Rayne walked towards the forest, the brisk November wind lashing against her face. She huddled closer into her scarf, watching as other students trekked to the newly erected stadium. Charlie stood by a side entrance, waving her over.
"Rae!" He called.
She quickened her pace, making her way up to him.
"Morning Charlie"
"Morning, come on. Saved you a seat" Charlie led her through the smaller entrance, climbing up the steps and into a smaller box.
Rayne noticed all the other dragon keepers were also sitting in the box, about eight of them missing.
"Off to get the first dragon ready" Charlie mentioned as they walked over to Yona.
She looked up, smiling and waved.
"Hey, Rae"
Rayne sat down beside her, Charlie on her other side.
"Beautiful day for some dragons" Rayne muttered, the two grinning at her.
"They come in handy on days like this, their fire breathes keep you real warm" Yona looked out to the rocky terrain.
"Yea, just toasty" Charlie added, the three laughing.
Rayne leaned forward, watching the handlers hauled the Swedish Short-Snout dragon into the arena. They secured the iron chain around its neck into the padlock in the rocks. The clutch of eggs was already placed atop a rock, a golden egg placed in the center with the other real eggs. The dragon instinctively went and guarded the eggs, placing her hind legs on either side of the nest.
"Welcome to the first task of the tri-wizard tournament!" Dumbledore's voice silenced the crowd. "On the whistle, our first champion will enter the arena. Our champions must retrieve the golden egg if they wish to have a chance at the second task"
The crowd roared with cheers and applause. Cedric walked from a hidden entryway, quickly dodging behind a rock as a jet of brilliant blue flames shot at him. Charlie leaned closer to Rayne.
"So, tell me about him. The article that Skeeter woman wrote didn't even mention his name in it" Charlie glanced to her then back at the dragon.
"Well, he's in Hufflepuff; a sixth year. I have him in my class actually. Very popular, and a very good student. He's also on the Quidditch team. A seeker"
"Seeker huh? Any good?"
"I think so" Rayne watched Cedric transfigure a rock into a Labrador. "Oh, very good transfiguration…"
Yona craned her neck to watch, the dragon started after the dog.
"Oh, looks like he'll have an opening now"
The dragon neared the dog, Cedric raced from behind the boulder and raced to the nest, scooping up the golden egg, the crowd cheering.
"Uh oh…" Charlie muttered as he stood, Rayne and Yona following.
The dragon reared around, going after Cedric now. Before he could move, a jet of fire was sent at him. It hit him on the side of the face just as he ducked. The trainers raced out, shooting stupefy spells at the dragon as it toppled. Another trainer helped Cedric stand, pulling him towards the entrance back into the tents. A scarlet burn on his cheek aside, he had a large grin on his face and was holding the egg high. Rayne smiled, clapping loudly.
"Glad he only caught the tail end of that flame" Breathed Yona, shaking her head. "Swedish Short-Snout's are known for their intense flames"
"Agreed…that could have been a lot worse" Charlie clapped, smiling. "But nice to see him leave with a smile"
The trainers pulled the Swedish Short-Snout from the Arena, other trainers carrying the clutch of eggs. Other trainers walked onto the field carrying another clutch of eggs, setting them on the rocks. More trainers brought the Common Welsh Green dragon onto the field. Soon Fleur made her way into the arena, hiding behind some rocks. Rayne gestured towards her, looking to Yona.
"That's the girl from Beauxbatons"
Yona watched the girl, nodding.
"She does have their air of elegance most Beauxbatons have" Yona laughed slightly. "Course I think I was the least graceful student they ever had"
Yona glanced to Rayne.
"They are all about formal dances and parties there" Yona mentioned. "But I never did have a knack for dance. I was about as graceful as a mountain troll"
The two sniggered, looking back to the arena. Fleur shot a spell at the dragon, the dragon teetering on its legs.
"A sleeping spell?" Yona asked.
"Need a right powerful one to take down a dragon…most can't do it singlehandedly" Charlie added, leaning forward.
"Seems to be working for her, look" Rayne pointed forward as the dragon slowly fell asleep, curling up on the rocks.
The dragon began to snore, Charlie shaking his head.
"Not a good one, they shouldn't snore under a sleeping spell. When they snore that means they can-" He started.
The dragon snorted, a small torrent of flames shooting out. The hem of Fleur's skirt caught fire, she gasped and waved her wand. The wand spite out water, drowning the flames. She skirted around the dragon and took the golden egg, holding it up triumphantly.
"Yea, that happens" Charlie grinned to the two. "Found that out the hard way myself"
The keepers changed out the dragons again, this time bringing out the Chinese Fireball. Rayne leaned forward, looking at the eggs.
"The Chinese Fireballs have always been my favorite eggs. They look magnificent" Rayne watched the scarlet and gold flecked eggs, smiling.
Viktor was next to enter the arena, Charlie tilted his head to the arena.
"So, he's the Bulgarian seeker, huh" Charlie leaned forward, watching him. "Not very graceful on the ground is he?"
Yona laughed slightly, shaking her head. Viktor pulled out his wand, lifting it and said a spell as a stream of sparks hit the dragon's eyes.
"A Conjunctivitis Curse?" Rayne asked.
"Nice strategy in theory" Charlie shrugged. "Look, he's got the egg"
Viktor held up the egg. Yona gasped, standing.
"No, no!" She yelled. "The dragon, she's-"
The dragon roared out, shooting flame balls in the air and reared back, staggering. Charlie and Rayne jumped to their feet, most of the keepers following. The dragon wheeled back, smashing half of her clutch of eggs. Horrified gasps and yells sounded from the keepers. There was a scramble of the keepers to get the rest of the eggs to safety, Charlie slammed his fist against the railing.
"They'd better deduct points!" He yelled.
The keepers pulled the dragon from the arena, Yona stood and grasped Charlie's arm.
"Come on, we're up next. We need to get the Horntail ready"
Charlie slowly nodded.
"We'll be right back, Rayne" Charlie walked off after her.
Rayne leaned against the railing, watching as Charlie, Yona and six other keepers pulled the Hungarian Horntail into the arena. They secured the iron band on its neck, setting its eggs on a rock. The keepers quickly moved out of the way as the dragon treaded to its nest. Sometime after, Charlie and Yona took their seats on either side of Rayne. The two panted, Yona brushing her short hair back.
"I kinda feel bad for Harry…That one is a bit of a nasty thing" Yona glanced to Rayne.
Rayne smiled slightly.
"I'm sure he can handle it…" Rayne looked back to the arena as Harry entered.
Rayne watched him raise his wand, pointing it back towards the castle. Yona followed the path of his wand.
"What good will that do?" Yona asked, looking back to Harry.
"Look" Charlie pointed up to the black dot approaching, it was a broom.
The broom soared to Harry as he leapt on, Rayne smiled and clapped as he zipped upward. Harry dived back down, pulling out of the dive as the dragon let out a gush of flames. He soared into a circle, the dragon following his every movement. The dragon swished its tail, a spike gouging his shoulder. He started swerving around, the dragon keeping her eyes on him. He went higher, making her rear up and Harry rocketed downward. In a flash, Harry had the golden egg in his arm and was flying out of reach of the dragon. Rayne stood along with the rest of the crowd, cheering and clapping.
"Charlie, come on" Yona pulled him after herself to go subdue the dragon.
Rayne raced to the tents, watching Madame Pomfrey bustle around Harry. Once she was done, Rayne walked up to him and smiled.
"Very good work, Harry" She smiled.
He looked up to her, smiling and nodded.
"Thanks"
Rayne poked her head around the curtain to Cedric, he looked up.
"Very good work to you, too, Cedric"
He beamed at her, giving a small grin.
"Thanks Professor"
Rayne looked back as Ron and Hermione raced into the tent. She smiled, looking back to Harry.
"I'll be off" She nodded to him and walked past the two, ruffling Ron's hair as she passed.
Rayne walked down the corridor towards one of the assembly halls. She was running a bit late. McGonagall had told her that the Gryffindor students, fourth years and above, would be learning to dance for this year's Yule Ball. She quietly slid into the room, noticing Filch messed with a large gramophone.
"-And I mean this literally because the Yule Ball is first and foremost…a dance" McGonagall eyed the students.
There was a unanimous groan from the boys, the girls seeming far more excited as they whispered and giggled. Rayne quietly made her way along the wall, George looked over and waved her over to where he and Fred stood. Rayne walked over to them, leaning against the windowsill behind them.
"Did I miss anything?" She whispered.
"Nope…" The two muttered in unison.
"Silence, silence" McGonagall looked about. "The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you in the course of a single evening besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons"
George leaned over to Rayne and Fred.
"Try saying that five times fast" He whispered.
Fred started whispering the words, George trying too as they stumbled over the words. Rayne smirked, shaking her head. McGonagall turned to the girls standing on the other side of the room.
"Now to dance is to let the body breathe, inside every girl a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight…"
Fred leaned back over to Rayne.
"You never told us you had a secret swan" He whispered.
Rayne snickered silently, slapping his arm. McGonagall turned to the boys.
"And inside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance" McGonagall walked to Ron. "Now, Mr. Weasley, will you join me"
She grabbed hold of a very hesitant Ron, pulling him to the center of the room and turned to him.
"Now, place your right hand on my waist" She instructed.
"Where?" Ron asked, bewildered.
"On my waist" She said slowly.
Ron reluctantly set his hand on her waist, Fred let out a whistle as Ron turned to glare at him. McGonagall seized his hand, putting it back on her waist.
"Now bind your arm…Mr. Filch, if you would please" McGonagall looked back to him.
He nodded, turning the music on.
"Now. One, two, three. One, two, three"
Ron looked less than enthused. Fred and George danced in place, quietly singing along to the song.
"Oi" Harry's voice sounded from a few seats down.
The twins leaned over to him.
"You're never gonna let him forget this are you?" He asked.
The two shook their heads.
"Never" They said in unison.
Rayne laughed slightly, looking back over to McGonagall as he released Ron.
"Alright now, everyone come together. If you need guidance Professor Lestrange and myself are here to help" McGonagall motioned the students.
The girls eagerly stood, the boys staying in place.
"Boys, on your feet" McGonagall repeated.
Rayne glanced over as Neville stood, she smiled slightly. The boys and girls slowly paired up. Rayne walked about, adjusting stances as McGonagall kept the time.
"All together. One, two, three. One two, three"
Rayne smiled, watching the students slowly start to warm up to the idea of dancing.
The students sat grouped at the tables of the great hall, most with their nose in their books and scribbling on parchment. Snape walked up the length of the table, eyeing the students. Rayne sat at the end of one of the tables, helping some of her students with interpreting runes. She glanced up as Snape slapped the book against Ron and Harry's head. She shook her head, looking back down to the runes.
Fred threw the paper ball at Angelina as it bounced off her head. She looked over to him, mouthing 'what?'. Fred mimicked 'Do you want to go to the ball with me?"'. She smiled slightly, nodding then turned back to her friend. Fred looked back over to Ron, winking at him as Neville and George grinned and laughed. Ron glared at George.
"Who are you going with, then?" Ron asked.
George glanced around the hall, he stood slightly.
"Oi, Professor Lestrange!" He called.
Rayne leaned back, looking down the table to him.
"Will you go to the ball with me?" He asked loudly.
Most of the students snickered and burst into fits of laughter. Rayne laughed slightly, going along with the joke.
"Sure, George, of course I'll go with you"
The students laughed harder, Snape sweeping across the room to silence them. George sat back down, getting back to his work then glanced at Ron, winking at him. Fred laughed slightly.
Rayne sat in her office, writing out lesson plans for the next class. She paused, hearing the chair scrape against the floor in her classroom. She stood, walking to the doorway and peered out. Luna Lovegood sat at one of the desks, her nose in an issue of The Quibbler.
"…Luna?" Rayne asked.
Luna looked up to her, her wand behind her ear.
"Yes, Professor?" She asked.
"You're early…around two hours early actually" Rayne checked the clock.
"It was a bit noisy in the library" She said absently, looking back down at her magazine.
"Alright, um. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you" Rayne slowly inched back into her office.
"Professor?"
Rayne stopped, peering back out to her.
"Would you mind helping me with this? I've got the first few sentences but I'm stuck" Luna pointed to her magazine.
"Oh, of course" Rayne walked over to the desk, looking down at the page of rune inscriptions.
Rayne pulled a chair up, sitting and examined the runes. She pointed to one of the circled runes.
"Here's the problem, I think" Rayne grasped the quill, writing in the margins. "See, this one is Laguz but I think it's supposed to be Eihwaz"
Rayne turned the paper to her.
"Now it seems to make sense" Rayne smiled.
Luna read through the runes, smiling up at her.
"Thank you. I'll have to tell dad he made a misprint" Luna went back to writing.
Rayne watched her and smiled fondly, standing.
"Would you care for a cup of tea, Luna?" She asked.
Luna nodded. "Yes please"
Rayne walked back to her office, waving her wand as the kettle started heating up. Luna walked into her office, taking a seat on one of the armchairs. She pulled her legs up, crossing them in the seat. Her gaze wondered off to the windows then to the family pictures. Rayne peered back to her then swished her wand was the kettle tipped, pouring the tea into the cup. Rayne plopped two sugar cubes into the tea, stirring it then set it in front of Luna. Luna's gaze drifted to the cup as she picked it up, drinking and smiled.
"I like how you make tea…it reminds me of how my mum used to make it…" Luna starred down at the cup, a faint smile on her face.
Rayne smiled, pouring herself a cup of tea then sat down at her desk. The two sat in silence, sipping tea and reading through pages of runes. The clock tolled the hour as Rayne looked up, smiling.
"Almost time for class, Luna" Rayne called.
Luna looked up, closing her magazine and skipped from the office and into the classroom. Rayne laughed gently, gathering her papers and walked into the classroom as the few students took their seats. Ginny sat down alongside Luna, waving to Rayne as she waved back. Rayne sat the papers on the desk as the class settled.
"Alright, today we'll be interpreting runes. This is a form of Divination, but I hear Professor Trelawney does not use this method for teaching so I figured we'd have a go at it" Rayne pulled the small silk sacks from her desk. "Today we'll just do a single rune casting. You simply reach into the bag and pick a single rune. Pay attention to the way you draw it out, as reverse runes have a very different meaning. Focus on your question while drawing a rune. It can be about anything, anything at all. As important or mundane as you wish"
Rayne walked around, setting a bag in front of each student.
"Now, rune casting is not fortune telling but a manifestation of one's subconscious. When you ask a question, your entire conscious and unconscious mind is focused on that question so the runes selected are not random but a choice made by the subconscious" Rayne explained. "Go on, focus on a question and write it in your notes. Pick a rune from the bag and interpret it to your question. Now remember, rune casting is not fortune telling so your question will not be downright answered"
The students were silent, engulfed in thinking and writing their question. They reached into their pouches, pulling out a stone and examining it. They flipped through their textbooks. Rayne smiled, watching how enthralled they were with their runes. They continued to consult rune after rune and whispering to each other to help interpret them up until the end of the hour. When the clock tolled the end of class, they were all chattering happily about the runes.
"I want a set of runes for myself, Professor" Collin Creevey smiled, handing her the bag of runes.
A resounding agreement came from the other students. Rayne smiled, nodding.
"Good, because I figured since the Yule Ball is next week we would spend our next class making our own set of runes" Rayne smiled as they all chattered excitedly, she laughed gently and watched them file from the class.
Rayne spent the evening walking about the grounds, looking for the perfect branches to make runes with. She pulled her scarf up to cover her nose and mouth as the harsh winds slashed her face. Looking about the grounds at the different trees, deciding upon one of the apple trees situated near the forbidden forest. She made her way to the tree, knocking off some of the snow from the bare branches. She examined the branches, fixing her eyes on one near the upper part of the tree. She hiked her robe up, grabbing onto a lower branch and pulling herself up. Setting her foot on a branch, she climbed up a few more and stopped for a moment to breathe. She looked up at the branch, reaching forward with one arm as she grasped the trunk with her other. She stood on her tiptoes, almost grasping the branch.
"…What are you doing?"
Rayne gasped and lurched forward, startled. She grabbed the branch as she toppled forward, the branch snapping as she fell. She face planted in the deep snow, still holding the broken branch then lifted her head. Draco starred down at her as she laughed awkwardly, blowing the stray hairs from her face.
"Oh, Hey" She slowly sat back in the snow, looking at the broken branch and held it up. "Um, just getting supplies for my third year's class"
Draco rolled his eyes slightly, trying to hide his amusement.
"You know, you could of just used your wand to get it…" Draco helped her stand.
"Yea…but what fun would that of been?" Rayne asked, brushing the snow from her robes and glanced back as the laughing broke through the silence. Crabbe and Goyle were doubled over in hysterics as they walked to flank Draco.
"What a weird teacher" Goyle snorted, looking to Draco.
Draco hesitated, glancing to Rayne then laughed half heartily.
"Y-yea…she's almost on pare with that fortune teller" Draco crossed his arms, glancing off.
Rayne watched him, smiling slightly.
"Well, see you…" Rayne grasped the branch, trekking back to the castle.
Draco watched her as Crabbe and Goyle sniggered after her. She sighed gently, walking back into her office and set the branch down on the stone table. She pulled out her wand and started cutting the branch into half inch pieces in silence.
The night of the Yule Ball there was a large bustle to get the great hall decorated. All the teachers united to help, even some of the prefects volunteered to help set up. Many of the staff had already dressed for the ball, since they would probably be working right up to the start. Weeks ago Rayne sent Abner to the Burrow with a note asking Molly to send her dress from graduation back with him. It was a simple red velvet dress with golden lace applique on the collar and sleeves. Molly had bought the dress especially for her, saying it went well with a Gryffindor graduate. Thankfully the dress fit like it had when she last wore it a few years back. The hem of the dress glided across the great hall as Rayne walked from each table and created intricate ice sculptures.
Rayne walked to the front of the hall to the three trees, walking beside McGonagall.
"Is there anything else to be done?" She asked, looking about at the great hall covered in a thin layer of ice.
"I think that'll do just fine" McGonagall nodded. "I'll go find our champions"
McGonagall hurried off, the staff starting to gather as the students began filing into the great hall. Rayne smiled, seeing all the students dressed in beautiful gowns and elegant robes. They stood around the edge of the dance floor, waiting on the champions. McGonagall hurried back alongside her, looking back and gestured Flitwick as he led the band. The music started playing as the large doors of the hall opened, the champions and their dates entering to the sound of applause. Rayne smiled, clapping as they took their places on the dance floor. The music changed to the wizards waltz as the four pairs started dancing.
Rayne peered over as Dumbledore smiled, watching the campions and grasped McGonagall's hand. He led her onto the dance floor, spinning her around. She tried to keep her normal straight face, but couldn't help but break into a small smile. Other pairs slowly started dancing. Rayne watched Neville lead Ginny onto the floor, spinning her as they danced. Rayne felt a tap on her shoulder, looking back to George.
"Trying to ditch me?" He asked.
Rayne furrowed her brows, not understanding.
"What?" She asked.
"Well you are my date, aren't you?" George asked.
Rayne covered her mouth, hiding a laugh.
"Oh, yes. Right" Rayne looked to him. "Honestly I thought you were joking. You really chose me as a date?"
George shrugged.
"Well, it was for a good laugh but yes, I was serious" George grinned slightly. "That and I'll be able to write to Bill saying I had a date with you"
Rayne snickered slightly, shaking her head. George caught her hand.
"May I have this dance, Madame Lestrange?" He asked, bowing deeply.
Rayne grinned slightly. "Of course, Mr. Weasley"
George tried to hold back his laugher as he led her to the dance floor. They started dancing, spinning around like the other dancers.
After two hours, Rayne was exhausted. Fred had cut in for a dance, then Lee. Even Neville took a dance, as well as Ginny. Many of the Durmstrang students tried to dance with her, but Fred and George made sure to keep them away and reminding them that she was a professor. Rayne sat down at one of the empty chairs, Fred and Angelina taking seats next to her. She looked over as George handed her the drink, him and Lee sitting on the other side of her.
"I'm getting too old for this" Rayne took a sip of the drink, her legs throbbing.
Fred laughed slightly, looking to her.
"You're only eight years ahead of us, Rae" He mentioned.
"Eight years does a lot to a person" Rayne huffed.
George laughed slightly, shaking his head and glanced over to a table over.
"Looks like Ron and Harry are having a swell time" George muttered with a sarcastic undertone.
Rayne peered past the ice sculpture to the two sitting away from everyone else, the Padma twins sitting beside them looking less than amused.
"Wonder what's gotten them so gloomy" Rayne leaned back in her chair.
Rayne turned her head as the students cheered out, the weird sisters had taken to the stage. They started playing one of their songs, the students dancing in a large mosh pit. Rayne laughed slightly, throwing her thumb over to the crowd.
"Not going to go dance? Seems like the formal dancing is over"
Fred shook his head, Angelina scrunched up her nose.
"Noise if you ask me…never been a fan really" Angelina sipped her drink.
"Funny to hear someone else having the same opinion as me" Rayne looked to Angelina. "Ginny is obsessed with the group. Honestly I only put up with listening to them for her…"
Angelina nodded in agreement, Rayne looked up as Hermione stormed from the hall alongside Ron. She stood, looking to the group.
"I'm uh, going to turn in. Got to get up early tomorrow, you know…don't stay up too late now" Rayne waved them then made her way to the great hall doors.
She slowly peered out, looking around and spotted Hermione sitting on the stairs. Rayne walked over to her, watching her as she angrily pulled off her heels and fought back sobs.
"Hermione…" Rayne said gently.
Hermione looked up to her, glancing off and wiped her eyes aggressively.
"Hello Professor. Lovely dance…" She muttered, not looking Rayne in the eye.
Rayne sat down alongside her, peering to her.
"…Wanna talk about it?" She asked.
Hermione shook her head, sniffling. Rayne nodded, holding out her arm as Hermione looked to her. Hermione leaned against her shoulder, sobbing as Rayne wrapped her arms around her shoulders.
"It's alright dear, it's alright" Rayne soothed, rubbing her back.
Rayne sat in Dumbledore's office, waiting. Her foot shook violently from nerves as she chewed on her thumb. She finally slapped her hand down on the wooden chair, Dumbledore and McGonagall looking to her.
"I don't like this. I don't like it one bit" She said quickly. "This is dangerous. What if they drown or-or what if they aren't rescued in time?"
Dumbledore held up a hand, quieting her.
"Lestrange, I assure you that measures have been taken to secure the hostages safety"
"I still don't like it. Something could go wrong" Rayne stood, pacing about now.
"Everything will be fine, I assure you" Dumbledore stood, gesturing to the potion bottles. "We have droughts of the living dead to insure the students stay asleep in suspended animation. This will allow them to stay underwater without any injury to themselves"
Rayne rubbed her cheek, quickly looking back as Moody and Snape escorted Ron, Hermione, Cho, and Gabrielle into the office. Rayne grimaced, quickly seizing Hermione and Ron and held them. They looked to each other curiously as she released them, walking back to her seat and sat. Dumbledore looked to the four.
"You were brought here because the judges see fit that you participate in the second task as hostages" Dumbledore explained calmly.
"Hostages?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, each champion must rescue their hostage from the bottom of the black lake" Dumbledore motioned again to the potions. "We have these potions to insure that you will fall into a deep sleep while the task is going on. You will wake up once you break the surface of the water"
The four gave each other hesitant looks.
"I assure your safety" Dumbledore spoke again.
The four gave hesitant nods, taking the potions and downing them. They instantly became ridged, falling back onto the rug like planks of wood. Rayne grimaced, looking away from them.
"Come along, we need to get them to the lake" Dumbledore stood.
Rayne stood on one of the smaller platforms off the bottom level of the center tower. She paced the small square of wood, her eyes kept glancing to where the champions stood before darting to the lake. Although Dumbledore constantly assured her of everyone's safety, she still couldn't shake her nerves. The whistle rang, the champions diving into the water and slowly disappearing from the surface of the water. She seemed to pace more and more as the minutes ticked by. More than once McGonagall had taken hold of her hood to keep her from walking over the edge of the platform. As the minutes turned to half an hour, her heart rate picked up.
"Are you sure they will be alright?" Rayne kept whispering to McGonagall.
"I'm sure, Miss Lestrange" She would respond patiently each time.
There was bubbled forming at the surface, Rayne involuntarily grasped McGonagall's hand. A merperson emerged, carrying the unconscious but breathing Fleur. He swam to the edge of the pier as Beauxbatons students helped hoist her onto the wood and wrapped her in blankets as she sputtered water.
"Miss Delacour has been unable to rescue her hostage" Dumbledore's voice sounded.
Rayne watched as the Beauxbatons students tried to keep Fleur from diving back into the lake, even Madame Maxine had trouble keeping hold of her. Rayne looked to McGonagall, McGonagall merely patted her hand.
"It's alright, Lestrange. It's alright" She assured her.
Another half an hour passed, suddenly Cedric and Cho broke through the surface of the water and swam to the pier. They were greeted with applause just as Viktor and Hermione came up and also swam to the pier. There was intense silence, waiting. Finally Ron and Gabrielle broke through the water.
"Where's Harry?" Rayne asked grabbing McGonagall's hand again.
There was more silence, until something shot from the lake and landed on the pier. It was Harry, coughing and sputtering water. Rayne breathed a sigh of relief.
"Lestrange? If you would be so kind" McGonagall looked to her.
Rayne looked down to McGonagall's hand nearly crushed in her grip. She released her quickly.
"F-Forgive me" Rayne bowed slightly, making her way through the crowd to help Madame Pomfrey, not even interested in hearing the scores now that she knew everyone was safe.
When McGonagall told her of the special guests who had arrived this morning, Rayne went straight for the room of portraits. She didn't even stop for breakfast, instead hurrying through the door and stopping. Molly looked back to her, smiling and hit Bill in the shoulder. The two grinned at each other, embracing one another tightly.
"I've got to see you three times in just a few months, must be magic" Rayne smirked.
Bill grinned down at her, laughing.
"Good to see you so soon, Rae. How is the school year going?"
"It'll be better once this tournament is over. I swear I've shaved a few years off my life with worry over Harry and Cedric…" Rayne sighed.
Rayne looked around the room to the other people. There was a dark haired couple standing off in one corner, Viktor's parents so doubt. On the opposite side of the room stood a beautiful blond haired woman, Fleur's mother, and Gabrielle. By the door stood Amos Diggory and his wife. Rayne approached them, smiling.
"Mr. and Mrs. Diggory" She shook their hands. "Your son is a student of mine, in the Study of Ancient Runes"
Amos smiled, nodding.
"Nice to meet one of Cedric's teachers"
"Your son is very gifted in interpreting runes. He is one of the best of my students"
Amos beamed at this news, chattering with his wife. Rayne walked back over to Bill and Molly at the fireplace, leaning against the stone mantel.
"So, tell me about the first task. Charlie said it was amazing" Bill watched her.
"It was, nearly gave me a heart attack but he was extraordinary. Only came away with a small cut to the shoulder" Rayne traced where the wound would have been. "He's an exceptional flyer"
They stood talking about the tournament for another few minutes, the champions slowly meeting up with their parents. Harry finally came into the room, starring at the three of them. Molly beamed at Harry.
"Surprise!" She exclaimed. Harry smiled broadly and rushed over to them. Molly kissed him on the cheek. "Thought we'd come and watch you, Harry!"
Bill grinned down at him.
"You all right?" He asked, shaking his hand. "Charlie wanted to come. Couldn't get the time off. Both him and Rayne told me you were incredible against the Horntail"
Harry looked to Rayne, smiling. She smiled back, ruffling his hair.
"This is really nice of you" Harry looked back to Molly. "For a moment I thought…the Dursleys"
Molly made a sort of scoff at the mention of the muggles.
"It's great being back here" Bill looked around the chamber.
Rayne noticed that the portrait figure, Violet, winked at him. Even Fleur was eyeing him from over her mother's shoulder. Rayne couldn't help but notice the glares Fleur was giving her, though.
"Haven't seen this place for five years. If that picture of the mad knight still around?" Bill asked. "Sir Cadogan?"
"Oh yeah" Harry nodded.
"Still as mad as ever…" Rayne muttered.
"And the Fat Lady?" He asked.
"Oh, she was here in my time" Molly pipped up. "Gave me such a telling off one night when I got back to the dormitory at four in the morning"
Both Bill and Rayne turned to look at her.
"What were you doing out of your dormitory at four in the morning?" Bill asked.
"Do we even want to know?" Rayne asked.
Molly grinned at them.
"Your father and I had been for a nighttime stroll…he got caught by Apollyon Pringle" Molly nodded, thinking. "He was the caretaker in those days…your father's still got the marks"
Before she could go into greater detail, Bill turned to Harry.
"Fancy giving us a tour, Harry?" He asked then turned to Rayne. "You'll come along, won't you Rae?"
"Oh, sure. I don't have a class today anyway" Rayne smiled.
Harry nodded as they made their way back to the door of the great hall. They strolled around the grounds, viewing the Beauxbatons carriage, the Durmstrang ship and the Whomping Willow. They rounded the ground, walking along the greenhouses.
"How is Percy, by the way?" Rayne asked. "Can't be too happy"
"Not good at all" Bill shook his head.
"What's happened?" Harry piped up.
Molly looked back at them.
"Percy's been hauled in for questioning about the instructions Mr. Crouch has been sending in…They seem to think there's a chance they weren't genuinely written by him" Molly sighed gently. "Percy's been under a lot of stress…"
There was a silence for a bit, the bell tolling. Harry looked back to them.
"It's almost lunch, we can eat together" He said.
Molly smiled.
"That sounds wonderful dear"
The four made their way back to the great hall, sitting at the table. Molly sat next to Harry, Rayne and Bill in front of them.
"Mum…Bill!"
They looked back as Ron quickly made his way to the table. "What're you doing here?"
"Come to watch Harry of course!" Molly smiled. "How was your exam?"
"Oh…okay…couldn't remember all the goblin rebel's names so I kinda invented a few…"
Molly gave him a stern look. Soon Fred, George and Ginny came and sat with them. Hermione came in later on. They all talked and laughed for the better part of lunch. George had eagerly told Bill that Rayne had been his date to the Yule Ball, this earned the younger brother a silent glare when no one else was looking.
"Really? Oh that must have been adorable. Wish you would have taken a picture" Molly smiled.
After lunch, Bill insisted on seeing Rayne's classroom. Molly, too, was eager to see. Rayne, along with Harry, led them up to her classroom. Bill had marveled at the old first edition books on runes, soon the two of them had their heads in the books and reading out the runes. Molly was looking at the many moving pictures Rayne had hanging in her office and pointing them out to Harry.
"Oh, this was the first time we ever met Rayne. It was Christmas 82" Molly nodded, watching the Weasley's and Rayne cram together to fit in the frame; a one year old Ginny hitched on Rayne's hip. "You remember that dear?"
Rayne and Bill walked into the office and laughed slightly.
"Oh yes, I remember" Rayne looked to Harry. "Hadn't got into the house and I was covered with fake snow courtesy of Fred and George"
Harry smiled, laughing.
"Everyone was very interested in her" Bill leaned against the wall. "She'd never decorated for Christmas before, well not herself at least"
Harry gave her a funny look, Rayne nodded.
"Yep, that was the look I got" Rayne looked to Harry, smiling gently. "At Malfoy Manor, house elves did all that for you. When you come from money, everything should be done for you I suppose. But honestly, decorating with them was the most fun I ever had"
She smiled fondly, crossing her arms. Before pointing to another picture.
"This was the day Bill and I graduated. Mum and Dad threw us a lovely party. We danced and joked way into the night"
Harry looked to the picture, examining the Weasley's and Rayne cramming into the picture frame. Rayne and Bill stood beside each other in the middle, squeezed together by the family. They looked happy, but embarrassed as they kept glancing to each other.
The afternoon whisked away with funny stories of past memories. Soon they made their way back down to the great hall for dinner. Rayne noticed that Ludo Bagman and Cornelius Fudge had joined the staff table. Rayne decided to sit at the Gryffindor table again. Bill had grinned at her.
"Choosing to sit with us instead of the head table? I'm honored"
Rayne smirked at him. "Please, it's not every day I get to see you. I'm going to make the most of it"
As dinner came to a close, Dumbledore stood as silence fell.
"In five minutes' time, I will be asking you to make your way down to the Quidditch field for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament" Dumbledore looked around the hall. "Will champions please follow Mr. Bagman down to the stadium now"
The champions stood, the tables bursting with applause as they walked from the great hall.
Everyone was gathered around the start of the maze, the champions all waiting to start. Dumbledore addressed the crowd.
"Earlier today Professor Moody placed the tri-wizards cup deep within the maze. Only he knows its exact position. Now as Mr. Diggory..." Dumbledore looked to Cedric then to Harry. "And Mr. Potter tied for first position they will be the first to enter the maze. Followed by Mr. Krum...The first person to touch the cup will be the winner. I've instructed the staff to patrol the perimeter, if at any point should a contestant wish to withdraw from the task he or she need only send up red sparks with their wands. Contestants, gather round"
Dumbledore spoke quietly to the contestants. Harry and Cedric stepped up to the maze, the whistle blowing. They made their way into the maze, disappearing behind the hedge. After them, Viktor walked into the maze followed by Fleur. The crowds started their own conversations to past the time, and waited.
What seemed like hours passed, yet it was only a few minutes that a jet of red sparks shot into the sky. The crowd stood, watching.
"Miss Delacour is unable to continue" Dumbledore's voice sounded.
A unanimous groan echoed from the Beauxbatons students.
Half an hour passed before Dumbledore's voice sounded again. "Mr. Krum is unable to continue"
More groans from the Durmstrang group sounded.
"That just leaves Harry and Cedric now" Rayne glanced to Bill.
After an hour, there was a bright flash of light. Rayne stood, watching as Harry, Cedric and the Triwizard cup slammed onto the ground in front of the maze. There was earsplitting applause, triumphant music playing. But something wasn't right. Rayne saw the way Harry clutched Cedric's shirt, Cedric's eyes wide open and unfocused.
"Oh my god…" Rayne breathed and quickly made her way to the field.
Slowly, as realization spread, the applause turned into screams and cries. Cedric was dead. Dumbledore had Harry standing, sweeping away to speak with Amos as he clamored down the stands. Moody had seized Harry, pulling him off forwards the castle. Rayne searched for McGonagall, quickly making her way to her.
"They left, it is him" Rayne grasped her arm.
"Albus, Albus!" McGonagall called.
They were running to Moody's office. Dumbledore, being older than any of them, was faster as he made it to the door first.
"Stupefy!" He bellowed, his wand outstretched.
An intense flash of red light crumbled the door, sending Moody backwards onto the stone floor. Rayne could only stare in awe at the power and fury Dumbledore displayed. She shook her thoughts, quickly making her way to Harry and seized his shoulder.
"H-Harry, are you alright?" She asked, cautiously looking to Moody laying on the floor, unconscious.
Harry slowly nodded, McGonagall making her way beside Rayne.
"Come along Potter" She held her arm out, gesturing him. Her voice had a gentle tremble in it. "To the hospital wing"
"No" Dumbledore looked back at them.
"Professor, look at him, he needs medical care" Rayne took a defiant step toward him.
"He will stay. He needs to understand. As do you, Lestrange" Dumbledore looked to them again.
He turned his attention to Snape.
"Severus, fetch me the strongest truth potion you have…Minerva, go down to the kitchens and bring up the house-elf called Winky" Dumbledore turned to Rayne. "And Rayne, kindly go down to Hagrid's house…you'll find a large black dog sitting in the pumpkin patch. Take the dog to my office and tell him I will be with him shortly. Then come back here"
The three nodded, leaving at once to go do what they were told. Rayne swiftly made her way down the slopping lawns towards Hagrid's hut. A shadow moved slightly, a dog sitting up from behind a large pumpkin. Rayne starred at the dog, shaking her head.
"Come on…Dumbledore wants you to wait in his office" Rayne watched the dog walked to her side, trotting after her as she led him back into the castle.
She made her way to the gargoyle statue.
"Cockroach Clusters" She said as the passageway revealed itself.
Soon they were in Dumbledore's office. The dog transformed into Sirius, he watched her.
"Is he alright? Harry?" He asked.
Rayne nodded.
"As alright as he is going to get for now. Dumbledore wants you to wait here. Harry will be ok…I promise"
Sirius watched her, nodding as she quickly raced back out of the office and back towards Moody's office. Rayne walked into the office right after McGonagall, she starred at the man on the floor.
"Barty Crouch…" She whispered.
Dumbledore gave Barty some of the truth potion, reviving the man and started questioning him. Rayne hardly payed attention, her eyes trained on the man. She caught bits of the conversation, about his faking his death, his father keeping him under the imperius curse, his work at the Quidditch World Cup. More he talked, about Bertha Jorkins, his escape for his father's curse, placing a curse on his father. He talked more and more, his words getting muffled in Rayne's mind.
"I offered to carry the Triwizard Cup into the maze before dinner" Barty's voice was a whisper now. "Turned it into a portkey. My master's plan worked. He is returned to power and I will be honored by him beyond the dreams of wizards"
Rayne was chilled to the bone. He was back, and powerful again. Barty's eyes slid across the room, resting on hers for a moment before a sly smile formed on his lips.
"My…how you've grown…The Dark Lord will be happy to hear you are healthy and well" Barty's smile became more demented. "You are the daughter of one of his favorite followers"
Barty chuckled coldly, Rayne shook with rage.
"How is your mother, huh? Still in Azkaban I suppose…not for long now that our Lord is back"
Rayne shrieked, pulling her wand out and pointing it at Barty, McGonagall quickly seized her and pulled her back. Snape twisted her wand from her grip as it clattered against the ground. The house elf was sobbing, rocking herself back and forth. Rayne panted, not fighting against their holds. Dumbledore slowly stood, holding his wand as the ropes sprang from his wand and bound Barty tightly. He looked back to them.
"Minerva, could I ask you to stand guard here while I take Harry upstairs?" He asked.
"Of course" McGonagall nodded, she slowly released Rayne and pulled out her wand to point it at Barty.
"Severus, tell Madam Pomfrey to come down here. We need to get Alastor Moody into the hospital wing. Then, go on down into the grounds and find Cornelius Fudge. Bring him to my office" Dumbledore looked to him. "Tell him I will be in the hospital wing in half an hours' time if he needs me"
Snape said nothing, sweeping from the room. Dumbledore turned his attention to Rayne.
"Miss Lestrange, I think it best if you come with me and Harry" Dumbledore motioned Harry to stand.
Harry swayed as he stood, favoring one leg. Rayne scooped her wand up and walked to him, helping him walk from the office. Soon they reached the stone gargoyle and made their way up the moving staircase. Dumbledore pushed the heavy oak door open, Sirius crossed the room in a second and gently seized harry.
"Harry, are you alright?" He asked, leading him into one of the chairs. "What happened?"
Dumbledore started explaining everything to Sirius, Fawkes fluttered down to sit on Harry's knee. Harry absent mindedly petting his scarlet feathers. Dumbledore walked to his desk, sitting down opposite to Harry. Rayne shook her head.
"Professor, please-" She started, Dumbledore ignored her.
"I need to know what happened after you touched the Portkey in the maze, Harry"
Sirius put a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Can't we leave this till morning? He needs sleep, let him rest"
Dumbledore ignored him, too.
"If I thought I could help by putting you into an enchanted sleep and allowing you to postpone the moment when you would have to think about what happened tonight, I would do it…" Dumbledore watched Harry. "But I know better…numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it. I ask you to tell us what happened"
Rayne watched as Harry took a breath and began recounting the past hour. Rayne stood beside Sirius in silence, listening. Twice she silenced Sirius as he was about to interrupt Harry. Her eyes were fixed on Harry as he retold the events. When it got to Wormtail, Sirius let out a violent yell. Dumbledore was on his feet at once and rounded the desk.
"Show me your arm"
Harry had stretched his arm out, the gash glistening under his slashed robes. Dumbledore was speaking of Harry's mother and her protection that she put on him.
"Continue, Harry" Dumbledore sat down once again.
Harry went on, telling them about Voldemort emerging from the cauldron and his speech to the Death Eaters and the duel he made Harry participate in. He told them about how his and Voldemort's wands connected.
"Priori Incantatem" Dumbledore explained.
Rayne's head seemed to be pounding with all the information she learned tonight. Soon, Dumbledore stood.
"You will come with me to the hospital wing. I do not want you returning to the dormitory tonight. A sleeping potion and some peace…" Dumbledore looked to Sirius. "Sirius, would you like to stay with him?"
Sirius nodded, instantly transforming into the black dog. The group moved from the office and to the hospital wing. When Rayne opened the hospital wing doors for them, she noticed Molly, Bill, Ron and Hermione. Molly let out a shriek and started to Harry, Dumbledore stopped her.
"Please, listen to me Molly. Harry has been through a terrible ordeal tonight. He has just had to relive it. What he needs now is sleep and peace. It he would like you all to stay with him you may do so"
Molly nodded, her face was white as a ghosts. She quickly rounded on Ron, Hermione and Bill to hiss at them to be quiet. Madame Pomfrey was eyeing the black dog, lifting her gaze to Rayne.
"Oh…um…he's mine" Rayne pointed to the black down, who turned his head to look at her.
"This dog will stay with Harry, to guard over him" Dumbledore looked back to Harry. "I will be back to see you soon"
Dumbledore left, Madame Pomfrey led him to an empty bed to let him undress into his pajamas. The group walked up to his bedside and sat in the chairs pulled to either side of the bed. Molly had tears in her eyes, nervously smoothing the sheets on the bed. Rayne watched as Harry drank a few mouthfuls of a sleeping potion, quickly reaching out to take the goblet as he nodded off to sleep. She set it on the bedside table, sitting back in the chair and laid her hand over her forehead. She, too, had fallen asleep apparently. She woke to the sound of far off shouts, her head resting on Bill's shoulder now. She sat up, rubbing her face as Bill turned his head to her.
"Whot's going on?" She asked blearily.
"That's Fudge's voice…and Minerva's too" Molly whispered. "What are they arguing about?"
The shouting became clearer as they bounded into the hospital wing. Rayne stood, Bill following to pull back to screens as they came up the ward.
"Where's Dumbledore?" Fudge growled at Molly.
"He's not here" Molly shot back. "This is a hospital wing, Minister, don't you think you'd do better to-"
Molly was cut off as the doors opened, Dumbledore walking down the ward.
"What has happened? Disturbing there people" Dumbledore's gaze rested on McGonagall. "I asked you to stand guard over Barty Crouch-"
"There is no need to stand guard over him anymore, the Minister has seen to that!" She shrieked.
Snape explained that the Minister had brought a Dementor with him to interrogate Barty.
"The moment that thing entered the room!" McGonagall was now screaming, trembling. "It swooped down on Crouch and it-it"
Rayne knew what the Dementor had done by the sheer horror on McGonagall's face. Cornelius Fudge had gone sheet white as Dumbledore explained that Barty was acting on command of the Dark Lord himself.
"Returned?" Fudge asked. "Preposterous"
Dumbledore tried to make Fudge see reason, tried to make him take action before Voldemort did. But he wouldn't believe him.
"You are-er-prepared to take Harry's word on this, are you, Dumbledore?" Fudge asked.
Silence filled the room, Rayne clinched her fists as white hot anger seemed to seep from every pour of her body. The silence was broken by Sirius as he snarled and barred his fangs.
"Certainly, I believe Harry" Even Dumbledore was giving off radiant irritation at Fudge.
"You are prepared to believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, on the word of a lunatic murderer and a boy who…well…"
Rayne's ear ringed with anger, she took a step forward and felt Bill's hand on her wrist. Again, Dumbledore tried to get through to Fudge's thick mind. Suddenly, Harry bellowed.
"I saw Voldemort come back!" He tried to stand, Molly forcing him back down. "I saw the death eaters! I can give names! Lucius Malfoy!"
Rayne's heart clenched at the name.
"Malfoy was cleared!" Fudge glowered. "Very old family, donations to excellent causes"
"Macnair!" Harry yelled.
"Also cleared!" Fudge shot back.
Harry continued naming names, Fudge scoffing off each one. McGonagall even tried to show him reason, but he shrugged off each claim. He just refused to see the truth. Dumbledore's voice raised, ringing through the ward.
"Fail to act – and history will remember you as the man who stepped aside and allowed Voldemort a second chance to destroy the world we have tried to rebuild!"
Fudge continued to back away, whispering words such as 'insane' and 'mad'. Everyone watched Fudge with wide and horror filled eyes at the Minister. Finally, Snape made a bold move. He showed Fudge the dark mark upon his arm. Still, he wouldn't listen. He plopped the bag of gold on the bedside table, congratulating Harry and strode from the ward. Dumbledore turned his attention of Molly.
"There is work to be done…Molly, am I right in thinking that I can count on you and Arthur?"
"Of course" Molly nodded. "We know what Fudge is"
"Then I need to send a message to Arthur. All those that we can persuade of the truth must be notified immediately. And he is well placed to contact those at the Ministry who are not as shortsighted as Cornelius.
Bill nodded. "I'll go to Dad, I'll go now"
"Excellent. Tell him what happened. Tell him I will be in direct contact shortly. He will need to be discreet, however"
"Leave it to me" Bill turned and clapped Harry's shoulder then leaned down and kissed Molly on the cheek. He turned to Rayne and embraced her. "Stay safe, Rae" He whispered.
She nodded as he released her, she handed him his cloak as he quickly left the ward. Dumbledore turned to McGonagall.
"Minerva, I want to see Hagrid in my office. Also if she will consent to come, Madame Maxine"
McGonagall nodded and went from the ward. Dumbledore finally turned to Madame Pomfrey.
"Poppy, go to Moody's office. You'll find a house-elf called Winky in considerable distress…do what you can for her and take her back to the kitchens. Dobby will look after her for us"
Madame Pomfrey nodded, hurrying from the ward. When she was gone and the door shut, he looked to Sirius and he transformed back into a man.
"Sirius Black!" Molly shrieked, Rayne caught Molly.
"Mum, it's alright, it's alright" She said quickly.
Snape was staring at Sirius with pure hatred, Dumbledore spoke quickly to defuse the situation. He started giving the three orders, Sirius leaving in a hurry to contact people. Soon after Sirius, Snape swept from the ward too. Dumbledore, too went to leave.
"I must go downstairs and meet to Diggorys. Harry, take the rest of your potion. I will see you all later"
Dumbledore walked from the ward, Harry slowly slumping back down against the pillows.
"You've got to take the rest of your potion, Harry" Molly smiled gently. "You have a good long sleep…try and think of something else for a while…think about what you're going to buy with your winnings"
"I don't want that gold" Harry said blankly. "It should've been Cedric's"
There was silence, Harry starred up at the ceiling. Tears were welling in his eyes. Rayne sat back down on the chair beside his bed and laid a gentle hand over his.
"Harry…It wasn't your fault" Rayne spoke softly.
"I told him to take the cup with me"
Molly watched him, pulling Harry into her arms and held him. The moment ceased when a loud banging echoed, everyone turned to look at Hermione.
"Sorry" She whispered sheepishly.
Rayne laughed gently and grasped the goblet.
"Your potion, Harry" She handed it to him, watching him down it in one gulp.
He fell asleep instantly, falling back into his pillows. Rayne smiled down to him, pulling his glasses off and set them on the table and leaned back. Rayne cried silently, Molly holding her like she had done with Harry. She cried for everything. For Cedric, for Harry, for fear of what was to come.
Rayne sat at the staff table for the end of the year feast. It was a somber occasion, Rayne's eyes peering to the black drapes. The real Moody now sat at the staff table, and Karkaroff was still nowhere to be seen. She watched Harry, Ron and Hermione enter the great hall. Harry gazed along the staff table, Rayne holding her hand up in a slight wave. He smiled, waving back to her as they took their seats. The already quiet hall became even more so when Dumbledore stood.
"The end of another year" He spoke, looking around at the hall, his eyes falling on the Hufflepuff table.
He took a moment, then continued.
"There is much I would like to say to you all tonight. But I must first acknowledge the loss of a very fine person, who should be sitting here" He gestured to the Hufflepuff table. "Enjoying our feast with us. I would like you all, please, to stand, and raise your glasses, to Cedric Diggory"
Rayne's eyes were burning again, standing with the rest of the hall as they raised their goblets and echoed 'Cedric Diggory'.
"Cedric was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguished Hufflepuff house" Dumbledore rested his hands on his podium. "He was a good and loyal friend, a hard worker, he valued fair play. His death has affected you all, whether you knew him well or not. I think you have the right, therefore, to know exactly how it came about"
Rayne looked to Dumbledore now.
"Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort"
There was a panicked whisper that broke out. Everyone's eyes were on Dumbledore. A mixture of disbelief and horror.
"The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so. It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies"
Dumbledore continued, telling them how Harry risked his life to bring back Cedric's body. Everyone stood, raising a glass to him. Rayne couldn't help but notice that many of the Slytherin's remained in their seats. He spoke of unity now, that we all must stick together if we are to overcome this. Dumbledore's last sentence made Rayne silently weep.
"Remember Cedric Diggory"
BTW, Yona is another original character of mine who's own story is in the making. It deals with how she came to get Apep and how she met Charlie and befriended him. That one, however, is not going to be a couple fic like this one. Charlie and Yona are just friends. So if that scene interested you, keep a look out!