Lillian 'Anna' Potter || Goblet of Fire

Chapter Twenty-Three: A Solemn Swear

“You okay, Anna? You look nervous.”

“That’s because I am nervous.” She snapped at Draco as she continued to beat out the chalkboard eraser.

Though the two had made amends a few days ago, Professor McGonagall had yet to lift their shared detentions, and while their time spent cleaning out the classrooms together was mostly them bickering back and forth, Anna was secretly relieved that there was at least one person out there who knew that her foster family had passed away and wasn’t treating her like a broken doll because of it.

“Professor Dumbledore is announcing the champions tonight,” Anna continued. “And I’m apprehensive of what’s going to happen.”

“Your little boyfriend entered, didn’t he?” Draco deadpanned and scoffed at her wide-eyed expression. “Don’t think I’m that oblivious. Diggory just came of age a week ago, and he’s been bragging about putting his name in the goblet ever since.”

“Right. It’s not like you would do that exact same thing if you were of age and could enter.” She said wryly, taking a deep breath as she placed the erasers back on the board and clapped the chalk dust off her hands. “But yes, he’s entering. And as much as I didn’t want him to, there’s probably a hundred other witches and wizards entering, and there’s only 1 Hogwarts champion that’ll be chosen. Hopefully the odds will win out.”

Draco rolled his eyes as he continued to wipe down the desks. “With your luck, I doubt it.”

- - -

Draco’s words did nothing to comfort her as Anna sat in her seat next to Ginny in the Great Hall - fidgeting every two seconds as her gaze kept going back to Cedric sitting at the Hufflepuff table, laughing and having fun with his fellow housemates. She only wished she could be that at ease.

“Anna, relax.” Ginny reassured her as her friend shoved a tart into her mouth, causing Anna to cough and choke as she glared at Ginny in distaste.

“How can I relax? Cedric literally entered into this super-dangerous competition. And Merlin knows how reckless he is.” She grumbled as Ginny raised an eyebrow.

“Really? And I could say the same about a certain red-head friend I know.”

Ginny waved her hand at the goblet. “Look. Cedric’s probability of being chosen is practically nothing. Did you see the crowd clogging up the hallways for the past week? He’s only 1 of those people.”

But Anna could only shake her head as she crossed her arms. “I don’t like this, Ginny. No amount of money is worth this stupid compitition. Have you heard all the horror stories from the last Triwizard tournaments? I read that one wizard was burned alive. Another witch drowned, and-”

“Anna. Calm. Down.” Ginny reminded her as she began to ramble. “As much as I like to hear you’ve read an actual book, stressing out is pointless - especially when Cedric may very-well not be chosen. Just...sit tight for now, okay? And whatever happens, we’ll deal with it then.”

Just then, their plates were cleared with a magical flourish, and Dumbledore stood, causing all voices in the hall to die down and go out.

“The Goblet is almost ready to make its decision. I estimate that it requires only a minute longer.” He announced. “Now, when the champion’s names are called, I would ask them to please come into the next chamber, where they will be receiving their first instructions.

The lights in the hall dimmed, causing the blue flames of the Goblet to flicker brightly than ever before. Everyone waited in suspense until the flames suddenly roared, turning a bright orangey red as it belched a charred piece of parchment from its flames.

“Viktor Krum!”

“Fleur Delacour!”

He announced the names each time the Goblet spat a new paper slip from the fire.

And then it was time for him to announce the Hogwarts champion.

Ginny wrapped an arm of support around Anna’s shoulders, and she stared intensely into Dumbledore’s spectacles, willing the next name not to be-

“Cedric Diggory!”

The cheers from the Hufflepuff table were deafening, but Anna could barely process the thoughts running through her mind, let alone Ginny’s embraces and whispered reassurances.

“Excellent!” Dumbledore cheered. “Well, we now have our 3 champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real-”

But the flames of the goblet suddenly rose in a great red fury once again, and a 4th slip of parchment fluttered out, gliding into Dumbledore’s open hand.

There was a long pause as everyone held their breath.

“Harry Potter.”

- - -

“I thought there were only supposed to be 3 champions.”

Anna paced in the girls dormitory, wearing a path in the shaggy crimson carpet as Ginny watched her.

“There are.” Ginny insisted. “This has never happened before.”

“And it just happens to happen the year the Triwizard Tournament comes back into play? The year my brother is in Hogwarts?” She deadpanned. Anna ran her hands through her curls as she growled in frustration. “I was upset enough about Cedric, and now Harry is going to be in the tournament too? He isn’t even of age, Gin. He doesn’t know enough spells!”

Tears ran down her face, and Anna felt ashamed as she wiped the sleeve of her sweater across her damp eyes, but they just kept coming.

Suddenly, Ginny’s arms were around her, and she broke down in heavy, ugly sobs as she cried. “How can I protect them? How am I supposed to do it?”

“You’re not. You’re not supposed to do it.” Ginny whispered. “But you’re not alone, Anna. And both boys are going to have an army of people to help and support them, ok?”

Anna’s parent’s words came back to her ears.

“It’s important that you and your brother protect each other.”

Of course she loved Cedric - he was her boyfriend, and one of her greatest supporters. But he was also of age, and her brother was the one who needed her more right now.

Harry was coming out of this - no matter what.

I swear this on my life.