Ok. First of all, I love reading all the feedbacks and I appreciate that everyone took their time reading this story. It meant so much. So I thank you all.

Chapter 26: Double it up

"Randy?"

"Yes Viktor?"

It was midnight. In the small lounge area inside the Durmstrang ship, the Bulgarian duo were sitting by the fireplace recalling and discussing about the earlier event. There were no longer three champions but five altogether. Surprises after surprises, this year was definitely the weirdest, according to Randy. Being a young Auror does have its tolls.

"Vot do yu fink of zis?" The Bulgarian seeker said over his cup of hot coco. "Harry Potter and vat girl yu like veing on ze tournament, I von't vant to zear the 'vules must ve followed' nonsenve. As an Auror, zo yu fink someone vare after zem?"

Taking a small sip of his tea, Randy placed him cup down while he stared at the fireplace. He was twisting his dragon heartstring ebony wand between fingers. "Yes, I think so, brat mi."

"Vait a moment, vy are yu not venying zat yu like ze girl?"

"Come on, Viktor, that's not my concern right now."

"Fair enuf." Viktor replied, taking another sip. "Vot are yu going to zo?"

"Investigate." Randy concluded. Viktor nodded.

"This is insane Albus!" Prof. McGonagall expressed her disbelief about the champions' announcement. She followed Dumbeldore pacing his office floor as she showered him with her intense comment about the event. "Harry could be in danger if he enters this tournament… and Mrs. Russo is new, she barely even knows what's going on here."

"That is true Minerva and I agree with you." Dumbeldore calmly answered. "But you heard what the Crouch said; there's nothing we can do now but carry it on."

"I still think this is a terrible idea, Albus." McGonagall concluded.

"I know…" Dumbeldore exhaled.

Meanwhile, in the girls' dormitory; two red beds were put together and the two best friends laid on it staring at the ceiling. Alex and Harper have spent their time talking about the tournament. Suppose, it was a way to calm Harper down because as soon the announcement was made, she's been crying. Luckily Hermione was there by her side, calming her down.

"I think I can help you with this tournament, you know, just to be safe since I read it thousands of times." Harper stated. "It's not like, to make you win, just to keep you alive."

"That's sweet Harper but don't you think it will get too obvious that I go with it flawlessly? Maybe I should, like, get hit or a scratch a little." Alex wondered.

"Nothing going to be just a scratch." Harper started. "Heavy bruises, yes of course, but a scratch? No way."

"What'd you think then?"

"I don't know…"

They sighed.

The next day was Sunday, which means no classes. That's a happy bit for Alex. Well, sort of. The moment she woke up and heading down to the Great Hall for breakfast with Harper, everyone had their heads on her. Some were starting to whisper to one another while their eyes glued to the young Russo. Nothing was merrier than the reception given by the Gryffindor. As Alex stepped into the Great Hall, huge cheers and applause were heard echoing throughout the Hall. All was started by none other than the Weasley twins.

"Weep it fellas! Weep it Ravenclaw! Bugger off Slytherin because we have TWO champions! Yeah!" The twins shouted through a magical megaphone. There were also a little confettis.

"You know, this is not as bad as it looks." Alex told Harper.

"Come on pretty lady!" Fred shouted. "Let us hear you roar for Gryffindor!"

"Ehem, there will be no roaring in this hall!" Prof. McGonagall was behind Alex and Harper all of a sudden and she looked tired and furious. "Now, sit down and eat your breakfast!" The hectic Gryffindor calmed themselves down and took their seats as their House master went over to the teacher's table.

"I am liking this Harper!" Alex told her best friend.

"But please, not too much okay. This tournament is dangerous." Harper reminded.

"Got it!" She gave her a wink and thumbs up.

As they sat down and eating their breakfast, the sons of Durmstrangs came into the hall into packs and they headed to the Slytherin table for their breakfast. One of them was Randy.

"I suppose he told you that too." Harper whispered to Alex, gesturing at Randy.

The Russo girl looked up from her pancakes and watched Randy interacting with his fellow Durmstrang. They were hitting each other as they sitting down. Next to Randy was Viktor and he was rubbing his fist against the top of Randy's head, he was as well laughing.

Suddenly the young Auror was waving across the hall, smiling too. Alex waved back.

"I didn't know you know Randy." Ginny Weasley speaks out, leaning over to Alex and Harper.