As the first rays of dawn pierced through the window, Peri's eyes fluttered open, her body instinctively waking at the break of day. Today was no ordinary Monday; it held a sense of anticipation and excitement as esteemed guests were set to arrive and champions were to be chosen. The usual lectures and classes had been suspended in honor of the occasion, but students were still required to dress in their proper uniforms. Every detail mattered on this momentous day.
Peri made her way to the Great Hall that morning, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filling her senses. She spotted Draco seated at a table, his tall frame bent over a thick tome and a small plate of toast in front of him. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she approached, the gentle warmth of the morning sun kissing her skin.
"Good morning," she greeted him softly, sitting beside him.
He did not respond, so he continued to read.
With a slight lean, she cocked her head to catch a glimpse of the book in his hands. "Romeo and Juliet?" she questioned with a hint of surprise. "A no-maj book?" Her eyebrows raised slightly as she waited for his response, intrigued by the unexpected choice in literature.
His head snapped up, a fierce glint in his stormy eyes. The intensity of his stare penetrated her soul deeply, causing a shiver to run down her spine. He closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath as if trying to calm his raging emotions. He exhaled slowly, reopening his eyes to meet her gaze again. His words came out in a rough tone, laced with remorse. "No," he said firmly. "I'm sorry."
With a gentle shake of her head, "That," she said with a soft chuckle, "is not the best love story to read if you are looking for one."
"It is a tragedy. I know…it just…" his gaze went past her to the curly blonde sitting at the Gryffindor table engulfed in a thick novel.
Peri did not have to turn to see who he was speaking about, "Let it go. If you refuse to try to be with her, then move on. Date anyone else…except Pansy."
He shifted his focus back to her, preparing to speak.
"I'm not interested either. Holly and I live together; it wouldn't be right for me to betray her like that. Date the same guy..."
"What about me?" he began as the hall filled with people,and his friends joined them.
They remained silent until Fred, George, and Lee rushed into the hall, interrupting their conversation. "Excuse me," they all said in unison.
Peri walked over to her friends and sisters, eager to hear what was happening. "Done it!" Fred whispered triumphantly to the small group.
Everyone had puzzled expressions on their faces. "What?" Ron asked, confused.
"The Aging Potion, dunderheads," Fred clarified.
Peri turned towards Hallie, whose expression quickly changed from confusion to horror, followed by anger and worry. "Are you sure about this?" Peri asked, looking directly at Fred.
"Absolutely! I can already taste the victory, and soon enough, I'll whisk away the girl who haunts my every dream," he declared with unwavering confidence. His eyes were locked on Hallie, who remained unaware she was the subject of his proclamation, though it was evident to all bystanders. The intensity in Angelina's gaze flared up at this sight. "Ready?" he questioned George and Lee.
"It won't work," Hermione and Holly reassured Hallie as the boys neared the aging line, Holly gently squeezing her twin's hand.
"Why bother? We aren't together. I'm not even sure if he feels the same way about me," Hallie confided in them softly, her attention fixed on Fred.
Peri's voice was filled with skepticism as she questioned Fred's methods for capturing Hallie's interest.
"Surely there must be a simpler way," she murmured, raising an eyebrow.
But Fred was steadfast in his reasoning. "She deserves the best," he replied confidently. "And if I can win this upcoming tournament, I will prove I am the best for her."
Peri's expression softened, "What if you are already the best for her?" she asked gently, a hint of hope in her voice.
"I got to do this to prove she deserves me."
"Shouldn't that decision be hers?"
Fred's silence lingered as he stood, his body swaying gently on the balls of his feet, resembling a diver poised on the edge of a cliff. The entire hall fixated on them. They breached the boundary with synchronized breaths and deposited the names into the Goblet. Cheers erupted until a sudden crackling noise filled the air, propelling all three boys out of the circle. As they crash-landed beyond its confines, each sported a shimmering white beard.
Laughter reverberated through the hall, infecting even Fred, George, and Lee with mirth. Amidst the joy, Hallie remained solemn. "How do I look now, Hal?" Fred inquired between chuckles as he got up from the ground and approached her. "Am I a good old man?"
Silent and impassive, Hallie abruptly exited the hall. Perplexed but determined, Fred dashed after her.
"Do you think they'll ever start dating?" Mallory whispered, her eyes filled with anticipation.
George lowered his gaze to meet hers, a hint of uncertainty in his expression. "Likely, but Hal is easily agitated, so it probably won't last if they do. They are too different," he admitted, glancing over at the rest of the group.
"Hal made it clear that she preferred he didn't participate for fear of losing him," Peri stated/
Holly interjected solemnly, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "The challenges ahead are perilous... only those who have reached the legal age are allowed to partake due to the genuine risk of death," she informed the group with a somber tone.
Hallie swiftly returned to her house, blending seamlessly with her peers, who had already settled into their seats. Peri gracefully resumed her position, observing Draco discreetly stashing his book in his bag before engaging in animated conversation with his companions. Laughter bubbled among them as they reminisced about Fred, George, and Lee's recent potion mishap.
Meanwhile, George and Lee hurried off to the Hospital Wing to rectify their brewing blunder, leaving the others to witness the grand entrance of Madame Maxine leading the Beauxbaton students into the Great Hall. Those of age confidently strode forward to add their names to the Goblet of Fire, each name igniting a brief display of pinkish-red sparks within the cup before it returned to its serene blue hue. Once their submissions were complete, the Beauxbaton students departed from the hall under the watchful eye of their dignified headmistress.
Peri lingered in the grand hall, her gaze fixed on the Durmstrang students as they eagerly added their names to the mystical Goblet. Viktor, his name now submitted, strolled over to her side. "Afternoon, 'eri," he greeted her warmly.
"Afternoon, Viktor. Care to join me?" Peri invited him to the empty seat opposite hers. The rest of their group had ventured off for a stroll around the enchanting grounds.
As Viktor pondered the invitation, Karkaroff materialized behind him. "Mr. Krum, it's time to return to the ship," he instructed firmly.
Acknowledging Karkaroff with a respectful nod, Viktor turned back to Peri. "I'll catch up with you at the feast," he promised before departing alongside his peers.
Left alone with Peri, Karkaroff redirected his attention towards her.
"Sir?" she inquired politely.
"How is your mother?" Karkaroff's inquiry caught Peri off guard.
Peri replied tentatively, puzzled by the unexpected question, "She's... well."
"She recently returned after thirteen years away from England." Karkaroff probed further, "What brought her back?"
"She accepted a job offer here," Peri clarified softly. "She and my stepfather are on the grounds if you need to speak with them."
He shook his head, "I knew your grandparents."
"I have only met my mom's parents a handful of times. I know my papa's parents more than my mom's, but neither set of grandparents approve of me for being a halfblood. Blood type should not matter there, but it does for some."
As he prepared to respond, the sound of a cane striking the floor interrupted him. "Is Headmaster Karkaroff troubling you, Ms. King?" Mad-Eye's voice growled as he positioned himself in front of Karkaroff.
She shook her head softly, "No... just another curious soul inquiring about my mother."
"If you seek answers regarding Mrs. Banks, her mother will gladly provide them," Mad-Eye stated firmly, his magical eye flickering.
With a scrutinizing glance at both of them, Karkaroff left the room with a cryptic warning from Mad-Eye about choosing companions wisely.
As Mad-Eye strode towards the Goblet of Fire, she couldn't help but notice his surreptitious actions—slipping something into the Goblet perhaps—triggering a display of pinkish-red sparks. Opting to dismiss any suspicions and attributing it to an inspection for her mother's sake, she focused on the unfolding events.
The atmosphere in the hall buzzed with excitement as groups of students chattered eagerly about their preferred champions. Among the Slytherins, there was a strong inclination towards Warrington, primarily due to his prowess in Quidditch, although his languid pace through the corridors often drew comparisons to a sloth. The Halloween feast commenced promptly once all attendees had settled in.
Following the clearing of plates, Dumbledore and Cassie made their way to the front of the room.
"The Goblet is on the verge of selecting its champion," Cassie's voice resonated throughout the hall, prompting attention. "When the chosen name is announced, please step forward and proceed through the side chamber," she gestured towards a discreet door behind the staff tables, "There, they will be given their initial set of instructions."
Cassie's gaze shifted to Dumbledore, his wand glinting as he strode towards the Goblet. With a graceful flick, he extinguished the candles one by one, leaving only the soft glow emanating from the Goblet and the eerie illumination of the levitating pumpkins. The hall plunged into a dim twilight, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. All eyes were fixed on Dumbledore as he worked his magic.
Draco's impatience simmered like a pot on the verge of boiling over; his fingers danced nervously, delving into the folds of his robe to retrieve a pocket watch so delicate it seemed almost fragile. Under his breath, he murmured, each word cutting through the air with precision, "This wait is dragging on for an eternity."
Peri raised an eyebrow at Draco's agitation. "Got somewhere important to be?" she prodded playfully.
"Not particularly," Draco replied curtly.
"Then relax and soak in the significance of this moment. We are witnessing history unfold before our eyes."
"We're already part of history with Potter sharing Hogwarts with us."
"Harry would be nice if you gave him a chance."
The flickering flames inside the Goblet danced with a fiery intensity, casting a warm glow around the room. Suddenly, as if by magic, a name was submitted, and the flames turned a deep crimson. Sparks burst from the Goblet, shooting into the air like tiny stars. A tongue of flame shot up towards the ceiling, illuminating the shocked expressions on the faces of those gathered in the room. As the fire died, a charred piece of paper floated gently to the ground, its edges blackened and curled. The room erupted in gasps and whispers as they all realized what had happened. It was as if the air was charged with anticipation and adrenaline, focused on that one name now resting on the floor.
Dumbledore reached up with a steady hand to catch the paper as the Goblet returned to its blueish light. The hall fell into tense silence as he unfolded the parchment and cleared his throat before announcing, "The champion for Durmstrang...will be Viktor Krum!"
A wave of excitement and anticipation rippled through the Great Hall as Dumbledore's voice boomed confidently. The students erupted into wild cheers, whistles echoing off the walls and claps thundering across the room. Some were so overcome with joy they jumped to their feet, cheering and clapping in unison like an orchestra.
Viktor rose gracefully from his seat at the Slytherin table and approached Dumbledore, eager to receive the coveted piece of paper that would change his life forever. As he disappeared through the side door, a chorus of congratulations followed him from all corners of the room, led by Karkaroff, who bellowed his approval louder than anyone else. It was a moment of triumph and glory that would be etched in everyone's memory for years to come.
The roaring applause and joyful cheers gradually settled into a peaceful silence. All eyes were fixed on the Goblet, its surface now blazing with an intense red glow. As if answering to some unseen force, a second parchment shot out from within, twirling and spinning through the air before gracefully landing on the ground with a soft thud. The anticipation in the air was palpable as everyone waited for the next name to be revealed.
"The champion for Beaxbatons," Dumbledore began, "is Fleur Delacour."
Peri turned her attention to the stage, clapping softly as a young girl stepped forward. She noticed with intrigue that the girl had veela blood running through her veins, evident in her silvery blonde hair, which shone brighter than Draco's. Seated next to Hallie, she received enthusiastic cheers from her friend, who typically reserved her applause for more dignified displays.
Peri's eyes scanned the audience and caught glimpses of other students who had not been selected, their faces twisted in anguish and tears streaming down their cheeks. "Do they want to die?" she whispered to Draco, unable to comprehend the desperation and sadness radiating from those who had not been chosen for this unique opportunity.
Looking at the students in tears, he chuckled, "Who knows."
As Fleur and Viktor entered the chamber, a heavy silence descended upon the crowded hall. All eyes were on the Goblet, waiting for the next name. Peri's heart raced with anticipation, waiting for the announcement of the Hogwarts champion.
Finally, the Goblet turned red again, and Dumbledore plucked the third piece of parchment from the air. "The Hogwarts champion is...Cedric Diggory."
The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers and stomping feet as their champion proudly accepted the parchment from Dumbledore. Peri couldn't help but smile at Cedric's confident expression as he walked through the side chamber to join the other champions. The sight of him filled her with admiration. As he disappeared into the chamber, she couldn't help but wonder what challenges lay ahead for them in the Triwizard Tournament.
Amidst the uproar of cheers, Cassie's voice pierced through the noise, commanding attention effortlessly. The crowd hushed, eager to catch her every word. "Our trio of champions is now complete," she announced confidently, scanning the expectant faces before her. "I trust you to rally behind your representatives and extend your unwavering support to all contenders, regardless of school allegiance."
Her speech was abruptly interrupted by a sudden change in the Goblet's color—a vivid red hue that sparked and cracked, drawing all eyes towards it as flames danced upwards, carrying yet another parchment. As Dumbledore reached for it, Cassie leaned in beside him, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.
A name emerged from the parchment, and after a brief moment of shared silence, their gazes shifted toward the students assembled in front of them. Dumbledore's voice broke the quiet tension as he enunciated clearly, "Harry Potter."
Peri's gaze fixed on the Gryffindor table, a collective hush falling over the room as all eyes followed suit. The air grew heavy with tension, so palpable that even the faintest sound of a quill hitting the ground seemed deafening. Fear etched itself across Harry's features, visible to everyone observing him. The staff table loomed imposingly, its occupants rising to their feet in unison.
Breaking through the silence like a thunderclap, Harry's voice cut through the room, adamant in his denial, "I swear I didn't enter my name. You have to believe me." His plea hung unanswered, met only by a wall of unyielding silence.
Dumbledore's voice boomed with an undercurrent of anger as he called Harry's name again. Hermione nudged him forward gently, urging him towards his fate. Rising unsteadily to his feet, Harry accepted the proffered parchment from Dumbledore before being directed towards the mysterious door that beckoned him.
No warmth softened the stern expressions that lined the faces at the head table; not a single smile dared grace their lips. As Harry crossed the door's threshold, whispers erupted like wildfire throughout the hall, speculations and rumors swirling.
Draco's disdainful voice sliced through the murmurs like a blade, his words dripping with contempt, "Who does Potter think he is? Defeating Voldemort doesn't give him free rein to disregard rules."
Peri shot him a pointed look, her words poised on her tongue until an abrupt crackling noise resonated from the Goblet, cutting her off mid-sentence.
All eyes snapped to the front, a ripple of worry spreading among the adults.
Pansy's voice cut through the tension, her tone laced with unease, "What's going on?"
A sudden burst of crimson flames erupted skyward, giving birth to a singed parchment that gracefully descended.
Dumbledore advanced swiftly, plucking the document from the air. His lips moved silently as he perused the message, his expression inscrutable. After a moment, he shifted his gaze from the adults to the students before proclaiming firmly, "Periwinkle King!"
A sudden stillness gripped her heart, causing it to beat wildly against her chest as if trying to escape. The once bustling hall fell silent, the only sound now the thunderous thump echoing in her ears. It was as if time had frozen, and all eyes were fixed upon her, mirroring the scrutiny that Harry had faced just moments before. Her breaths came in short, sharp gasps, each louder than the last, filling the previously peaceful room with a sense of urgency and tension. Every nerve in her body seemed on edge, ready for whatever came next.
Amidst the hushed whispers, a sad "No... no..." drifted to her ears, uttered by her mother with tear-filled eyes fixed on Mr. Crouch and Ludo Bagman.
Their subtle headshakes were met with Richard's comforting embrace around his distraught wife.
"Peri King!" Dumbledore yelled again.
Draco's hand trembled as he reached out to help her up, his fearful expression betraying the depth of his feelings. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his one true friend, the only person who truly understood him for who he was.
"I don't want to die," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes but refusing to fall. She turned to face him, her gaze pleading with him to understand.
"You have to go," Draco urged, pushing her off the seat and towards their inevitable fate.
As she slowly walked towards the center of the room, every eye in the hall seemed to be trained on her. It was a long and torturous walk, each step feeling like an eternity.
But then a voice shattered the tense silence. "She's a cheat!" Someone yelled from across the room, their accusing words ringing like a death sentence. The weight of everyone's judgment and hatred bore down on her shoulders, threatening to break her spirit entirely.
Peri's gaze locked onto Snape's, her voice catching, "I swear, I didn't do it," she insisted, met with his stoic silence. Turning to her mother and Richard, she repeated her plea, only to be met with a similar lack of response.
Dumbledore gently placed a parchment in her trembling hand, her handwriting staring back at her in bewilderment.
How had it ended up in the Goblet? With a heart heavy with confusion and fear, she followed the group into the chamber, a whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind.