raison d'être (george weasley x reader)

6.7

Dinner passed in a blur as students impatiently awaited Dumbledore's announcements. Everyone had spent the last hour speculating who would be chosen from each school and a few debates had also sprouted as a result.

"Sit down, please," Dumbledore said, drawing the chatter to a close. "Now, the moment you've all been waiting for: the champion selection!"

Dumbledore drew his wand and moved it across the room, dulling every sconce that littered the walls. He then turned his attention to the goblet, commanding silence with every step he took.

The flames changed from blue to red as a scorched piece of parchment flew out and landed in the headmaster's hand. He took a second to read it before announcing, "The Durmstrang's champion is Viktor Krum!"

Congratulatory cheers overtook Durmstrang as the boys all crowded around Krum in a brief celebration. They pushed the athlete to the front and he met Dumbledore in a firm handshake before heading down to the backroom, where the champions were meant to convene.

The flame turned red again and Dumbledore spoke, "The champion of Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour!"

The girls were much more vocal about their excitement and also significantly quicker in sending Fleur off.

Red again. "The Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory!"

The school cheered, though Fred and George both let out quiet grunts of dismay at the fact that their champion was not from Gryffindor. Y/N shot them a silencing glare and cheered out for Cedric, who flashed her a thankful smile. As he walked down the rows of Hogwarts students, he paused to press a quick kiss to Cho Chang's cheek before leaving.

"Excellent!" Dumbledore cheered, clearly pleased with Cedric's selection. "We have our three champions! But, in the end, only one will go down in history. Only one will hoist this chalice of champions."

From behind him, Crouch appeared holding a covered-up item.

"This vessel of victory, the Triwizard Cup!" Dumbledore finished, pointing his wand at the item to reveal a bright, glowing cup.

As the students cheered, the Professors grew confused. The goblet of fire had burst into larger flames, ones that consumed the air around it. The red flames shot into the sky as another piece of parchment came descending down.

"Harry Potter..." Dumbledore mumbled, looking around the room wildly. "Harry Potter!"

Y/N's head whipped towards where Harry was sitting, eyes burning with concern. She shook her head, whispering, "No. No, this cannot be happening."

"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore shouted again.

Harry shook his head, unwilling to believe what was happening. If it weren't for Hermione pulling him up by the back of his shirt, he would have stayed seated or possibly ran out of the room.

Y/N reached out a hand to stop him as he passed the group. Her eyes met his, reading his reaction.

"Y/N, he has to go," George whispered, pulling her hand off of Harry.

Harry looked back at Y/N for a moment longer before continuing to slowly move to the front. He met Dumbledore's angered gaze and shook his head, trying to tell the headmaster that he had not volunteered.

Still, the goblet was binding. Even if Dumbledore believed him, there was no way to pull him out now — he was trapped.

As soon as Harry disappeared into the backroom, the Professors filed out after him. The Great Hall remained silent for a few seconds, but only that. Soon, roars of protest and jeers spread.