C O M P E T E O R D I E "Why did this happen? Why, why, why?"
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AURORA'S MIND WENT BLANK. She was stunned. Her jaw was slightly dropped and fear ran through her body. This wasn't possible, Aurora thought to herself. It has to be a set-up.
Like it was second nature, Aurora turned her head to her brother Atlas. When their eyes met, Aurora could see he was just had confused as she was.
I swear I didn't put my name in the goblet of fire. Aurora said to Atlas through her mind.
I know. He replied with honesty.
It has to be a set-up. Aurora said to him.
Atlas nodded his head and said. This is no mistake. Someone is trying to set you guys up.
Aurora let out a shuttering breath and looked around the great hall. There was no applause. A buzzing, as though of angry bees, was starting to fill the Hall; some students were standing up to get a better look at Aurora and Harry — who sat, frozen, in his seat.
Up at the top table, Professor McGonagall had got to her feet and swept past Ludo Bagman and Professor Karkaroff to whisper urgently to Professor Dumbledore, who bent his ear toward her, frowning slightly.
Aurora and Harry turned to Ron and Hermione; beyond them, he saw the long Gryffindor table all watching them, open-mouthed.
"I didn't put my name in," Harry said blankly. "You know I didn't."
"Same goes for me," Aurora said, hoping they would believe them.
Both of them stared just as blankly back.
At the top table, Professor Dumbledore had straightened up, nodding to Professor McGonagall.
"Harry Potter! Aurora Black!" he called again. "Harry! Aurora! Up here, if you please!"
"Go on," Hermione whispered, giving them both a slight push. They both got to their feet — Harry trodding on the hem of his robes, and stumbled slightly.
They set off up the gap between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables. Aurora felt relatively close to Harry. She didn't know if it was the nerves but she found comfort with Harry being so close to her.
It felt like an immensely long walk; the top table didn't seem to be getting any nearer at all, and she could feel hundreds and hundreds of eyes upon them, as though each were a searchlight.
The buzzing grew louder and louder. After what seemed like an hour, she was right in front of Dumbledore, feeling the stares of all the teachers upon them.
"Well . . . through the door, Harry, Aurora..." Dumbledore said. He wasn't smiling.
The two of them moved off along the teachers' table. Hagrid was seated right at the end. He did not wink at them, or wave, or give any of his usual signs of greeting. He looked completely astonished and stared at Aurora and Harry as they passed like everyone else.
