A/N: My series of unfortunate events continue. I had approximately 4,500 words written out last week (super ahead of schedule!), so I was feeling pretty good about myself heading into my vacation to San Francisco. However, the world had other plans as my rental car was broken into and the robbers stole my backpack and laptop. So, here I am, rewriting this chapter with a brand new laptop I had to shell out money for. I'm not entirely too happy with this chapter because I had to rewrite it, making me forget certain beats in certain scenes. Hopefully the next chapter would be more forgiving. As always, reviews are appreciated! See you next week (if all goes to plan)! -WR
Disclaimer: Still don't own HP
Chapter 6: The Champions
The next morning, the Great Hall was buzzing with rumors regarding the young heiress and Draco Malfoy.
"Mate, did you hear that one of the Ilvermorny girls tore Malfoy a new one?"
"Serves him right, that prat. Long overdue if you ask me."
"A Ravenclaw told me that they were fighting about Granger."
"Granger? What does she want with her? I mean, Draco getting involved, that I can understand, but an exchange student?"
"Beats me. I'm just surprised that someone actually gives a damn about Granger apart from Potter and Weasley."
"So, who's the girl that everyone's talking about?"
"Oh, it's Brooklyn Wayne."
"Who's that?"
"You don't know who Brooklyn Wayne is? Mate, she runs one of the biggest corporations in the world. She's absolutely minted!"
When Brook and Alexis walked through the doors of the Great Hall, approximately a hundred pairs of eyes snapped towards the duo. Many students began murmuring and pointing out Brook as the girl in the rumors that circulated all morning. Brook did not miss the change in atmosphere in the Great Hall. She suddenly took center stage.
"Uh, Lex? Why is everyone staring at us?" Brook whispered.
"No idea. Let's just find a seat." She tugged Brook's arm, urging her forward.
Suddenly, two identically looking ginger boys from the Gryffindor table stood up and started to hoot and holler while clapping vigorously. Soon after, the rest of the Gryffindors followed suit, giving a standing ovation. The Ilvermorny students joined the Gryffindors, some of them nodding in acknowledgement of Brook's actions. The Ravenclaws refused to stand, believing that standing ovations were reserved for truly extraordinary feats, but clapped regardless. The Slytherin table shot daggers at Brook and Alexis in solidarity for Draco. Hufflepuff students were caught between staying silent and joining in the applause, not knowing which side to take without offending any one party. Brook and Alexis started to walk cautiously, unsure of the reason for the sudden attention.
"Would you like to sit with us?" A redheaded girl from the Gryffindor table gestured to the open spots next to hers. They stopped and shared a look with each other. Brook shrugged her shoulders as if to say eh, why not? And took the girl up on her offer along with her best friend. "I guess I should introduce myself. Ginny Weasley." She stuck out her hand, which Brook and Alexis gladly shook.
"Brooklyn Wayne."
"Alexis Thompson."
"I'm Ron. Nice to meet you." Ron interjected from their right, mid-bite into his fifth strip of bacon that morning. He also offered his hand after he wiped the sauces and greases off on his robe. They just nodded and smiled.
"And that is my disgusting" Ginny glared at him. "Idiot brother Ron. And next to him is—"
"Harry. Harry Potter. Good to meet you, Brooklyn and Alexis."
"Ah, the one and only." Brooklyn said. They shook his hand, given that it wasn't lacking in basic sanitation.
"And finally, sitting across from Harry is Neville." Brook quickly recognized him from the Defense Against the Dark Arts class from the day before. He only managed to meekly wave hello, opting to stay quiet. "That about does it for now, I think. Well, minus Hermione. Of course, you've already met her." The youngest Weasley flashed the heiress a quick smirk. "I was wondering why she didn't come up to the dorms last night, but then I heard about what happened. I guess, by now everyone has heard what happened in one version or another."
"We thought it was bloody brilliant, Brooklyn." Ron added, now with an empty mouth. "It was about time someone gave Malfoy a proper arse kicking."
"Hence the standing ovation. It really was amazing, what you did. Malfoy's been spouting pure-blood nonsense at Hermione for years."
"It wasn't as noble as you all make it seem." Brook shook her head. "No one should talk to someone else like that. Especially Hermione." They all nodded in agreement.
"Speaking of which, where is she?" Alexis wondered aloud, searching across the Great Hall.
"She's in class." Ron was halfway through a croissant now. "I didn't even know that Hogwarts offered classes this early in the day. When it comes to school, she's mental, that one. You couldn't pay me all the bloody galleons in the entire world for me to sign up for a class like that."
Ginny aggressively rolled her eyes at her older brother. "Ron, you wouldn't have the scores to take the class anyway."
"Yeah, well. My point still stands." He muttered, finishing off his French pastry. "Who'd want to wake up that early?"
"Ginny and I wake up just as early for quidditch practice." Harry provided a counter-point. "We actually did some laps this morning with some of the returning players from last year's team. Even ran into Krum on the way back from the pitch."
Ron perked up immediately at the mention of the superstar's name. "You met Krum? What is he like up close? Did he say anything? What about any advice? Did you at least get his autograph, mate?" He gripped Harry's shoulders and shook him with every question, emphasizing how big a deal this was to him.
Harry chuckled. "No, Ron. It wasn't anything extraordinary. Just said hello."
"Just hello? Harry, this is Krum we're talking about here!"
"Uh sorry, who is this we're talking about?" Alexis raised her hand, unsure of where the conversation was heading.
"Oh boy. Here we go." Ginny said, knowing exactly the type of response Ron was about to give.
"Victor Krum, obviously! Only the biggest superstar in the European Quidditch League! He's the fastest seeker in the entire world, and he's the youngest player to ever be selected for the Bulgarian National Team. There's no one like him in the entire world. You should see him during games; he just glides out there—doesn't even seem like he's even flying on a broom. Amazing, given his build and height. Completely unprecedented for a seeker his size." Ron sighed, staring out into space.
"Oh, the super tall scary looking guy with the fur coat uniform!" Ron could only huff at Alexis' less than apt description of Krum. "I think I know who you're talking about know. I saw him put his name in the goblet yesterday."
"He's definitely going to be the Durmstrang champion. There's no doubt. If that flaming cup can actually decide who is the most qualified and worthy to compete, then it has to be Krum."
"What about for Hogwarts?" Alexis asked.
"No idea no one sticks out in my mind. What about you, Harry? Any ideas?"
"No, me neither. I've no idea. Maybe Cedric? Who knows?" He shrugged. "What about you two?" Gesturing to Brook and Alexis. "Have you put your names in?"
Alexis snorted, waving her hand away, dispelling the notion. "Ha, me? No. I don't have a death wish like this one here." She jerked her thumb at Brook.
"I put mine in the first night I got here. Should be interesting." The heiress responded.
"Interesting? More like insane and deadly." The redhead countered.
"Well they do have restrictions," she offered as a weak attempt at defending her case.
"Personally, I think the restrictions are rubbish." Ron added his two cents.
"Right, because then we can all get to see a first year that a bloody cup picked get trampled by a troll." Ginny replied to her brother.
"I don't know, Harry and I managed just fine in our first year against a troll. Didn't we mate?" He grinned widely, leaning back while basking in his past accomplishments.
"Ronald, would it kill you to be modest for once in your life?" Hermione's sudden voice made the entire section jump.
"Is your class over already, 'Mione?" Ginny inquired.
"Yes, the professor let us out a couple minutes early today." She turned her attention to Brook and Alexis and offered a smile. "Shall we go to class then?"
"Hey Lex?"
"Yeah?"
"Got a question for you."
"Shoot." The two of them were lounging lazily on the couch in the commons area of the Ilvermorny dorms. Or helicopter, rather.
Brook sat on one end of the couch with her legs draped over Alexis' lap. She was holding a forensics report on the Quidditch World Cup attack produced by her own lab on one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other. Alexis decided to use the time reading up on certain topics of interest.
"So, it's been two weeks since school's started. And yet, a certain French exchange student keeps stealing my seat next to yours in class. Any thoughts on that?" Brook suggestively wiggled her eyebrows.
Alexis' cheeks flushed as she pushed Brook's legs off of her lap.
"Hey! I almost dropped my coffee!" Brook protested, situating herself into a more stable sitting position. "Anyways, the French girl. You. My seat. Spill."
"Do I have to?" She whined, giving her best friend her best puppy dog eyes, but to no avail.
"Yes. I haven't sat next to my best friend in class for ages now, so this girl better be special. And I wanna hear all about her if that's the case."
"Well, Fleur, that her name first of all. Second of all, we're not… what you think we are."
"Hmm, I'll get back to that. What do you even talk about?" Alexis took a sudden interest in her shoelaces.
"I dunno. School stuff, I guess," she muttered.
"Just school stuff, huh?" Brook scooted closer. "Are you sure—Wait. What are you reading? An Introduction to French Culture and Customs." She read aloud as her eyes widened. "Holy shit! You are so whipped! Ow!" A cushion made its way to Brook's face.
"It's just for research."
"Research? Really, Lex?"
"I mean, she's really…interesting, so I want to learn more about her culture. Nothing wrong with that."
"Interesting?" She scoffed. "Lex, just say she's hot." A punch on her arm this time.
"No! She's genuinely interesting! I like hearing about her home in France." She defended. Brook raised an eyebrow, urging her to continue. "And yes. She is very attractive."
"Ha! I knew it!"
"And nice! And smart! I'm not saying that she's only defined by her looks!" Alexis frantically asserted, speaking a mile a minute.
"Hey, no one said that," Brook let out a light laugh. She held Alexis' shoulders, trying to calm her down. "Do you two talk about anything else than 'school stuff?'" Her fingers air-quoted.
"Well, I already told you about how we talk about France. She asks about the US too. Mostly No-Maj things, like Hollywood celebrities and whatnot. And sometimes we talk about the actual class work."
"Anything else?"
"Well, she did ask me about something today."
"About what?"
"She asked me if I could help her with her English for the essay coming up."
"And did you say yes?"
"Of course I did! We're going to meet in her room in the Beauxbaton carriage tomorrow."
"Dude, I think she just asked you on a study date."
"What? No, I'm sure she meant it in a totally platonic, helping her with her essay as friends way."
"Psssh, yeah right. In her room, too? Lex, have you seen how the girl looks at you?"
"No, but there's just no way that she'd be into me."
"Oh my god, you are so oblivious."
"Well, whatever." Alexis rose up from the couch, intending to retire for the night.
"Just remember to use protection tomorrow," Brook teased. She might get a bruise on her arm at this rate.
Fleur paced nervously in her room, biting her meticulously manicured nails even though she knows that she shouldn't. She glanced at the clock every 3 seconds or so, much to the amusement of her sister.
"Fleur, I don't know why your stressing so much about this. Just wear whatever you want. I'm sure she won't mind," Gabrielle suggested. She found it entertaining to see her typically composed sister act so flustered like this. Especially over something as trivial as what to wear for a study date. Under normal circumstances, she would have been more than content to let this go on longer, but she actually wanted to see Fleur and Alexis together.
"Gabrielle, I can't just wear whatever. It needs to be impressive. I need to be impressive." The youngest Delacour could only roll her eyes in response.
"It's just a study date. It's not like it's a date date, is it? Wait, is it?"
"I don't know. I mean, I'd like it to be, but I don't know if she feels the same way."
"Fleur, I'm sure she'll fall head over heels for you."
"But in order for me to pull that off, I need to look impeccable!" Gabrielle buried her face in her hands.
"You'll look amazing regardless of what you wear. You asked me to come here for my advice, right?" Her sister nodded, worry still stitched into her face. "Then, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Just be yourself, Fleur. I'm sure she'll love you for you. And if she doesn't, then she's the dumbest person I've ever met."
Fleur would be lying if she said she didn't jump a little when she heard the knock on her door. She took a deep breath, smoothing out any wrinkles in her sundress before opening the door. Her breath hitched as she took in the redhead in front of her. It was a rather simple outfit: a cropped hoodie and sweatpants, but it made Fleur's heart beat wildly regardless. Alexis looked just as nervous as she was. She was playing the strings of her hoodie with one hand and holding her books with the other.
"Oh! I…I, wow. Um. You, you look great, Fleur," she stammered, stumbling over her words. The veela flashed her a dazzling smile and gestured towards her room.
"Merci, Alex. I could say the same to you. Would you like to come in?"
"Yes! Yes, of course. I didn't realize that I was going to be so underdressed; I could go change super quick," she turned to head for the Ilvermorny dorms, but she was stopped by Fleur's hand on her shoulder.
"You don't have to change, ma chérie. This is just what I feel comfortable in. I apologize if I made you feel like you were underdressed. If anything, I'm the one who overdressed."
"No, no! You don't have to apologize for anything. It's just that you look so…wow." Nice going Alexis, that'll impress her. Real subtle too, Casanova. Use some words. Actual words. Just anything other than 'wow'. "Um, should we get started?"
"Oui, you can set your books down on my bed over there."
The night went by swimmingly. The two chatted about their respective countries and classes as Alexis read through Fleur's essay. Fleur's English wasn't terrible at all. Apart from a few minor grammatical mistakes, her English was nearly flawless. Coupled with her incredibly strong and persuasive argument, Alexis wondered why she was needed in the first place. She finished her edits and looked up from the stack of parchment.
"Fleur, this is an amazing essay. I barely had to fix anything!"
"You are too kind, Alex. Surely there are things I can improve on."
"I mean yeah sure, but you can say that for basically everybody. As far as I'm concerned, this is as good as it gets for an essay." Alexis shifted uncomfortably in her seat at the foot of Fleur's bed as she struggled to find the right words to lead into her question. "Fleur, can I ask you something?"
"Anything you want, chérie." God, her smile is so intoxicating. Alexis let out a shaky breath.
"Why did you ask me to come here tonight? Not that I don't want to spend time with you or anything like that!" She added frantically. "I mean, you didn't need any help with your English, that much is clear with how good this is," she waved the pages of parchment for emphasis. "What am I really doing here, Fleur?"
"Alex, I presume that you know that I am part veela?" The redhead nodded, recalling that piece of information from their past conversations. Also, it was hard to miss with the masses of drooling boys that constantly followed her around. "What do you know about our culture?"
"Well, I know that the veela are very secretive. Not many people know of their culture or practices."
"Yes, that is true. The veela culture is heavily guarded from any outsiders."
"And that the veela have a special ability that allows them to attract whoever they want."
"Not quite. We can't control the ability, or thrall as we call it. It usually leads to many unwanted advances."
"Which leads me to my next question: Why am I not affected by your thrall? I'm not saying that you're not beautiful! Because you are, really beautiful. Like your eyes and your basically everything is just amazing. Unless you don't feel comfortable with me saying that in which case you can just totally disregard what I just said. Or not! That's cool too. Um, but what I'm trying to say is that I'm not drooling at you like the entire male population of Hogwarts or incredibly jealous of your looks either like the girls here. I can totally see why though, I mean have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? And that dress? Wow, I hope that didn't come out as creepy. Was that too creepy? I can just go if you want," Alexis was interrupted by Fleur's laughter. Oh man, I'd give anything to make her laugh like that all the time. Fleur lightly held the redhead's shoulders.
"Breathe, ma chérie. You are going to faint." Alexis nodded in agreement and took some deep breaths at Fleur's urging. "If I understood correctly, you are confused to as why you are not affected by my thrall like the other students?"
"Yes."
"I can answer your original question too with the answer for your second question. A major aspect of veela culture is that when they love someone, they love for life. It's an unbreakable bond between two individuals that connects their souls for as long as they live from the moment they lay their eyes on each other. It truly is love at first sight. The veela can only have one partner, or mate as we call it, who they are meant for during their entire life. It's almost as if the veela is a unique puzzle pieces that can only fit perfectly with the corresponding puzzle piece of her mate."
"And I'm going to assume that I am your…mate." Fleur's heart was beating erratically at a breakneck pace. Her hands were clammy and there was a growing unsettling pit in her stomach. She feared the worst.
"Yes. You are."
"Oh my god." Merde. She hates me. Because I am veela. "This is not real."
"You don't have to do anything, Alex. It is your choice and you can choose to not have anything to do with me and forget about all of this if you wish. I will respect your decision. I'm sorry if I caused you any discomfort." Oh, Merlin. This was worse than Fleur imagined heartbreak to feel like. No amount of anxious thoughts about the future truly prepared her for the feeling of her heart being ripped out of her chest. There was only a dull ache in her throat as she willed herself not to cry. She tried to look strong, but the pain was unbearable. She never believed that she would experience anything like the Cruciatus Curse, and yet here she was. Don't cry, Fleur. She berated herself. Delacours should not cry.
"Fleur, are you kidding? This is amazing!" The redhead threw her arms around the veela, enveloping her in a warm hug. "Wait. Are you crying?" She quickly distanced herself from Fleur and retreated a couple feet. "Oh my goodness, I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I should have totally respected your personal space. I know that not everyone likes hugs and shoot, I'm such an idiot." Alexis wished that a sinkhole would appear where she stood and swallowed her whole. She looked back up at Fleur, surprised at her laugh. The veela reached out and cupped her face with her hands.
"No, mon amour. These are tears of happiness."
"Oh, jeez. You're going to make me cry." She sniffed. "So, does this mean that we're dating now?" She smiled despite the tears that spilled out of her eyes.
Fleur laughed again. "Yes. It means that we are anything you want us to be."
"Then I'd like us to be together. Dating, I mean."
"Together and dating it is then." Maybe her sister was right. Maybe it all could work out in the end.
Hermione was curled up in her favorite corner of the library. The fire was crackling in the background, protecting her from the cold, unforgiving Scottish autumn winds. The warmth wrapped around her better than any blanket could. Unsurprisingly, the library was nearly empty at this time of night, leaving only the two extremes of the scholarly spectrum: those who wanted to get a head start on their academics and those who were well on their way through yet another coffee fueled homework/study binge, brought on by their own procrastination. Apart from the occasional cough, the chair scrapes, and the constant crackling of the fireplace, the Hogwarts library was deathly silent. And Hermione liked it that way. It gave her space and time to think, away from the bustling hallways, the cacophony of the Great Hall, and even from just the casual conversations in the Gryffindor common room.
Sure she enjoyed hanging out with her friends, but this, the smell of old parchment and the indescribable feeling of warmth, this was her natural element. She often found herself getting lost in the forest of books and resources that the library had to offer. Once she was drawn to a particular book or topic there was nothing that could drag her out from her hunt for knowledge. Some days, it got to the point to which Ginny, in her pajamas, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, had to beg for Hermione to go back up to the dorms and get some sleep. She didn't mind it, however. There was a reason she was "The Brightest Witch of Her Age," after all. A title like that doesn't come without any merit. Other kids her age tried hard at school, no question. But the thing that separated Hermione from the rest of the pack was her innate hunger for knowledge. She didn't just want to know, she craved knowing. Hermione was never satisfied until she knew everything there is to know about a topic she attached herself to. Any less than mastery would not be enough. She experienced first hand how being more than just knowledgeable can save the lives of her friends. People she cared deeply about. So, her hunger grew. Because she had people that counted on her. She knew that without her, Harry and Ron, as great as they are, would be completely lost. Maybe even dead.
But tonight, she was in for some "light reading" as she called it. The last two weeks had been strenuous, even for her. The addition of the early morning class decreased the hours of sleep in her already depleted sleep schedule. Not to mention the growing feeling in her stomach about the Triwizard Tournament. You can call it paranoia, but after her first three years of Hogwarts, she was safe to assume the absolute worst in situations like these. Something was bound to go wrong, she could feel it. It always did. And a certain raven-haired witch who ran through her mind constantly certainly didn't help her mental fatigue. Ever since the first day of classes the lioness couldn't get her out of her mind. It was damn near impossible. So many questions and so much to know.
That was why she was spending yet another night in the library, reading something to just simply occupy her mind for the time being to help her soothe some of her edges. A "light reading" session, much to the dismay of her friends, especially Ron who was successfully getting on her nerves as of late: "But Hermione, you read all the time! Why can't you just take a break for a change and stop reading those stupid books? Never does me any good."
To which she replied: "Exactly, Ronald. Maybe if you actually tried to study for more than five minutes, you won't fail so many classes!" Ron let her go after that.
She was halfway into her book about charms developed in 16th century Italy, when she noticed the very girl who occupied her mind standing next to her.
"Do you mind if I sit here?" Brook asked. Hermione pulled herself out of the page she was reading.
"No of course not. Go ahead." Hermione's focus turned back to her book, but from the corner of her eye, she caught the titles of the documents Brook held in her hand: An Essay on Innovations of Magical Long-Range Communication, The Evolution of the Modern Dark Arts during the Great Wizarding War. "How did you manage to get access to these documents? That one must be a millennia old!"
"Oh, I had to pull some strings within the Ministry and the American government. They're not really designed for the public eye." So, her reach extended far and wide even in the wizarding world.
The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, each reading their respective literature on various magical topics. Despite her best efforts, Hermione couldn't maintain the same level of focus while reading. The same questions that circled her mind all week did so yet again unrelentingly. Her eyes would scan over a sentence only to come back to it because she didn't actually register the words on the page. She skipped lines, lost her place on the page, and even blanked out for whole paragraphs at a time. She couldn't take it anymore. She just had to know. Mustering up all of her Gryffindor courage, she asked Brook,
"Brooklyn, why did you stand up to Draco for me?" Brook set her papers down on the coffee table that was just in reach.
She cleared her throat. "No one should say those words to anyone. Especially not you, Hermione." She began, echoing her statement from weeks prior. "You of all people don't deserve to be called something like that. You are extraordinary, Hermione. No matter what he says. You are by far the smartest person I have ever met and also one of the most caring. You have no reason to give to this world and yet you do. I mean, how many teenagers start their own political movement for the betterment of house elves? That's what makes you special, Hermione: you care. Maybe a bit too much. You don't have to take shit from Draco, you don't have to take shit from anybody. I may have gotten a bit shaken up from that day, but I would do it again a thousand times. For you." Hermione's hazel eyes met Brook's grey. "You're worth it, Hermione. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Hermione was normally more composed than this, but the rush of emotions she felt at that moment brushed aside her self-restraint. She threw her arms around the heiress and latched on tightly. Brook was surprised initially, to say the least, as evidenced by her slight jump when Hermione made contact. Knowing that Hermione needed her, she willed herself to relax in her embrace. Hugs weren't really her thing, but for Hermione, she could make an exception. Brook wasn't sure what to do with her arms until she decided to rub reassuring circles on Hermione's back.
"You're worth it, Hermione." She repeated in a whisper, her lips against her ear.
The Great Hall was a bubbling cauldron of anticipation as they anxiously awaited the cup's decision. Many students were still speculating among themselves who would be the champion for their respective schools. As for the Hogwarts students, in particular, house pride was clearly evident as each table was sure that one of their own housemates would be chosen for the title of Hogwarts Champion.
The masses quieted down when they noticed the great wizard making his way towards the podium. For once, the student body was quiet exactly when it needed to be.
"Good evening students. Today marks a historic day, in which four brave qualified students will be chosen by the Goblet of Fire to represent their school in the Triwizard Tournament for their chance at eternal fame and glory. I cannot emphasize enough the great honor it is to be chosen as a champion. The tournament itself is a true testament to a wizard's skill, wit, bravery, and sheer will. It is only through the combination of these traits that success can be achieved. The four selected today are truly the best each school has to offer as it will take only the best to navigate through the daunting tasks that lie ahead." Dumbledore made his way towards the flaming cup. "At the announcement of the names of the champions, I invite them to stand in front of the podium, facing the student body. For Durmstrang," A piece of parchment flew out of the flames, which Dumbledore caught with ease. "Victor Krum!" The entire hall erupted into cheers as the superstar seeker strode confidently to the front. He gazed stoically out into the crowded, his face betraying no emotions.
"And from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Fleur Delacour!" Brook heard an audible gasp from Alexis as the veela's name was called. The redhead gripped tightly onto her friends arm, knowing the risks that came along with the tournament. Fleur walked with infinite elegance, power and determination exuding from each step she took. She flashed Alexis a bright smile. It only marginally made her feel any better. If anything, her heart beat even faster.
"Ilvermorny's champion will be, Brooklyn Wayne!" Brook could hear the loud cheers that came from the Gryffindor table from her newly made friends. She gave Alexis' hand a reassuring squeeze, knowing how much she disagreed with her participation in the tournament. Alexis couldn't sleep last night because of the mere possibility that her best friend and her girlfriend could be selected for this insane event. And now her deepest fears had come true. Nonetheless, she offered Brook a supportive smile and nudged her towards the other champions.
"Go get 'em, tiger."
"And lastly, for Hog—" Dumbledore never got to finish. He was interrupted by the cup prematurely presenting the slip of the Hogwarts champion. The Hall was deathly silent. This wasn't supposed to happen. Brook's brows furrowed in worry. From what she's read on the tournament, the Goblet of Fire didn't make mistakes like this. Something was wrong. Dumbledore calmly opened the folded piece of parchment and nearly whispered the name she was dreading to hear: "Harry Potter."
No fucking way.
Post Chapter A/N: I'm currently in the process of outlining and researching for another fic I am planning to do in the Supergirl Supercorp fandom. If that's your cup of tea, then great! You're in luck, be on the look out for it. If not, then you can just ignore what I just wrote. The other fic will not interrupt the production of Protinus in any way. The actual start of the fic might be weeks out because I'm still figuring out where all the characters fit into the story. I want to have it be fleshed out in the planning stage as I did with Protinus. Please be patient!
Next chapter preview: The first task! And you'll finally get to know why the title of the fic is what it is! -WR