Masquerade (Hermione x Female OC)

Chapter 15 - To reveal

Total Words - 1896

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The Great Hall buzzed with electric excitement. Students and staff alike leaned forward in their seats, their eyes fixed on Dumbledore as he prepared to reveal the champions. It was a moment of shared thrill, a rare occurrence that had the entire Hogwarts on the edge of their seats.

René exchanged eager glances with Blaise and Sara, her friends equally caught up in the anticipation. The hall seemed to hold its collective breath, the atmosphere shifting as Dumbledore's voice cut through the murmurs, commanding everyone's attention.

"Now, the moment we've all been waiting for!" Dumbledore's voice rang out, filled with the weight of the occasion. René's gaze remained locked on the Goblet of Fire, its once ferocious flames now dancing like gentle candlelight.

The transformation of the Great Hall added to the air of enchantment. The soft, ethereal glow cast a magical allure over everything. It was as if the very room held its breath. Every eye remained fixed on the Goblet, waiting with bated breath for it to reveal the names of the champions.

"The Champions Selection!" Dumbledore's continued words held everyone in rapt attention, including René, who briefly glanced at Draco. At that moment, she noticed Harry at the Gryffindor table, his expressions mirroring the anticipation that coursed through her. Merlin forbid if his name pops up. I don't know what I'm going to do then. Ughh!, her mind racing.

Her eyes briefly met Harry's, and for a heartbeat, a split second, they exchanged a silent connection, something that unbeknownst to them was destined. The forces of nature, already in motion. A conspiracy.

René's attention back on the Goblet, her heart reverberating with each passing moment. Her gaze flitted between the Goblet and the faces of her fellow students, their hushed conversations adding to the palpable tension that enveloped the room.

Advancing towards the Goblet, Dumbledore's hand reached out to touch it, his fingers tracing the rim with deliberate reverence. As Dumbledore withdrew, the atmosphere held its breath in anticipation. The Great Hall fell into a hush, and everyone's eyes widened as the once vivid blue flames shifted to a captivating pinkish-red hue. The soft glow bathed the surroundings in an otherworldly light, casting a remarkable aura.

With a graceful sweep, a piece of parchment emerged from the Goblet, embraced by Dumbledore's practiced hand. He unfolded the parchment with deliberate care, his eyes scanning the contents intently, ready to reveal its contents.

"The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum!" Dumbledore's announcement cut through the silence, a spark igniting a wave of cheers and applause that cascaded through the room. René joined in the enthusiastic ovation, clapping with genuine delight for the accomplished young wizard.

Viktor strode forth from the bleachers, a portrait of self-assuredness, on his way to Dumbledore. The headmaster extended his hand, a gesture brimming with recognition, firmly establishing Viktor as the chosen champion of Durmstrang.

Everyone still cheering, the noise echoed through the humongous hall. Ron Weasley, especially, couldn't help but let out an exuberant cheer. He clapped his hands and whooped with enthusiasm, excitement radiating from him.

"Honestly, Ron," Harry said with an amused smirk, "you'd think you just won the lottery."

Ginny Weasley, sharing Ron's excitement, added suggestively as she glanced over at Hermione, "Well, it's Viktor Krum! Who wouldn't be excited?"