Chapter 10: The Five Champions
October 31, 2001 – Wednesday
Great Hall
Buffy was immediately out of her seat and walking over to Dumbledore, her concern etched across her face. "Albus, may I?"
Dumbledore nodded solemnly and handed Buffy the slip of paper with her sister's name on it. Buffy examined it closely, her Slayer instincts finely tuned.
"This isn't Dawn's handwriting," Buffy said, her voice firm, her protective instincts kicking in.
Dumbledore nodded gravely. "I know," he whispered.
Sitting at the Gryffindor table, Harry and Dawn turned to Ron and Hermione, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief.
"I didn't put my name in," Harry said blankly, his eyes fixed on his friends. "You know I didn't."
Hermione stared at her twin, fear for Dawn's safety reflected in her eyes. "Dawnie?"
"I didn't, 'Mione. I swear I didn't. Not with her looking for me," Dawn said, her voice filled with sincerity and anxiety as she looked back at Hermione
"Harry Potter! Dawn Summers!" Dumbledore called out once more, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily in the air. "Harry! Dawn! Up here, if you please!"
"Come on," Hermione whispered, giving Harry a slight push and pulling her sister behind her. The trio made their way to the front of the Great Hall, standing in front of Dumbledore and Buffy.
"Well… through the door, Harry, Dawn," said Dumbledore, his expression serious. He wasn't smiling.
"Hermione back…" Dumbledore began to say, but Buffy interrupted in a hushed voice, "Albus, Hermione is Dawn's protection when I'm not close by."
Dumbledore nodded in understanding. "Very well."
Harry, Dawn, Buffy, and Hermione moved off along the teachers' table, and they entered the room where the rest of the champions had gone just moments earlier. Viktor Krum, Cedric Diggory, and Fleur Delacour turned to look at them as they entered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion.
"What is it?" Fleur said, her voice tinged with impatience. "Do zey want us back in ze Hall?"
"Extraordinary!" Ludo Bagman exclaimed as he entered the room, his excitement palpable. "Absolutely extraordinary! Gentlemen … ladies. May I introduce—incredible though it may seem—the fourth and fifth Triwizard champions?" He turned his gaze toward Dawn and Harry.
"Oh, vairy funny joke, Meester Bagman," Fleur said with a hint of irritation.
"Joke?" Bagman repeated, clearly bewildered. "No, no, not at all! Harry and Dawn's names just came out of the Goblet of Fire!"
"But evidently zair 'as been a mistake," Fleur insisted. "They cannot compete. They is too young."
"Well… it is amazing," said Bagman, attempting to explain. "But, as you know, the age restriction was only imposed this year as an extra safety measure. And as their name's come out of the goblet…I mean, I don't think there can be any ducking out at this stage… It's down in the rules, you're obliged… Harry and Dawn will just have to do the best they—"
Buffy frowned, her protective instincts in full force. "No, I don't think so. Dawn is not competing in anything."
Hermione nodded in agreement, standing firmly by her sister's side. "I have to agree with my sister."
The door behind them opened again, and a large group of people entered: Professor Dumbledore, followed closely by Mr. Crouch, Professor Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape. Professor McGonagall closed the door behind them.
"Madame Maxime!" said Fleur immediately, striding over to her headmistress. "Zey are saying zat zis little boy and little girl are to compete also!"
Dawn frowned at being referred to as a "little girl." She hated being treated as if she were much younger than she was. Buffy noticed her expression and glared at Dawn, silently warning her to stay focused on the matter at hand.
"What is ze meaning of zis, Dumbly-dorr?" Madam Maxime demanded, her tone imperious.
"I'd rather like to know that myself, Dumbledore," Professor Karkaroff interjected. "Three Hogwarts champions? I don't remember anyone telling me the host school is allowed three champions, let alone two—or have I not read the rules carefully enough?"
"C'est impossible," said Madame Maxime firmly. "'Ogwarts cannot 'ave three champions. It is most injust."
"We were under the impression that your Age Line would keep out younger contestants, Dumbledore," said Karkaroff, his frustration evident. "Otherwise, we would, of course, have brought along a wider selection of candidates from our own schools."
"It's no one's fault but Summers' and Potter's, Karkaroff," Snape interjected, his voice soft but pointed. "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Summers' and Potter's determination to break rules. Potter has been crossing lines ever since he arrived here. And Summers, well, she's only here because of her family."
Buffy growled, ready to retort, but Dumbledore placed a calming hand on her shoulder, silently urging her to let him handle the situation.
"Thank you, Severus," said Dumbledore firmly, defusing the tension. He then turned his attention to Dawn and Harry. "Did either of you put your name into the Goblet of Fire?" he asked calmly.
"No," said Harry firmly.
Dawn shook her head, her determination clear. "Definitely not. And you know why I wouldn't, Professor."
Dumbledore nodded in understanding, fully aware of the reasons why Dawn would never willingly participate in such a tournament. Dawn would not want to risk Glory could find her through any news reports and track her down. He proceeded with his questions. "Did either of you ask an older student to put it into the Goblet of Fire for you?" he inquired.
"No," said Harry vehemently.
"Of course not," Dawn stated firmly, her resolve unwavering.
Dumbledore turned to Buffy. "And Dawn, you didn't get Professor Summers to do it for you?"
Before Dawn could answer, Buffy spoke up assertively. "No, she didn't. Nor would I have."
"Ah, but of course zey is lying!" Madame Maxime finally said, her frustration evident as she cast doubt on their statements.
Buffy's glare intensified as she addressed Madame Maxime. "Are you questioning the word of the Slayer?" she demanded, her voice laced with authority and a hint of warning.
"Neither Mr. Potter nor Ms. Summers could have crossed the Age Line," Professor McGonagall interjected sharply. "I am sure we are all agreed on that—"
"Dumbly-dorr must 'ave made a mistake wiz ze line," Madame Maxime suggested with a shrug.
"It is possible, of course," said Dumbledore politely, maintaining his calm demeanor.
"Dumbledore, you know perfectly well you did not make a mistake!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed angrily, her frustration evident. "Really, what nonsense! Neither Dawn nor Harry could have crossed the line themselves, and as Professor Dumbledore believes that they did not persuade an older student to do it for them, or that Miss Summers got her sister to do it for her. I'm sure that should be good enough for everybody else!"
"Mr. Crouch … Mr. Bagman," said Karkaroff, his tone suddenly ingratiating once more, "you are our—er—objective judges. Surely you will agree that this is most irregular?"
"We must follow the rules, and the rules state clearly that those people whose names come out of the Goblet of Fire are bound to compete in the tournament," Crouch insisted.
Buffy's frown deepened. "Hell no. Dawn is not competing," she declared firmly, her protective instincts taking precedence, and Hermione nodded in agreement, supporting her sister's stance.
Dumbledore leaned in to whisper to Buffy, suggesting a potential solution. "Maybe we should tell them?"
Buffy sighed, recognizing the gravity of the situation, and whispered her response. "Judges only," she replied, signaling the need for discretion to Dumbledore, who nodded in understanding.
Crouch sighed in response to their objections. "There is no way she or Mr. Potter can get out of it, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Summers. It is a binding magical contract. Both Mr. Potter and Ms. Summers have to compete."
"Well, Barty knows the rule book back to front," said Bagman, acknowledging Crouch's expertise in such matters.
"I insist upon resubmitting the names of the rest of my students," Karkaroff demanded. "You will set up the Goblet of Fire once more, and we will continue adding names until each school has three champions. It's only fair, Dumbledore."
"But Karkaroff, it doesn't work like that," Bagman explained. "The Goblet of Fire's just gone out—it won't reignite until the start of the next tournament—"
"—in which Durmstrang will most certainly not be competing!" exploded Karkaroff, his frustration evident. "After all our meetings and negotiations and compromises, I little expected something of this nature to occur! I have half a mind to leave now!"
"Empty threat, Karkaroff," growled Professor Moody as he entered the room, his eye whirling ominously. "You can't leave your champion now. He's got to compete. They've all got to compete. Binding magical contract, like Crouch said. Convenient, eh?"
"Convenient?" said Karkaroff, clearly baffled by Moody's insinuations. "I'm afraid I don't understand you, Moody."
"Don't you?" said Moody quietly, his one eye fixed on Karkaroff. "It's very simple, Karkaroff. Someone put Summers' and Potter's names in that goblet knowing they'd have to compete if it came out."
"Evidently, someone 'oo wished to give 'Ogwarts three bites at ze apple!" said Madame Maxime, her frustration evident.
"I quite agree, Madame Maxime," said Karkaroff, his irritation growing. "I shall be lodging complaints with the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards -"
"If anyone's got reason to complain, it's Summers and Potter," growled Moody, his one eye narrowing. "But … funny thing … I don't hear them saying a word …"
Dawn shook her head, feeling overwhelmed, and looked between Hermione and Buffy, her anxiety palpable. "I don't want to compete. Really, I don't..."
"Why should they complain?" burst out Fleur Delacour, interrupting Dawn. "They 'as ze chance to compete, 'asn't they? We 'ave all been 'oping to be chosen for weeks and weeks! Ze honor for our schools! A thousand Galleons in prize money - zis is a chance many would die for!"
"Maybe someone's hoping Summers or Potter is going to die for it," Moody said, his words cutting through the tension in the room, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the tournament.
"Moody, old man … what a thing to say!" Bagman exclaimed, clearly uncomfortable with Moody's insinuations.
"We all know Professor Moody considers the morning wasted if he hasn't discovered six plots to murder him before lunchtime," Karkaroff remarked loudly. "Apparently he is now teaching his students to fear assassination too. An odd quality in a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dumbledore, but no doubt you had your reasons."
"Imagining things, am I?" growled Moody, undeterred. "Seeing things, eh? It was a skilled witch or wizard who put their names in that goblet …"
"Ah, what evidence is zere of zat?" said Madame Maxime, raising her large hands in a dismissive gesture.
"Because they hoodwinked a very powerful magical object!" said Moody emphatically. "It would have needed an exceptionally strong Confundus Charm to bamboozle that goblet into forgetting that only three schools compete in the tournament … I'm guessing they submitted Summers and Potter's names under a fourth and fifth school, to make sure they were the only ones in their category …"
Buffy thought about what Moody had just said and then nodded. He was likely right. Which meant someone within the school knew what Dawn had been and had manipulated the situation to ensure her participation in the dangerous tournament.
"You seem to have given this a great deal of thought, Moody," said Karkaroff coldly, his skepticism evident. "And a very ingenious theory it is - though of course, I heard you recently got it into your head that one of your birthday presents contained a cunningly disguised basilisk egg, and smashed it to pieces before realizing it was a carriage clock. So you'll understand if we don't take you entirely seriously."
Moody didn't back down, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "There are those who'll turn innocent occasions to their advantage. It's my job to think the way Dark wizards do, Karkaroff - as you ought to remember…"
"Alastor!" said Dumbledore warningly, interjecting to prevent the situation from escalating further. "How this situation arose, we do not know. It seems to me, however, that we have no choice but to accept it. Dawn, Cedric, and Harry have been chosen to compete in the Tournament. This, therefore, they will do."
"Ah, but Dumbly-dorr -" Madam Maxime began, her objection halted by Dumbledore.
"My dear Madame Maxime, if you have an alternative, I would be delighted to hear it," Dumbledore said calmly. He waited, but Madame Maxime did not speak. "Well, shall we crack on, then?"
"Got to give our champions their instructions, haven't we?" Bagman suggested. "Barty, want to do the honors?"
Mr. Crouch's voice, usually firm and composed, wavered with a touch of apprehension as he began to speak. His eyes bore the weight of his words, as if they carried a secret he had long kept hidden. "Yes," he said, "instructions. Yes… the first task…" His gaze drifted into the distance, as though he were recalling memories of a distant past.
His emotions were tangled, a mixture of duty and concern, and it showed in the furrowed lines on his forehead and the slight tremor in his voice. "The first task is designed to test your daring, so we are not going to be telling you what it is." The uncertainty of the challenge ahead hung heavily in the air, making his words seem almost fragile.
"Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard…very important." Mr. Crouch's voice held a touch of reverence for the bravery he spoke of, as if he had seen countless acts of valor in his time. Yet, there was also a hint of vulnerability, as though he understood the weight of such expectations.
"The first task will take place on November the twentieth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges." His eyes darted briefly to the champions, as if silently urging them to be prepared for what lay ahead. The date seemed both distant and imminent, a deadline that held the fate of these young wizards in its grasp.
As he continued, Mr. Crouch's tone became more somber, a sense of responsibility settling over him like a heavy cloak. "The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament." The gravity of this rule was etched in his expression, his commitment to a fair competition unwavering.
"They will face the first challenge armed only with their wands." His words carried a sense of vulnerability, as if he wished he could offer more protection to the champions. "They will receive information about the second task when the first is over." The unknown nature of what awaited them was a burden he shared with them, his empathy shining through.
"Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests." There was a glimmer of relief in his eyes, a small respite in the midst of the challenges to come.
Finally, Mr. Crouch turned to look at Dumbledore, seeking confirmation and closure. "I think that's all, is it, Albus?" His gaze held a sense of trust in Dumbledore, a reliance on his wisdom and leadership.
Dumbledore's response carried the weight of a hidden truth, and his words revealed the gravity of the situation. "Actually, there is one more thing." The room seemed to hold its breath as he continued, the atmosphere growing charged with anticipation. "This is for the judges only." The champions and staff were asked to leave, leaving only a select few behind.
As Buffy stepped forward, her presence commanded attention, and her voice cut through the tension like a blade. "How many of you recognize the name Glorificus?" Her question hung in the air, a name that sent shivers down the spines of those who knew it. The room fell silent, and the judges gasped in unison, a collective gasp of dread. Rumors of the Hell God and her quest for a mystical Key had spread far and wide.
"I can see everyone has heard the name." Buffy's eyes held a steely determination, a warrior ready to face a formidable foe. "Professor Dumbledore, myself, Hermione, as well as my friends in Sunnydale know where the Key that Glory is looking for is." Her words were a revelation, a revelation that carried both hope and the heavy burden of responsibility.
Dumbledore's face remained grave as he introduced Dawn to the judges, and his words hung in the air like a heavy cloud. "Ms. Summers is the Key pressed into human form. With the publicity of the tournament, it's possible Glorificus could find Ms. Summers, and let me just say the results would be disastrous. We're talking end of the world disastrous."
The room seemed to collectively understand the magnitude of the threat, and Buffy's nod only emphasized the urgency of their situation. Her voice was resolute as she spoke of Dawn's abilities and the true reason for their presence at Hogwarts. "While Dawn is magical and can do wand magic, it is not the reason we came to Hogwarts. We came here so that she would be protected from Glory. With Dawn now in this tournament, it is going to be harder to protect her."
Bagman, Crouch, Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime exchanged knowing glances, their concern mirrored in each other's eyes. Crouch took the lead in addressing the matter at hand. "I think the other judges agree that added security should be set up for Ms. Summers' protection."
Bagman, with his characteristic enthusiasm, chimed in. "Agreed, as there is likely to be publicity done by the Daily Prophet. We should not disclose Ms. Summers' name or allow any pictures to be taken of her. Also, we should pair Ms. Summers up with someone who will stay at her side as much as possible."
Buffy's smile held a hint of relief as she assured them that she had already taken steps to ensure Dawn's safety. Her voice carried a note of determination. "Already taken care of. I've been having my other sister, Hermione, stay with Dawn at all times. The only time they are separated is when they are in the girls' bathroom. They have classes together; they are in the same house, so they sleep in the same dormitory. They eat at the same table during meals."
Bagman nodded in approval, his concern for Dawn evident. "May I suggest one other person, then? That way, even when they are separated, Ms. Summers is not left alone for long periods of time. Perhaps a member of the staff?"
Buffy's concern for Dawn's safety was evident in her determined response. "It would be too conspicuous if a member of the staff was with Dawn outside of class. I would suggest Harry Potter. He will be able to be with Dawn when Hermione can't, especially when both of them are champions."
Bagman pondered the suggestion briefly before nodding in agreement. "Agreed. Is there anything else?"
Dumbledore, his usual calm demeanor undisturbed by the gravity of the situation, addressed Mr. Crouch. "I don't think so. Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"
Mr. Crouch's reply carried the weight of his responsibilities at the Ministry. "No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry. It is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment… I've left young Weatherby in charge… Very enthusiastic… a little overenthusiastic, if truth be told…"
Dumbledore extended an invitation, his warm nature shining through. "You'll come and have a drink before you go, at least?" His hospitality was a welcome respite from the concerns that surrounded them.
Bagman, ever the jovial spirit, chimed in with enthusiasm. "Come on, Barty, I'm staying! It's all happening at Hogwarts now, you know, much more exciting here than at the office!"
But Mr. Crouch remained resolute. "I think not, Ludo," he said, his sense of duty calling him away.
As they exited the room, the weight of their conversation still hung in the air, and the older champions waited, their faces a mix of anticipation and apprehension, unaware of the dangerous forces that loomed on the horizon.
Dumbledore extended a polite offer of a nightcap to Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime, but they had already made their hasty exits, preoccupied with their own thoughts and concerns. Madame Maxime, in particular, had taken Fleur under her wing, guiding her away from the gathering.
Karkaroff, too, had a pressing matter to attend to and beckoned to Krum, their departure leaving the room quieter than before.
Dumbledore's attention then turned to Cedric, offering him a warm smile and a suggestion. "Cedric, I suggest you go up to bed. I am sure Hufflepuff is waiting to celebrate with you, and it would be a shame to deprive them of this excellent excuse to make a great deal of mess and noise."
Cedric, still basking in the glow of his success, nodded in agreement and made his way out of the room.
Harry, however, remained, his curiosity piqued. He glanced at the twins, Dumbledore, and Buffy, seeking an explanation. "Professor, is there a reason I am still here?"
Dumbledore nodded gravely, his gaze steady on Harry. "There is something that Professor Summers needs to discuss with you in private."
Buffy's demeanor was determined as she nodded, her eyes fixed on Harry. "Come with me to my rooms." Her voice held a sense of urgency and purpose as she turned and led Harry, Dawn, and Hermione out of the Great Hall.
As they walked together through the corridors of Hogwarts, the anticipation hung heavy in the air, and Harry couldn't help but wonder what important matter Buffy needed to discuss with him.
Buffy's Suite
Seated in Buffy's cozy sitting room, Harry couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern. He leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Buffy, and asked, "Professor, what is so important that you needed to talk to me?"
Buffy let out a sigh, her expression serious. "You wanted to know how Hermione had a twin, and you and Ron didn't know about it before. We're going to tell you the real story, but in exchange, we need your help."
Harry nodded, a sense of readiness in his demeanor. "Okay."
Hermione, sitting nearby, added her voice to the conversation. "The story about the adoption was mostly true, but parts of it were changed. Till a few months ago, I didn't have a twin. Buffy is my sister, though."
Harry's brow furrowed in confusion. "What?" The revelation was startling and hard to process.
Buffy glanced at Dawn, who nodded in agreement. "See, there is a ball of energy known as the Key," Buffy began, her gaze locked onto Harry's. "It is meant to open the doorway between dimensions, all dimensions. It would literally be the end of the world if that happened."
Dawn nodded somberly, her eyes reflecting the seriousness of their situation. "There is this Hell God named Glorificus, we call her Glory. She's looking for the Key."
Buffy continued, her voice carrying the weight of their mission. "There were these monks. They knew Glory was looking for the Key. So they sent it to me and Hermione to protect in the form of a sister."
Harry's eyes widened as realization dawned upon him. "Dawn."
Dawn sighed, her gaze dropping to the floor, confirming what Harry had just guessed. "Yes, Dawn," Buffy confirmed, her expression resolute.
Harry looked between his best friends and their older sister, a sense of determination overtaking any initial shock. "So what do you need me to do?"
Hermione's question hung in the air, a pointed inquiry into Harry's observations. He nodded in response, a clear understanding dawning. "You've noticed I rarely leave Dawn's side of late?"
Harry affirmed, his voice carrying a note of concern. "Pretty much, yeah."
Hermione explained their need, her voice earnest. "Well, there are times I have to, such as if I need to use the girls' lavatory. We need someone else to watch Dawn as much as possible."
Harry's eyes widened as the realization of their request settled in. "Me?" he asked, his voice a mixture of surprise and determination.
Buffy nodded in agreement, her expression appreciative. "Yes, you. You make the best choice since you're a champion also. You can be with Dawn when Hermione or I can't."
Harry took a moment to consider the responsibility they were entrusting him with, but his decision was swift and resolute. "I'll do it." He turned his gaze to Dawn, his words filled with sincerity. "Dawn, it doesn't matter where you came from. You, like Hermione, are my friend, and I will help keep you safe."
Dawn's smile was genuine, and her gratitude shone in her eyes as she leaned over and gave Harry a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks, Harry," she said, her appreciation clear.
Hermione followed suit, expressing her thanks both in words and actions as she hugged her best friend. "Yeah, thanks, Harry."
Buffy emphasized the importance of secrecy, her tone serious. "Now, Harry, only a few people know about Dawn, about who she is. It needs to stay that way for Dawn's protection."
Harry nodded in solemn understanding, his commitment unwavering. "I understand, Professor. I won't tell anyone."
Gryffindor Dormitory
As Harry, Dawn, and Hermione arrived outside the entrance to Gryffindor tower, the Fat Lady, the guardian of the common room, greeted them with a knowing tone. "Well, well, well," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Violet's just told me everything. Who's just been chosen as school champion, then?"
Harry, familiar with the routine, provided the password without missing a beat. "Balderdash."
Violet, a portrait from another painting who happened to be visiting, immediately corrected him. "It most certainly isn't!"
The Fat Lady, always the peacemaker, clarified the situation for her fellow portrait. "No, no, Vi, it's the password," she said soothingly. With that, she swung forward on her hinges to let Harry, Dawn, and Hermione into the Gryffindor common room.
The moment they entered, they were greeted by a blast of noise and excitement from their fellow Gryffindors. Fred, ever the loud and boisterous one, couldn't contain his surprise and shouted, "You two should've told us you'd entered!"
"How did you two do it without getting a beard? Brilliant!" George roared with a hearty laugh.
Harry shook his head in bewilderment. "We didn't," he admitted. "We don't know how -"
Dawn nodded in agreement, her eyes meeting Harry's. It was a mystery neither of them had yet unraveled – how their names had ended up in the Goblet of Fire.
Angelina, showing her Gryffindor pride, swooped down upon Harry with a warm greeting. "Oh, if it couldn't be me, at least it's a Gryffindor."
Katie Bell, equally excited, joined the conversation, her voice full of anticipation. "You'll be able to pay back Diggory for that last Quidditch match, Harry!"
Angelina, always the hospitable one, extended an invitation to them. "We've got food, Harry, Dawn, come and have some."
Dawn and Harry declined the offer of food, both claiming that they had eaten enough at the earlier feast. However, it seemed that nobody wanted to accept their lack of appetite or hear that they hadn't volunteered for the Triwizard Tournament. The enthusiasm of their housemates was palpable, and it drowned out any attempt to explain the truth.
Lee Jordan, in his exuberance, draped a Gryffindor banner around Harry like a cloak, and Katie Bell did the same for Dawn. The crowd around them seemed relentless, refusing to let them escape to the dormitories. Butterbeer, crisps, and peanuts were thrust into their hands, and the questions kept coming.
Everyone wanted to know how they had managed to trick Dumbledore's Age Line and get their names into the goblet. Harry and Dawn repeated their answer over and over, frustration mounting. "We didn't," they said, their voices growing wearier with each repetition. "We don't know how it happened."
Exhaustion finally got the better of Harry, and he bellowed in exasperation, "I'm tired! No, seriously, George - I'm going to bed -"
Dawn looked to Hermione for assistance, her eyes pleading. Hermione, understanding the need for some respite, nodded firmly. "Coming through, let me get my sister. She's tired. She needs her rest." With determination, Hermione pushed her way through the crowd, creating a path for Dawn to follow.
Hermione led Dawn up the stairs and into the dormitory, away from the clamor and the questions that had weighed on her since her name had been unexpectedly entered into the Triwizard Tournament. As they entered the quiet dormitory, Dawn finally allowed herself to release the pent-up worry and fear that had been gnawing at her.
Without hesitation, she collapsed into Hermione's embrace, her tears flowing freely as her sister held her close. Hermione offered comfort in the form of a warm and understanding embrace, letting Dawn cry into her shoulder.
