Jamie and Al-Baydah are two sisters from a renowned wizarding family. Despite being close, the sisters are sorted into different houses: Jamie, clever and inquisitive, joins Ravenclaw, while Al-Baydah, ambitious yet fiercely loyal, finds herself in...
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—The Great Hall was alive with chatter as students from all four houses gathered for breakfast. The golden plates shimmered with morning light, and the air buzzed with anticipation. It was the day everyone had been waiting for—the announcement of the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.
Jamie sat at the Ravenclaw table, sandwiched between Cho Chang and Noah. Her breakfast sat untouched on her plate as she tried to focus on her conversation with Cho, though her thoughts were scattered. Across the hall, she could see George at the Gryffindor table, animatedly gesturing while talking to Fred. Lately, George had been paying more attention to her, and Jamie wasn't sure what to make of it.
Beside her, Noah leaned closer, his voice low. "It's today. You think Al-baydah's nervous?"
Jamie glanced at her sister, who was standing, deep in conversation with Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter. Al-baydah didn't look nervous—if anything, she looked calm, collected, and determined. It was a look Jamie knew well; her sister thrived under pressure.
"She doesn't get nervous," Jamie replied, her tone light but edged with tension. "But I am."
Before Noah could respond, a hush fell over the hall as Professor Dumbledore stood at the staff table. The students quieted almost instantly, their attention drawn to the towering figure of the headmaster. His eyes twinkled as he surveyed the room, and with a warm smile, he raised his hands for silence.
"Good morning, students," Dumbledore began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the hall. "Today marks the beginning of the Triwizard Tournament's first task. Our champions will face a challenge that will test their courage, wit, and resourcefulness."
Jamie's stomach knotted. She glanced back at Al-baydah, who now had her arms crossed, listening intently. Cedric gave her a reassuring nod, while Harry seemed more focused, his brow furrowed.
Dumbledore continued. "I will not reveal the nature of the task until the moment it begins. However, I can assure you all that it has been designed to challenge even the most capable witches and wizards." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room. "The first task will take place on the grounds, by the Black Lake. Champions, you are to meet there at noon. The rest of the school will follow shortly after to observe."
A ripple of excitement and nerves spread through the hall. Students began whispering among themselves, speculating wildly about what the task could be.
Jamie leaned toward Cho, her voice barely audible over the murmurs. "Do you think they'll have to fight something? Or solve a puzzle?"
Cho shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "Could be anything. But whatever it is, it won't be easy. The tournament's never been about easy."
Noah, who had been oddly quiet, suddenly spoke up. "What if it's something underwater? The Black Lake... that's got to be a clue, right?"
