Chapter 24: Red fire

The Russo and Harper were making their way back to the castle after their long discussion at the Three Broomsticks. Justin concluded the meeting by coming together at the library to do a thorough research on RFG. They must find out what the initial stands for and maybe, if there any luck, they could meet this person face to face. Using come magical incantation (specialties of Justin Russo), they figured out the ink used in the letter seemed recent, like in a year sort of recent.

"We could get like fingerprints Justin. Like in CSI, you know, get some black powder and rub it with it and then, BAM! Fingerprints." Alex suggested.

"Pretty good idea Alex but all of us just touched this, there's minimal chances we could get the owner's prints." Justin replied, looking down at the letter.

"Do you know anyone at Hogwarts who have that sort of initials?" Harper began.

"I don't know." The older Russo stated. "I mean, there are probably tons of RFG in there. We need to find the one."

"Hey!" Max began. He stopped in front of the pack pointing and gaping at the atmosphere in front of him. "Guys, look at that." They gathered together and notice a barrier from the piece of land they stood on with the area in front of them. It was snow heavily fallen at their side but at the other, greenery scene was seen inside.

Little snow storms disappeared as it crossing the invisible barrier. Bunch of butterflies turned into snowballs. Leaves turned frozen and cracked as it lay on the ground. "Stand back!" Justin warned the others. He rushes and pulled Max away from the invisible barrier. He pulled out his wand and examined it. "Strange…" He pushed his hand through the barrier.

Suddenly the ground was shaking. Bright light snapped in blinding the Russo and Harper. Within seconds, they were back inside the castle wearing their respective house uniforms. "Woah…"

"What just happened?"

The world seemed out of control. For a second it was broad daylight and then the next thing you know, it was now night time in a blink of an eye. As they remembered, snow blankets the grounds yesterday and now its feel like summer. However, that only happened once since they got there. It was definitely strange. There was no more buzz about the Yule Ball. Everything was back to normal.

Last time Alex checked, observing from the Gryffindor table, Randy was just passing by Ginny Weasley without saying anything. The students and teachers had no idea about this but the Russo and Harper do. It seems like things gone to zero. The tasks have not even started. The champions were not even announced yet.

Harper, being the huge fan of the franchise, did not like the change even only the slightest. "I think it's a waste of time asking people out for the Yule Ball, I mean, it's going to happen in like few months from now." She and Alex were heading down to the Great Hall after an announcement made by Prof. McGonagall stating that the Champions will be announced. "Do you want to skip this one? Since we know who are the champions."

"Maybe we should watch this one, I mean, you kept saying that this starts it all." Alex started as she munches on red liquorices wand. "Just act surprise, it's just that simple." Harper agreed.

In the Great Hall, the long tables were stacked at the sides making them all looked like bleachers. Four Houses were seated as few rushing in to get into the empty seats. Two schools have their own spot for the first since they were here. However, they were not far from their neighboring master of the houses: Slytherin and Ravenclaw.

Alex and Harper sat at the top of the bleachers next to Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan. Sharing the liqourices around their peers, Albus Dumbeldore walked in through the sea of people to the center of the hall where the Goblet of Fire, blazing in blue flame, was placed.

"Good evening everyone!" Dumbeldore began. "I would like everyone to be quiet as I will announce the names for our three champions. For a brief note, once you're selected you will stand alone. Skills and knowledge will be tested. So be prepare."

With a smooth wave of his wand, the lights gone dim as the only focus was at the blazing blue flamed Goblet. Everyone was silent and still. Slowly, one by one Dumbeldore began announcing the champions.

"From Durmstrangs! The champion is… VIKTOR KRUM!" The Durmstrang went wild, cheering for their fellow peer, the famous Quidditch player.

"From Beauxbatons, is… Fleur Delacour!" Sea of applauses was heard from everyone as Fleur got up and headed to the back of the hall where Viktor gone through.

"Finally, the Hogwarts champion is CEDRIC DIGGORY!" The yellows were going wild as the Durmstrangs were. "There we are, we now have all three champions! "

BOOM!

Fiery flame gushes out straight up to the ceiling, almost burning the ceiling. It was out of control. Sparks were flying out. Amidst it all, a piece of parchment was swaying down to the ground. A curious looking Headmaster caught in and ended up staring at it. The name on it startled him. "Harry Potter-"

There was silence and every heads had turned at the Boy-who-lived. There was no applause at all. "He's not seventeen yet!" yelled a seventh year Hufflepuff. Everyone was voicing their disagreement. However, Dumbeldore was kept still staring at the parchment. He looked up at the Gryffindor table and shouted, "ALEX RUSSO!"

Alex gone stunned.