Disclaimer: More steamy moments to come.
Things are really kicking off with this chapter so I am excited to be putting it up.
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"Nicely done, O'Hara," Professor McGonagall exclaimed when I was the first to transfigure my raccoon.
Angelina, who was sitting beside me, gave me a pat on the back, while the other girls rolled up their sleeves to give it another go. Surprisingly, the twins both gave me a grin, probably because they weren't taking the lesson very seriously.
"Want to watch the arrival of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons together?" Fred asked, in sort of an odd tone.
"Of course we are, why would you even have to ask?" I looked at him quizzically.
He only shrugged and turned back to George who had also now transfigured his raccoon.
"What was that all about with Fred?" Alicia asked me hours later as the four of us girls walked to the front hall to await directions from McGonagall.
"No idea." I said with a shrug.
I thought about Fred's behaviour over the past while, and I realized I couldn't pinpoint when I had noticed it change.
"Have you noticed he's been acting a little odd?" I asked, deciding I wanted a second opinion.
"It's just Fred, he's never been what one would call normal," Angelina answered casually.
Her answer was very reassuring and all I needed to hear to brush off the thoughts that were tickling the back of my mind.
Of course, I would always be best friends with Fred, nothing would ever change that.
"Hare!" I heard Fred then, standing near the front of the congregation of students.
We went to join him, as he was already standing with Lee and George.
"Look at you, all dressed up for the visitors," Fred said as I watched him notice my pink cashmere sweater and black denims.
I could feel my tactless blush flare up, but I flattened my new sweater and stood tall. I had never been one for fashion, accessorizing or really putting much effort into clothing. But I felt if I was going to be one to put my name forward for the tournament, I might as well present myself well. Angelina had also put in some effort with a deep green blouse and brown corduroys.
"Well, you at least put more effort in than your brother," I retorted, just after hearing McGonagall call out Ron for his crooked hat.
Fred chuckled before we were all led out to the front of the school to await the two other school delegations.
"Any final guesses?" Fred asked, me already knowing what he meant.
We had all been discussing how the schools would arrive. Lee was certain Durmstrang would arrive on the backs of dragons.
"I still think brooms makes the most sense," I replied, knowing I was probably wrong.
But how else were they supposed to arrive, if not by train like the rest of us.
"In the sky!" we all heard one of the students call out.
I looked up to see what was impossibly a flying carriage. It was also drawn by several large, flying horses. I couldn't stop my mouth from dropping as I watched the vehicle land. It was all so exciting to watch the situation unfold as several girls wearing matching sky blue uniforms exited the carriage which must have had an extending charm put on it. But, most amazingly was the woman who exited the carriage last. She was noticeably taller than Hagrid which was a terrific feat. She was lovely, striking and largely intimidating as she was welcomed personally by Dumbledore who had gone up to greet her.
However, I was brought back from my gaze when Lee shouted from beside me.
"Look at the lake!" he said which made the seven of us jump and follow the direction of his pointed finger.
Sure enough, the Black Lake was gurgling as if it were about to erupt into a whirlpool. Instead, the mast of a ship rose out of the depths until the grand boat was completely out of the water.
It was incredible, just as exciting as the flying carriage. This time, several boys exited the boat wearing red uniforms which looked like they were made out of wool with fur lined cloaks.
"No way!" Fred exclaimed as all my other friends went on their tiptoes to get a better look at the last boy who exited.
"It's Viktor Krum!" Lee bellowed as everyone watched the seeker who had caught the snitch at the World Cup.
After the new arrivals were escorted into the castle, McGonagall efficiently rounded up all of the Gryffindors to head into the Great Hall for a welcoming feast.
"I didn't realize he was still of school age," Katie said excitedly.
I could see Lee sharing her excitement with a slight pause on whether he should worry about his girlfriend ogling a star quidditch player. But Katie was certainly not the only one who was taken by him.
"I bet they'll sit with Slytherin," Angelina said as we found our usual seats.
"Why would say that?" George asked a little exasperatedly.
"Well, they do all look a little straight-faced and surly," she said matter-of-factly.
We watched as the red-cloaked boys wandered awkwardly around the Great Hall. Sure enough, they edged over until they decidedly sat down with the green-cloaked students. I also didn't miss the highly smug look adorn Marcus Flint's face.
"What about Beauxbatons?" Lee piped up.
This time, it was Katie's turn to look a little worriedly at Lee who was watching the blue-adorned girls almost flutter around until they sat with their colour-kin; Ravenclaw.
When everyone was settled, Dumbledore announced the feast and I watched as several unfamiliar dishes appeared.
"What is all this?" George asked, as he questioningly took a scoop of some sort of stew.
I was more forward, being raised to always eat whatever was put in front of me.
"It's delicious," I said after I had swallowed my first gulp.
This seemed to be enough confirmation for my friends who all took a helping.
Fred was pretty obvious he wasn't a fan of the new dish; however, I was surprised when he continued and emptied his bowl. I looked at him with a questioning look, but he only returned with a smile.
Soon after, the dishes disappeared, and a palpable excitement fell over everyone. Dumbledore stood up and announced the two newcomers, Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch. I didn't miss the mischievous look pass over Fred and George's faces when they laid eyes on Bagman.
Dumbledore then proceeded to explain that one delegate from each school will be chosen. There will also be three events in which the champions compete in order to win the tournament at the end of term.
I looked over at Angelina who shared a small, knowing look. We were both excited at the possibility of representing Hogwarts as champion.
At this point, Dumbledore requested that a casket be brought in, and all of a sudden, I was scared. But Dumbledore chuckled and didn't seem phased as Filch pulled in a wooden box.
"The Goblet of Fire," Dumbledore declared as the casket magically opened and revealed a large, golden cup. "One must put their name on a piece of parchment if they wish to put themselves forward. Tomorrow night, the champions will be chosen, and the tournament will officially begin. And I must make myself clear, that there will be an age line put around the goblet should anyone underage attempt to try and hoodwink our impartial judge."
I also didn't miss Dumbledore's gaze as it landed on both Fred and George. Unfortunately, I knew this would not dissuade them from any scheme they were already planning.
After the announcements were finished, everyone stood up in a bustle of excitement.
Fred and George had gone ahead, and I could hear them asking if Harry and Ron were going to try and put their names in the goblet.
"Stop worrying, they won't be able to get past the age line," Angelina said as she held pace beside me.
"Which one?" I asked, not knowing who I didn't want more to be in the tournament; probably Harry.
"Any of them," Ange replied assuredly.
"Are you still going for it?" I asked, deciding to believe in her reassurance.
"Yes, are you?"
"Yea, I still haven't talked myself out of it," I replied.
"You shouldn't. You would be a great champion!" Ange said more confidently than I felt.
I mean sure, I am an above average student and I feel I have strong skills, now including fighting off the Imperious curse. But I also know Angelina is an amazing chaser, also an above average student and would also represent Hogwarts well. Not to mention, my seeker boyfriend who would fit the bill as well. I didn't know who else would put their name in, but honestly by this point, I was just hoping it wasn't a Slytherin.
"What's the hold up?" Katie asked, who was standing behind me and Angelina with Alicia and Lee.
I looked up and could make out the gruff sounds of Moody's voice.
"Durmstrang's headmaster stopped to gawk at Harry," Fred explained from ahead and I rolled my eyes.
I knew Harry hated any attention having to do with his 'fame'. Of course, no one in their right mind wants to be recognized for the day their parents died.
As I tried to fall asleep that night, I tried to picture what sort of challenges the champions would have to face. The last thing I thought of was that hopefully, if I was chosen, I wouldn't have to try and tame an entire herd of blast-ended skrewts.
XXX
"Oi, sod off!" I howled, feeling a beating of a pillow on my face.
My eyes unwillingly shot open and I saw Angelina already dressed, standing over me. She had a wide grin and threw some clothing at me.
"Get up! I don't want to miss anything!" Ange exclaimed before going over and bashing Alicia over the head.
The annoyance I felt was immediately replaced with excitement. Today was the day the champions would get chosen.
Ten minutes later I was hastily ready and leaving the dormitory with Angelina. Alicia had grumpily buried herself under her blankets and Katie had given a rude hand gesture that told us she was not leaving the comfort of her bed this early.
Although, when we got downstairs, there were several early risers watching for those who entered their name. Angelina and I paused at the entrance of the Great Hall and looked at the impressive looking goblet.
"Good morning ladies," Cedric said as he came to stand on my other side. "You missed your boys attempt to enter."
"What boys?" I asked skeptically.
"The twins and Lee Jordan. About ten minutes ago they were ushered away to the hospital wing to get rid of their beards. Well, I think it may have just been the twins who entered, and Lee just escorted them," Cedric finished with a shrug.
Angelina and I shared a look before we both rolled our eyes.
"Why do we hang out with them again?" Ange asked half sarcastically.
I just laughed before Cedric handed us each a piece of parchment.
"May the best student win?" Cedric said goadingly.
Ange gave him a fixed stare before shaking his outstretched hand.
"You're on Diggory," she said.
I also took a piece of parchment from Cedric and took out my wand to address it with my name. Professor Flitwick had just taught us a signature charm and I was excited for this to be the first instance I used it.
"Good luck Mar," Cedric whispered before kissing me and then walking after Ange towards the goblet.
I looked up and saw people cheering for Ange and then Cedric. I followed suit as they both watched with encouraging smiles. A round of unexpected applause roared once I tossed my name into the flame which was now licking blue. I felt a swell of pride for myself as well as my friend and boyfriend who I think would all be excellent champions for Hogwarts. Cedric then took my hand and walked me out where we found Harry sitting with the other fourth years.
"You entered?" Harry asked with evident excitement.
"We all did," I answered, indicating to Ange and Cedric.
"That's brilliant. Two Gryffindors in the running!" Ron said triumphantly.
"Good luck then, the both of you," Harry said, he too ignoring Cedric's presence.
I went over and hugged him before letting Cedric lead me away. We headed down towards the kitchens, Cedric thinking we were heading to his common room.
"Here," I said, stopping at the portrait of the fruit.
I tickled the pear and lead him into the bustle of the kitchen.
"How did I not know this was here?" Cedric asked in an exasperated tone.
"It pays to not be prefect material," I said proudly before I heard a familiar voice.
"Marnee!" I heard Posy squeal before taking my hand and bringing me to the table in the corner.
"Hello Posy!" I greeted excitedly.
"Who is this handsome boy? No Mr. Wheezies today?" she asked almost smugly.
Who knew house elves could be devious?
"This is Cedric, Cedric, this is Posy," I introduced the two.
Cedric shook Posy's hand which seemed to delight her.
"Posy bring Miss Marnee and Mr. Ceedric a special breakfast," she said with a wink before scurrying back into the kitchens.
"She is something else," I said while looking fondly after Posy.
"I want to show you something afterwards," Cedric said with a mischievous grin.
"It can't be better than my secret places," I said, this being the second Hogwarts secret I had shown him.
"We'll see," he replied smugly just as Posy came back with steaming hot chocolates and carrot cake.
We enjoyed our meal with the casual doting from Posy. Even Dobby came to introduce himself before Posy shooed him away.
"Alright, where is this place that is better than mine?" I asked as Cedric led me back through the castle and up the stairs.
Cedric just looked at me with a smile before continuing up. We got off on the fifth floor and were now stopped in front of a statue.
"Boris the Bewildered?" I asked skeptically.
"Hey, you brought me to the One-Eyed Witch," Cedric retorted playfully.
"Fair enough."
"Bubbles," Cedric said randomly.
"Excuse me?" I asked, worried he was now losing his mind.
But before he could answer, the statue shifted to uncover a secret doorway.
"Hogwarts never gets any less incredible," I said in awe.
Cedric took my hand and led me inside to a very ornate looking room. It had white walls with golden designs emblazoned everywhere. It looked as if it belonged in a palace, and in the center was a large swimming pool.
"What is this place?" I asked breathlessly.
"The prefect bathroom. Not to shabby for prefect material," Cedric replied smugly.
I stuck my tongue out at him before I watched him take off his shirt.
"What are you doing?" I asked with a nervous laugh.
"Going for a swim," he answered casually.
In no time Cedric was down to his knickers before jumping into the porcelain pool.
"Are you coming?" he asked, eyeing my layers of clothing.
"Turn around," I ordered, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Alright," Cedric replied without hesitation. He swam to the opposite edge of the pool and looked the other way.
I edged out of my clothes, nervous to jump in with only my knickers. I was very aware of my body which I had hardly ever been before. I also knew exactly what my father would say in this moment and it was not in any way supportive.
I kicked my denims off to the side and stood at the edge. I knew my face was flushed and I still had my arms wrapped around myself. Taking a deep breath, I plunged into the water before I could talk myself into leaving.
"Can I turn around?" Cedric asked kindly.
"Alright," I said, treading water in the middle of the pool.
Cedric turned around with a smile and took a couple strokes, so he was now treading water beside me.
I felt a nervous flutter in my stomach which immediately caused me to splash water at Cedric.
He sputtered in surprise before quickly retaliating. We swam around for awhile, trying to get away from each other. All of my self consciousness disappeared as I squealed in delight. I was utterly soaked by the end when Cedric put his arms up in surrender. I huffed proudly as I took his surrender as a forfeit.
Cedric swam over cautiously, not completely trusting that I wouldn't turn on him. He was close enough that I could hear his breath. This was probably because I was holding mine. He slowly wrapped his arms around me, making it difficult to continue treading. As a result, I slipped under and forgot to close my mouth. Cedric lifted me up and I sputtered water out of my throat. Cedric turned me over onto my back and swam me to the steps of the pool so I could sit without drowning.
"Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.
"Just needed to catch my breath," I croaked hoarsely.
"I can't have you dying on me. What if your name gets called tonight? I would have to gallantly take your place in your memory," he said with mocking chivalry.
I splashed him lightly in protest, but he stopped my hand by taking it into his. He then moved my hand to his shoulder before moving his own across my arm and then down my back. He enveloped me in an embrace, and I was aware again of my body and his.
"You are so beautiful," he murmured into my ear before bringing his mouth across to mine.
His lips were warm and filled me with a lightness that cast away my self-consciousness.
I found myself wanting more, more of him to fill me with this lightness that made me feel as if I were floating.
I don't know how long we sat there, snogging like our lives depended on it, until Cedric pulled away.
"I think we better get dried off," he said, sounding a little winded.
"Why?" I asked, feeling dazed.
"Because I don't want to miss whose name get's chosen," he replied cheerfully.
"It's that late already?" I asked skeptically.
He nodded and walked out of the water. Somehow, there was a stack of towels in the corner which were steamed and pressed.
"They're warm?" I said as Cedric handed one to me.
"Magic," he replied cheekily.
Once we were dressed, we headed out together towards the Great Hall.
"Good luck?" he asked once we were at the entrance.
"Good luck," I replied, kissing him on the cheek, and heading towards the Gryffindor table.
"Where have you been all day?" Alicia asked with a suspicious smile.
"With Cedric," I replied simply.
Thankfully, the Halloween feast appeared before I could get peppered with any more questions.
"Here you go Hare," Fred said from across the table.
He had a purple dyed candy apple in his hand, my favourite.
I took it from him happily before piling a mountain of sweet treats onto my plate.
Every few minutes though I found myself glancing at the front of the room at the Goblet of Fire. I didn't know if my nerves or excitement were winning out.
By the time the feast was swept away into thin air, every eye in the room was turned onto the goblet.
"I expect the Goblet of Fire is ready to make its announcement," Dumbledore said as he went to stand beside it.
I watched with bated breath as the once orange flames turned blue. After a moment, a parchment came twirling out of the flames.
"The first champion. From Durmstrang, congratulations Viktor Krum!" Dumbledore announced jovially.
The entire school erupted into applause as the famous quidditch player stoically stood up and walked towards the door near the staff table.
The applause continued as the goblet spit out another parchment.
"From Beauxbatons Academy, Fleur Delacour," Dumbledore continued.
I watched as the girl Ron had been ogling over stood up and followed where Krum had disappeared to.
The goblet roared to life again, and I held my breath as Dumbledore read who would be the Hogwarts champion.
"Cedric Diggory!" he exclaimed proudly.
I turned to watch my boyfriend stand up and head towards Dumbledore. He caught my eye, as if asking if I were alright with this decision. I smiled back, showing him how proud and excited I was for him. He returned his infectious smile and walked until he too disappeared through the door.
Of course, I had wanted to be champion, or to see Angelina get the mantel. But I was in no way disappointed to see Cedric get the honour.
The roaring applause carried on. Both Ginny and Angelina had hugged me since they were both sitting on either side of me. Surprisingly, Fred had even high fived me. I kept looking at him suspiciously, trying to figure out his motive, before Ginny tugged my sleeve.
I turned and saw she was pointing at the goblet. It had roared back to life and everyone was gasping in surprise.
Everyone watched as a fourth piece of paper emitted out of the flames.
Dumbledore grasped it out of the air and murmured to himself.
"Harry Potter," he finally exclaimed as his eyes cast over the crowd with worry.
"No," I gasped breathlessly, while I felt Ginny squeeze my hand with worry.
"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore said more loudly.
I turned my head to watch Hermione coax my adopted brother out of his seat.
He looked petrified but continued towards Dumbledore.
Silent tears fell down my face, a mixture of my surprise, anger, and terror of the situation. I was supposed to be the one to protect Harry. I had put my name in but had not gotten chosen, and now I would not be able to protect him in the challenges.
I watched as Harry too walked through the chamber door, now looking more like a void. Once he disappeared through it, I stood up.
I wanted more than anything to follow him through the door, but I saw Dumbledore catch my eye. He shook his head slightly, a gesture which I knew meant that he would deal with it.
Ginny pulled my back down and all I could think was that I had to put my faith in Dumbledore. Surely, he could get Harry out of this mess. Surely, he would not let my younger brother enter a dangerous competition to which he was too young.
The murmurs had already started as I watched Dumbledore disappear through the door with several of the other professors including Moody.
"Please protect him."