced, the seven green clad players making their way onto the field and zipping around. The referee made his way onto the field, a man named Mostafa. He mounted his broomstick and kicked a crate, releasing four balls into the air. His whistle blew.
"They're off!" Bagman shouted.
Rayne tried her best to keep up with the speed of the players, they passed the quaffle to each other so fast it was almost all a blur. Charlie pointed, leaning close to her to mention their forms or throwing techniques. Ireland was the first to score, the crowd going wild. Soon they were up by thirty to zero. Finally, a Bulgarian chaser was able to get back the keeper and score the first goal for Bulgaria.
"Fingers in your ears!" Rayne heard Arthur yell.
She didn't bother, and neither did Bill or Charlie who both were more or less unaffected by the veela as they started dancing again. Bulgaria had the quaffle, the two seekers streaking straight through the group of chasers. If they continued, they would crash against the field. Krum pulled out of the dive, Lynch hit the ground.
"The big fool!" They heard Arthur moan,
"He'll be fine, he only got ploughed" Charlie tried to reassure Ginny.
There was a time out as the mediwizards helped Lynch. He finally got to his feet and kicked back into the air where he was met with cheers. After the time out, Ireland came back kicking. They soon pulled ahead by ten more goals, making the score 130-10. There was a penalty to Ireland, excessive use of elbows. The leprechauns started jeering the veela, forming the words "Ha, Ha, Ha". The veela had stood and started dancing. Mostafa had stopped in front of the veela, flexing his arms. The three of them sniggered, watching him smooth his mustache. A mediwizard came out to kick him in the shin, Mostafa quickly regaining his composure.
"Think he's trying to send the mascots packing?" Charlie asked.
"From the looks of it, I'd say yes. Look, the beaters are getting in on it to" Rayne pointed as the two beaters landed beside Mostafa, arguing. Mostafa blew his whistle twice.
"Two penalties for Ireland!" Bagman shouted.
The game turned merciless, a foul was announced when a Bulgarian almost knocked an opponent off her broom. It seemed the leprechaun formed to make a rude gesture, and the veela lost all control.
"Oh no, here it comes" Rayne muttered.
The veela started launching fistfuls of fire at the leprechauns, their faces elongating into that of a birds head with long and scaly wings at their shoulders. As ministry members rushed to quell the battle on the field, Krum was struck in the face with a bludger. Mostafa's broom had caught fire, him not even noticing the blood pouring from Krum's broken nose. Charlie pointed down towards the bottom on the field.
"Look, there it is"
Rayne looked down and saw the faint shin of gold, the snitch. Lynch dived down after it, Krum hot on his trail. Lynch slammed against the ground for the second time, the veela stampeding him.
"The snitch, where's the snitch?" Charlie asked on the edge of his seat, looking about.
"He's got it!" Rayne pointed to Krum as he lifted in the air, in his fist was the snitch.
"Ireland Wins!" Bagman shouted over the cheers of the crowd.
The final score flashed on the screen, Bulgaria: 160 and Ireland: 170. Everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering. The teams made their way to the box to shake hands with Fudge and their minister, the whole team looking forlorn. Next came the Irish team, where they were presented with the cup. They left for another lap around the stadium, cheers and applause following them. Soon they were all making their way back to the campsites, past much celebration. Lepracuens were flying out holding lanterns, people sang and danced and celebrated.
The group filed back into the tent, all yammering about the match. Rayne took a seat in one of the armchairs, glancing back to the flap of the tent to the muffled noise. The twins started doing an Irish jig, pretending to play flutes. Laughter filled the tent at their antics, Ron grasped one of the poles of the tent.
"There's no one like Krum" He said wide eyed.
"Krum? Krum, Krum" The twins chanted.
"He's like a bird the way he rides the wind" Ron had a broad smile on his face. At the mention of the word 'bird' the twins raced around him, flapping their arms. George draped one of the Irish flags over him.
"He's more than an athlete" Ron pulled the flag off. "He's an artist"
Ginny walked past him, patting his back. "Think you're in love, Ron?"
Rayne grinned as she glided past him, Ron muttering a 'shut up'. Ginny sat on one of the couches. Fred grabbed Ron's hand.
"Viktor I love you!" He sang.
"Viktor I do!" George sang.
"When we're apart my heart beats only for youuu!" Everyone joined in, breaking out into laughs.
The noise outside grew to what seemed like screams, Rayne looked back and stood as Arthur went to investigate.
"Sounds like the Irish have got their pride on" Fred smiled as George and Ron started throwing pillows at each other.
Arthur came running back inside. "Stop it! Stop!" He grabbed the pillows from them, throwing them down.
"It's not the Irish, We've gotta get out of here. Now" He said in a panicked voice.
"What's happening?" Rayne asked, everyone on their feet now.
"Outside, now" Arthur commanded, they all exited the tent, Rayne's eyes widened at the sight as she watched the people racing in every direction. Fire seemed to rain down from the sky, burning tents to the ground. There was a pack of wizards moving together with their wands raised, hoods raised and masks covering their face. Arthur looked back to his children.
"Fred, George you are responsible for Ginny! Keep her safe, every one of the forest, stick together. We're going to help the Ministry!" He yelled.
Rayne already had her wand drawn, Bill stepping beside her with his also in his hand. Charlie and Percy also had their wands out, the four of them racing towards the center of the chaos. Other ministry members were already fighting off the Death Eaters, trying to get the people to safety. More wizards were joining the group, pointing and laughing at the muggles above.
Rayne looked up at the four shadows above the hoard of death eaters, dangling over the crowd was the park manager, Mr. Roberts, along with his wife and two small children. Rayne sneered at the death eaters as they turned Mrs. Roberts upside down, exposing her underwear as they heckled her.
"Why aren't the ministry members doing anything?" Rayne growled.
"They may be afraid to make a move, in case the muggles drop" Bill murmured.
The crowd soon intensified, knocking into them as they ran. Rayne pushed her way towards the death eaters, looking around for Bill.
"Bill!?" She called, nothing in response. "Damn it…"
They were separated. Rayne blocked a spell casted by one of the death eaters, countering as she sent him hurling back into some charred tents. More spells were thrown her way, blocking them as best she could. She panted, her breaths heaving in and out. Soon the whole field of tents were burned down to the beams, smoke billowing in the air. Rayne looked up as the green skull appeared in the sky, a snake slithering from its mouth. That was his sign….
In an instant, all the death eaters apparated from sight. There was a quick panic from the ministry members as they waved their wands to catch the falling muggles. Rayne waved her wand, catching the smaller of the children as he hovered feet from the ground. She gently laid him on the grass, stepping back to let the ministry handle them. She turned her attention to finding Bill, racing through the debris.
"Bill! Bill!" She called, looking around.
Rayne looked over as Arthur met up with her, he panted. "Rayne, thank goodness…are you alright?"
Rayne nodded. "Yes, have you seen Bill or the others?"
Arthur shook his head. "No, no I haven't…"
Rayne pointed back to the forest. "Go find the kids, make sure they're alright. I'll find him. We'll meet back up at the tent"
Arthur nodded. "Be safe" He raced back the way she came.
Rayne looked about, listening. She heard the soft groan, running towards it.
"Bill?" She called.
"Over here!"
She raced over to the half standing tent, looking behind it to Bill leaned against a post clutching his arm. He looked to her, giving her a weak grin.
"Hey"
Rayne crouched beside him, looking at his arm.
"Your hurt" Rayne touched his arm as he grimaced.
"Yea…wasn't paying enough attention I guess…"
Rayne gently pulled his hand from his arm, examining the large gash. She grimaced, helping him stand.
"Come on, let's get back to the tent" She helped him walked through the singed tents and up to their tent.
She peered inside, Charlie looked up from his seat at the small kitchen table, standing.
"Rae, you're alright" He breathed a sigh of relief. "Bill?"
"I've got him" Rayne helped Bill into the tent, Charlie rushed over and helped Bill to a chair.
Rayne turned her attention to Charlie, his shirt ripped. "Were you hurt, Charlie?"
He shook his head, handing Bill a bedsheet to press against the gash. "Nah, seems we were the lucky ones. Where's Dad and the others?"
"Gone to find the kids" Rayne looked to Percy as he held the handkerchief to his bleeding nose.
"I'll keep watch" Charlie stood, walking to the flap and peering out.
"You alright, Perce?" She asked, he looked to her.
"Think they broke my nose…"
Rayne gave him a small smile, walking to the table. "Here, let me fix it"
Percy lowered the handkerchief, his nose slightly offset. Rayne pulled out her want, pointing it to his nose. "Episkey"
There was a small crunch noise, Percy wincing and throwing his hand up to cover his nose. "Thanks…" He muttered.
Rayne patted him on the shoulder and stood. "Alright Bill, let me look at that cut"
Charlie's voice sounded, making them look back to the opening of the tent. "There's Ginny and the twins!"
Rayne looked back as the three got into the tent, they looked unharmed but shaken up. Ginny raced over, throwing her arms around Rayne as she caught the girl.
"It's alright Ginny" She soothed.
"The muggles?" She asked.
"They are as safe as they can be. I'm sure the mediwizards will help them"
Ginny nodded, letting Rayne sit her on one of the couches. She laid the blanket over her, turning her attention to the twins.
"Fred, George. You alright?"
They gave hesitant nods. Charlie's voice sounded again.
"Dad, what's going on? Fred, George and Ginny got back okay but the others-"
"I've got them here" Arthur's voice sounded.
Rayne gave a sigh of relief as they entered the tent.
"Did they get who conjured the mark?" Rayne asked as she sat next to Bill.
"No…we found Barty Crouch's elf holding Harry's wand, but we're none the wiser about who actually conjured it…"
"What?" Bill, Percy, Charlie and Rayne echoed together.
"Harry's wand?" Fred asked
"Mr. Crouch's elf?" Percy asked standing.
They all listened as Arthur explained what had gone on in the woods. Percy and Hermione getting into an argument about house elf. Ron interjected them.
"Can someone just explain what that skull thing was? Why's it such a big deal?"
"I told you, it's You-Know-Who's symbol, Ron" Hermione fumed, still mad from her argument with Percy.
"It hasn't been seen for thirteen years" Arthur said quietly. "Of course people panicked…it was like seeing him back again…"
"I still don't get it…" Ron frowned.
"Ron…You-Know-Who and his followers sent the Dark Mark into the air whenever they killed…the terror it inspired…you have no idea. Just picture coming home and finding that mark hovering over your house, and knowing what you're about to find inside…everyone's worst fear…" Arthur winced, silence following.
Rayne pulled the sheet from Bill's arm, examining the cut. "Well…it didn't help tonight. The death eaters all disapparated once they saw that mark…" Rayne held her wand to the cut, chanting the Vulnera Sanentur spell as the bleeding stopped and the wound knitting back together.
"Death eaters?" Harry asked.
Bill looked to him. "It's what You-Know-Who's supporters called themselves…I think we saw what's left of them, at least the ones that managed to keep themselves out of Azkaban…" He flexed his hand, glancing up to Harry.
Rayne stayed silent.
"We can't prove it was them, Bill…" Arthur looked to him.
"I bet it was!" Ron yelled suddenly. "Dad, we met Draco in the woods"
Rayne looked up to him now.
"He as good as told us his dad was one of those nutters in masks!" Ron caught Rayne's eye. "…I'm sorry Rayne…"
Rayne smiled, shaking her head. "Don't be..." Rayne's thoughts went elsewhere as the conversation continued.
"Listen" Arthur voice snapped her back to reality.
Bill was watching her cautiously, slowly looking back to his father.
"It's late, we'll get a few more hours sleep and then try and get an early Portkey out of here"
Everyone nodded, slowly shuffling off to bed. Ginny and Hermione decided to just sleep on the couches. Rayne collapsed onto her bunk, exhausted. The darkness of sleep quickly engulfing her.
It seemed Rayne was asleep for only a few minutes when Arthur woke them up. When they all got up, he packed the tent away using magic and quickly made their way from the campsite. They passed Mr. Roberts, his gaze unfocused. He waved, saying "Merry Christmas" as they past. Rayne felt sorry for the muggle. She couldn't expect that his wife and children were in better shape.
When they reached the spot where the portkeys were, there was already a queue of people clamoring to get away. Finally they were about to take an old rubber tire back to Stoatshead Hill. The walk back to the Burrow was quiet. They rounded the corner, the Burrow finally coming into view.
"Oh thank goodness! Thank goodness!"
They all looked up to Molly standing in the front yard, her face pale. She flung herself onto Arthur, grasping him.
"You're all right" Molly mumbled, releasing him and looking around at them. "Oh boys!"
Molly grabbed hold of Fred and George, pulling them into a tight hug. Their heads bashed against each other's.
"I shouted at you before you left!" Molly sobbed.
Arthur tried to sooth her, finally making her let go of the twins as they rubbed their heads. He led her back to the house. Everyone crammed into the small kitchen as Arthur scanned the newspaper. Rayne went on the start making breakfast, waving her wand this way and that. She waved the kettle as it boiled, pouring Molly a cup of tea. She added some Ogdens Old Firewhiskey, handing the cup to Molly.
"Drink Mum, it'll calm your nerves"
"Thank you, dear" Molly murmured, sipping the tea.
Rayne walked beside Bill, leaning against the table as she watched Arthur scan the paper, Percy peering over his shoulder.
"I knew it…" Arthur huffed. "Ministry blunders…culprits not apprehended…lax security…dark wizards running unchecked…"
"Let me guess, Rita Skeeter?" Rayne asked.
Arthur nodded.
"That woman's got it in for the Ministry!" Percy scoffed. "Last week she was saying we're wasting our time quibbling about cauldron thickness, when we should be stamping out vampires!"
Everyone seemed to groan inward as he went off on his tangent.
"As if it wasn't specifically stated in paragraph twelve of the Guidelines for the Treatment of Non-Wizard Part-Humans—"
"Do us a favor, Perce" Bill interrupted him, yawning heavily. "And shut up…"
Rayne shook her head, standing and walking back to the stove to check on breakfast.
"Molly, I'm going to have to go into the office; this is going to take some smoothing over" Arthur stood.
"I'll come with you, Father. Mr. Crouch will need all hands on deck. And I can give him my cauldron report in person" Percy made his way out of the kitchen.
"Arthur, you're supposed to be on holiday! This hasn't got anything to do with your office!" Molly said, furious.
"I've got to go, Molly…I'll just change my robes and I'll be off" Arthur bustled from the kitchen and up the stairs.
Ron, Harry and Hermione followed after them, going up to Ron's room. Bill set the table with plates, Rayne serving breakfast. Arthur and Percy came back down the stairs, making their way to the fireplace. Rayne intercepted them, handing them their breakfast to go. Thanks were muttered as they took off in the Floo Network. The three children came back down, Hermione hanging in the doorway.
"Let's have a game of Quidditch…" Ron looked to his brothers, they all smiled, giving a nod.
"After you eat" Rayne pointed them to the table as they sat down.
After breakfast, Molly insisted on cleaning the kitchen. She hurried them from the kitchen and out into the garden. The Weasley's all got their brooms from the shed, Charlie throwing Rayne hers.
"Referee for us, Rae" Charlie beamed, everyone in a better mood than this morning.
Rayne had thrown an apple into the air, watching as they practiced tossing it back and forth. Harry was trying the Wronski Feint, Charlie helping and giving him some tips. Rayne smiled, watching them.
Dinner was long done, Arthur hadn't come home yet. His hand on the clock was still pointed to work. Rayne sighed, sitting on the rug in the living room next to Ginny. Ginny looked up from patching her tattered textbook.
"Dad still not home?" Ginny asked, Rayne shook her head.
"Your father hasn't had to go into the office since the days of You-Know-Who" Molly sighed as she stopped at the doorway. "They're working him too hard. His dinner will be ruined if he doesn't come home soon…"
Percy looked up from his book. "Well, Father feels he's got to make up for his mistake at the match, doesn't he? Truth be told, he was a tad unwise to make a public statement-"
"Enough, Percy" Rayne glared to him, stopping him.
"Don't you dare blame your father for what that wretched Skeeter woman wrote" Molly sneered at her name.
Bill scoffed from his seat near the window, playing chess with Ron. "If Dad hadn't said anything, old Rita would have just said it was disgraceful none commented" He glanced over at them. "She never makes anyone look good. Remember when she interviewed all the Gringotts' Charm Breakers and called me a 'long-haired pillock'?"
"Well it is a bit long dear" Molly inched to him. "If you'd just let me-"
"No, Mum" Bill said defiantly.
Rayne laughed slightly, shaking her head than stood, walking up the stairs to her bedroom and grabbed her teacher's copy of Runes. She heard the bustle down stairs, smiling, Arthur was home. She grasped her quill and ink bottle, hurrying back down the stairs to hear about what was going on.
Rayne sat in the kitchen, leaning forward to hear Amos Diggory. His head was in the middle of the flames, talking in a hurried voice to Arthur. Molly pushed the parchment, ink and quill into his hands as Arthur started taking notes. Seemed Mad-Eye had heard an intruder and was ambushed by his dustbins and some muggles saw. Arthur stopped scribbling, stuffing the parchment in his pocket and raced out of the room. Amos turned to Molly.
"Sorry about this, Molly…bothering you so early…But Arthur's the only one who can get Mad-Eye off…and he supposed to be starting his new job today…"
"Never mind, Amos. Sure you won't have a bit of toast or anything?" Molly asked.
Rayne looked over to Harry, Ron and Hermione starring at the fire. Molly gave Amos a piece of toast, his face vanishing. Arthur hurried back into the kitchen.
"Better hurry…have a good term, children" Arthur kissed Molly on the cheek. "You going to be all right taking the kids to King's Crossing?"
"Of course, you look after Mad-Eye" Molly smiled as he vanished.
Bill and Charlie walked into the kitchen, sitting in-between Rayne.
"Someone say Mad-Eye? What's be been up to now?" Bill asked, looking to Rayne.
"Someone was trying to break into his house" Rayne handed the plate of toast to George.
"Isn't he the nutter?" George asked taking a piece and grasping the marmalade.
"Your father thinks very highly of Mad-Eye Moody" Molly huffed, leaving the kitchen.
"Well, Dad collects plugs…birds of a feather" Fred said quietly, keeping his voice down.
"Moody was a great wizard in his time" Bill grasped a piece of toast.
"He's an old friend of Dumbledore's, isn't he?" Charlie looked to Rayne.
"Yes, they seem to go way back" Rayne took a bite of her sausage.
"Well, Dumbledore isn't what you'd call normal either…" Fred muttered.
Harry looked around the table. "…Who is Mad-Eye?"
"Ah, he's retired. Used to work at the Ministry" Charlie looked over to him. "Met him once when Dad took me into work with him. He was an Auror"
"One of the best" Rayne smiled. "Half the cells in Azkaban are full because of him"
"Made a lot of enemies. Heard he's been getting really paranoid in his old age" Charlie added. "Doesn't trust anyone anymore"
Molly came back in, hurrying them along.
"We don't want to be late!" She chided. "Get everything together"
Soon Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Fred and George had their trunks. Harry and Ron had their owls in their cages, Hermione with her cat in a wicker carrier. Rayne had her trunk, too, deciding to see them off at the platform than dissapparated straight to Hogsmead station. They went into the village, calling three taxi's to transport them to King's Crossing. The muggles didn't seem happy trying to pack trunks into the trunks of their taxis, nor did they seem happy about Pig chipping happily. One of the drivers was unfortunate enough to be holding Fred's trunk when it sprang open, fireworks going off in his face.
They finally made their way to King's Crossing, the rain pouring down on them as they made their way across the street and into the station. They went in groups through the barrier, making their way to the Hogwarts Express. The students had set off into the train to find a seat and put away their trunks. They came back out, saying goodbye to Molly, Bill and Charlie.
"Might be seeing you all sooner than you think" Charlie grinned and hugged Ginny.
"Why?" Fred asked.
"You'll see. Just don't tell Percy I mentioned it" Charlie winked.
"I sort of wish I was back at Hogwarts this year" Bill stuffed his hands into his pockets, looking at the train.
"Why?" George asked.
"You're going to have an interesting year" Bill grinned to his brothers. "I might even get time off to come and watch a bit of it…"
"A bit of what?" Ron asked, exasperated.
The train whistle blew, Molly shooing them to the train. Rayne waved.
"See you all soon" Rayne called after them.
They clambered onto the train, leaning out.
"Tell us what's happening at Hogwarts!" Fred bellowed from the window.
The all just grinned, waving. Rayne turned to them, hugging Molly.
"Should be on my way myself" Rayne pulled back, hugging Charlie. "See you soon. Tell Yona I'm looking forward to seeing her again"
"Will do" Charlie beamed, kissing her cheek.
Rayne embraced Bill, he wrapped his arms around her. "See you soon, as well"
"Be nice to see Hogwarts again. You'll be sure to show me around, right?"
"Of course" Rayne kissed his cheek, pulling back.
"Bye" Rayne waved, the three of them waving back at her as she seized her trunk and dissapparated.
After the events at the Quidditch Cup, Rayne was making herself sick with worry. She sat at the head table, silent. She hadn't eaten anything, for fear she would throw it back up. McGonagall had noticed her odd behavior, pushing another cup of tea in front of the girl. Dumbledore began to speak, Rayne hardly hearing his words. It was about the Triwizard Tournament no doubt. Rayne focused more on drinking her tea than listening.
She did raise her head once the doors opened, watching the group of students all dressed in blue dance as they entered the hall. They all moved with precision, moving as one as they released blue butterflies into the air. After them another group entered, marching in synch with staffs in their hands. They marched like soldiers, stamping their feet and staffs. In stark contrast with the Beauxbatons blue butterflies, the Durmstrang kids released a breath of fire.
The other two headmasters joined them at the great table, sitting on either side of Dumbledore. Rayne couldn't follow the conversation they were having, something about the horses and Hagrid. Rayne noticed a golden alter like piece was brought to the front of the hall before the head table, Dumbledore spoke. She rubbed her eyes, trying to pay more attention.
"Your attention please! I would like to say a few words. Eternal glory…that is what awaits the student who wins the tri-wizard tournament" Dumbledore examined the students. "But to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks… For this reason the ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain, we have the head of the department of international magic cooperation. Mister Bartimus Crouch"
Rayne peered over as Crouch made his way towards Dumbledore, the door behind the head table opened, and catching Rayne's eye. She smiled, seeing Mad-Eye Moody standing in the doorway. The roof overhead thundered, streaks of lightning filling the room. Rain started to pour from the ceiling, the students panicked. A blast of white light shot from behind Rayne as the storm subsided. Moody made his way across the table, his leg clunking with each step. Dumbledore smiled, welcoming him and grabbed his hand.
"My dear old friend, thanks for coming" He muttered, Moody moved off to the side and took a swig from his flask.
Everyone's attention turned back to Dumbledore as he was joined by Crouch.
"After much deliberation, the ministry has concluded that for their own safety no student under the age of seventeen shall be allowed to put forth their name for the tournament. The decision is final"
Many angry yells sounded from the students. Rayne heard George and Fred over the crowd yelling 'That's rubbish!".
"Silence!" Dumbledore's voice boomed.
Dumbledore turned his attention to the golden tower, casting his wand as it seemed to melt to reveal a large goblet, blue flames flickered from the mouth.
"The goblet of fire" Dumbledore spoke to the students, they all looked awestruck. "Anyone wishing to submit themselves for the tournament shall write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it in the flame before this hour on Thursday night"
A thin mist formed around the base of the goblet, an age line. Everyone talked and muttered to each other. After the feast, Rayne noticed that all the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students that came put their names in the fire, some other Hogwarts students also submitted their name before going off to their common rooms.
The next day, Rayne decided to hang out in the Great Hall to see who would put their names in the fire. She sat next to Hermione, handing her some papers as she helped her grade tests. She watched as Cedric talked and joked with some of his friends, he laughed and stepped through the age line. Putting the parchment in the fire, he grinned as his friends clapped. Rayne smiled, looking back down to the textbook as she scribbled on the test papers. A sudden uproar made her look up again, Fred and George raced into the hall yelling. Everyone soon joined in, high fiving the twins as they past.
"Thank you, Thank you. Well, we've done it!" George beamed.
"Cooked it up just this morning!" Fred added.
Hermione scoffed beside her. "It's not going to work"
The twins set their sight on her, coming up on either side of her. George squeezed between them.
"Oh yeah? And why's that Granger?" Fred asked.
Hermione gave him a side eye. "You see this? It's an age line. Dumbledore drew it himself"
Fred waited. "So?"
Hermione scoffed. "So a genius like Dumbledore couldn't possibly be fooled by something pathetically dimwitted such as an age potion"
George grinned at her. "That's why it's so brilliant. Ready Fred?"
The two stood.
"Ready George" The two shook the vials, crossing arms and downed the potion.
They jumped across the line, waiting a moment. They cheered, walking around the ring as the students cheered them. Rayne shook her head, nudging Hermione.
"Just wait…" She muttered.
They grasped their pieces of parchment, throwing them in the goblet grinning. The goblet seemed to take their names, until the flames shot out and knocked them across the room. They sat up, their hair turning white and beards growing from their face. Rayne doubled over, laughing as the other students laughed too. The two stood, looking at each other and joined in the laughter. Rayne stood, taking the papers Hermione handed to her.
"Come on you two, let's go to the hospital wing. Your friend Lee is there too…seems he had the same idea as you two and is sporting a nice beard of his own.
"You knew, Rae!" George gaped at her.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Fred crossed his arms.
"Now what fun would that be? Come on" Rayne walked from the hall, Fred and George following after her as she shook with giggles.
"Not funny…" They muttered together, but couldn't hide their grins.
Everyone gathered later that night in the great hall, Dumbledore standing beside the goblet.
"Sit down please" He looked around as the students took their places at the tables, straining to see him. "And now the moment you've all been waiting for, the champion's selection!"
The tables bustled in applause. Dumbledore watched as the flames turned red, spitting out a piece of parchment. He caught it, reading.
"The Durmstrang champion is…Viktor Krum!"
The students cheered, chanting his name as Viktor made his way to Dumbledore and shook his hand. He walked off into one of the back doors of the hall. The flames turned red again, spitting out another parchment as Dumbledore caught it.
"And the champion from Beauxbatons is…Fleur Delacour!"
The students cheered, Fleur stood and shook Dumbledore's hand. She made her way to the room. Again the flames turned red, spitting out a parchment.
"The Hogwarts champion is…Cedric Diggory!"
The students burst into cheers and applause, Cedric stood and joined the others.
"Excellent! We now have our three champions! But in the end only one will go down in history!" Dumbledore beamed.
Rayne watched as the flames turned red once more. She slowly stood, whispers broke out. Dumbledore looked back to the goblet as a fourth parchment was spit out. He plucked it from the air, reading it. There was silence.
"…Harry Potter…" He said at last.
Everyone in the hall started looking around for him. Rayne peered over to where he sat with Ron and Hermione, his face gone ashen. She could hear Hagrid saying "no, no" beside her.
"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore said again, louder.
Harry slowly stood, stumbling slightly as he walked up to Dumbledore and took the parchment. He walked past the teachers, McGonagall setting a hand on his shoulder. He looked to Rayne as he went past, his eye wide with panic. Dumbledore quickly walked into the trophy room, the other headmasters following close behind. Snape and Mad-eye joined them, McGonagall waving Rayne to follow. They all started arguing, Rayne not even hearing what was said except for 'conspiracy theory'. When they got to the trophy room, Dumbledore seized Harry.
"Harry, did you put your name in the goblet of fire?" He asked hastily.
"N-No sir" Harry squeaked.
"Did you ask an older student to do it for you?"
"No"
"You're absolutely sure?"
"Yes sir"
Madame Maxine breezed past Rayne, knocking a hanging light fixture out of her way.
"Of course he is lying!" She exclaimed.
Moody walked past them.
"The hell he is. The goblet of fire is exceptionally powerful. Only an exceptionally powerful conjurer could have hoodwinked it" Moody casted a glance at Harry. "Magic way beyond the talents of a fourth year"
Igor rounded on Moody, glowering.
"You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought Mad-Eye…"
Moody held his gaze.
"It was once my job to think as dark wizards do, Karkaroff…perhaps you remember?"
Dumbledore silenced them, looking to Barty.
"The rules are absolute" Barty shook his head. "The goblet of fire constitutes a binding magical contract. Mr. Potter has no choice, he is as of tonight, a tri-wizard champion"
Rayne looked back to Harry, his face more ashen than before. She was afraid he would collapse.
"It's late…the champions should be going to bed…they need their rest" Rayne finally spoke, her voice soft.
Some of the other professors flinched, probably forgetting she was even there.
"Yes…you are right, Lestrange…" Dumbledore nodded.
Rayne saw Moody examine her now, no doubt remembering the Lestrange's he helped put in Azkaban.
"Potter…come along" Rayne said in a strained voice, walking past him.
He followed after her, the other champions behind him. When the other three champions tapered off, Rayne looked back to Harry.
"…Are you alright?" She asked.
He gave her a hesitant nod, she smiled slightly.
"Go and get some rest, Harry…"
Harry nodded, walking up the stone stairs towards the Gryffindor common room.
Rayne made her way down the corridor, walking towards her office. She stopped, listening to the clamoring of students. Turning down the adjacent corridor, she came upon the crowd of students craning to look at something farther down the hall.
"Out of the way, please" Rayne shooed them as they parted.
Rayne finally made her way to the clearing of the group, starring at Moody. Harry and Ron were in front of him, snickering like the rest of the students. Some Slytherin students were off to one side, looking horrified. A white ball of fur was hovering off the ground, following Moody's wand. Rayne walked up to him, noticing it was a white ferret.
"Um…hello, Professor Moody" Rayne said politely, not wanting to startle him.
"Hello there, Professor Lestrange" He said, bouncing the ferret as it trashed and squeaked.
Rayne couldn't help but follow the ferret's movements.
"What…are you doing exactly?" She asked, looking back to him.
"Teaching" He said curtly.
"Teaching? Is that a student?" Rayne asked pointing to the ferret.
"Yep"
"What!" Rayne asked, looking back up to the ferret. "…is that Draco?"
"Yes, it is" Moody released the ferret as it bounced off the stone tile.
The ferret quickly raced to Rayne, climbing up her robes and plopping itself into her pocket. Rayne was at a loss for words.
"Um…I…" Rayne started.
"I will be talking to Snape" Moody said, turning and limped off.
The students stood in silence, Rayne shooed them off.
"Go on now, go" Rayne sighed, rubbing her cheek than looked into her pocket to the trembling ferret, it squeaked frantically at her.
"Um…let's take you to Professor McGonagall…I was never very good at transfiguration" Rayne looked about, walking off towards McGonagall's office.
When Rayne came into McGonagall's office, she took the ferret out of her pocket and set it on one of the armchairs. McGonagall watched the ferret than looked to Rayne, raising an eyebrow.
"Um, Draco" Rayne pointed at the ferret.
McGonagall looked back down to the ferret and back up at her.
"Alastor?" She asked.
Rayne gave a hesitant nod. McGonagall sighed and pulled her wand out, flicking it at the ferret as it transformed back into Draco. He huffed, swiping his hair from his pink face and stood. He adjusted his robes, glaring about.
"That man is-" He started.
"I will be sure to speak with Professor Dumbledore about this, Malfoy…back to your classes" McGonagall said calmly.
Draco watched her, like he was about to say something else. He sent a glance at Rayne, nodding to her slightly and quickly stormed from the room. Rayne rubbed her forehead.
"Tea, Lestrange?" McGonagall asked.
"Please" She responded and sat down.
Rayne was happy to hear that Charlie and the other dragon keepers just arrived on the ground. After dinner Rayne quickly made her way down the pathway towards the forest. She came upon the fenced enclosure, looking to the four large dragons. The reared onto hind legs, snorting torrents of fire into the dark sky. The dragon trainers all bustled around the enclosure, trying to control them. Some pulled on the leather straps around their necks and legs while others started driving he metal spikes in the grounds. Rayne looked over as Hagrid and Madame Maxine walked alongside her, mesmerized by the dragons.
"Keep back there, Hagrid, Rayne!"
Rayne looked over to the wizard closest to the fence, straining to hold the chain. She smiled, it was Charlie.
"They can shoot fire at a range of twenty feet, you know!" He yelled.
A petite woman was next to him, holding another chain. She gave a sort of snorted scoff, heaving the chain.
"Seen this Horntail do forty" She yelled, looking back to Rayne and winked. "How ya doing, Rae?"
"Better than you, I'm sure" Rayne grinned, looking up to the Horntail as it strained against the bindings.
"No good, stunning spell on three!" Another wizard yelled.
They all pulled out their wands.
"Stupefy!" They shouted in unison as stunning spells shot out into the darkness, hitting the dragons.
The dragon's slowly toppled, landing on the ground as the earth quaked. Charlie stood up straight, walking over to the fence.
"All right, Hagrid?" He asked, pushing his hair from his face. "They should be okay now"
Yona walked over, leaning against the fence. "Gave them a sleeping draft on the way over here, thought they would be better off waking up in the dark and quiet"
Yona gave a short laugh, throwing her thumb behind herself to the dragons.
"Obviously weren't too happy"
"What breed you got?" Hagrid asked.
Charlie looked back to the four dragons, pointing them out.
"This here is the Hungarian Horntail, the small one over there is the Common Welsh Green. The Swedish Short-Snout is the blue-gray one and the last is the Chinese Fireball"
"Beautiful creatures they are" Rayne muttered, looking to Yona. "So, Charlie's been telling me about a little dragon your keeping"
"Oh, Apep?" Yona smiled, nodding and pointed over to the tents set up along the fence. "He's back in my tent…didn't want him riling up the big ones. Come on"
Yona leaped over the fence, gesturing Rayne to follow as they walked to the line of tents. Yona pulled the flap back, stepping inside as Rayne followed. A small blur flew through the tent, Yona catching it as the chirping sounded. Yona laughed slightly.
"Rae, this is Apep" Yona held out the small dragon, no bigger than a lap dog.
The dragon was a pale blue color, white marking over its body. Unlike most dragons, there were no spikes on his back; there were just what looked like white dots where the spikes should be. Yona petted the dragon's head as it clicked.
"Sad case, really…whoever had him had tried to turn him into a pet" Yona showed the white dots. "They shaved off his spikes and horns, declawed him too"
Rayne held her hand to the dragon, it instantly nuzzled against her palm.
"He's so tiny. A baby?" Rayne asked.
"No, he's actually ten years old" Yona sighed gently. "We're not too sure, but we think he was bred with two smaller dragon species, than when he was still an egg someone put a bunch of shrinking charms on him. We don't expect for him to get any bigger than this. That's not even where it ends"
Rayne grimaced, watching Yona gently pry the dragon's mouth open. He was toothless.
"They pulled them all out, even removed his venom and fire sacks…" Yona shook her head, letting the dragon go. "Poor thing is not only the smallest dragon ever, but has no way to eat or even defend himself. He's a rare exception of a dragon being a pet. There's just no other way for him to survive"
Charlie walked into the tent, the dragon quickly flying to him. He rubbed the dragon's head, looking to Rayne.
"For everything, he's still the nicest dragon I've ever met" Charlie smiled sadly. "We've tried to fix him up, but the damage is done"
"It's sickening…what that person did to him…" Rayne shook her head than smiled. "But, I'm glad he has you guys to care for him"
Yona smiled, laughing.
"It's like having a baby" Yona crossed her arms. "He can even open doors now"
Rayne laughed, petting Apep's head.
"You two should get some rest, can't imagine those dragons will be too happy with the tournament tomorrow" Rayne looked to Charlie.
"Agreed. I'm guessing your coming to watch?"
"Wouldn't miss it" Rayne smiled.
"Well if you want, come sit with us" Yona hugged her, Rayne hugging her back.
"I'd love to" Rayne hugged Charlie. "See you tomorrow"
The two waved, Rayne climbing out of the tent. She looked over to the fenced enclosure, watching the four sleeping mounds than sighed and made her way back to the castle.