Hogwarts Champion // Triwizard Tournament

XXV

THE FINAL TRIAL

As the morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the dormitory, casting a warm glow across the room, I found myself filled with a mix of anticipation and determination. Grace and Nerida's excitement and nervousness mirrored my own emotions, adding to the charged atmosphere in the air.

With focused determination, I carefully dressed in my under armor, ensuring each piece fit snugly and provided the protection I would need. Slipping into my Slytherin shirt and black pants, I felt a surge of pride at wearing the colors of my house, a symbol of unity and strength. With practiced ease, I laced up my boots, double-checking each knot to ensure they were secure.

Taking a moment to braid my hair, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, seeing the determination shining in my eyes. Today was the day of the final trial, and I was ready. Ready to face whatever challenges awaited me, ready to prove myself once and for all.

With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and stepped out of the dormitory, my heart pounding with anticipation for the trials that lay ahead. I stood in the heart of the common room looking for Sebastian, expecting him to meet me by the stairs but I couldn't find him anywhere.

Feeling a pang of disappointment at not finding him, I twirled the ends of my hair anxiously, my mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming trial. Nerida's comforting hand on my shoulder brought me back to the present moment, her reassuring words offering a glimmer of hope.

"Maybe he's already in the Great Hall," Nerida suggested, her voice filled with optimism.

Nodding at her words, I took a deep breath, willing myself to focus on the task at hand. With her and Grace by my side, we made our way to the Great Hall, my footsteps echoing in the empty corridors of Hogwarts.

We settled into our seats along the Slytherin table, my eyes scanned the crowded Great Hall in searching for any sign of Sebastian. Despite my efforts, there was still no sight of him.

Fidgeting with my food, I picked at my plate absentmindedly, my appetite waning as worry gnawed at the edges of my mind. Nerida glanced at me sympathetically, sensing my unease.

"Maybe he's just running a bit late," she offered optimistically, trying to ease my concerns.

I forced a small smile, grateful for Nerida's attempt to reassure me, but the absence of Sebastian weighed heavily on my thoughts.

Grace too had sensed my discomfort, "Whether he is here or not, Sera, you've trained for this very moment. You're going to be just fine."

Her words offered a semblance of reassurance, grounding me in the present moment. She was right—I had trained rigorously, honing my skills for this very trial. Regardless of Sebastian's absence, I needed to stay focused and trust in my abilities.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, grateful for Grace's reminder. "You're right," I replied, trying to inject confidence into my voice. "I've prepared for this, and I won't let anything distract me."

Nerida nodded in agreement, her expression supportive. "We're all here for you," she added, her tone firm and encouraging.

With their encouragement bolstering me, I squared my shoulders and was determined to face whatever challenges awaited me in the final trial. Whether Sebastian was by my side or not, I was ready to prove myself.

Once breakfast was finished, we joined the bustling crowd of students making their way toward the arena. Conversations buzzed around us, speculation running wild about what awaited us in the final trial. Some debated strategies, while others made playful bets on who would emerge victorious in the end. The air was charged with excitement and anticipation, a tangible energy that seemed to pulse through the crowd as we approached the arena.