Novus Orbis | Fred Weasley x Insert | ON HIATUS

Chapter 19 - The Tournament

Happy New Year, everyone!

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They head back to their compartment, Lee Jordan joining them as they get settled. Y/n settles in her usual spot, across from Fred, their legs entangled in the middle. The storm continues on, lulling them into a melancholy mood. Conversation bounces back and forth, going from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes to the Quidditch World Cup.

Y/n flips lazily through the book Charlie gave her, tracing her fingers over the illustrations that cover it from front to back. They're still just as beautiful and breathtaking as the first time she looked at them, the paint gleaming and glowing in the dim light of the storm outside.

"What on Earth do you think mum was talking about, Charlie, and Bill?" Fred asks eventually, and she closes her book to pay attention and join in. "Back on the platform—about rules changing and whatnot."

"What's this?" Jordan asks.

"Mrs. Weasley said something about being glad rules were changing at Hogwarts," Y/n says. "And Charlie said we were going to see him."

"Bill said he wishes he could come back this year, and that he might try to get time off to come see something," George adds.

"I suspect the dress robes and gowns they're requiring everyone to wear this year are part of it, too," Y/n says.

"Mum did find it a bit odd," Lee Jordan says. "We've never been required to bring anything of the sort before."

"Some kind of ball, or something, maybe?"

They toss around guesses until they've run out and can't think of anyone else, and everyone quiets again, so that the only sounds are shuffling and the heavy rain outside. The lady with the trolley treats comes by at some point, and Y/n gets up to order several Pumpkin Pasties and a few other treats. Then they settle back down. Eventually, she falls asleep, because the next thing she knows, Fred is gently waking her and telling her they've got to get changed into their robes.

Finally, they've arrived at Hogsmeade station once more, and they're pushing past the students in the hallway of the train to get off and under shelter as soon as possible. The rain is coming down harder than ever now, if possible, so thick and fast that it's really more like buckets of ice cold water are being continuously poured on their heads. The horseless carriages stand waiting for them, and they clamber inside. Y/n pushes up against Fred, trying to recreate any semblance of warmth to no avail, and he laughs at her, wrapping a cold, sopping wet arm around her shoulders and pressing a cold cheek to her hair. With a lurch, they're moving, and they begin the journey up the track to Hogwarts castle.

As they all climb out of the carriages, they are temporarily distracted from the rain by a mesmerising and surprising sight: a carriage, pulled by seven white horses with wings (pegasi, if you will), is flying through the air towards the castle. Students are clambering to see, pushing past each other, and McGonagall only makes half an effort to stop them from their momentary wonder. Hagrid can be seen below, attempting to guide them to a safe landing before he is forced to give up and dive down, lest he be completely trampled underneath the hooves.

And then, they're all looking at the water — a ship, bigger than any Y/n has seen, is coming up out of the water, magnificent with sails down and gorgeous, untouched wood, banners flying all lovely in the air. But they've not much time to look at these spectacles at all, because the professor is shouting for their attention to get inside before they all catch a cold or pneumonia.

McGonagall hurries them through the large doors, and Y/n nearly slips on the floor, wet as ever with all the water covering it from the other soaked students. Fred catches her quickly, and they head into the Great Hall. It's magnificent, as usual, decorated for the start-of-term feast. The candles hang merrily in the air, the ceiling above still reflecting the dark, stormy sky outside. But it's much warmer, and Y/n can't wait to get out of her wet clothes and cozy up by the fire in the common rooms. They take their seats, and Y/n notes with interest that there are a bit more empty seats at the head table where the professors sit than the usual one or two that are usually filled quickly by the arrival of a new professor.