Ilvermorny School of Magic // Fanfiction

Chapter 7: The Competition

~ december 21, day of competition.

My best friends and I packed our backpacks with blankets, books, clothes, and food.

"Do we have everything?" Mack asked us.

"I think so!" I said fitting the last item in my backpack.

Me, Mack, and Isabelle walked down to the Entrance Hall and saw the guys waiting for us. Everyone started gathering around professor Xander so we could hear him explain the competition and the rules. He explained that when Professor Trueheart sends a flame into the air, that the teams will go in different directions, and that they will be on their own when it begins. They have one week to find the Horned Serpent, and there will be dangerous stuff that they have to go through. If they don't want to be a part of it anymore, they will have to send sparks into the air. Teams may separate, and if other teams find each other, they can do whatever they want. Wands kept with them at all times.

After Professor Xander had explained that to everyone, we headed outside into the brisk, cold air. Professor Trueheart gave us 10 minutes until the competition starts, so the all the teams gathered together and talked about strategies while the first snow fall began. The pure white snowflakes falling down, landing on heads and sticking to the frozen grass. I breathed in the frosty air and grinned from ear to ear. Winter was my favorite season.

The 10 minutes were up and all the teams were at the starting line. Professor Trueheart held her wand tightly in her hand, explaining the rules 1 last time. The professor lifted her wand into the air with a swift motion, counting back from 3. 3, 2, 1, she sent a blue flame in the air, melting the snowflakes that were above it. All of the teams ran in different directions. A couple of groups going into the forest, other groups running around the forest. Our team went into the forest first. Going into the leaves and low branches of the trees, snapping them so we can get through.

It was a while before Isabelle pulled out an old piece of paper out of her backpack,

"What does the map say?" Her twin asked.

"We're heading north. It's almost going to be dark. We should find a place to take shelter soon." Isabelle said folding the map neatly and handed it to Keith, "That's your job". He smirked and took the map, placing it in his back pocket.

Keith walked next to me and held my hand,

"Hey," he said with a jump in his every step, trying to make me laugh.

"Hi," I said, laughing at him for trying to lighten the mood. He knew that it was a lot of pressure for me being the leader.

"I just want you to know, that I'll always be here if you need help." Keith said.

I smiled and pecked him with a kiss on his cheek. We all continued walking for a while, jumping over streams and fallen trees. The sun was setting, giving the sky a beautiful glow. The stars beginning to be visible and the moon starting to be the only source of light besides the glowing tips of our wands. There was a clear path ahead,

"Let's make shelter here," Keith said. Folding the map back up. We took out our blankets and pillows out of our enchanted backpacks that stored much more room than it would hold normally.

"Anyone hungry?" Lance asked, taking out an apple out of his backpack.

"Only you would be hungry at this time." Mack replied.

"True." He said laughing.

We set up camp, gathered branches to make a fire, did some spells to make our shelter invisible and we began to fall asleep.

~ december 23.

"Are you sure we're going the right way?" I asked Isabelle while leading the group to get to the other side of the deep hole that was in the middle of the forest.

"I'm sure. It says right here on the map." Isabelle said pointing to where we were.

I led them right out and unto a clear path.

"Let's rest here for a little." Mack said, plumping down her backpack and sat down leaning on the tree. There was a rumbling noise on the other side of the path.

"Stay here." I said. I pulled out my wand, pointing it in front of me to quickly protect myself if it was anyone. I kept walking until the others could no longer see me. I was back at that large hole. I never noticed how many roots that were sticking out of the ground from the old, giant trees. I searched around some more, wondering if any of the teams were near by, or it was some animal wandering around. I heard a branch break and I stepped backwards, coming closer to the hole. I tripped on one of the roots, beginning to fall in the hole. I closed my eyes, then I felt someone grab ahold of me. I could feel that the person was strong. It couldn't be a girl because no girl was strong like that. The person pulled me, asking if I was alright. I landed on the ground. I opened my eyes, surprised to see who it was that saved me.

"Gio?" I asked, trying to find my wand. I found it, but it was a couple of feet away, "Please don't hurt me."

"I'm not gonna hurt you. If I would want to hurt you, I wouldn't have saved you from falling into the hole." Gio said, saying the last sentence a little bit more proud. He stood up and offered his hand to help me. He could tell I was hesitant at first but then I grabbed his hand and stood up.

"Thank you." I said, giving him a hug.

"Anytime," Gio replied hugging me back.

I heard a rumbling noise again. This time, it was Keith coming out from the forest. I quickly separated myself from Gio and took my wand from the ground.

"You alright?" Keith asked me, looking a bit jealous.

"I'm fine. Almost fell into that hole but thanks to Gio, I didn't." I replied. Keith looked from me to Gio.

"Thanks man." Keith said, putting his arm around me.

"No problem. I wouldn't have let her fall into it." Gio said. Keith laughed a bit at that comment.

"It's true! And I am sorry Ava for locking you in that closet. I know now that it wasn't right." Gio apologized.

"I forgive you," I said. There was an awkward moment for a couple of seconds.

Keith broke it saying, "Let's get back to the team."

I nodded and said goodbye to Gio. Keith did not let go of me, but held on tighter.

// Hoped ya guys liked it!!