A/N: Two things:
First, this chapter/ this story/ this arc, is for all those who think that Hinata can be really terrifying and love him for it.
Two, TRIGGER WARNING for discussions/ actions of predjudice (aganist muggleborns). Kind of in this whole story, really, but especially in the first and last scene of this chapter.
ooooooo
Oikawa was nearly vibrating in his seat.
He was in his last class of his very first day at Hogwarts, actually learning the magic that he'd read about and yearned for since he was seven and being shown the Iwaizumi's very-top-secret-don't-talk-to-anyone-except-us-and-Hajimi bookshelf lined with a modest collection of their old school books with a few newer collections mixed in.
And, so far, everything had been amazing. First there had been Herology-which admittedly was kind of lame because who cared that much about plants, even magical ones….plus Oikawa was still half way convinced that the overgrown venus flytraps were trying to eat him. But, Herbology was made infinitely better because he was partners with Iwa-chan and that meant they got to spend their first ever Hogwarts class together! Then, there was Charms which was actually awesome and apparently taught by the Headmaster's grandson, Professor Keishin Ukai, who Oikawa had decided immediately was cool because he started the lesson with levitation charms and making things fly was decidedly the coolest thing ever.
Which led him to Potions, the first of the Slytherins class without the Gryffindors….which meant without Iwa-chan which….
Whatever, Oikawa wasn't nervous. It wasn't like he couldn't do magic without his best friend standing at his shoulder.
And he'd see him at Quidditch lessons this afternoon.
And...and really he should be worried about how Iwa-chan was doing without him because he was in History of Magic with the Ravenclaws and Iwa-chan had a scary face so he'd probably have trouble making friends which meant he'd miss Oikawa terribly, of course, and be counting down the seconds until he could see him again.
Right.
Oikawa would just make it through Potions-wonderfully, of course, because Hogwarts was amazing and Oikawa was determined to be amazing, too-and, then, he could go off and reassure Iwa-chan.
It was just….no one was sitting next to him and, for a second, Oikawa could feel Iwa-chan's absence keenly somewhere in his chest.
Matsu and Makki had partnered for Potions immediately and obviously, much like they had done for Herbology barely a few hours ago. And Suga...Suga, Oikawa learned, was a strange, shy creature, who still looked at Oikawa like he didn't quite know how to talk to him before hiding himself away.
Oikawa held his breath and waited.
The seat beside him remained empty.
It was fine; Oikawa was just going to act like he didn't notice-it was only the first lesson, maybe he didn't even need a partner.
He almost slumped in a relief when someone finally stumbled into the seat next to him.
"Hi!" The Hufflepuff boy smiled at him brightly if more than a little skittish. "I'm Hayato Ikejiri, want to be partners for today?"
Oikawa nodded back, making sure to smile in return. "Sure, I'm Tooru Oikawa."
Ikejiri laughed a bit awkwardly. "Yeah, I know. I kind of think everyone knows your name by now." Oikawa didn't really know what to say but Ikejiri was already leaning in. "So, is it true? Are you really a muggleborn?"
Oikawa didn't sigh, even if he wanted to. If there was one thing today he could do without, it was the fairly persistent refrain of that same question asked by his year mates, older students, a few teachers, paintings, and even ghosts a couple of times.
"Yeah, I really am a muggleborn," Oikawa replied, trying not to make the words sound dull from overuse. "No, I wasn't expecting Slytherin either."
Ikeijir's eyes widened before he leaned back, talking to his House mates behind him. "See, Sasaya, I told you he was!"
"No way," the stoic Hufflepuff shook his head. "Muggleborns never get into Slytherin. He's gotta be lying."
"I'm really not," Oikawa said tiredly and just a bit sharp. The other boys quieted immediately.
He was saved by further questions by their professor walking into the classroom and Oikwawa straightened in his seat, eyes locking on his first glance at his new Head of House.
Beside him, Ikejiri shivered. "Oh, he really is scary, isn't he?"
There was something about the way the man observed them, without even a hint of a smile as if he was still deciding what he thought of them. After a moment's thought, Oikawa decided that was fair-good opinions you had to earn were worth more.
"I see you've found your seats," Irihata began before he let out a breath and launched into an obviously rehearsed speech, "The art of potions is not a skill to be easily mastered. It requires focus and time, both in the classroom and studying outside of it. At an advanced level, even small mistakes can be quickly dangerous and often deadly. For everyone's safety, follow my directions. Any student improvising without permission will have an immediate detention and loss of House points."
The class nodded along.
Irihata stared back at them. "Good. It should be obvious but I will say it regardless: I require complete respect in my classroom-of myself, the material, and absolutely to your fellow classmates."
Oikawa chose to think he'd probably imagined the way Irihata's eyes flickered briefly to him. After all, it wasn't as if Oikawa was planning on doing anything wrong.
"Frist, before I start you with brewing, I'll be taking a quick assessment of your skills," Irihata waved his wand and sheets flew off the front table to land on their desks. "Be honest, lying won't help either of us."
Oikawa looked down to see a litany of words, brightening as he recognized nearly all of them as potion's ingredients or brewing terms he remembered from obsessively pouring over the Iwaizumi's old textbooks. He diligently wrote down all he could remember, his writing annoyingly clumsy with the still unfamiliar movements of the quill.
When he was finished, he glanced around to find most of the class still working and fought to hide a smirk. Who needed to be a pureblood to understand magic?
Irihata was pacing through the room, observing their progress-collecting Suga's sheet with an approving nod as the other Slytherin had finished even quicker than Oikawa.
He paused by Oikawa. "Do you have a question?"
Oikawa shook his head.
"I finished," he said proudly, only puffing his chest out a little when Irihata took his sheet up, scanning over the answers before giving Oikawa a nod and even a small smile.
"Seriously," Ikeijiri whispered beside him once Irihata had moved on, "how do you know all that, I mean you're….um…" He blushed, unsure how to finish without accidentally insulting Oikawa.
Oikawa did smirk this time-he couldn't help it. "Well, I can still read, can't I?"
The rest of the class proceeded with a fairly basic run down of safety procedures which, by all rights, should have been boring except they were magic safety precautions in a magic school, where they'd make magic potions so that only made them sort of alright.
….And Irihata looked like he'd skin them alive if they nodded off which definitely kept attention to the front.
Finally, about an hour after the start of the lesson, the professor sighed. "Fine, since we still have a few minutes left, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to show you a bit of introductory brewing. A bit of Sleeping Draught." He waved his wand, bringing the cauldron in the front of the classroom to a boil. "Keep in mind, this is a second year potion so nothing that you should be trying alone unless you're willing to risk several detention and the possible loss of limbs."
Beside Oikawa, Ikeijiri shivered.
"I'll need help with the ingredients." He eyed the room. "Mr. Sugawara, Mr. Oikawa, you two seemed familiar with the potion's ingredients. If you wouldn't mind, grabbing some flobberworm mucus and valerian sprigs from the back shelves."
Oikawa stood, feeling a hint of electricity run down his spine at the acknowledgement even if he tamped it down to a polite nod as he stood.
He followed Suga down to the back room.
"Here's the mucus," Suga said quietly, making a slight face as he held up a vial of oozing liquid.
Okawa scrunched up his nose in return, coaxing a tiny smile back from Suga which was definitely a success considering the other had barely said a word to anyone all day.
"Go on, I'll grab the valerian sprigs," Oikawa told him, already looking through the shelves for the case of dried ingredients.
He heard Suga leaving behind him and Oikawa reached for what looked like green sprigs with pale pink blooms.
"Careful." Oikawa looked up to see an older student leaning by the door, seeming like he was waiting for the lesson to be over. "That's wormwood, you can tell by the leaves. Irihata keeps the valerian two shelves over."
"Oh." Oikawa sat back the sprig carefully, following the instructions until he found a plant with blooms more similar to blood red than the light pink he expected. He glanced back up at the older student, noticing the green and silver tie.
Oikawa smiled. "Thanks."
"Anything for our newest House mate." The older boy ruffled his hair which was...kinda annoying but Oikawa let it go to hurry back over to Irihata.
He laid the plant next to Irihata's other potion ingredients before going back to sit in his chair.
He waited as Irihata mixed in the other ingredients, leaning over like the rest of the students as they waited for-
Irihata's hand paused as he reached for the next one.
He held up the plant that Oikawa had brought him. "This is fire weed, not Valerian sprig." He looked up at the classroom. "Put it into any sleeping potion and the effect will destroy the other ingredients in under a second."
He frowned and Oikawa felt the whole class turn to him.
"What made you pick this one," Irihata asked, a mild question even as Oikawa felt his entire face suddenly burn scarlet.
"I-" Oikawa jerked his head around to look at the back room.
The student by the door had vanished.
And Oikawa suddenly felt his stomach lurch somewhere in the vicinity of his feet, the warmth in his cheeks burning like a brand.
"I'm sorry." He swallowed, trying to manage a smile. "I guess I'll review the potions' charts a bit more."
ooooooo
"We can explain," Tanaka shouted quickly
His sister sat down on the bed heavily, hand clenched tightly around the paper and bright smile unusually blank. "Then, explain. Ryu, what is this?"
Tanaka exchanged a heavy look with Noya.
"I got it at the end of last year," Tanaka admitted quietly. "I think it's from….from them, our parents."
"Our parents are dead, Ryu," Saeko said flatly even though her hand hadn't untensed. "The Aurors came to tell Uncle Yori personally. They're dead. They can't hurt anybody anymore, including us."
Tanaka flinched and Noya answered for him.
"We think they escaped," Noya said.
"People don't escape Azkaban." Saeko was already shaking her head. "Ever."
Noya shrugged. "Someone did."
"Who," Saeko demanded.
"Kirika Uragiri," Tanaka said bluntly. "We know she did. She disguised herself as Professor Rezei, Saeko, she was at Hogwarts."
Saeko had gone white. "What? How do you know that?"
"Yachi saw her," Noya admitted. "Merlin, I saw her name on the map."
"The Ministry told us not to tell anyone," Tanaka said, face apologetic. "They said they were investigating it and that if we told, it would cause a panic and they wouldn't be able to find her."
"But, then, they stopped," Noya said emphatically. "Saeko, the Ministry just stopped looking and said it must have been a mistake! They gave up!"
Tanaka pointed at the letter. "Saeko, I got that after they were supposed to be dead."
"Kirika helped them break out," Noya said. "She had to, which means they're still alive and no ones even looking!"
Saeko focused on Tanaka, a bit of color returning to her face. "Have you told Uncle Yori?"
"Um...not really," Tanaka admitted sheepishly.
"Ryu." Saeko frowned.
"What's he going to do?!" Tanaka exploded. "All he can do is tell the Ministry like with the letters last Christmas, remember! And, then, the Ministry will just take all the stuff we do have and tell us not to worry about it!"
"So, what's your plan?" Saeko was on her feet, too, Gryffindor fire back in her eyes. "What are you thinking, Ryu?! You're just going to hunt them down by yourself and what? What then?" She stabbed a finger into his chest. "You may not remember them; but, I do! They're evil, Ryu! They're horrible and that was before they were locked in Azkaban!"
"Well, what are we supposed to do," Tanaka yelled, "just leave it alone! Just wait and hope they don't find us first?! Hope they don't kill more people in the meantime!"
"NO!" The paper was crumpled in Saeko's hands and she took a deep breath, looking for one second twice as fierce as the dragons she worked with.
When she opened her eyes, her voice was back to normal even if the spark was still lit behind her eyes.
She punched her brother in the shoulder. "No, it means we gotta do this smart. Duh."
Noya blinked, smile suddenly lighting back up. "Wait, 'we'?"
Saeko put her hands on her hip, giving Noya a wink. "You don't think you're doing this without me, right?" She sobered, glancing back at her brother. Tanaka looked slightly shell shocked, breathing still heavy. "They're my parents, too, Ryu. I'm not letting you find them alone."
Tanaka looked back at her, face flickering through expressions too fast to name before he swallowed. "We could use some help."
Saeko nodded. "What do you have so far?"
"Um," Noya spread out the papers, trying to figure out how to make the little information they did have sound the best. "Well…...we're pretty sure they met in Azkaban. So, the next step is getting stuff on their cells to confirm it and...and, maybe, the write ups on their deaths, but…."
"We need someone in the Ministry to get access," Tanaka finished.
"And you got no one one, right," Saeko guessed bluntly.
They both winced but nodded.
Saeko tilted her head before ginning. "See and this is exactly why you needed me!"
"You don't work at the Ministry," Tanaka said flatly. "How's that going to help?"
Saeko punched his shoulder again. "Never underestimate a Hogwarts grad!"
"Wait!" Noya's eyes widened and he jumped to his feet. "You said you're helping the Ministry with the tournament!"
Saeko beamed. "Finally, getting excited about that, yeah?"
"So, that means," Noya lit up, "you can get the files for us!"
"Eh, nah," Saeko waved the idea away. "I'm just their creature consultant! I don't get access to the cool stuff!"
Tanaka and Noya both slumped immediately.
"But," Saeko wagged her finger in front of them, "I know someone who can. And, lucky for us, he'll be here for the tournament, too, so we can convince him."
"Who?" Tanaka frowned.
Saeko's grin widened. "My boyfriend, of course! Akiteru's coming!"
ooooooo
Once again, Hinata wasn't feeling particularly hungry.
His bruises ached and his palms itched; but, worst of all, he felt like he was burning.
In a way, the feeling was familiar-it was the burn that came with facing down a strong team, the sting in his hands when the Quaffle hit against them, the wind whipping across his face hard enough to hurt as he dived to the ground.
Normally, Hinata lived in the feeling, chased the fire like it was oxygen and he couldn't breathe without it.
This was different.
This felt like the fire was burning him alive until there would be nothing left but ash and the panic of suffocation.
What has he been doing for the past three years?
Hinata rubbed at his chest.
Karasuna cawed lightly at him, more a questioning thrill than anything and Hinata looked up, smiling softly as he pet down her feathers, laying down the letter from Natsu by his meal.
"Here," he offered her some meat off his plate, "no sense wasting it."
Karasuna tilted her head at him questioningly, taking the offering even as her eyes never left him.
"Hinata," Yachi sounded concerned and Hinata knew from experience that particular tone was very much not good, "aren't you hungry?"
"I'm fine. Look, I already ate most of it," Hinata reassured, gesturing to the half empty plate that was admittedly still nearly twice the food of a normal fourteen year old boy.
Alisa was watching the exchange with wide eyes before leaning over to her brother. "Does he normally eat more than that?"
Lev nodded. "It's kinda impressive, honestly. I keep wondering if he's got an Expansion Charm in his stomach."
Alisa wrinkled her nose.
"Are you feeling sick," Yachi asked.
Was he?
Hinata didn't think so; he felt weird but he was pretty sure it wasn't anything that could be solved in the Hospital Wing.
Hinata shook his head. "Just thinking."
Kenma was more perceptive. "About Quidditch?"
"Heh, yeah," Hinata smiled sheepishly.
"You're still worried," Yachi asked.
Hinata fought back a wince because normally there was something nice about having Yachi next to him to soothe away his worries, to have Kenma watching closely with sharp eyes, to have Lev there to make it seem lighter, and Kageyama to understand. Right now….
Right now, it just felt wrong for a reason Hinata couldn't even begin to explain.
In a jarring moment that cut through his chest, Hinata felt like he was falling, like roots were wrapping around his ankles and he couldn't break forward. Like no one else could even see them. And he needed-
A second and the feeling was gone, tucked back away somewhere before Hinata could get a full glimpse.
"Yeah." He stood up, bag in his hands and Karasuna flapping her wings to land on his shoulder. "I should go. I've got tutoring with Suga later."
Yachi was still frowning. "Hinata, are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I….," he trailed off, wondering how to finish.
Kageyama's huffed, twisting back to Hinata to glare. "I don't get why you're still worried?"
"It's Quidditch," Hinata retorted, almost offended.
"I know!" If anything, Kageyama's glare got even fiercer. "We're playing together again! So, it's fine!" He narrowed his eyes. "Why are you so worried about how we'll play now? If we need to get better, then we'll get better! Like we've always done! Until we can stand on top!"
Hinata rolled his eyes. "I'm not worried about us, dummy! I'm worried about me!"
"Why," Kageyama snapped back.
"What do you mean 'why'? You saw that game! You were there!" Hinata huffed. "I can't play without you! I need you!"
The burn in his chest was eating at him.
Kageyama narrowed his eyes. "What's the problem with needing me?"
Hianta threw up his hands in exasperation, almost upsetting Karasuna. "Because-"
"Excuse me," Alisa's light voice cut through the argument, "have you thought about asking someone else?"
Hinata blinked. "What?"
"You want to get better at Quidditch, yes?" Alisa waited for his nod. "So, why not talk to someone who knows Quidditch?"
"Um," Hinata scratched his neck, "I kinda talked to Hoshiumi the other day when I was practicing?"
Kageyama's frown darkened. "When were you practicing?"
Lev titled his head. "Wait, who's Hoshiumi?"
"He's from Beauxbatons," Hinata answered. "But, that was more about….not Quidditch."
"You should ask Headmaster Washijo," Alisa suggested with a smile.
The entire table exchanged a look.
"Er," Yachi broke in quietly, "I don't know if that's the best idea…..he seemed rather firm on not asking about Quidditch during class."
Alisa's smile grew fond. "Yes, he can be rather terrifying, can't he?"
That seemed to be a massive understatement.
"Which is why you should ask him after class," Alisa continued. "Then, he should have no complaints, right?"
Hinata was unsure about that at best. "...Really?"
"You want to get better, yes?" Alisa looked at him seriously. "Then, you should ask an expert."
ooooooo
The barely dawn light shone through the windows of the Great Hall as the three wizarding schools all watched as an elderly man-bent over on a staff but with eyes still glowing sharply-made his way over to what seemed like a giant but utterly unremarkable wooden cup.
Oikawa fought back a yawn. "They couldn't have done this after classes?"
"Apparently, they used to just do this at the Ministry and bring the Goblet after it's lit," Suga whispered back, more awake and seemingly unminding as Oikawa all but leaned on him.
"Fantastic," Oikawa grumbled, "any particular reason they're subjecting us to this now?"
"Take a guess," Suga said, gesturing to the rows of journalists flocked at the back of the hall, special press passes hanging off their necks that allowed them on Hogwarts grounds while the cameras clicked brightly, temporarily blinding more than a few students that had the misfortune of standing too close.
"Ugh," Oikawa said flatly. "Do you think that's what we'll be dealing with all year?"
"More than likely." Suga grimaced.
"Just wake me up when this year's over."
By now, the old man had finally made it up to the top of the podium, only to dramatically lift the knife that was sitting beside the goblet.
Oikawa did yawn this time.
The old man cut a small slice on his palm, casting a Sonorous as he spoke, the words intoning with the hint of ritual. "By my blood, my magic, and my name, I, Katashi Watanbe-Champion of the 1891 Triwizard Tournament and Master of the Goblet of Fire-relinquish my claim upon this Goblet and request it to light once more to select its new champions and find its future master-" he cast his voice back to the very edges of the hall, "THE NEXT GREATEST WIZARD OF THE GENERATION!"
The Hall broke into scattered rounds of applause with gasps and whispers echoing back.
"Or the dumbest," Oikawa whispered to Suga, who snickered.
Finally-and Oikawa did mean finally-a single drop of blood fell from the knife and into the goblet below and the entire room was suddenly washed in a ring of bright blue flame.
More applause followed as the elderly man was ushered off of the podium and into the waiting hands of Professor Nekomata, who quickly cast a simple Healing Charm to mend up the small cut.
"Can we go back to sleep now," Oikawa groaned.
Suga smiled. "Almost."
Headmaster Ukai stepped behind the Goblet that was now lit with dancing blue flames. "I'd like to take this moment to remind all our students that this tournament is not to be entered lightly. The glory," he took a second to nod to the now smiling old man, "may be great; but, so too we have seen are the risks….quite possibly even more than the glory is worth."
"Then, why are they bloody having it," Oikawa muttered.
Suga just traded a glance back to where reporters were eagerly hanging on every word, Quick Quills flying as they tried not to miss a single detail.
"Having your name chosen by this goblet is a binding arrangement between your magic and an ancient force that traces back to Merlin himself, touched and powered by every wizard who has been the Goblet's master themselves." Headmaster's Ukai's eyes grew even darker as his gaze swept across the entire Hall. "There will be no second guessing."
The words had barely sunk into the crowd when the Headmaster pulled out his wand and drew an elegant Age Line around the Goblet, restricting access from anyone under fifteen. More than a few of the younger students let out audible groans.
"You have a week if you want to enter. And with that," Headmaster Ukai sighed, stare going back to the reporters, "I have been highly encouraged to remind our temporary guests from the more journalistic pursuits that the Ministry has arranged what I've been assured is a perfectly resplendent breakfast layout by the Great Lake for those that wish to take in more of our great castle." He looked back to the students. "To the rest, I assume that you'll be enjoying the return of your hour of peace before classes. Please know you go with my envy."
Both Oikawa and Suga hid their laughs behind closed hands as Nekomata groaned, pulling his old friend off the podium by the edge of his robe.
"At least we know if there's one person who hates this tournament more, it's Headmaster Ukai," Suga whispered.
"So what? He still decided to hold it," Oikawa said back.
It wasn't long before the Great Hall returned to its normal state of bustling chaos, though admittedly with a new glowing accompaniment that definitely drew the attention of more than a few students.
Oikawa collapsed at their normal table and laid his head down.
"Not even going to bother going back to the dorm," Suga asked.
"No time, we only have an hour before classes start," Oikawa mumbled from the table. "No bed, just sleep. The table will support me."
"Hey." Suga poked his shoulder.
Oikawa glared at his roommate. "What."
"Look." Suga gestured back to the cup.
Oikawa glanced up, only to see a long line of students lining up in front of the cup, all with small pieces of paper. Iwaizumi, Kuroo, and Bokuto were near the middle.
The first in line-one of the students from Beauxbaton-cautiously put their slip in, only for the fire to burn a brief orange before the paper disappeared.
Oikawa stared at their friends. "I don't know whether to cheer them on or be severely disappointed."
"It's not all bad," Suga commented. "At least with the tournament, we get Headmaster Washijo for Defense. I think I may try the new Alchemy elective, too, you?"
Oikawa shrugged. "Probably. I'll admit Washijo does seem significantly less likely to murder us than our usual professors."
"Except for reading," Suga pointed out.
Oikawa just smirked.
"You already read them, didn't you?"
"Second year," Oikawa said proudly before pausing, "and reviewed a few last year to try to beat Kuroo, they really are good picks."
Suga wrinkled his nose. "I've only read five of them."
"Guess you're spending the year studying, then," Oikawa teased and Suga kicked him under the table.
"Are you actually bragging for being a nerd?" Matsu dropped down in the seat beside them, Makki taking the one next to him.
Oikawa thought for a second. "Yes, actually, I am. Jealous?"
Makki shoved him.
Oikawa tutted, shaking his head. "It's alright, Makki, not everyone can have both brains and looks."
"I'm Matsukawa actually," Hanamaki said brightly.
"Honestly, he rooms with us for six years and he doesn't even know our names, pathetic, isn't it, Matsu," Matsukawa finished sadly.
Oikawa narrowed his eyes at them before he asked himself if he really, really did want to get dragged into whatever his disaster dormmates were planning.
He decided no.
"My dearest apologies, Makki." He nodded at Matsu before turning to Makki. "Matsu."
Both teens pouted because, when they got down to it, there was nothing that Matsu and Makki loved more than a good reaction.
Suga laughed. "Fine, I'll bite. Why did you two swap names?"
"Not swapped, added," Makki corrected happily. "You're looking at the new Messers Matsukawa-Hanamaki of the Slytherin House."
"Messers sounds more fancy," Matsu added, "and appropriate, considering."
"Well suited I'd say, Messer Matsukawa-Hanamaki," Makki said.
"Why, thank you, Messer Matsukawa-Hanamaki," Matsu responded before trading fist bumps.
Suga and Oikawa both stared at them.
"This is about the tournament, isn't it," Oikawa asked bluntly.
"Right you are," Makki slung his arm around Matsu. "See, the way we figure it if we just enter out last names and we have the same last name, the Goblet's gotta take us together, right?"
"And why have one wizard when you can have two," Matsu says. "It's perfect!"
Suga cleared his throat. "When you say changed your names…."
"By magic and by law," Makki assured. "No worries, Suga, we covered the bases!"
"…..wait," Oikawa was suddenly a lot more awake, "wait, wait, wait, are you saying you two got married? For a tournament!?"
"Of course not," Matsu dismissed. "We're only sixteen. That would be crazy and, unfortunately, very, very illegal at our age. We checked."
"Makes sense but does suck, though. That was our first plan and it would have been way easier," Makki said.
"Plus, his dad fainted and my mom started yelling at us." Matsu grinned.
Suga and Oikawa stared at them.
"We just changed our legal names and did some miniscule blood ritual to link our magic," Makki said. "No biggie!"
"Hey," Matsu dragged his arm, "the line's starting to clear out."
Makki waved. "Wish us luck!"
Suga and Oikawa continued to stare.
Oikawa blinked. "Did they-"
"I don't know," Suga answered.
Oikawa shook his head, trying to regain a coherent thought. "But, I mean-"
"I don't know."
"And it sounded like-"
"I. Don't. Know." Suga's eyes were wide.
"I didn't even know they were dating," Oikawa finally managed. "...wait, are they dating?"
Suga rubbed his temples. "You were right. We shouldn't ask Matsu and Makki questions. It's always a bad idea. I'm sorry for doubting you."
"It happens to the best of us." Oikawa accepted the apology.
They both turned back to the line as Iwaizumi, Kuroo, and Bokuto finally got to the front.
Oikawa fought back a sigh watching as Iwaizumi stood in front of the Goblet. He was watching it with that serious expression-brows drawn together, mouth set-that Oikawa alternatively both loved and hated because it meant there was absolutely no talking him out on whatever he'd decided he needed to do.
It was as frustrating as it was deeply, deeply familiar in a way that stuck in Oikawa's chest.
Iwaizumi entered his name.
"And so it begins," Oikawa announced softly.
The Triwizard Tournament had come to Hogwarts.
ooooooo
The area around the Crows was dark enough that a dirge could be played and no one would pay it any attention.
Ennoshita banged his fist on the table. "There has to be something!"
"There's not," Yamaguchi curled his face in his arms in defeat. "We looked everywhere! There's nothing exciting enough on all of Hogwarts campus that would distract them without also possibly killing us."
"So, we look harder," Daichi said with the crazy eyes of a desperate man who really just wanted a peaceful year with his boyfriend.
"The giant squid," Tsukishima announced suddenly.
"Can't," Asahi said quietly, "they already tried to adopt him second year, he loves them."
"Thestrals," Tsukishima said.
"No," Ennoshita sighed. "Noya found them third year, remember? While we were working on the map."
"A ghoul."
"Ghouls are too boring," Daichi said.
"Centaurs."
"Noya tried that right after our detention a few years ago," Yamaguchi admitted. "Apparently, they don't talk to wizards unless they have to."
Tsukishima gritted his teeth. "Acromantula."
Ennoshita gave him a look. "How is that less dangerous than what they normally come up with?"
"I don't know!" Tsukshima glared. "At least if we take them to some bloody giant spiders, we get to pick what they kill us with!" He pointed at Asahi. "We wouldn't be in this mess if your distraction didn't fail!"
Asahi blushed, coughing lightly. "Well, I wouldn't say failed…."
"Uh." Tsukishima made a face. "It's no use! They're probably bored already and just looking for something to-"
Noya and Tanaka dropped down at the table, grinning widely and the conversation ceased.
"Great news, guys! Look!" Noya plopped down Flumpy proudly. "He's molting!"
If possible, the floberlump looked even more strange than usual, dead skin shuffling off him in clumps.
Yamaguchi reared back. "Flobberworms molt?"
"Nope, horklumps don't either," Noya said excitedly. "It's an entirely new phenomenon! Isn't that fascinating?"
"Interesting, too," Tanaka nudged Ennoshita, "we're definitely going to need your help monitoring the process, alright? Who knows what could happen?"
"Could be dangerous," Noya added, raising his eyebrows expectantly.
The rest of the Crows exchanged looks.
"You really think so," Asahi stumbled out first. "I mean you really think Flumpy could be dangerous and, um, exciting?"
"Definitely," Noya said seriously. "Trust me, guys, Flumpy's got a lot of hidden depths. You just gotta look for them."
"Best creature ever," Tanaka enthused. "Trust us!"
The Crows adamantly did not know what to do with the way their hearts had suddenly lifted.
"You're kidding-" Tsukishima said flatly before Yamaguchi launched across the table to cover his mouth.
"Huh?" Noya shrugged. "Anyway, we're going to leave him with you for a bit so you guys don't miss all the cool stuff!" He winked at Asahi. "Though, hey, if you wanna go distract me more after lunch…."
Asahi's blush got ten times worse. "O-Okay."
"Great!" Noya stood up, Tanaka following behind him.
"Wait," Enoshita called. "Where are you two going?"
"To enter for the tournament, duh," Noya said before pulling Tanaka's arm off to the goblet.
The Crows were left in silence.
"Did that….did that really just happen," Yamaguchi whispered, finally letting Tsukishima go. Tsukishima just kept shaking his head in utter bewilderment.
"We're saved," Daichi whispered, looking up at the sky on the ceiling almost in benediction.
ooooooo
Half the Hall away, Noya sighed. "Whelp, looks like that did it."
"Yeah, but, for how long," Tanaka asked.
"I don't know." Noya frowned, clapping Tanaka's back. "But, probably at least until Akiteru gets here and we can get some actual answers." He looked doubtful. "Or, well, I hope Flumpy can distract them that long."
As one, they both cast a glance back where all the Crows were glancing down at Flumpy with expressions near rapture in their gratitude.
"Our friends are way, way too easily entertained," Tanaka said flatly.
All Noya could do was nod.
ooooooo
Kageyama and Yachi were both giving him looks like they questioned his sanity.
Frankly, standing in front of the door to the Defense class, Hinata wasn't entirely sure he disagreed.
"Are you sure you want to do this," Yachi asked.
The burning feeling was gnawing at Hinata's ribs and he nodded.
"Yeah, I'll be fine!" He swallowed. "I'll meet you at dinner."
"...okay," Yachi sighed, still looking nervous.
Kageyama's hand gripped his shoulder. "After this, we'll be fine, right?"
"I'm just asking for help." Hinata tried to smile. "That's it."
He watched as both of his friends finally continued down the hall, leaving him alone.
Hinata took a breath and held it.
He knocked.
"Enter," came the firm voice of the office's occupant.
Carefully, Hinata inched back the door. "Professor-I mean, Headmaster Washijo?"
Washijo looked back at him, brow drawing together in what Hinata couldn't help but think was disapproval. "Do you need assistance for class?"
"It's not about class," Hinata said.
The stare got darker. "Then, I don't see why I should help you."
"Please," Hinata inched in the office, taking in the full view of Washijo sitting beside the massive oak desk, "it's just a little thing. You're supposed to know more about Quidditch than anyone so I-"
"You're bothering me to ask about Quidditch," Washijo interrupted.
Hinata winced. "It's important."
"Shouyou Hinata," Washijo said flatly, the name rolling out like thunder, "I can promise you that you have bigger things to worry about."
Hinata bit his lip; but, looked back. He waited and felt the fire licking down his chest begin to burn out his throat.
He met Washijo's eyes.
"It's important," Hinata spoke clearly. "I need to get better at Quidditch. As I am now, I can't fight on my own. I want to be good enough to play. Please, I need your help. It's important."
Hinata didn't have other words to say it.
Washijo stared at him before sighing, the brow drawing back just a bit-not enough to be lighter but at least enough for Hinata not to feel that he'd be thrown out of the office at any minute.
"Are you sure you want my advice," Washijo questioned.
"Yes."
Washijo assessed him before nodding. "Leave."
"...What?" Hinata blinked.
"Leave," Washijo said bluntly. "I know your story, Mr. Hinata. I've lived it and, now, I'm here to see it again. Nothing's changed, no matter what the starry eyed journalists and Ministry sycophants will tell you. You want to get better? You want to stand? This country isn't a place that will ever let you, not with your blood. Even Hogwarts can't protect you; but, then again, maybe you've at least realized that." He drummed his fingers on his desk. "Here's the truth, Mr. Hinata, no matter how much we do... or how good we are at doing it... for us, there's no such thing as 'good enough.'"
Silence rang in the office heavy enough to have weight, pressing down against Hinata's chest.
"That's not true," Hinata said but his voice wavered. He pressed firm. "You're wrong!"
Washijo watched him. "Am I? Then, tell me how exactly?"
"I love Hogwarts," Hinata said hotly. "My friends are here! I'm not going to….I can't just leave! I don't want to!"
"I never said you did." Washijo said calmly.
Hinata stared at him, open mouthed but without the words to fill it.
Washijo tilted his head. "In a way, I suppose you're lucky."
Hinata frowned. "What?"
Washijo sighed as he stood up. "No matter how much they may hate you, I can promise that, as things stand, they hate having a mudblood in their precious Slytherin House more." He shook his head. "But, then, there's another of ours who refused my help. You're lucky because you can still stay in his shadow if you want, let him draw their attention."
"I'm not-," Hinata shook his head. "How does that help anyone?"
"It doesn't." Washijo stood. "Don't misunderstand me. Do I want to find a way that muggleborns can fight as well? No, I don't particularly care to help a world that despises me for factors I can't change. I just wanted to find that kind of overwhelmingly powerful strength for myself." He walked around the desk. "And, in that, maybe I was lucky as well. Durmstang has always been more interested in raw ability than blood status."
Washijo opened the door. "What you want, this world will never let you find, Mr. Hinata. Love Hogwarts all you want, but it will never grant you the same love you give it." Washijo gestured for him to leave. "Trust me, it's the better path to find something worth your effort."
Hinata's heart was beating out of his chest as he stood, hands clenching into his sides as he stepped outside the office and faced Washijo.
"This is worth my effort," he challenged, not looking away.
Washijo's expression didn't change, only his eyes flickering darker.
"Then, you are a fool," Washijo said, "and this world will kill you for it. Do not bother me again with pointless endeavors."
The door slammed in front of him.
Hinata closed his eyes and found he couldn't breathe, his lungs already filling with ash.
He tasted blood in his mouth where he'd bitten his cheeks and he was so, so hungry….
For the first time, he felt like he could see it clearly, the one thing he'd always been so careful to push away.
A tall wall loomed before him and, under the weight of his eyelids, it felt so real. Like he could dig his fingers in between the bricks, breathe in and smell the dirt.
Hinata didn't want to, tried not to, but he thought of falling off a broom and into freefall, of hissed insults, of cracked stairs and splinters digging into his hands as a broom exploded under him, of bloody writing on a wall and fear spread in hallways, the hopelessness of a spell eating at his thoughts before they could form, about being unlucky and how the worry in his friends' eyes was slowly biting at something he couldn't name, and….most of all, he thought of a diary.
Hinata was on fire, flames licking through his veins and scalding him from within and he was burning.
It didn't hurt anymore, it ached and it pushed and it starved, but fire couldn't burn itself and Hinata needed so much more.
He opened his eyes.
A tall wall loomed before him.
And Hinata wanted to stand on top of it, high enough to burn with the sun.
ooooooo
A/N: Okay, I will fully admit that I'm actually really nervous about this chapter. But, regardless and as always, thanks to everyone for all your support, you wonderful people! Next Chapter: From the Fire Post Date: Aug. 15-16 ALSO, next chapter is the reveal of the champions, so final chance, place your bets!