Forbidden

8

"I can't believe Potter just had to get involved with the Triwizard tournament! He's alway got to be centre of attention that obnoxious twat!" Pansy seethed as she made her way over to the Slytherin table. It seemed like the whole school had similar opinions on last nights events.

We found out the champions, Fleur, Krum, Cedric and Harry...I can't quite comprehend how Harry's name ended up in the Goblet. Someone must have put it in, but who would do that to him? And he didn't strike me as the type to bribe someone to enter his name.

"It's always the Harry Potter show! Makes me feel sick," Draco chimed in. Uncertain of my own feelings, I decided to seek out Fred and George to hear their perspective first.

Observing the twins and Lee rising from their breakfast at the Gryffindor table, I caught George's eye. He gestured for me to follow, nodding in the direction of the door.

"I'll catch up with you later, Draco. I'm going to get my stuff together for potions this morning," I explained, swiftly leaving before he could protest. Truth be told, I disliked his friends, and they make it obvious they reciprocate the sentiment.

As I left the Great Hall, I saw the three boys leaning near an archway in the hallway waiting for me. I approached them with a warm smile, all three returning the gesture. Even Lee seemed to have warmed to me now.

"Good morning boys," I spoke kindly.

"Good morning Scarlett," the twins said in unison. It was odd how they did that, or when they finished each others sentences. I couldn't help but wonder if the whole twin telepathy thing was real. Together, we walked towards the dungeons where our first class awaited, though Lee was not part of that particular class, he still joined the walk.

"So, what do you think about the champions?" I asked cautiously.

Fred shrugged, "Well, Cedric's alright. We got to see him in the summer. Can already tell he's gonna be a fan with the ladies," he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, and Krum, we knew would do it too. If it wasn't Krum, then I feel like the Durmstrang would've kicked someone's ass for beating him!" George laughed.

"And Fleur is fit..." Lee added, Fred agreeing with him, while George remained silent.

"And Harry?" I inquired. They exchanged glances, reluctance evident in their expressions. Fred finally mustered the courage, "Ron believes he put his name in without telling him... it was pretty icy in the common room last night!"

"But what do you think?" I caught George's eye, and he appeared deep in thought.

"Well, I don't believe he put it in himself. I mean, look at us when we tried! But I don't believe he asked anyone either. Harry's not like that, you see..." George began.

"Yeah, and you could feel his nerves in the common room. He didn't want this. So we think..." Fred added. They both looked at each other, wondering if they should admit what they thought. "It's a set-up..." they both said in unison.

"A set-up?" I questioned. The idea of someone orchestrating such a dangerous situation for a student was troubling.

George continued, "Yeah. Someone's set him up for sure. But we can't think who or why. He's in it now, so we just have to support him."

Our conversation was interrupted by a man clearing his throat, "Ahem." Turning, we saw Professor Snape standing in front of us. I hadn't realised we were nearly outside the classroom. "Miss LeStrange, Mr. & Mr. Weasley, you're keen this morning to be down here so early," his monotone voice drew out our names as he looked between us all.

"Yes, Professor, got to make a good impression, don't we, sir," Fred piped up, earning a cold stare from Snape.

"Well, seeing as you're here, you can help me set up for today's lesson. Mr. Jordan, please remove yourself from outside my classroom," Snape ordered, swiftly turning into the potions room. Lee muttered a goodbye before we followed behind Snape. "We will be learning about Felix Felicis. I assume you know what this is?" He eyed the boys, who both seemed to take a gulp.