"I can't believe it."

Sebastian was still soaking in all the sights of the Room of Requirement. He inspected all my plants, my bubbling potions, and the ever-clicking loom. He seemed equally impressed by the furniture I had for decoration – a giant globe he couldn't help but spin, a wizard's chess table that played by itself when it wasn't in use, and statues of all the beasts I rescued. I had him briefly stick his head in each vivarium, remembering how Poppy spent hours inside on her first visit.

Ominis and I sat in the soft, comfortable armchairs as he took some extra time to just wander and gaze, but I knew it would take him several visits to really comprehend all that the room entailed. "I can't believe it," he whispered again to himself as he walked near us, eyeing the floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books and knickknacks.

We were waiting for him to settle down and say something. I was especially nervous, as it was really me who had kept this secret from him for so long. He looked at me with utter amazement on his face, but I must've looked guilty, for the realization soon dawned on him. "You never told me."

He didn't say it accusingly, but I felt the need to defend myself. "I never told anyone until the end of fifth year, after…" my voice trailed off.

"Ah. So who knows? All your friends?"

That retort sounded a little more accusatory. "I told Ominis first, then Poppy and Natty. Aside from Professor Weasley, who actually introduced me to this room, and a house-elf named Deek, no one else in the school knows."

He nodded and took a chair across from us. "So, you just tell the room what you need, and it gives it to you?"

I struggled for words, and fiddled with the button on my blue cardigan as I tried to find a way to explain the magic. "Yes and no. Ominis still preferred the Undercroft last year, so there was once a door that connected the two places." I gestured to where it once was. "It's gone now, no matter how many times we concentrate. Meanwhile," I continue, "when Ominis wanted boots to wade through the swamp, they appeared." I shrugged. "I don't know all the rules, but I'm happy with what I've created here."

Sebastian perked up. "Boots appeared? So objects then?" He closed his eyes and a plate of biscuits popped into existence on the table. His eyes nearly popped out of his sockets. He bit into one, then he tried again. This time, nothing appeared.

"It can't make a cure appear, Sebastian," Ominis said gently. He turned his head toward me to verify.

I looked at my hands in my lap. "It was one of the first things I tried to summon," I admitted. "It didn't work then, and it won't work now.

"Are you telling me you always knew there was no cure?"

I whipped my head up when I heard venom in his voice, and I saw him glaring at me.

"Sebastian-" Ominis tried to interject, but I didn't want a mediator.

"No! On a whim I also tried to summon hundreds of galleons, but they didn't show up either. It doesn't mean they don't exist! And I'm pretty sure even if I did tell you there was no cure, you wouldn't believe me." I crossed my arms, now remembering why I hesitated to bring him here.

Sebastian shook his head, "I'm sorry, of course. You're right, it wouldn't have stopped me last year. I don't mean to insult you here after you finally let me in." He thought for a moment, then stood up to pace. "If we brought Anne in here, do you think it would make the cure appear for her? Or would she magically be healthy while in this room?"

"I don't think so," I said, uncrossing my arms. "When I walked in here with a cold, the room offered me soup, but it didn't magically heal me, it just soothed my sore throat for a short time. If Anne came in here, I think the room would just offer her a comfortable place to lie down to help with the pain."

Sebastian nodded. "I understand. Thank you for letting me in, really. It's a wonderful place, and I would never have experienced it if it weren't for you."

I stood up. "You're welcome, but with that being said, we all need to go to bed. It's definitely past curfew, even for Ominis as prefect.

Two doors appeared where the Undercroft passageway once stood. I opened the one on the left to see the dungeons. "Looks like this one's yours, boys. It'll go away once you leave. This one's for me." I opened the door to show them the inside of Ravenclaw tower."

We all said goodnight and left the Room of Requirement. That night I had trouble sleeping, wondering if I had made the right call.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next day at noon, the whole school filed in to the Great Hall to hear the opening ceremony for the Triwizard Tournament. Poppy warned me that it would be short – it was just an introduction of the champions to an audience – but everyone was still buzzing with excitement. The tables themselves were gone, and the benches were repositioned in a semicircle, so everyone seated would be facing the podium, where the radio was waiting.

Students took advantage of the opportunity to sit with whoever they wanted, and the Great Hall was already half full by the time I entered. Thankfully Natty, sitting with Ominis already, saved me a seat. She waved me over. "Isn't this exciting!"

I squeezed into the seat, full of anticipation. "It is – I can't wait! Where's Poppy?"

Natty gave me a knowing smile and gestured with her head. "Look two benches to the left."

I looked and gave a small gasp, but a happy one.
"What is it?" Ominis asked.

"She and Dunkin are sitting very close to one another," I said, grinning. "They're laughing about something. My word, I've never seen Poppy so smitten!"

Natty laughed. "Me either. I don't think they've made anything official, and she hasn't told us anything, but the way he looks at her… I have a good feeling about it."

"How does he look at her?" Ominis asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

"Like she's the prettiest girl he's ever seen," I said, my voice wistful, "Like he couldn't care less about his surroundings when she's near. Like he can't look away."

He nodded like he understood. "Well, since he's a Ravenclaw, you might know a little bit more about him. Is he worthy of our Poppy?"

I felt my heart leap when he said that – our Poppy. "I think so. Everyone knows about 'Puffskein Dunkein,' but that's the only stain on his record, so to speak. He's very kind – his sister is a first year in Ravenclaw this year, and he's been offering all first years help with their studies, or with getting around the castle."

"That's sweet," said Natty. "Well, I like him. But if he breaks her heart, we unleash a beast army on him."

"I don't think Poppy would let us, no matter how sad she was. Not because she'd be worried about Dunkin," I clarified, "but she wouldn't want to risk the animals getting injured. Oh, here comes professor Weasley."

But before Professor Weasley did anything, I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Can I sit here?"

I felt a sense of déjà vu as I saw Sebastian standing there, awaiting my answer. He had never spent time with me this year while Natty and Poppy were around, but considering I let him see the Room of Requirement yesterday, I might as well make him feel welcome. "Sure. Have a seat." I leaned forward in an attempt to be cordial. "Natty, you know Sebastian?"

Natty clenched her jaw, but after seeing the pleading look on my face, she relaxed and kindly said, "Of course. Hello Sebastian."

"Hi, Natty."

"Is no one going to introduce me?" asked Ominis seriously, and after a beat we all laughed, tension gone.

At this time, Professor Weasley was making the floating radio bigger once more. The Great Hall grew eerily silent as we all waited with bated breath. Unfortunately, just as before, the sound of static filled the hall, and once again, we covered our ears in discomfort.

"She needs to move the knobs the other way," Ominis said under his breath.

"By all means, Ominis, go up there and tell her," Natty retorted.

Just as suddenly as it arrived, the static disappeared, and we heard a man's voice instead.

"…and we are coming to you live from Uagadou here in Uganda! Today marks the opening ceremony of the Triwizard Tournament, which means all the champions will be presented. No tasks yet, ladies and gentlemen, but we will get to learn more about these Champions. Maybe they'll even give us a statement!

"Let's set the scene for our lovely listeners. I'm standing in Uagadou's outdoor assembly hall, near the stage – it's made up of the same rock as the mountain itself, as the stage was carved directly out of the stone, like the rest of the school. All the students are starting to file in, wearing grey regalia in support of their champion, who will be presented shortly. A podium is erected on the left hand side of the stage, and – yes, now the Headmaster of Uagadou, Professor Dembe, is about to start the ceremony."

A woman's voice was now coming through the radio, but it wasn't as loud as the original announcer, as if she were a distance away.

"Good morning and greetings to all! It is my pleasure to begin the opening ceremonies for the Triwizard Tournament!"

A fuzzy sound of applause came through during her dramatic pause.

"I speak for all of Uagadou when I say it is an honor to be hosting this prestigious competition. Uagadou is one of the oldest wizarding schools in the world, with a rich and colorful history. We are grateful that this tournament will be a chapter in our story. I know we are all looking forward to an exciting and challenging competition, but we should also use this opportunity to learn and grow from what we see. While we may root for a particular champion, we must also take advantage of the chance to forge connections with others. The end result is more than just a trophy, it is an open door. Now, let's begin the introductions."

Everyone leaned forward in anticipation, waiting for the moment we would hear Imelda's name.

"First, Uagadou's own Champion, Ejau Okello!"

Natty gasped, and the sound of applause returned, but it was slightly muffled as the radio announcer pulled the microphone closer to himself. "I've been told that Ejau Okello is in his final year here at Uagadou. He's walking down the middle aisle and now he's climbing the steps to the stage. He looks to be about 6 feet tall, and I must say, he appears to have a lot of muscle. I'm expecting him to have an advantage in any physical aspect of the competition. He is wearing grey, like his classmates, but with silver filigrees on the edges of his robes as a distinguishing mark. While tall and muscular, he has a bright big smile on his face. He's waving to his classmates now. Oh – Professor Dembe is going to announce the next competitor!"

As the audience at Uagadou settled down, I took the opportunity to lean over and ask Natty, "I didn't meet him when we visited. Do you know him?"

Natty's expression was one of disbelief and slight embarrassment. "Technically, yes."

She was met by a chorus of shh's as Professor Dembe's voice came through again.

"Now, it is my pleasure to introduce Professor Black, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Scotland. He will announce his champion at this time."

Faint, hollow claps rang out through the Great Hall.

"Thank you, Professor Dembe," Black's presumptuous and snide voice came through the radio. "The Champion of Hogwarts that will be participating in the Triwizard Tournament is… Imelda Reyes!"

Despite the fact that we couldn't see anything, the entire Great Hall stood up and cheered. It was difficult to make out the announcer through the applause. "Imelda Reyes is a sixth year at Hogwarts, wearing her school's black outer robe and a smart emerald green pantsuit underneath, with pear buttons. She's got a smile, but make no mistake, listeners, the look in her eyes is one of confidence and determination, and she holds her head high. We can't judge a book by its cover, but my prediction is that she's going to be clever with her strategies in this competition."

Professor Dembe's voice came through once more. "Thank you professor Black. And now, I am honored to introduce Professor Brown, Headmistress of Ilvermorny School of Wizardry in America."

After some more polite applause, another woman's voice came through the radio, crisp and enunciating all her words. "Thank you, Professor Dembe. Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to introduce our champion from Ilvermorny. Presenting: Amelia Carpenter!"

Through the applause, we listened to the description of Amelia. "Amelia Carpenter is in her sixth year at Ilvermory, and she's wearing a goldenrod dress and a horned serpent brooch. While she's a little shorter than her competitors, she's taking long and graceful strides down the aisle. She has a calm demeanor, and she's actually shaking her competitor's hands before facing the audience. That's class, but this is the Triwizard Tournament. My prediction is that she may get others to lower their guard. Now that she's up on stage, all three Champions are waving and smiling to the crowd."

Professor Dembe concluded with: "Good luck to all the Champions! We look forward to see you all participating in the first trial on October 21st."

"Alright, listeners, let's see if I can get a word from our champions!"

There were shuffling sounds as the reporter walked, presumably across the stage.

"Hello, Champions! I'm Daniel Havenport, radio announcer for the Daily Prophet. I'm broadcasting live to wizards around the world – but we're based in the UK. Care to make a shoutout?"

"In this thing right here?" came the voice of a male student, and Natty once again gasped. Ejau cleared his throat, "Uh, hello there. I'm looking forward to competing, and I'm confident I'll make my school and my family proud."

"Well said, Ejau! What about you, Imelda? A message for our listeners?"

"The Daily Prophet, you said?" Imelda's voice, full of excitement, filled the Great Hall. "Then a hello to my parents and, if they're listening, my friends at Hogwarts!"

There were more cheers, and some students, not fully understanding the radio, yelled out "Hi Imelda!"

"I'm here and I know I'm going to give this competition everything I've got!"

"And Amelia, what about you?"

"Hello, everyone listening," she had an airy voice, "It's going to be a fun year! Marissa, don't forget to water my plants while I'm gone."

"Haha, very nice, all of you! Good luck, champions, and we'll see you later this month!"

Static once again blared, but thankfully Professor Weasley fixed it quickly. After she shut off the radio and shrunk it to regular size, she turned to face us.

"We will repeat this process when the first task is held," Professor Weasley announced. "You may all resume your classes, aside from the sixth and seventh years, as you're all here anyway."

"What do you think this is going to be about?" I asked our bench.

"Probably career stuff," Sebastian replied. "Discussing what we'll be when we grow up."

"Sixth years," Professor Weasley began "as you get closer to graduation, I will be meeting with each one of you to discuss your career aspirations. What you do in your last two years here could significantly affect your life after Hogwarts. Please be on the lookout for a message from me with your individual time and date for our discussion. You are dismissed. Seventh years, we shall now speak about your internships."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All day long, I kept thinking to myself – what do I want to do with my life? In the muggle world, the typical woman grew up to get married and run the house, but because I was in foster care and had no family or funds, I knew that wouldn't happen for me. I thought I'd become a housekeeper or work in some sort of factory, but my options were limited. I suddenly had a world of choices, but didn't know what to pick.

All of these thoughts were swimming through my mind as I headed toward the Room of Requirement. I collected my potions homework that had been brewing for a whole day, then harvested dittany to be used in future concoctions. I started in on the vivariums, taking an extra minute to stroke the kneazle, who rubbed up against my legs and purred. She always seemed to sense that I had something on my mind, but I didn't feel like talking about it with her. When I entered the beach vivarium, I saw I wasn't alone.

"Who's there?" Ominis was sitting on a small patch of grass, absentmindedly brushing a grey baby hippogriff that was settled next to him. Its eyes were closed, and it made pleasant squawking noises, clearly content. His black robe was discarded next to him, and the sleeves of his white cotton shirt were rolled up. I could see his hair slightly waving in the breeze.

"It's me," I said halfheartedly, "Glad you've mastered the step in here. Is there room for one more over there?"

He smiled when he heard my voice. "Of course." When he felt the sand beside him, he used his wand to create more grass for me to sit on.

"Ash seems quite taken with you," referring to the nearby hippogriff as I sat down next to him.

"The feeling is mutual," he said, giving her one last pet before turning his attention to me. "Is something on your mind? You don't sound like your usual positive self."

I feel bad that he noticed, because a part of me doesn't want to unload my problems on anyone else, but I was also strangely happy he noticed, and right away. I had to remind myself that this is what friends do, and Poppy or Natty or Sebastian would've done the same thing. I would probably have the same reaction no matter who said they cared. At least, that's what I knew I had to tell myself.

"I can't stop thinking about the career thing Professor Weasley mentioned. Up until a year ago, I've never seen a woman own a shop, let alone hold a government position, and it seems somewhat common in the wizarding world. My career isn't something I really considered before, because I thought I'd have to take whatever job I could find to pay the cost of living."

"I can imagine it's a lot to unpack," he said. "I've been thinking about it too. Do you have any idea what you want to be?"

I sighed. "I know a lot of people expect me to be an auror after everything that happened last year, but…" I played with a piece of grass as I pondered. "I've seen so much of that life already. I've seen death, monsters, cruelty, viciousness, ruthlessness… an auror is supposed to find excitement in facing all of that, and want to keep diving in. I know Natty does. But me – I've had enough of all of that for a lifetime."

I heard Ominis heave an audible sigh of relief. "You alright there?" I asked him.

"Forgive me. I also thought that was the life you wanted, and it made me nervous. Merlin knows I would be worried about you constantly if that's the career you chose. I wouldn't stop you, but you'd have to send me a one-sentence message once a week, just saying 'Hello Ominis, I'm alive, from Leo.'"

I laughed. "Well I wouldn't tell you all the details, that's for sure."

He shuddered. "I mean it. If you don't, I'll send you a howler, or I'll go looking for you."

The words made it sound like a joke, but his voice was so sincere, tinged with worry and trepidation. I felt touched by his care and concern. I tentatively grasped his hand. "Hey…" I gave it a squeeze. "I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." I started to pull away, but he held onto my hand, and I stopped. That one touch made me want to interlock our fingers, made me wish he would pull me closer, and I realized I was kidding myself. I never wanted that from Natty or Poppy, or anyone else I considered just a friend. I cared for him, and I wished he would feel the same for me. I held his hand for a beat longer, and for a moment, just a moment, I thought to myself "I can say something. I can say something about how he makes my heart beat faster. I can do it, right now."

But I'm no Gryffindor, and Ominis said, "I know. You promised me at the end of fifth year. Friends, remember? You can't take it back."

My heart sank a little, but I still smiled. "Right. Friends, always."

He let go then, and then I asked him in kind, "What about you? What do you think you'll do after Hogwarts?"

He huffed. "My family expects me to return to the Gaunt mansion, get married, and pass on our snobbery to the next generation. My father would probably get me a ministry job with his influence, but he'll make sure to get something ridiculously easy because heaven forbid his blind son messes it up. Executive button presser, perhaps."

"I suppose that's a little funny, but mostly depressing," I said as kindly as I could. "What do you want to do? Forget your family for a moment."

He took a deep breath and exhaled. "I don't know either. That's why I came here." He gestured vaguely in front of him. "I like the sound and smell of the ocean. Once you give some attention to the beasts, it's relaxing and calm. I thought it could help me gain some insight but…" he shrugged as his voice trailed off. "My favorite class is muggle studies because I actually get the chance to touch things and experience them. What can I do with that?"

It was my turn to shrug. "Maybe you could be the next Muggle Studies Professor. Goodness knows Chovick is getting old."

He offered a small, but genuine, laugh, and I silently reveled in the sound. "I think you picked the one profession that would cause my parents to disown me. So, not a bad idea, really."

"Technically you couldn't possibly stay at the Gaunt mansion if you lived at Hogwarts," I pointed out.

"I could tell them I'm only doing it so I could become headmaster to expel unworthy students." He said, playing along. "Better yet, I should tell them I'm teaching Muggle Studies just to purposely educate the students about how awful muggles really are."

I emitted a small laugh, and we sat in companionable silence for a few moments.

"Whatever you choose to be," he said, still facing the artificial sea, "you'll be a great one. I know it."

I felt a swell of emotion in my heart that reminded me of when Ominis said his aunt would love me. They were words that any of my friends would say, but they meant more coming out of his mouth.

"Thank you," I said sincerely, "that means a lot. And whatever you become, I hope you find a way to make the decision yourself."

He knew I was looking at him, that my head was turned, which is why he faced me. He probably thought I had something else to say, and maybe I did, but when his eyes somehow found mine, I lost myself all over again. He had just said five minutes ago that he wanted us to be friends, so why did I still have any hope in my chest that he would lean in toward me?

Thankfully, before I said or did anything stupid, I heard a familiar hoot. In the next moment, Oscar was perched on my leg, letter in hand.

"Hello, love," I said soothingly as I took the envelope from his beak and stroked his head. "How did you even get in here? I don't have a treat on me, but help yourself to the beast feeder." He looked at me, looked at Ominis, and then flew over to eat. "Professor Weasley really wasn't messing arou- oh, it's from Natty."

"Is everything all right?"

"She says she needs a friend right now."