a/n: if you're still here, ily x i also apologize in advance because idk wtf this chapter is
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࿐ ˚ . ✦𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚋𝚒𝚊~ (𝚗) 𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑✦ . ˚ ࿐

         𝕀𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕤 a feeling that (y/n) hated, it would be the embarrassment of hundreds of eyes on her in a heated moment. Her breath slowed to a rhythm that might be considered dangerously low and erratic. The silence was overwhelming, the energy in the Great Hall shifting to a level that would make even the most structured being uncomfortable. Every breath that left everyone's lungs was a cloud of anticipation, judgment, and fear. She didn't want to confront the situation, she wanted to turn around and storm out with her robes flowing behind her in a silky ripple of rebellion and the only sound be her shoes rapidly speeding away from the pupils that burrowed into her thoughts.

The fury and worry in Dumbledore's eyes was magnified as they traveled through the glass in front of his eyes, two frightened teenagers trying to decide who would sacrifice themselves also visible in the reflection of the half-moon spectacles.

(y/n) felt like she was drowning in the thoughts that leaked over the grooves of her brain like a poison waiting to make its final strike. Her skin crawled like coils of heat were being intricately woven into her veins, flowing through her like a sedative.

There's no possible way she could make Harry put himself in the tournament. Based on the blood and tears she feels run over the grains of dirt that settles on the thin layer of skin that resides in her dreams, there's no possible way anything positive will result after this tournament has gone through. The thought of losing Harry from this decision felt like murder.

She turns to the Potter boy, tears welling around her irises, her emotions feeling like it would be the last time she was free. Harry didn't look any calmer, which worried (y/n) even more. Harry was always the one that knew what to do, he was always the one who calmed her down; but now it seems he didn't even believe there was a light that he could shine to end her darkness. The room filled with tension of what the decision would end up being. 

This indeed was a heartbreaking conundrum of possible victories; possible last breathes to be echoed and carried away with the breeze, never to be thought of again.

"I need a decision, preferably before the Sun rises," Dumbledore pushed bitterly, the worry lines in his face being creased.

How was one supposed to approach this?

"I will," Harry announced shakily, taking a slight step forward. "It'll be me."

"Is this your final decision?" Dumbledore inquired.

Harry gulped. "Yes, that's the final choice-"

"No!" (y/n) interrupted. She took a small shuffle towards Harry so that only he and Dumbledore could hear the whisper over his shoulder. "Harry, I can't have you do this. If anything were to happen to you...I just would never forgive myself. Please."

Harry turned his head to the side, feeling her anxiety ridden breath against his cheek. "I don't care what you try to protest, there is no way I'm putting you in danger like that when I have the opportunity to sacrifice myself. I'd rather die knowing it was so you were safe then something happen to you and I sat back and watch. I'm sorry (y/n), but...you're not entering this tournament."

Harry began to gingerly walk to Dumbledore, sulkily gliding to the other Champions.

"Dumbledore?" (y/n) hesitantly spoke, the old man turning to look at her, his hand still on Harry's shoulder. "Can Harry and I go with the Champions and we discuss this? I don't like how rushed this big decision is...and in front of all these people."

"I suppose. Follow me." Dumbledore walked ahead of the duo, Harry whipping his head around at (y/n).

"What are you doing?" Harry whispered.

"I have an idea," the nervous girl whispered back, "you'll just have to trust me."

They marched like prisoners who clattered against acid rain to their capital punishment. There were lies swirling like a pool of unforgiving distrust and dripping resentment. Everyone had jealousy and hatred beating through their consciousness like a dagger unwillingly being dragged across charred skin waiting to crumble. The feeling of betrayal and sinful revenge towards Harry and (y/n) was mouthed, but not spoken; noiseless.

The two wanted to be pinched out of this wailing nightmare. Imagine, innocently waiting to see who would bravely represent the fight that selfishly risked the warrior's life for the entertainment of some arcane competition.

It is known that the smiling bright light that enters this tournament could come out as a shivering light of shapeless grey; or not shining at all.

(y/n) wanted to collapse in a field of flowers and allow the melody of the moon to take her away from this reality. It was a drifting feeling, like she could float away in her sea of imagination.

Harry and (y/n) went out of the grand door of the Great Hall, only to be met with a smaller room. A gate that almost seemed to be an invitation to their possible final moments, creaked open steadily. They were greeted with the glistening shimmer of gold and silver piles of different structures, seated in front of a warm and crackling fire, it's small bright specks of sparks, beautiful but dangerous; the only thing that seemed to be shining brightly at the moment.

(y/n) anxiously stood close to Harry, trying her best to appear brave. She couldn't help but wonder if this happened just because she was associated with Harry or if she was in serious danger.

Fleur, Krum, and Cedric, all stood tall with their silhouettes traced by the blazing flames. Fleur thought the two might have come from the Great Hall to deliver a message, growing confused as they didn't say anything.

Ludo Bagman entered the room in a frenzy, "Extraordinary," he exclaimed while grasping both Harry and (y/n)'s arm and leading them, forward. "Absolutely extraordinary! Gentlemen...lady," he added, inching closer to the fire and other three champions. "May I introduce, incredible though it may seem, the fourth-possibly fifth- Triwizard champion?"

Krum immediately straightened, but Cedric looked confused and unimpressed.

Fleur, however, flicked her hair and gave out a small laugh, "Oh, very funny joke, Meester Bagman."

"Joke?" Bagman laughed. "No, no, not at all! Their names just came out of the Goblet of Fire!"

Krum's bushy eyebrows stitched together in confusion, Cedric looking bewildered.

Fleur frowned, "But evidently there has been a mistake. They cannot compete. They are too young."

"Well...it is amazing," said Bagman, rubbing his chin roughly and smiling down at the two fourth years. "But, as you know, the age restriction was only imposed this year as extra safety measure. And as their names came 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...they will just have to do the best they-"

The door behind them clattered open, many of the adults, including Dumbledore, barreling in, saying Harry's name. Dumbledore was racing down the golden lit, stone steps, his silver robe lifting behind him as the breeze of his urgency lifted it. His face was angry, determined, and getting closer to Harry by the second.

"Harry! Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?" Dumbledore asked in no way calmly, Harry cowering back as Dumbledore's hands grasped both his arms, the only sound besides the Headmaster being cups clattering onto the floor as Harry's back ran into the piles.

"No, sir," Harry answered nervously.

"Did you ask one of the older kids to do it for you?" he spat.

"No, sir," Harry repeated, increasingly petrified.

"You're absolutely sure?" Dumbledore pointed his bony finger in Harry's face, spit flying in the light.

"Yes, sir," the boy answered shakily.

Dumbledore turned his head to look at (y/n) with his hands still on Harry, her heart feeling like it traveled to her ears as her palms were sweaty. "Was your name placed by you?"

"No, sir," she choked.

"But, of course, they are lying!" Madame Maxime said annoyed, standing at her maximum and otherworldly height as she hit the ceiling lantern to avoid hitting her head on her way down the stairs.

"They could not have crossed the Age Line," Professor McGonagall said sharply. "I am sure we are all agreed on that-"

"Dumbly-dorr must have made a mistake with ze line," Madame Maxime shrugged.

"It is possible, of course," Dumbledore sighed.

"Dumbledore, you know perfectly well you did not make a mistake!" Professor McGonagall said angrily. "Really, what nonsense! Harry or (y/n) could not have crossed the line themselves, and as Professor Dumbledore believes that he did not persuade an older student to do it for him, I'm sure that should be good enough for everybody else!" She shot an angry glare at Snape.

"The hell that they're lying!" Moody entered. "The Goblet of Fire is an exceptionally powerful magical object, only an exceptionally powerful Confundus charm, could've hoodwinked it. Magic way beyond the talents of a fourth year."

Dumbledore had not broken eye contact with Harry the whole time, it seemed as though he was going to be faint.

"You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought, Mad-Eye," Karkaroff stated in Moody's face, his brown teeth snarling through his lips.

"It was my job to think as dark wizards do, Karkaroff. Perhaps you remember." Moody looked up at Karkaroff, glaring.

Dumbledore trampled between the two, "That doesn't help, Alastor!" He went next to Barty Crouch, the majority of adults following. "Leave this to you, Barty."

"The rules are absolute," Barty hesitated, "the Goblet of Fire constitutes a binding magical contract. Mr. Potter and Miss (l/n) have no choice. They are, as of tonight,...Triwizard Champions."

"Now wait just a minute," (y/n) imposed.

"(y/n)-"

"Not now, Harry. Dumbledore said himself that it can't be both of us. Since our papers were stuck together, one could even argue that one was supposed to come out, but the other got dragged along. It should only be one of us." (y/n) stood with her fists clenched at her sides, trying her best not to showcase her dinner on the stone floor.

"I'm sorry Miss (l/n), but like I said, the rules are absolute-"

"No, Barty, she has a point. There is no way to prove that both names weren't mistakenly put together," Dumbledore defended.

Barty sighed, "Yes, but there is also no way to prove that it was a mistake, Albus."

"Mr.Crouch...could I possibly make a compromise with you?" (y/n) asked, not waiting for a response. "You already bent the rules by excluding the 'must be 17' rule for us, so I don't see what bending others could hurt. Even if the age rule is new, rules are still rules."

Barty nodded, "I suppose...what did you have in mind?"

(y/n) looked at Harry, whispering in his ear. "Look, I don't want you in this tournament, and you don't want me in this tournament. I truly do care about your safety, Harry." Harry opened his mouth to speak. "But, you also have more experience with this sort of thing, especially when it comes to magic. You would have a much better chance than me. I'm trusting you to live. Can I trust you to not shatter me, Harry?" He nodded as he looked into her eyes. Forest green melting into (e/c).

(y/n) turned back to Barty, "Harry will be the main champion out of us two. However, I will have the opportunity to partake in Harry's place for one event. Harry will get to choose which event that will be. This way, I'm still technically participating in the tournament, but without the complication of three Hogwarts champions trying to participate. Deal?"

Barty looked taken aback by the logic and careful thought that went into the girl's plan, turning to Dumbledore in needed advice. The two whispered in negotiation, until finally Dumbledore gave (y/n) a nod of confirmation.

Bagman, looking rather excited, spoke. "Well, shall we crack on, then?" he said, rubbing his hands together and smiling at the champions. "Got to give our champions their instructions, haven't we? Barty, want to do the honors?"

"Yes," he said, "instructions. Yes...the first task..."

Barty moved towards the fire like a dying moth ready to spend it's last moments in solace. He looked concerning, shadows indicative of restless nights from worry nesting underneath his eyes, his skin seeming like crepe paper twisting underneath his wrinkles. He had not appeared this way at the Quidditch World Cup, what had happened?

"The first task is designed to test your daring," he explained to all the champions, who seemed very antsy, "so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard...very important. The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. 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 champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the Tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests."

Mr. Crouch turned to Dumbledore stiffly, "I think that's all, is it, Albus?"

"I think so," said Dumbledore, looking at Crouch in concern. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"

"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry," Barty replied. "It is very busy, very difficult time at the moment...I've left young Weatherby in charge...very enthusiastic...a little over-enthusiastic, truth be told."

Dumbledore and Bagman tried to get him to stay for a drink, but it was refused, and before leaving, Barty turned to (y/n). "You're parents are Astra and Vincent...would that be correct Miss (l/n)?"

(y/n)'s brows wove together as she hesitantly replied, "Um...yes. Why do you ask, Mr.Crouch?"

He smiled, a strange smile, and didn't break eye contact, "They requested I say hello for them if I were to see you. They're working very hard at the Ministry, although I'm sure you've received news from them about how busy they'll be in the upcoming months.

(y/n) tightly smiled, "Yes...uh, I have, unfortunately."

"Very hard workers indeed. However, I'm sure they didn't anticipate I'd be running into you under the circumstances of you being a Triwizard participant." Barty laughed, speaking in a low tone, "I'll be sure to inform them of your new...status. I'm sure they'll be excited to hear it." He cleared his throat as Dumbledore changed the subject, but a subject change couldn't shake the queasy feeling in (y/n)'s stomach.

There had been something about her parents lately. The loving, caring, nature that seeped from their pours seemed to be locked in the cell of their rib cage, while a tense mechanical being was the one to rear it's ugly head. Almost like the Astra and Vincent she knew and loved...were dead in spirit; a mere childhood memory that could not be revisited.

She noticed it in third year, but she was going to ignore the sirens that triggered throughout her blood. (y/n) was a human system, a network of complex feelings that had weaknesses. Had memories stored in her core, a heart that allowed her to see the good in people instead of basing decisions on her head and not the heart she was blessed to feel with.

She was a human system, choosing to see the good in her parents, not the daggers they were hiding in their hands.

"Harry, Cedric, (y/n), I suggest you go up to bed," Dumbledore said, smiling. "I am sure Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are 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."

The three looked at each other and nodded, making their way out of the tense room.

"So," Cedric said smiling, "Harry and I are going against each other again!"

Harry slightly returned the smile, "I s'pose," was all he managed. He didn't know what else to say, his brain hurt from all that had happened in the past few hours, not sure what to make of any of it.

"So...tell me..." Cedric continued, the three reaching the Entrance Hall, the only available lighting being dim torches filed along the wall with darkened shadows along the stone now that the bright blue flame of the Goblet had been removed. "How did you guys get your names in?"

(y/n) sighed, "Cedric, we were telling the truth in there. We didn't put our names in, even worse, we have no clue who did, if anyone."

"Ah...ok," Cedric mumbled, evidently not believing her statement. "Well...see you, then."

"Night, Cedric," (y/n) smiled.

Once they were alone, (y/n) linked her elbow with Harry's, the two steadily strolling, dreading the groups of people they would run into when they reached the common room.

The castle seemed like a vast architecture of silvery ghosts and secrets being embedded in the walls. Marble steps visible by the orange torch light that floated over them like smoke. It seemed lonely, but not in a bad way. In a way that you could run through with all your worries plastered on a balloon to float away into the nothingness of the dark, misty, clouds. Alone with nothing but the freedom of imagining what the world would be like if you could run like that forever. Feeling like you're in a time period that your fears aren't located in.

Only noise filing the vast space being echoing laughter as your chest swells with love, the air filled with the sound of clicking shoes, crackling lanterns, promises of forever that most people can't keep, and you're demons-screeching like their skin was melted off their bones as their being chased away by the flame of happiness.

But this wasn't the fourth years reality at this moment in time.

Saying Harry and (y/n) were both terrifyingly lost, would be an understatement. Their world felt cold, lonely, and frightening...the only good thing being that they were going through it together.

"Can we address the elephant in the room?" (y/n) joked.

"Which one?" Harry chuckled.

"The fact that someone put our names in the Goblet. It could've been a joke, but I'm convinced..."(y/n) looked at the floor while they walked, "I'm convinced someone might want us to get hurt. Someone thought about it and wants us in this Tournament."

Harry's breath caught in his throat. He was thinking the same thing, but he thought maybe it was a crazy. But now that she said it too... maybe it was reality.

"Its...crossed my mind," Harry whispered. "I mean, could someone want us to make a fool of ourselves? They'll probably get that. Want us dead? It's extreme, but Moody did suggest it. There's only one person I could think of."

"Voldemort," they both said.

Harry shook his head, "But, why would he want you dead?"

(y/n) shivered, "Remember how I told you what that old woman said to me at the World Cup?"

Harry nodded.

"Well...I think it's because of Marlene. I'm not exactly sure why, but it's the only thing I can come up with. I'm trying my hardest to get a hold of Remus so I can get some answers, but it's just been radio static from him."

Before they knew it, in front of them hung the portrait of the Fat Lady. Although, there was a wizened witch sitting next to her in the golden frame. She was sitting smugly, and must've sped through at least seven paintings to get there before them. Both her and the Fat Lady were gazing down with utmost curiosity at the duo.

"Well, well, well," said the Fat Lady, "Violets just told me everything. Who's  just been chosen as school champion, then?"

"Balderdash," said Harry dully.

"It most certainly isn't!" Said the pale witch indignantly.

"No, no, Vi, it's the password," said the Fat Lady calmly, swinging forward on her hinges to let Harry and (y/n) into the common room.

Loud noise boomed throughout (y/n)'s body, almost strong enough to send her back into the hall. Out of nowhere, dozens of hands were dragging her left and right like a rag doll. Almost the entire Gryffindor house was there, screaming and cheering.

"You should've told us you guys entered!" Fred bellowed, sort of annoyed but also impressed.

"How did you do it without getting a beard? Brilliant!" George laughed.

"We didn't," Harry said. "I don't know how-"

Angelina popped in front of them, "Oh, if it couldn't be me, at least it's a Gryffindor-"

Katie Bell shrieked, "You'll be able to pay back Diggory for that last Quidditch match, Harry!"

"Harry we've got food!"

"I'm not hungry I had plenty at the feast-"

(y/n) felt awful, nobody could read his body language, apparently. He was not in the mood for any sort of celebration. All anyone cared about was how. How they'd done it, how they'd tricked Dumbledore and slipped their names in. Harry and (y/n) just wanted to find their other friends, people that would keep them sane. Hermione and Ron were the kind of friends to listen to your feelings and not throw you a victorious party when all you could think about was the fact that this very well might lead to your death.

Eventually Harry had enough, "I'm tired!" Harry yelled, after fighting people off for almost half an hour. "No, seriously George-I'm going to bed."

He grabbed (y/n)'s hand and climbed up the stairs, eventually fending everybody off.

"What a nightmare," she grumbled.

"It's like they don't care!" Harry bellowed. "I mean, I understand where they're coming from, but I'm clearly not in the mindset for a celebration." He sighed. "Sorry, are you going to sleep?"

She smiled, "No, I don't think just yet. I might head to the courtyard and just think on some things for a little bit."

They said goodnight and parted ways, (y/n) making her way to the dewy courtyard.

She stared up at the moon, it's ivory glow creating a soft halo against the dark abyss.

This was her therapy. The day is a distraction, maybe a few worries and overthought words cross her rotting sanity, but there's never a time to really think about her feelings. There's always someone around, or simply the Sun that shines brightly with its vast rays of energy, making you feel guilty for being sad because it represents happiness. But then at night, when she's alone with the stars and her poisoned mind, it all crumbles. There's no distractions, nobody awake to ask what's wrong, no Sun shining. It's just the moon. The moon that seems to drift in, and the pain it allows her to release is almost comforting. It's like the face of it's smiling angelic stance is a welcoming of open ears and zero judgement.

The pain is released through tears that glitter from the stardust being shed from the stars that are crying with her.

A vast community of planets and solar systems that rest their arms around the burdens that always seem too complex to explain to anyone else. (y/n) never understood why darkness brought her so much comfort. She just wanted everything to be ok. It's a melancholy melody from a rock floating in space. But it seems to have so much emotion, so much symbolism. The darkness that brought the stars almost allowed for her sadness to be broken up and released into the sky. She wanted Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

They're so close yet so far away. There is a wall between them when it comes to (y/n) needing advice or to vent, because she cannot tell them about her visions and what she sees and the things that she knows. She's just stuck with figuring out how to...deal with it.

As the owls tones float through the air and the stars flash behind the crescent moons luminescence, (y/n) is pleasantly surprised by the familiar scent of Harry's cologne drifting up her nose.

"You always find me at night," she said, not even turning around to confirm that it's who she thought it was. "Why are you awake?"

"It just gets easier the longer I know you," Harry replied, standing in front of her. "And Ron was being a git. The common room finally emptied out. It's kind of cold out here."

"Yeah, I guess I've done enough thinking for tonight," (y/n) said, walking with Harry down the corridors.

The armor lined the walls, shining like diamonds, protectors of the very halls that the founders of Hogwarts paved. Crickets filled the wind blown silence, corridors cozily lit by flames of guidance.

They finally reached the common room, "Balderdash" slipping from their lips. The cozy lit room was something (y/n) could never get tired of, and it was a spot that her and Harry could even start considering their "spot" by how often they hang out there together.

They both sit on the maroon velvet of the chair, (y/n) resting her head on Harry's shoulder, inhaled strongly.

"I'm scared, Harry," (y/n) said truthfully, biting her cheek to hold back tears.

"Me too. But," Harry said, nudging his shoulder so that she would look up at him, "we've been scared of something every year, each time it seems to work itself out."

"Is anyone ever going to believe us? The fact that even our best friends have no trust in us makes me worried. If they can't bring themselves to believe us, who's to say anyone else will?" (y/n) confessed.

"I dunno," the raven-haired boy replied, trying to rid of the anxiety that had been at the pit of his stomach since dinner. "I think everything that happened today was just too much to process. I really don't know why today happened, but it just...did."

(y/n) got up from the sofa, offering her hand to the emerald eyed boy in sitting in front of her, "I think what we need is rest right now. Our overthinking will just get worse the longer our brains work in overdrive."

Harry took her hand, lifting himself so that he was standing in front of her. Sometimes just looking at her features so up close makes him so nervous he has to look at the floor.

They parted ways at the common room, hoping solutions and answers eventually show themselves to the two fourth years. Both who don't know what they would do if they were to go through this alone.

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"Is she dead or just an extremely heavy sleeper?"

"Just a heavy sleeper. Although usually she wakes up from the talk of food so I'm not sure."

(y/n) slowly came out of sleep only to hear whispering over her bed. As she peaked out of one eye, she could see Ginny and Hermione looking puzzled as they were trying to decide whether or not to call Madam Pomfrey.

(y/n) covered her face with her pillow, "Alive," she mumbled.

"Wonderful," Ginny beamed, ripping the pillow from her best friends grasp with a struggle, ripping the sheets off as well. "Get up sleepyhead, you'll miss Care of Magical Creatures. I don't think Hagrid would appreciate you coming to class in booty shorts and a t-shirt that says 'I heart Butterbeer'...although Harry might," she said, trying to hold in a laugh.

(y/n) threw her other pillow at her, earning a eye roll from Lavender.

"You already missed breakfast," Hermione said, holding out a napkin with a few pieces of golden, buttery, toast on top. "Eat this, I'll get your stuff together."

"Oh, Hermione," (y/n) beamed, "how would I ever get through life without our mom of the group."

Hermione smiled, "You wouldn't."

The events from yesterday resurfaced in her head, and she turned to her two best friends. "Wait...so are you guys ...not mad at me?"

"Mad at you?" Ginny laughed, "We believe you unlike all these other dimwitted fools."

"I had a walk after breakfast with Harry this morning," Hermione said as she was stacking (y/n)'s books and outfit, "told him how I believe you guys and Ron is just being daft because he's jealous, even though deep down he knows Harry didn't put his name in. I told Harry he needs to talk to him but he refused and Ron needs a kick in the- you know what I think you get the jist."

"I figured as much," (y/n) said with a mouthful of toast.

(y/n) finished the rest of her toast, wiping crumbs off the corners of her mouth and clean sheets, finishing her uniform with a tug at her tie. Throwing her leather satchel across her chest, she leaves the dormitory with Ginny and Hermione.

They exit the common room, the creaking of the Fat Lady's hinges notifying everyone that they were around. Sun shined through the streak less windows and portraits bid good morning as they made their way down the corridor. Harry was right ahead of them, so of course they caught up.

"Hey there, chosen one," (y/n) said, ruffling his hair as she snuck up behind him. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" Harry said sarcastically, "Have you not been listening as you walked down the corridors?"

Sure enough, as (y/n) brought her attention out of her little bubble and lent her ears to the people scattered about the castle, she could see what Harry was talking about.

Any talk that was lightheartedly being expressed ceased to judgmental stares and gossiping whispers as soon as Harry and (y/n) came into sight.

"Plenty of them applauded me earlier, but the Hufflepuffs seem to not be having it," Harry whispered.

"Can you believe they both got away with it?"

"What cheats"

"I heard Harry did it for him and (y/n)"

"Who do you believe?"

"Harry gets away with everything just because he's the 'chosen one'."

(y/n) walked faster, "Come on guys, we have a long way to go to Hagrid's. Wouldn't want to be late."

It was like third year all over again. She had her first vision in D.A.D.A., and everywhere she went she couldn't escape the glares and people laughing while they whispered to their friends to make assumptions about what was "wrong with her". She wasn't going to deal with it this year. So she did what she's always done best.

Ignore the problem until it goes away.

Normally seeing Hagrid was the ultimate escape, and Harry and (y/n) would be excited to see him, but going to Care of Magical Creatures meant facing the Slytherins, and that never led to anything good-especially now.

Sure enough, even from a reasonable distance from Hagrid's cabin, the Trio could see Malfoy's unpleasant sneer in place. Things only got worse as they got close.

"Ah, look, boys, it's the champion's," Draco said to Crabbe and Goyle. "Got your autograph books? Better get a signature now, because I don't think he'll be around much longer...half the Triwizard champions have died...how long d'you reckon you'll last, Potter? I say your neck will be snapped within the first minute."

(y/n) lunged at Malfoy, Hermione and Harry holding her back. "You better be careful with the words you choose next, Malfoy. The seer in me is sensing you'll be on floor with your jaw detached in the next few seconds if you don't watch that filthy mouth of yours."

"Not very friendly today, are we, miss werewolf," Malfoy laughed to Crabbe and Goyle.

"You son of a-" she was forced to calm down when Hagrid's large frame came into view, Harry slowly releasing her waist as Draco kept his smug smile.

Although Draco's smile faded as he saw that Hagrid was carrying a tower of cages containing Blast-Ended Skrewts that had been eating each other because of pent-up energy. And in class they were going t be taking them for walks.

"Take this thing for a walk?" Draco asked disgusted. "And where exactly are we supposed to fix the leash? Around the sting, the blasting end or the sucker?"

"Roun' the middle," Hagrid demonstrated. "Er-yeh might want ter put on yer dragon-hide gloves, jus' as an extra precaution. Harry-you come here an' help me with this big one..."

Harry walked over to Hagrid, leaving (y/n) with Hermione-and close to Malfoy, unfortunately.

Malfoy was struggling with his Skrewt, yelling at Crabbe and Goyle to help him.

"Aww, what's wrong Malfoy? Having a little trouble doing something without papa holding your hand?" (y/n) teased, pouting sarcastically.

"Having trouble looking presentable divination freak?" Draco snapped back, grunting against the strength of the Skrewt.

"(y/n)! Will yeh help me as well?" Hagrid called, pulling her from her conflict.

She walked over, Harry giving her a small smile, but she could tell he was bothered. Something told her a giant like Hagrid didn't bring her over to help with a creature.

"So-yer competin', Harry. (y/n) possibly, too. In the Tournament. School champion."

"One of the champions," Harry corrected.

Hagrid's black eyes looked anxious under his bushy brows. "No idea who put yeh in fer it?"

"You believe we didn't do it, then?" Harry said, trying to conceal the gratitude he had that someone, especially Hagrid, was on his side.

"Course I do," Hagrid grunted. "Yeh say it wasn' you , an' I believe yeh-an' Dumbledore believes yer, an' all."

"He does?" (y/n) asked gratefully.

"Of course. Dumbledore always did."

"Wish I knew who did do it," Harry said bitterly.

They looked over at the class who was scattered in great difficulty. The Screwts were extremely powerful, and growing longer. They had developed a thick, greyish armour, and hard to control.

"Look like they're havin' fun, don' they?" Hagrid said, beaming.

One could only assume he was talking about the Screwts, because their classmates were most certainly not having fun. Every once in awhile a Screwt would burst with an alarming bang, flying forward and bringing their person with them. More than one student was being dragged through the grass on their stomachs, dirt grains flying through the air as they tried to desperately regain their footing-no one being successful.

"Ah, I don' know," Hagrid sighed, looking back down on them with a worried expression. "School champion...everythin' seems ter happen ter you, doesn't it?"

Harry didn't answer-and (y/n) didn't blame him. Because did that question even need an answer? Everything did happen to Harry. That's why he's dealt so many bad cards; so much sadness and disaster. The reason he's the chosen one is because everything seems to happen to him. The funny thing is, that's why Ron is angry, everything happens to Harry. But all Ron is seeing is the fact that Harry's name is told by parents to children as stories, everyone praises him for surviving the killing curse that took away his parents. Ron's not thinking about the fact that Harry's name is known because he's had a threat on his life since he was barely one years old.

Everyone that touches him dies and his life is sabotaged with disaster and trauma. That's what being the chosen one is like for Harry, not the glory that people from the outside see. 

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The next few days didn't get any better for Harry and (y/n). Of course, Harry had it worse in this department. He felt like this in second year when everybody thought that he was the one responsible for the chamber, but he had Ron then. Now he's feeling lonelier than ever.

The Hufflepuffs were reasonably against him, for they had their own champion to support, but the Ravenclaws , who Harry thought would've been supportive, were anything but. They though Harry tricked the Goblet into accepting his and (y/n)'s name just to gain a little extra fame.

Not only this, but his classes were only getting worse for him as well. Professor Trelawney was predicting his death with more certainty than usual, and Professor Flitwick had given him extra homework because he was doing so bad in Summoning Charms.

"It's really not that difficult, Harry," Hermione tried to reassure as they left Flitwick's class. "You just weren't concentrating properly-"

"Wonder why that was?" Harry said darkly, as Cedric walked past with a group of flustered girls who looked Harry like he was a Skrewt. "Still- never mind, eh? Double Potions to look forward to this afternoon..."

"Listen, Harry, I'll help you with your extra Charms homework, ok?" (y/n) suggested. "We can meet up in the library."

"Thank you," Harry said. Although he had been spending an excruciating amount of time in the library lately from hanging out with Hermione.

Double Potions was a very miserable experience. You're trapped in Snape's dungeon for an hour surrounded by ruthless Slytherins. Harry struggled to get through it last Friday, (y/n) whispering, "just ignore them, just ignore them," under her breath over and over again. He didn't see a reason why today could be any better.

They arrived outside Snape's dungeon, multiple Slytherins waiting with glossy badges pinned to their robes. They were badges with luminescent red letters, bright in the dimly lit underground passage-

SUPPORT CEDRIC DIGGORY - THE REAL HOGWARTS CHAMPION!

"Like them, Potter?" Malfoy yelled loudly as Harry came closer. "And this isn't all they do-look!"

He pressed his badge against his chest and the message changed, the original text vanishing as a new message appeared, glowing green.

POTTER STINKS

"You're all complete asses," (y/n)grumbled as all the Slytherins howled with laughter and changed their badges.

"Oh, very funny," Hermione said at Pansy and the group of Slytherin girls that were laughing.

"Want one, Granger?" Malfoy asked, holding out a badge. "I've got loads. But don't touch my hand, now. I've just washed it, you see, don't want a Mudblood sliming it up."

All of the anger and resentment that (y/n) had kept bottled up inside of her seemed to start bubbling over to its breaking point at this comment. (y/n) hurriedly took out her wand, pointing it at Malfoy. People all around backed away, scrambled about the corridor.

"(y/n)!" Hermione said warningly.

"Go on then, (l/n)," Malfoy teased, "no teachers are here to defend you. Do it if you've got the guts."

For a moment, the two looked into each other's eyes, before casting in sync.

"Colovaria!" (y/n) screamed.

"Densaugeo!" Malfoy yelled.

Screams erupted as sparks of color fluttered around the room, slightly lighting up the walls even more, bouncing off every corner.

(y/n)'s charm rightfully hit Draco, whereas Draco's charm hit Hermione, the bushy-haired girl whimpering in panic as her hands covered her mouth.

"Hermione!" Ron yelled, hurrying forwards to see what was wrong with her. This being the first they had heard his voice all day.

They saw as Ron slowly removed Hermione's hands from her mouth, and (y/n) let out a gasp. Hermione's teeth were growing at a rapid rate, first past her lower lip, then past her chin...she let out a shriek as she felt them getting longer. Ron tried reassuring her, but (y/n) turned around as she heard Draco panicking as well.

His hair was bright orange, the result of (y/n)'s charm, and he of course was yelling at Pansy and Crabbe to fix it.

"I think it suits you, Malfoy," (y/) laughed, "platinum was so first year."

"You'll pay for this!" Draco said angrily, a twisted scowl on his face, running his hands through his locks.

"Now what's all the noise about?" said the dull, calm, voice of Snape. He pointed a long yellow finger at Malfoy, "Explain."

"(l/n) attacked me sir-"

"We attacked each other at the same time!" (y/n) bellowed.

"-and she hit me, look!" Malfoy grabbed strands of his tangerine hair, Snape sending a glare to (y/n).

"Hospital wing, Draco," Snape said calmly.

"Malfoy got Hermione," Ron whined. "Look!"

He forced Hermione to show Snape her teeth, but she was trying her best to hide it with her hands, although it was difficult now that they were past her collarbone.

Snape looked at her coldly, "I see no difference."

Hermione cried, putting her hands more over her face and running away. The trio didn't hesitate to start yelling at Snape, calling him names that students wouldn't imagine calling their teachers in a million years. Luckily the passage was so echoed that Snape couldn't make out exactly what they were saying.

"Let's see," he said in a calm voice. "Fifty points from Gryffindor and a detention each...for all three of you. Now get inside or it'll be a weeks worth of detentions."

"Rubbish," (y/n) muttered, as they marched into the dungeon.

(y/n) could see that Ron had moved to sit next to Dean and Seamus, leaving Harry alone to look at the "Potter Stinks" badges the Slytherins were shoving in his face. She went and sat next him, not talking, but writing a little note that said "it'll be ok, promise. We're here for you"

Harry smiled a grateful smile at (y/n), slipping the note in his pocket.

Class went on like usual, Snape barking orders with threats and favoring the Slytherins.

There was a knock at the door.

"Yes?" Snape asked annoyed.

It opened to reveal Colin Creevey, beaming at Harry as he made his way down the aisle. "Please, sir, I'm supposed to take Harry Potter upstairs."

"Potter has another hour of Potions to complete," Snape said. He will come upstairs when this class is finished."

Colin turned a bubblegum pink. "Sir, Mr. Bagman wants him," he said nervously. "The champions have got to go, I think they want to take photographs..."

(y/n) cringed at the last words, looking over to see Ron staring at the ceiling.

"Very well, very well," Snape snapped. "Potter, leave your things here, I want you back down here later to test your antidote."

"Please, sir-he's got to take his things with him," Colin squeaked. "All the champions-"

"Very well!" Snape yelled . "Potter, grab your things and get out of my sight!"

Harry got up with a huff, forcefully whipping his bag over his shoulder. "I'll see you at the library later, (y/n)," Harry mumbled, squeezing her shoulder as he walked away.

(y/n) continued to focus on her antidote, mumbling ingredients to herself and crushing White and Cretan Dittany- a powerful healing plant. Inside her mortar she crushed copper to a fine powder of rust. She added six pinches to her cauldron, making sure to also add shrake spines. After heating it, she stirred until it turned a brilliant blue color. Just before she was about to wave her wand and finish it off, a body sat next to her.

"Oh, how cute," the snotty voice echoed, "you're making one of the easiest antidotes in our textbook."

"Go fail to flirt with Draco, Pansy," (y/n) said cooly, stirring her antidote with an unbothered smile.

"Listen here," Pansy grumbled, getting uncomfortably close, "I don't know how you and your- boyfriend or whatever the hell your weird relationship is, got your names in that Goblet, but nobody is going to fall for the sob story that you guys had nothing to do with it."

"How dumb can you be, Pansy?" (y/n) snorted. "You really think both of us would go through extreme trouble just to get in some tournament that wouldn't give us anything but a death sentence? You're mental. If you're jealous of the attention just say that."

"I'm watching you," Pansy whispered, getting up and marching back over to her group of Slytherins.

"Psycho," (y/n) muttered, finally waving her wand and finishing her antidote.

(TW: brief description of knives, blood, and self-inflicted cuts)

Only a few moments later, Snape came towering over her desk, arms crossed in a judgmental stance. "What antidote did you decide to mess up, today, (l/n)?" he asked coldly.

"Essence of Dittany, sir," she answered calmly.

Snape's lips curled into a malicious smile, "Wonderful. You wouldn't mind me testing it would you? Of course, if it doesn't work I might just have to fail you for this assignment."

(y/n) smiled, confident in her work. "Go ahead, professor. If you can find a wound for it to heal."

"Oh, that shouldn't be an issue," Snape said, walking over to his desk, returning with a gleaming dagger.

He let the sight sink into (y/n)'s brain, chuckling to himself as he twisted it in the light, the polished silver gleaming against the suttle candlelight.

Snape held out the palm of his hand, facing the ceiling, as he brought the sharp blade closer and closer to the grooves of his skin.

Eventually, he pressed the dagger into his pale skin, his face emotionless as the sharp edge sunk deeper and deeper into the soft flesh of his hand. Red blood oozed out like a fountain of smooth water, running down the creases of his hand like a river stream of wine.

The blood dropped onto (y/n)'s desk with a delicate plop sound, her mouth slightly parted and her eyebrows creased in horror. The Potions professor smiled, no pain visible in his wrinkled face. He placed the blood tainted dagger on the desk, the red liquid seeping into the indents of the wood.

"Now, show me how good your antidote is, and heal me," Snape challenged, knowingly having the whole class watch in confusion and interest.

(y/n) gulped and licked her lips, shakily picking up a dropper, the glass clashing with the stone cauldron being the only sound in the musty dungeon. She sucked up her antidote, slowly bringing it above the cut that was bleeding uncontrollably. She released the drops.

One

Two

Green smoke curled from the deepest part of the wound, the skin migrating to reattach itself, blood absorbing like it never existed to begin with.

(End of TW)

Eventually, the smoke subsided, the skin rebuilt it's cells, and the only blood was the one drying up on (y/n)'s desk. Snape held his wrist, flexing and closing his hand before wiping the dagger's blood off with his pitch black robe.

"Impressive," Snape said, crossing his arms once more. "Looks like you won't be failing after all."

Everyone sat in silence, not understanding Snape's behavior. "Class is over, everyone," Snape said, going and sitting at his desk like normal.

(y/n), breathing heavily, gathered her books and fled the classroom and rushing to the library, ignoring the whispers and eyes that bore into her soul.

She burst into the library, Harry and Hermione already there, books sprawled out.

"I didn't start this," Harry said stubbornly. "It's his problem."

"You miss him!" Hermione said impatiently. "And I know he misses you-"

"Miss him?" said Harry. "I don't miss him..."

"Don't lie to yourself, Harry," (y/n) said as she sat down next to him.

"I'm not-" he stopped when he saw her face and the smallest stain of blood on her finger, "are you ok? What happened?"

"Nothing, nothing, I'm fine, just Snape being weird," (y/n) answered, wiping off the blood.

"Did he hurt you?" Harry said angrily, clenching his jaw.

"No, Harry. Look it's seriously nothing it was just testing my antidote on him, promise," she reassured.

"Let's just...start your homework, Harry," Hermione said, noticing (y/n)'s discomfort. "First let's go over some we learned in third year to get you warmed up." Hermione poured a small puddle of water on the table. "Recall the incantation that will blast freezing air out of your wand, and ultimately freeze this water. (y/n) will help you if you forget."

Harry took a deep breath, holding his wand to the shaking water, "Umm...let me think." Harry paused, Hermione looking worried. "Ok, ok...Glacius!"

The water froze over with white, tiny, crytals of frost, Hermione applauding quietly.

"Great," she continued, "now I want you to try the Summoning Charm, you seemed to struggle with it in class."

Harry groaned, "Alright...but, what am I summoning?"

Hermione pointed near the librarian, "That quill on the table. Just...don't hit the librarian."

Harry held out his wand, taking a deep breath, "Accio," he whispered.

Although, Hermione and (y/n) were staring at the quill he was supposed to be summoning, so they were caught off guard when a large book came flying in their direction. Hermione ducked just in time...but (y/n) wasn't so lucky.

"Ow!" she yelped, as the book crashed into her face. "Harry, I will kill you," she said through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry, please don't hurt me. I promise you I didn't mean for that to happen," he checked her face for injuries, sighing in relief as her face still looked perfectly...perfect.

The librarian was scowling at them, marching over and picking the thick, green binded book from the spotless floor. She glared at them over her glasses before turning around and sitting back in her chair.

"Harry you snatched the book from her hands? Come on, you're good at Charms, I know you are. It's not too hard, Harry. You just need to concentrate."

"It's a little hard for me right now!" Harry bursted. "All I can think about is the fact that on Tuesday I have the first task. I don't know what it's going to be, so I can't prepare for it, so virtually I'm screwed. Not only that, but the shock of being picked has worn off, so now I'm stuck with constant anxiety about this stupid Tournament. Since I'm worrying, time is going by faster and faster and each time I see that an hours past I'm even more anxious than the last because I have to worry about if Tuesday, is my last day. So yeah, I'm having a little bit of a hard time concentrating on Charm's class right now, Hermione."

They sat in silence for a moment, in shock by how much Harry just revealed to them.

"I'm sorry..." Hermione muttered. "Maybe we can have some Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks on Saturday for the Hogsmeade trip. We're supposed to meet up with Ron."

"No," Harry said flatly.

"Oh, Harry this is so stupid-"

"I'll come, but I'm not meeting Ron, and I'm wearing my Invisibility Cloak."

"Oh, all right then.." Hermione snapped, "but I hate talking to you in that Cloak, I never know if I'm looking at you or not."

"She's right, Harry," (y/n) agreed. "Why don't you think about it, but, it's time for me to get sleep for once."

"Me too," Hermione said.

"Night, Harry" said (y/n), giving him a hug, and heading up to bed with Hermione.

The girls opened the dormitory door, the Gryffindor beds made neatly as the ambiance of Hogwarts warmed the air. Rain trickled against the diamond shaped window panes, candles waving in the slight breeze.

They changed into their PJ's, climbing into their silk sheets as the crimson curtains cascaded around them. (y/n) blew out the candles, laying in bed on her back with her hands clasped at her chest, staring up at the dark static.

"Hermione?" (y/n) said, knowing for a fact she was reviewing her studies in her head before she went to sleep.

"Yeah?"

"Should...should I, tell Harry how I feel before the first task? Because what if after Tuesday...it's just a possibility that I could never see him again. That this could be my last chance to tell him how much he makes me feel ok, and how he makes my stomach flutter."

(y/n) could hear the smile on Hermione's face as she spoke, "Why not? You've liked him for so long, (y/n). And I notice the little things everyday. The way he always makes sure your ok, the way he smiles whenever he hears your laugh or you talk about something passionately. Oh, and he stares at you...like all the time."

"What? He does not!" (y/n) laughed, thankful it was pitch black to hide how burning hot her face was.

Hermione gasped,"He does! Especially in class. One time he asked if I noticed how you chew on your lip when you focus on your work and I said no. He got so quiet because I think he realized that he only noticed that because of how much he likes you."

(y/n) smiled contently, thinking about how amazing it would be if she could just...confess everything. The thought of being in a relationship with Harry Potter made her swoon.

She thought about the Golden Snitch they have, and she ran her fingers along it, earning a glow in response.

There has never been one time where Harry wasn't thinking of her too.

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It was Saturday morning, the day of Hogsmeade. (y/n) and Hermione left their dormitory, waiting for Harry. (y/n) felt something tug on her hair, but when she turned around and saw nobody, she realized that Harry was there with his Cloak. Together they went back downstairs, and set off to Hogsmeade.

"Come on, Harry, can't you just take the Cloak off for a bit? No one's going to bother you here." Hermione begged as they walked out of Honeydukes.

"Oh yeah?" Harry said. "Look behind you."

Rita Skeeter and her photographer friends were just coming out of the Three Broomsticks pub. They walked past Hermione and (y/n) in low whispers, Harry moved against the wall to avoid being smacked by Rita Skeeter's crocodile bag.

"She's staying in the village," Harry said. "I bet she's here to watch the first task."

(y/n) could her the anxiousness in his voice, how it shook whenever he talked about the Tournament.

"She's gone," Hermione said. "Why don't we have our Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks? It's kind of cold out here...and you won't have to talk to Ron!" Hermione snapped, leading the way inside the pub.

As they entered, they were overwhelmed by how busy it was. Seeing as Hogsmeade was one of the only all-wizard villages, it wasn't uncommon for all sort of magic folk, like hags, to come here. As they found a small table in the corner, it wasn't hard to spot Ron with Fred, George, and Lee Jordan. (y/n) could tell that Harry was fighting not flicking Ron in the head from underneath the cloak.

Hermione came back with the Butterbeers, sitting down and handing one to Harry underneath his Cloak.

"I'm so glad I brought something to do," Hermione said as she pulled a notebook which she had been using to keep track of the S.P.E.W. members. Harry, Ron, and (y/n)'s names were scrawled at the very top of the short list.

"You know, maybe I should try and get some of the villagers involved in S.P.E.W." Hermione suggested, looking around the pub at all the different people.

"Yeah, right," said Harry, taking a swig of his Butterbeer underneath the cloak. "Hermione, when are you going to give up on this S.P.E.W. stuff?"

"When house-elves have decent wages and working conditions!" she hissed. "You know, I'm starting to think it's time for more direct action. I wonder how you get into the school kitchen?"

"No idea, ask Fred and George," Harry said.

"You could be more supportive, Harry," (y/n) said. "Hermione really is doing it for a good cause. I think most people don't think anything of it because our house-elves are so normalized."

"I suppose, but where are the members gonna come from?" Harry said.

"Patience child." (y/n) and Hermione sat in thoughtful silence before (y/n) broke the silence. "What do you think it's like to be them right now? The people in this pub. All they have to worry about is homework, while poor Harry has...well, you know. If Harry and I hadn't been chosen, Ron would be sitting with us, Harry wouldn't be under his Cloak, and we would be talking about how we think the first task is going to pan out and what the champions are going to do. I don't know it's just weird."

"Tell me about it," Harry muttered.

"Look, it's Hagrid!" Hermione pointed.

Hagrid's large, shaggy head, was leaning forward, a large drink in front of him as he was talking to Moody quietly. Moody was drinking from his flask, contently listening with a crazy look on his face. The two got up to leave, and (y/n) could hear Harry's hand brushing against the Cloak in a waving pattern-he must've forgotten that Hagrid can't see him.

However, Moody paused, and his prosthetic eye looked directly at the spot Harry was sitting. He went forward to Hagrid, staff on his mid back (he couldn't reach his shoulder), and whispered secretively while looking at Hermione and (y/n).

Hagrid turned around, looking at the two, before they both made their way over to the table.

"All right, Hermione? (y/n)?" Hagrid asked loudly.

"Hello," they both said, smiling.

Moody limped around the table with his usual scowl, leaning over Hermione's S.P.E.W. papers. "Nice Cloak, Potter," he muttered.

Harry was shocked, "Can your eye-I mean, can you-"

"Yeah, it can see through Invisibility Cloaks," Moody said quietly. "And it comes in useful at times, I can tell you."

Hagrid looked over Hermione's sheets before straightening up, "Nice ter see yeh, (y/n), Hermione," with that, Hagrid and Moody left without another word.

"Hermione, do you see all the girls surrounding Krum right now? It's constant." (y/n) pointed, Krum having girls asking to sign their schoolbags all around him.

"Ugh, yes," Hermione said rolling her eyes, "he's not even that good looking."

"Neither is Ivan," Harry said underneath his Cloak.

"Speaking of Ivan," Hermione said, "he's currently walking up behind you. Brace yourself because he can't see that Harry's here."

"(y/n)?" the voice said.

She turned around to see that it was in fact, Ivan. A big smile on his face.

"Ivan!" (y/n) said, Harry rolling his eyes. "What's up?"

He glanced over at Hermione anxiously, crossing his arms to try and appear calm. "I came to ask you a question, actually," he said nervously.

This made (y/n) nervous. "Oh...ok, ask away."

He cleared his throat, talking with his hands,"I've been really struggling in one of my classes...Divination specifically." He paused, trying to recollect his wording. "Since you're...well you know, I thought maybe you could help me sometime?"

Hermione tried to contain her smirk, "Oh, yeah, of course! Is there...a specific time?" (y/n) asked.

"Sometime next week? After the first task, of course," Ivan said, leaning against the table.

"Sounds great," (y/n) said smiling.

"Great...yeah, uh, awesome. Ok, I'll see you then," Ivan stuttered, giving Hermione a small smile as he nodded and made his way back to the Durmstrangs.

"Did he just...ask you out on a date?" Hermione asked, mouth open.

"What?" (y/n) said dramatically. "No, of course not. He said it himself, he just needs help with homework."

Harry was fuming underneath his Cloak, what was this Ivan guys obsession anyway. "He obviously just flirted with you," Harry said annoyed. "I don't know why you can't see it. Can you expect anything less from him? Look at y-" Harry stopped, sighing.

"Look at what?" (y/n) asked.

"Nothing," Harry said.

The rest of the time was slightly awkward. Even when they went back to the castle Harry wasn't speaking much.

They were going to pass the time by spending a few hours at the Black Lake.

"Harry, before we go, I need to stop at the owlery. That all right?" (y/n) asked, gathering her things.

"Oh uh yeah that's fine. I need to check something too, actually." Harry said, grabbing a jacket to put over his grey hoodie.

They walked towards the owlery, the sound of dozens of cooing owls and fluttering wings indicating that they were getting closer.

(y/n) had a letter for Lupin neatly packaged in her hand, searching around for her owl, confused as she couldn't find it anywhere.

Her questions were answered as her owl came swooping in the owlery, standing on a metal bar, a creme roll of parchment tied to its leg. Although next to it came another owl, not recognized by Harry or (y/n), but it too had a roll tied to his leg.

Harry and (y/n) shrugged, both opening their own letter. (y/n)'s read:

𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 (𝘺/𝘯),

𝘐'𝘮 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘐 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥'𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴.

𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭,

𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘺

She sighed in relief, looking up at Harry who also seemed relieved...until the owl bit him.

"Ah," Harry gasped, sucking the blood off his cut finger. "What'd yours say?" he asked, still sucking on his wound.

"It was from Remus. He said he's been getting my letters but is trying to stay low and wants to meet me to discuss everything. He also said that Sirius would tell me the details...although I'm not sure how he would do that because we haven't heard from him and don't know where he is. What about you?"

"From Sirius, actually. Said I had to meet him in the common room at 1." Harry smiled.

"Well," (y/n) said, "to the Black Lake we go until then, I guess."

They left the owlery, walking quickly to the body of water. Once they arrived, they could see that Neville was observing the plants, pants rolled above his knees.

The water sparkled like crystals on a chandelier from the Sun's rays slicing through the ripples. The birds were singing a melody of serenity, almost in an attempt to make Harry and (y/n) feel better. The miniature waves splashes against tiny pebbles at the shore, creating a peaceful arrangement of music notes.

They rested at the base of a large, swaying tree, smiling at Neville who's hands were covered in lake gunk and pants had a mountain range pattern at the cuffs from the water splashing against his leg.

Neville also had some Herbology books neatly stacked on the dirt, Harry picking one up and flipping through the glossy pages.

Harry kept scolding Neville whenever he would make comments about what plant he had found at the bottom of the lake, which made (y/n) aggravated.

"Amazing," Neville exclaimed. "Amazing!" he repeated.

"Neville," Harry warned, "you're doing it again."

"Right, sorry," Neville cowered.

"Come on, let the poor boy get excited about plants, Harry." (y/n) defended. "That would be like him telling you to stop talking when you say how much a Quidditch match is exciting you."

Harry looked up from the book, glancing at (y/n), smiling, and then at Neville. "Sorry, Neville. Magical Water Plants of the Highland Locks?" Harry read off the cover of the book he was reading.

"Yeah Moody gave it to me," Neville said. "That day we had tea."

Neville waved happily at something in front of him. Harry and (y/n) turned around, seeing Ron, Hermione, and Ginny marching down the hill, Hermione whisper scolding Ron.

Harry and (y/n) got up, meeting them in the middle.

"What do you want me to say again?" she whispered to Ron, him telling her while having a death stare at Harry. She turned around annoyed, walking closer to Harry and (y/n), "Ronald would like me to tell you, that Seamus told him that Dean was told by Parvati that Hagrid is looking for you," she finished, her face in confusion as to if she said the right thing.

"Is that right," Harry said, "well...what?" he said, turning in confusion towards Ron.

"Uhh," Hermione said, clenching her teeth and going back to Ron, whispering to each other again. She walked back over, "Dean was told by Parvati that..." she sighed, "please don't ask me to say it again. Hagrid's looking for both of you."

Hermione started to walk away before Harry spoke, "Well you can tell Ron that-"

"I'm not an owl!" she bursted, turning away and dragging Ginny with her, Ron giving one last glare before following.

"What could Hagrid want just us for?" (y/n) asked.

"Dunno," Harry said, "but this whole Ron thing is getting annoying."

"It'll get better eventually. Let's just take one thing at a time and hope you're not late for Sirius."

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Eventually, it got to be close to midnight and it was time for (y/n) and Harry to meet Hagrid.

"Do you have the Cloak?" (y/n) asked.

Harry nodded, wrapping it tightly around both of them, the close contact making both of them too warm.

They made their way to the Forbidden Forest, the creatures that lurked in the darkness glowing in invisible defense, ready to pounce at innocent souls that were too broken to shield themselves. As the steps got closer to the vast forest of victim filled trees and blood stained dirt, the negative feeling and eyes on their backs only kept increasing to a level high enough to send someone to an asylum.

The large, and very reassuring, stance of Hagrid towered over the shadows that slithered against the ground. Harry and (y/n) approached him without the Cloak, unembarrisingly clutching each other's hands. They weren't afraid to admit they were scared.

Hagrid finally looked down, noticing the two fourth years standing cowardly next to him. "Yeh bring yer father's Cloak like I asked yeh?" Hagrid asked Harry, guiding them forward with nothing but the cloud covered moonlight and a small glass lantern.

"Yeah I brought the Cloak, but Hagrid, where are we going?" Harry asked frantically, confused as to what Hagrid could possibly be showing them in the Forbidden Forest so late.

"You'll see soon enough. Pay attention this is importan'," Hagrid warned.

They continued walking, birds cooing loudly to each other, sticks crumbling under their fast moving feet. Harry and (y/n) looked at each other as they noticed the condition of Hagrid's attire.

"What's with the flower?" Harry asked, confused, as Hagrid just glanced down at him and kept walking. "Hagrid, have you combed your hair?"

Sure enough, a large flower was pinned to Hagrid's jacket, orange and sprawled about wildly, looking like a lions mane. Hagrid's hair was less bushier than usual, it was smoothed out with water and combed out.

"As a matter of fact I have," Hagrid said. "Yeh might have ter try the same thin' known' again."

Their ears were abruptly met with the loud groan of a seemingly large creature, along with the sound of clashing iron. Hagrid stood still, looking around.

"'agrid!" a French voice called, Hagrid rushinf forwards through the fog, turning around quick.

"Oh, the Cloak. Put the Cloak on."

Harry grabbed (y/n)'s hand again, wrapping her with him underneath his Cloak.

"Bonsoir," Hagrid said to the unknown voice.

"Oh, 'agrid! I sought perhaps you won't come 'ere. I thought perhaps you 'ad...forgotten me." It was clearly Madame Maxime.

"I couldn' forget yeh Olympe," Hagrid said, holding her hands.

(y/n) and Harry gagged, trying to keep quiet.

"Vat is it you vanted to show me?" Madame Maxime asked. "Ven we spoke earlier, you sounded so exheelirated."

"You'll be gla' yeh came, trus' me."

Harry and (y/n) followed Hagrid to a line of bushes, the roaring noise getting louder as they approached.

"Ah, c'est magnifique!" Madame Maxime exclaimed.

Although to Harry and (y/n)'s horror, the sight in front of them was multiple cages, bright blazes of yellow fire erupting like a mushroom cloud from between the bars. All from dragons.

"Harry," (y/n) whispered, her voice cracking as he squeezed her hand.

"Well this is just brilliant," he muttered, ripping the Cloak off once Madame Maxime left Hagrid's side. "Dragons...that's the first task? You're joking." Harry was unmistakably even more nervous for Tuesday.

"Come on Harry," Hagrid said, "they're seriously misunderstood creatures."

Harry lurched back as they blasted more fire, running into (y/n).

He wanted to tell her that it would be perfectly fine. He wanted her to tell him that it would be ok.

But he knew that either of them saying that would end up being a lie. And all he could do is fight.
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a/n~ I've missed you all, I hope you're doing well <3

You may be wondering why this chapter feels so long. Well that would be because it is over 11,000 words 😀 yeah idk how and I am deeply sorry for doing that to you

I strayed a little from my usual descriptive and "poetic" writing i think, and fluff but as the plot thickens so will that writing

Love u all, until next time ~i

Mrs. Potter Squad

#BEMSUPREMACY