RECKLESS FUN | Blaise Zabini | Au

34- THE MANDRAKE LEAF

FRED, GEORGE, LEE AND ZOE STAYED AT THE HOSPITAL WING for a little while, just conversing with each other and having a laugh. They started to take their disappointment fairly well. The four eventually left when it was time for lunch which meant the champions would be announced.

Entering the Great Hall, they had some pats on the backs and chuckles by few people who had been witnessing the scene earlier in the Entrance Hall. Many students had already set themselves around the tables. They sat to their usual spots, glancing around and noticing everyone seemed to be discussing who might become the champion.

"We know that Diggory entered at least, but who else?" George questioned.

"Let's ask. Shall we?" Lee suggested.

"Yes." Zoe said. She turned to a boy that was sitting at Gryffindor table next to them, in a deep conversation with his friends about the champions, "Who have entered?"

For a second he looked surprised. He blushed as he realised it was Zoe who had spoken to him. "Warrington, Cedric Diggory, Eddie Carmichael, Aaron Woodbridge, Harriet Ellesmere, Angelina Johnson-" the boy went on but was interrupted by Fred.

"Thanks." Fred said. He then turned excitedly to the three, "Angelina! She really did it!"

"Yeah!" Lee exclaimed, also excited.

"Wow, I really hope she gets it!" Zoe said, jumping in her seat.

"Me too!" George agreed. He then thought about all the other students the boy had said entered, "Hold on. Isn't Warrington from Slytherin?" 

"He's one of the big blokes in the team." Lee nodded.

"Ugh." Fred said in disgust, knowing who Warrington was  as he had played against Gryffindor.  Neither Fred or George held him in high regards.

The four then discussed about who they thought was going to be picked and soon Harry, Ron and Hermione sat down next to them. Zoe smiled at Harry who had taken the seat next her and he grinned back.

"Hope Angelina gets to go." Fred informed.

"So do I!" Hermione said breathlessly. "Well, we'll know soon!"

The lunch seemed to last longer than it usually did. There were impatient expressions on every face and nervous fidgeting going all around. Many looked over at the staff table several times to see if Dumbledore had finished eating yet.

When the Headmaster finally stood up, the noise within the Hall quieted immediately.

"The aspiring champions, when you know you're chosen please come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table and go through into the next chamber " – he said, pointing at the door behind the staff table – "where you'll be receiving the first instructions... Now, all in all we had twelve students signing the list that indicated they would like to represent Hogwarts in the Triwizard Tournament."

Dumbledore looked around and the tension grew wider at his pause.

"We, teachers, didn't see a reason why we would be allowed to decide who gets to go. So, every one of the twelve students, who signed their names have a chance with the impartial judge – are leaving for Beauxbatons Academy of Magic!"

There was a storm of applause, cheering and yelling ringing in the Great Hall. Fred, George, Lee and Zoe were all yelling something at each other but they couldn't even hear what it was. The twelve students, who were now going to France, stood up from the tables looking shocked, happy and shaken, started to walk over to the staff table. Everyone was shaking their hands and patting them onto the backs as they congratulated them.