A Snake in the Gryphon's Den: A Riddle in Gryffindor {Completed}

Heart Break

The air was quite crisp as I walked along the old grounds that led to the green house that I used to spend so much time in. And as a member of a rival school, I did my best to play the part. I didn't really socialize with Hogwarts students- let alone my old friends Ron, Harry, and Hermione. To be honest I was afraid deep down inside, and felt extremely awkward. As of yet it didn't seem like either of them recognized me. My mind was in turmoil. Violin in hand turned to my only sense of comfort.. Music.

Sitting atop the fence overlooking the bare garden, I could see distant figures going about their normal lives. How envious I suddenly became.. They really don't know what they have.. A bright future where no one judges you.. Where family bound sins are not the labeled cloak that u wear.. They were free from all that. Sighing deeply held the leather piece under my chin and began improvising, a song that was quite jolly, haunting and bittersweet. Closing my eyes just sat straight and let my strings sing my song. All the bitterness and sadness seemed to drift away.. A grin slowly curled my lips in a light smirk.
"Hmmhmmm mmmmhmmmhahmm" I hummed along standing up and dancing with an invincible partner as my melody took a rock-like turn. Eyes closed felt one with the earth, wind, and sky. I was happy. " lalalarada ladadaaa...!" I twirled and giggled to myself only to get startled when a firm hand curled at my waist after my twist and playfully dipped me dramatically, his hand holding onto mine and the neck of the violin carefully.
"Fred!" I gasped in surprise- pretty puzzled. Since when did he know how to dance?

" Hello Mademoiselle," his playful tunes tickled my auditory frames as he pulled me back up. He laughed at my startled expression, but didn't release his hold. " Think you could get away without a simple Hello did you?" He teased looking squarely into my eyes. His shaggy long hair made him look like some guitarist in a band that never left the garage stage. " Ehe.." I chuckled nervously trying to get away. " Fred- this is h-hi-highly inappropriate!" I stuttered.

"Inappropriate? HAHA SO IT IS YOU!" he let go my hands and I patted down the skirt of my black dress. " Your quite bold," he added with a playful wink as he noted my violation of the dress code.

I really didn't know what to say at that point and just stared. He didn't look like that cooky kid from about four years ago.. With his awkward haircut and playful disposition and all.. The person stood before me, though still impish, obviously changed a lot.

" Me and Georgie are gonna try to put our names into the cup, wanna come see?" I frowned knowing very well that he was under age, " You won't be able to get through, there is an age line.. Thing.." My voice trailed off as he stared. Face blushing stepped back, " S-Something on my face!?" He laughed and ignored my question and held out a little vile, " Age potion," he chuckled ending his abstract thought. I tried snatching it, " That won't work!" He caught my wrist before I swiped it away; my charm bracelet jingling. Fredrick's eyes followed the little jingle and smirked. With not another word he let go and decided to leave. " Well! I best be off!" His grin was broad and almost charming- if it hadn't been so irritatingly annoying.

Rolling my eyes huffed, " Oooouff Weasleys." I then paused, remembering that Fleur and Victor were probably going to submit their names as well picked up my skirt and ran. I passed him, ignoring his calls and raced towards the main door. The crispy ground and dried leaves crunching as I took a short cut. Once inside I caught sight of Fleur and a few other girls head towards the door on the opposite side of the room. Not wanting to become awkward, didn't call out to her and casually entered the room. Seeing Hermione on the bleachers headed her way, only to pause when Karkaroff entered with Krum. Beaming I changed course, and as soon as he dropped his name he headed back through the same door. " Kr-" I stopped my beckoning.. He had glanced at Hermione who seemed to draw a weak shy smile. {What.. Did I just miss..?} I asked myself feeling insecure. Shaking it off decided to leave and catch up with him. After all since our arrival, we hardly met up with each other. Within that moment George and Fred waltzed in with all their glory. It was then when they perched beside Hermione that I noticed Ron. He seemed annoyed which made me chuckle. Ronald's hair was shaggier than his brothers'. I just watched the group, and the moment Fred passed by he threw me a teasing wink making me feel quite awkward all of a sudden. Within seconds, the twins landed at my feet - all wrinkled and grey. I snorted trying to stifle a laugh and stepped back as the two began fighting.

Time seemed to speed up from that moment, and before I knew it we were all dressing up to collect at the main dining hall again. " 'ey! Are you all right?" Gabby placed a hand over my shoulders.
"Mm? Huh?" I spaced out. Shaking it off, " Oh yea I'm fine."
Nothing could get by Gabrielle, " you're troubled what is it..?" She held my hands and looked me in the eyes, " You can't 'ide eet, wot is wrong?"
I didn't need to answer her, for at that moment Fleur barged in on us, " I saw Krum and -" she paused seeing me and Gabby. My eyes must have screamed and revealed it all, for she didn't continue.

" Please mes filles assemble down za 'all," Maxime instructed.

As all of us marched down the hall, Gabby pointed to Hermione whispering, " Zat wuz de gerl."

I knew it.. My heart sank. Maybe they were just talking after all.. Yea.. That's it. Victor had many admirers in the past- and it never caused us much of a problem. He had many female friends too.. So maybe him being acquainted with Hermione was a good thing.. Right? I mean- she did read my letters right? She knew he was already taken..
But then what was this sinking feeling.

" HARRY POTTER!!"

I got startled. I had completely zoned out of the whole ceremony. The air grew heavy, and tense. Dumbeldore yelled Harry's name, his deep pitches giving me goosebumps. " What?" I frowned as I watched Harry walk up to the Headmaster, and shakily take his place. No sooner had he settled his heels, the cup coughed up another name.

"Elizabeth Thomas Riddle!"

I choked. I didn't move. Dumbeldore shouted once more- clearly agitated by the name. I couldn't be the only Elizabeth in Hogwarts, and I knew we had at least ten to twenty girls with my name at Beauxbaton.. Though.. I was the only Elizabeth on this trip.. I knew this must have been his doing.. I gulped. The quiet murmurs enveloping the entire room. Dumbeldore glared at me, and I automatically stepped back in reflex.
"Elizabeth.. Thomas.. Riddle.." He repeated in a threatening tone. " Or should I say-" I took his threat and stood up, slowly walking up to Dumbeldore.. He knew- he knew everything for sure!! His eyes were dark and menacing. I heard Harry's quiet voice echo "Riddle.." As I stood next to him. The whole terra grew in an uproar, the Lords of Drunstrang felt that they were set at a disadvantage and demanded another of their students to take part. My head started spinning as I turned to the Golden Cup before me, eerie chills creeping under my skin. I zoned out in focus, clearly not noticing Harry's lips moving as he looked at me.

"Elizabeth...?"