SPARKS FLY | fred weasley x oc |

chapter 20 - the goblet of fire

"WHAT?!" Jessica's shriek echoed over the gasps and hushed conversations.

"Ms. Davies." McGonagall said sternly and scowled.

"Sorry." She squeaked and buried her head in her arms.

"As I was saying." Dumbledore cleared his throat and the door squeaked open as Mr. Filch entered the hall and awkwardly ran to the podium. "This castle will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen-" He stopped as Filch skidded to a halt and whispered in his ear. Liv and I glanced at each other, both trying not to laugh at the wobbly way he ran back out the doors. "So, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event. The Triwizard Tournament!" The hall buzzed as we all turned to one another with the same question- what is that? "For those who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school a single student is selected to compete. Now let me be clear, if chosen you stand alone, and trust me when I say these contests are not for the faint-hearted." He had a stern, almost fearful look in his eye. "But more on that later." Back to the happy, whimsical professor now. "For now please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of Beauxbaton Academy of Magic and their Headmistress Madam Maxine." The doors burst open as two rows of girls in blue satin dresses waltzed in. They stopped every few feet and sighed, Liv and I grimacing at each other.

"What the...?" She trailed off as they did it again.

I held back snort as I saw Hermione and Ginny both annoyed as us. As I tried to get their attention I noticed that none of the boys were making jokes, especially Fred and Goerge. They were actually watching the girls, entranced. I looked back to see a large woman enter the hall. I did my best to control my facial expression, but it obviously didn't work because Jessica elbowed me in the ribs and I immediately clamped my mouth shut. She was the tallest person I'd ever seen, towering over everyone as she walked down the row and offered her massive hand to Dumbledore. He took it, placing a kiss on the knuckle, but it was almost a ridiculous sight to see the two standing next to each other. Every boy seemed to stand and give a thunderous applause, some even whistling or whooping as the girls arranged themselves in neat rows off to the side. Jess, Liv, and I shared an uneasy look before lightly clapping. I felt slightly better as I turned to see Hermione and Ginny doing the same. "And now our friends front the north- the proud sons of Durmstrang and their Headmaster Igor KarKaroff." We all turned to see two more rows move through the doors. The boys were dressed in all brown and carried large staffs, spinning and beating them rhythmically on the ground as they charged further into the Great Hall. Some of them even put down their staffs and began flipping around while the rest formed a tight group.

"Melanie, look!" Liv eagerly hit my arm and pointed at the door.

"Oh my God, is that-" I couldn't believe my eyes.

"It's Krum!" Jessica squealed. We all watched in awe as the famous quidditch player strutted down the aisle, joining his classmates as Dumbledore and his headmaster embraced.

"Please make room for our guests!" Dumbledore commanded and we tried to compact ourselves for the outsiders to sit at the end of each house's table. Food appeared as it always does and I didn't realize how hungry I was. Before I knew it my plate was full and I was filling a bowl with a second helping of potatoes.

"Slow down." Jess whispered.

"I didn't think I was this hungry." I mumbled between bites of chicken. I would've kept shoveling food in, but I noticed a group of sixth years glaring at me. I felt my face get hot and quickly set down my fork and took a drink. The doors creaked open once again, catching my attention, and revealed Mr. Filch and four other men wheeling a squeaky cart with a large box. I watched as they inched to the front and placed it at the base of the steps. The men immediately disappeared and Filch stepped aside.