Raven (Fred x oc)

42. Happy Birthday

After running a few laps around the pitch, I turned to the castle and went up to the dorms. After getting a shower, I changed into my robes and went to the Great Hall for dinner. "I hope it's Valerie or Angelina," Fred said as I approached where he and George were sitting with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"Aw, thanks," I replied, sitting down next to him.

"Anything for you, love," he replied, pressing his lips to mine. I couldn't help but smile at the sudden PDA. George cleared his throat loudly, causing me to go slightly pink and pull away.

Standing, Dumbledore said, "Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision. I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber where they will be receiving their first instructions."

"Any second," Lee said, staring intently at the goblet. The flames suddenly turned red and sparks began to fly.

"Come on," I whispered, gripping Fred's hand. Next moment, a tongue of fire sprang from the cup and a piece of parchment appeared.

"The champion for Durmstrang," Dumbledore said, "will be Viktor Krum."

"No surprises there!" Ron called over the applause.

"Bravo, Viktor!" Karloff boomed. "Knew you had it in you!" A second tongue of fire spat out another slip of parchment.

"The champion for Beauxbatons," Dumbledore read, "is Fleur Delacour!"

"Not a surprise," Dominique said over the applause. Again a tongue of fire send Dumbledore a piece of parchment.

"The Hogwarts Champion," Dumbledore called as my grip on Fred's hand tightened, "is Cedric Diggory!" Letting go of Fred's hand, I clapped with the others. The total uproar from the Hufflepuff table was deafening. I couldn't help but smile. Hufflepuff didn't get much glory. "Excellent!" Dumbledore called. "Well, we have now-" I couldn't listen anymore. The goblet was still flaming red, not blue as it had before.

"F-Fred, something's wrong," I said softly. "W-Why hasn't it changed?" Dumbledore seemed to notice too when the goblet spat out another piece of parchment. He stared at it for a long time before he cleared his throat and said, "Harry Potter." My heart stopped.

"I didn't put my name in," Harry said softly. "You know I didn't."

"Harry," I whispered.

"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore said calmly. "Harry! Up here, if you please."

"H-Harry," I whispered again.

"Go on," Hermione said, pushing him forward.

"Well...through the door, Harry," Dumbledore said once Harry had gotten to his feet and walked up there. Once he was gone, Dumbledore said, "You are all dismissed. Goodnight." Everyone got up, but I stayed seated, unable to move.

"Val," Fred said, getting my attention. I turned and walked with him to the common room.

"I'll be in my dorm," I said, moving passed him. The moment I saw no one was in the dorm, I flew out the window.  My black wings carried me through the air and to Hogsmeade. I scanned the mountains until I spotted a small opening. Bringing in my wings, I swooped into the hole before having to instantly move again, the strong beak of Buckbeak snapping at me.

"What're you doing here?" Dad asked, catching me and gently setting me on the ground.

"Dad, he got chosen for the tournament," I said the moment I had a human mouth again. "Harry got chosen."

"How?" Dad asked worriedly.

"No one knows," I admitted. "There are two now."

"Who's the other one?"

"Cedric Diggory," I replied. "Dad, I'm scared. What if Voldemort's supportors are behind this? Maybe they're trying to get him killed."

"And you're sure Harry didn't enter himself?" Dad clarified.

"No," I said firmly. "You should've seen his face when his name was announced. He had no idea. There wasn't even a faint bit of joy at having beaten the age limit."

"Okay, it doesn't sound like he knew," Dad agreed. "You need to protect him this year. Watch him as closely as you can."

"I will," I promised. Four days later, I woke up early and stuck down to the kitchens. After putting together a bundle, I went up to the owlery and had three school owls carry it for me as I flew with them, guiding them. Landing in the cave, I turned back and sent off the owls.

"Raven, what're you doing here? You have school," Dad said, rubbing his eyes tiredly as he got up.

"Happy birthday, Dad," I replied with a smile.

"Is it?" he asked. "I forgot my own birthday."

I chuckled, replying, "You're thirty-five now."

"I'm old," he sighed. Letting out a laugh, I crouched down to open my bundle.

"So, I do have school, but I thought we could celebrate before classes start?" He nodded and sat down next to me. "So, I brought you a cake and some chicken sandwiches. And here is a breakfast sandwich and some pumpkin juice."

"Thank you," he replied, beginning to dig in.

"I do have something else for you," I admitted, pulling out the last thing from the bag.

"Val, you didn't have to," he said, taking the wrapped box I gave him.

"Open it," I ordered. Shaking his head slightly, he opened the box. Inside was a silver watch.

"Thank you," he said, pulling out the watch and clasping it around his wrist.

"Well, I need to get to class," I said, getting to my feet. "I hope you have a good birthday."

"Thank you. Have a good day." Waving, I changed forms and flew back to school.