Hogwarts Champion // Triwizard Tournament

XXVI

WOUNDS OF TRIUMPH

The scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air as I lay on the sterile hospital bed, the soft hum of magic filling the room as healers tended to our injuries. Sebastian lay in the bed next to mine, his face drawn with pain but a glint of determination still shining in his eyes.

The burns that marred our skin served as stark reminders of the fierce battle we had endured, each one a testament to the sacrifices made in pursuit of victory. Despite the pain, there was a sense of peace that settled over me, knowing that we had emerged from the trial together, stronger and more resilient than before.

The healers worked diligently, their skilled hands weaving intricate spells to mend our wounds and soothe our aching bodies. With each passing moment, the pain began to ebb away, replaced by a sense of relief and gratitude.

Sebastian and I exchanged weary smiles. We had faced the flames together, standing side by side in the heat of battle, and emerged stronger for it. As the healers continued their ministrations, I closed my eyes, letting the gentle rhythm of their magic relax me.

As the soft glow of the lanterns cast a warm light over the hospital wing, Sebastian's voice reached me in a gentle whisper, barely audible above the hushed hum of magic.

"Sera," he murmured, his words laden with exhaustion yet filled with genuine pride. I turned to him, meeting his gaze.

With a faint smile playing on his lips, Sebastian spoke, his voice barely more than a breath. "I'm so proud of you," he said, his words carrying the weight with his sincerity.

His words touched me deeply, stirring a sense of warmth and affection within me. In that moment, amidst the quiet tranquility of the hospital wing, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his belief in me.

Reaching out across the narrow gap between our beds, our hands met in a gentle embrace, fingers intertwining in a silent gesture of solidarity and support.

"Thank you," I murmured, my voice hoarse with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he squeezed my hand gently. "You were incredible out there," he said, his words filled with pride. "I always knew you had it in you."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. We laced our fingers together, a silent gesture of solidarity and shared triumph. Despite the pain and exhaustion that weighed heavily upon us, there was a quiet strength in our connection, binding us together in the aftermath of the trials we had faced.

As we lay side by side in the dimly lit hospital wing, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that no matter what the future held, Sebastian would always be there, his unwavering support a beacon of light in the darkness.

The Headmaster and the Minister entered the hospital wing, their presence brought a solemn gravity to the room. I straightened up slightly, my heart pounding with a mixture of pride and anticipation.

"Congratulations," the Headmaster said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "You have proven yourself to be a true champion, and Hogwarts is immensely proud of your accomplishments."

I met his gaze, feeling a swell of gratitude for his words of praise. The Minister stepped forward, a warm smile lighting up his features as he extended his hand.

"Indeed, your victory will be remembered for generations to come," he said, his voice resonating with pride. "Your name will be inscribed in the book of victors, a testament to your bravery and skill."

I felt a surge of emotion at the realization of what this meant. To be immortalized in the annals of Hogwarts history was a dream I had never dared to entertain, and yet here I stood, on the precipice of achieving just that.