𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 || 𝐃.𝐌

XXII

“Did you put your name
in the Goblet of Fire?”

[Albus Dumbledore.]

☄. *. ⋆

“I'm sorry? We must've heard you wrong, professor.” Draco raised an eyebrow, as he rose up from his chair clearly not liking what name Dumbledore just mentioned after Harry.

“You didn't, Mr. Malfoy,” The headmaster answered. “Y/n Devorah, please come up here as well.”

Draco can feel the colours draining out of his face the moment as Dumbledore confirmed one of his worst nightmares. He was just making fun of Harry a moment ago and laughing about how he must have cheated and put his name on the goblet, but this one? It was distinctive. There is absolutely no way in hell that an 11-year-old girl may sign her name at the goblet knowing that an age limit has been established for the sake of the record. Y/n was innocent and didn't know anything. She doesn't know a thing or two about joining this dangerous game she's now in.

Draco's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he tried to process the situation. It was unbelievable to him that Y/n, the same little girl whom he had always sworn to protect and cherish, was also chosen to compete in this year's tournament. He couldn't believe that such a young first-year student had been selected for such a dangerous task.

As he looked over at Y/n, he saw a mix of curiosity and fear in her eyes. He couldn't help but wonder how she was feeling in that moment, and if she truly understood the gravity of the situation.

“Professor, she's a first year! How could that be?” Draco protests again as he looks at Y/n, who is now looking around the room with a mix of curiosity and fear in her eyes.

Turning to her friend Capella, Y/n asked, “What's going on?” Capella's expression mirrored the same worry and confusion that Draco felt inside. She struggled to find the words to explain the situation to her friend, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it all.

“I-I... I have no idea, Y/n, but stay here, okay?” Capella answered, trying to hide her friend behind her back so that they wouldn't have to take her to the chambers too, where the official players for the tournament were asked to go. 
 
“Ms. Devorah, come here now.” Professor McGonagall felt like she was being stabbed right now in the chest as she had to lead the way for both Harry and Y/n; two of her students who have become really close to her— feeling worried about what was going to happen to the two young lads once they join the Triwizard survival cup.

Everyone watched as the two entered the chamber, followed by Dumbledore, Karkaroff, Madame Olympe, Crouch, and Mr. Ludo Bagman.

☄. *. ⋆

Viktor Krum, Cedric Diggory and Fleur Delacour were all standing near the fire, looking ready as they silhouetted against the flame.

Fleur looked around, noticing Harry Potter with a little girl. The two of them walked inside, as Y/n was holding onto the hem of Harry's sleeves. Still clueless but a hint of fear was written all over her eyes remembering what Draco told her last month, saying how dangerous this tournament is.

“Is there something wrong?” Fleur asked, looking at them. “Do zey want us back in ze hall?”

She thought the two came to deliver a message to them. Harry and Y/n stayed quiet as they were stoned in their places, not knowing what to say or how to tell them what just happened. Cedric looked at Y/n and immediately recognized her small figure and her features.

“Aren't you Capella's best friend?” Cedric asked raising his eyebrows in surprised. Y/n immediately nodded her head and answered, “I am!”

Cedric was just about to ask another question when suddenly Ludo Bagman entered the chamber taking both Harry and the little girl by the arm and led them forward. “Gentlemen, lady. May I introduce— the fourth and fifth Triwizard champion?” He exclaimed.

Viktor's gaze darkened as he examine Harry's face as well as the little girl beside him. Cedric's eyes widened in surprised as he thought he must've misheard what Bagman had said. Fleur on the other hand, smiled, and said, “Oh vairy funny joke, Meester Bagman.”

“Joke?” Bagman raised an eyebrow. “No, I'm certainly serious! Harry Potter and Y/n Devorah's name just came out of the Goblet of Fire!”

Cedric froze, still trying to comprehend what was going on in a polite manner, while Krum has his eyebrows furrowed already at Ludo Bagman.

Fleur looked at the two young students before her eyes with worry as she stated contemptuously to Bagman, “'E cannot compete. 'E is too young.”

“Well, why not? The age restriction wasn't really in the tournament. It was just added as a safety measure this year, but since the Goblet of Fire have chosen this too, they're obliged to join—” Ludo Bagman's sentence were cut off the moment the door opened again revealing Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Mr. Crouch, Professor Karkaroff, Madame Maxime and Professor Snape.

“Madame Maxime!” Fleur called out her headmistress as she rushed towards her. “Zey are saying zat zis young boy and tiny little girl is to compete also!” She exclaimed worried.

Dumbledore turned both to Harry and Y/n. “Did the two of you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?” He asked calmly.
 
“No,” answered Harry, feeling everyone's eyes watching them now.
 
Y/n, however, hesitated. She could feel her hands shaking with fear, her heart pounding in her chest. This was all too much for her to handle. She looked down at the ground, trying to hide behind Harry, unsure of what to say. Of course, she hadn't put her name in the Goblet— but how could she explain that to everyone here, with their accusing eyes and angry words?

The little girl was overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes filling with tears as she struggled to keep them from spilling over. She felt an intense pressure bearing down on her, as if the weight of the world was on her small shoulders. In that moment, all she wanted was a comforting hug from Draco, someone to tell her that everything was going to be alright. It was a lot for a child her age to handle, the weight of her worries and fears bearing down on her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself and push back against the overwhelming emotions threatening to engulf her. She knew she had to be strong, but it was difficult when everything felt so out of control.

Y/n held onto the hem of Harry's sleeves tighter this time, she can feel her heart racing faster than the adrenaline.

She closed her eyes and started praying, hoping that she would be saved by Draco, her prince charming.