RUNNING WITH WOLVES remus lupin

O45. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄

𝐅 𝐎 𝐔 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 -  𝐅 𝐈 𝐕 𝐄

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The days leading up to the third task of the Triwizard Tournament felt both exhilarating and suffocating for Elodie. Hogwarts buzzed with excitement, students discussing strategies and possible challenges while preparing for the grand finale. But amidst the excitement was Harry, who was increasingly withdrawn, grappling with his own doubts and the heavy burden of fame.

Elodie, as much as she didn't want to, had to start putting pressure on Harry. So now she found herself sitting with Harry, Ron, and Hermione in their usual spot in the Gryffindor common room. The fireplace crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Harry stared into the flames, lost in thought, while Ron fidgeted nervously beside him, his gaze darting between Elodie and Harry. But Ron's been acting that way since she and Harry became friends.

“So Harry, have you thought about going for the cup?,” Elodie urged, her voice steady yet filled with concern. “You’ve made it this far; don’t you want to see it through?”

“I didn’t want to be in this competition in the first place,” Harry replied, his tone heavy with frustration. “I just want to survive. I don’t like the attention, it makes everything worse.”

Hermione chimed in, her expression serious. “But Harry, this is a chance to show everyone what you’re capable of. You’re not just ‘The Boy Who Lived’; you’re a talented wizard who has faced unimaginable challenges.”

“Exactly!” Elodie added passionately. “This is your moment to prove that you can rise above the expectations. You’re not defined by your fame, Harry. That you can do things by your own merit.”

Ron, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. “You’ve gone through so much already, mate. You can’t just throw in the towel now. Besides, we’ll be there to support you, right, Hermione?” He shot her a hopeful look.

“Of course,” Hermione said, nodding. “We’ll figure out the challenges together. You won’t have to face anything alone.”

Harry sighed, pulling his knees to his chest. “But what if I fail? What if I get hurt? I don’t want to let anyone down.”

As Elodie tried to think of words, her voice softened. “And it'll be alright, Harry. You're fourteen, you shouldn't have been in the competition in the first place, but for some reason you are.” She gets silent for a moment as she remembers she knows the reason. “You won’t let anyone down by trying, Harry. Even if you don’t win, you’ll show everyone how brave you are just by stepping up. And all your friends will be right here, cheering for you.”

As the conversation continued, Elodie couldn’t shake the feeling that they were running out of time. The third task was only five days away, and Harry’s reluctance weighed heavily on her heart. She hoped that ignited determination within him.

Over the next few days, Elodie made it her mission to rally support for Harry. She spoke to Ron and Hermione daily, encouraging them to keep the spirits high. They brainstormed ways to help Harry prepare, she even got Neville to participate.

One afternoon, as Elodie walked through the halls of Hogwarts, she spotted Penelope in the library with Fred and George. A wave of relief washed over her; she knew Penelope would understand the weight of the situation. Even if she didn't know the full details.

“Penny! I feel like I haven't seen you in days.” Elodie called out, joining their group. “I need your help. It’s about Harry and the tournament.”

Penelope looked up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “What’s going on with you and your man…?” Elodie cringed at her friend's teasing.

“Ugh, Pen don't say that please.” Elodie looks around hoping no one's listening. Merlin knows she and Harry don't need to be in the daily profit more than they are. Even Hermione somehow got caught in the crossfire. Elodie soon explained Harry’s reluctance to participate in the third task and how he was struggling with his fame. Fred and George listened attentively, their usual playful banter momentarily set aside.

“I think we can help,” George said, glancing at Fred. “Harry's like a little brother to us. He just needs a bit of a push, that’s all.”

“Right! Let’s plan something fun,” Fred added, already grinning mischievously. “We could throw a little ‘Harry, You Can Do It’ party! Get everyone involved and remind him that he’s not alone.”

Penelope smiled brightly. “That’s a great idea! We can make it a celebration of friendship and courage. He needs to see how much we believe in him.”

Elodie’s heart lifted at their enthusiasm. “Exactly! If we can show Harry that he has a whole team behind him, maybe he’ll feel more confident about entering the maze.”

Over the next few days, Elodie, Penelope, and the Weasley twins worked tirelessly to organize the gathering. They decorated the common room with banners, balloons, and photographs of their adventures together. They even prepared a few magical snacks to keep the energy high.

On the night before the third task, they invited Harry's Friends in Gryffindor, including Ron and Hermione of course. As well as Neville, Dean, Seamus, Parvati, Padma, and Lavender much to Ron's charigan. A group of Hufflepuffs including Cedric Diggory. Even Cho Chang and a few ravenclaws joined them. As the common room filled with laughter and chatter, Elodie watched Harry enter, his expression a mixture of confusion and surprise.

“Surprise!” Ron and Hermione exclaimed, pulling him into the room. “We all wanted to remind you how much you mean to all of us.”

Harry stood there, taken aback, as his friends cheered and clapped. The other house students cheered and clapped as well. Elodie stepped forward. “Harry, this is about more than just the tournament. It’s about friendship and facing challenges together. You’re not alone in this.”

As the festivities continued, Elodie could see the tension in Harry’s shoulders beginning to ease. Ron, with a newfound bravery, approached him, his voice steady. “You know, mate, we’re all proud of you. No matter what happens in that maze, we’ll always be here for you.”

At that moment, Harry looked around the room, taking in the faces of his friends—each one radiating encouragement and belief. Elodie felt a surge of hope as she watched him absorb their support.

“Okay,” Harry finally said, his voice stronger than before. “Thanks, guys, and wish me luck tomorrow, everyone.”

Cheers erupted around the room, and Elodie felt a warmth spread through her chest. Along with a feeling of dread. She got his determination up. But who knows what waits for him on the other side of that cup if he wins?

As the night wore on, the dread got bigger. Tomorrow's a big day, who knows how things will go? Lives are at stake. She turns over to sleep. But who can sleep when something possibly dangerous tomorrow is coming?