Fractured Hearts | Draco Malfoy

5 ~ The world seemed to tilt

FRACTURED HEARTS

the world seemed to tilt

It had been a long day, and I could already feel the exhaustion pulling at my limbs as we made our way to the Great Hall. Hermione, Harry, Ron, and I trudged along, our feet dragging a little slower than usual after the day's classes. But despite the weariness, excitement buzzed in the air. Tonight, the Goblet of Fire would finally accept the names of the champions for the Triwizard Tournament. Every student over the age of seventeen was allowed to throw their name in, and people were already hyping themselves up about who would make the cut.The Great Hall was packed, students pushing their way to get a better look at the large, glowing Goblet perched on the front table. Even from a distance, you could see the flames licking up the sides, blue and bright, waiting to be fed the names of potential champions.

"Look at all of them," Hermione said, nodding to the older students surrounding the Goblet. "It's ridiculous. Some of them don't even know what they're getting into."

"Not to mention the show-offs," I added, rolling my eyes as I spotted some older Ravenclaw boys who were practically glowing with self-satisfaction. "They probably just want to be famous for five minutes."

As we squeezed closer, we caught sight of Fred and George standing off to the side, whispering to each other with mischievous grins on their faces. They weren't seventeen yet, but if there was one thing Fred and George hated, it was being told they couldn't do something.

"Hey, Celia!" Fred called out, spotting me and waving us over. "Come to witness history, have you?"

I raised an eyebrow, glancing between them suspiciously. "History? More like stupidity. What are you two planning?"

George grinned, pulling a small vial out of his pocket and shaking it so the liquid inside glinted in the torchlight. "Ageing Potion."

Hermione, always the voice of reason, crossed her arms and gave them both a skeptical look. "You know that's not going to work, right? Dumbledore put an age line around the Goblet. Potions aren't going to fool ancient magic."

Fred waved off her warning. "Ah, Hermione, you worry too much. Where's the fun in being cautious? It's all about the risk, darling."

"Plus," George added, "if it works, we'll be famous—"

"And if it doesn't," I cut in, smirking, "you'll probably end up sprouting a second head or something equally stupid."

"Sounds worth it," Fred replied with a wink, uncorking the vial and taking a swig. George quickly followed, tossing the empty bottle over his shoulder as they both swaggered over to the Goblet like they were twenty feet tall.

Hermione shook her head. "I told them it wouldn't work."

"They never listen to you," Ron muttered, though he watched his brothers with a mix of apprehension and amusement.

Everyone in the Great Hall seemed to have their eyes on Fred and George as they dramatically crossed the invisible line Dumbledore had set around the Goblet. For a moment, nothing happened. The twins exchanged smug grins, clearly thinking they'd outsmarted everyone.But then, with a loud crack, they were both hurled backward into the air. Their hair turned bright white, and wrinkles instantly appeared on their faces. The entire Hall erupted into laughter as the twins crashed onto the floor, groaning and clutching their aching bodies.

"Well," Hermione said, barely able to suppress her own laughter, "I did warn them."

Fred and George, looking decades older and thoroughly defeated, grumbled as they pulled themselves up. "Guess the Ageing Potion needs a bit of fine-tuning," George said, rubbing his sore back.