[2] storm of rage ~ harry potter × marvel

22- The Goblet of Fire

The entire school, the two guest schools included, has gathered in the Great Hall. Today is the day. Today, they'll finally find out how the Champions are going to be chosen. Everyone is excited. Everyone, except Skyler, who really doesn't like the idea of the Triwizard Tournament.

"I swear you, Mione, I've looked the Tournament up in the library. One of the tasks was stealing a scale of a Basilisk! Almost every Tournament, all the Champions except the winner died. It's some kind of Hunger Games of the Wizarding World!" Skyler exclaims whispering to Hermione. Both of the girls don't really like the idea of the Tournament, but Skyler hatesit.

"Relax, Sky. Remember, the last few Tournaments the schools didn't have what we have now. We have-"

"Dumbledore. Yes, I know, but Dumbledoreisn't a reason to let children fight against monsters and complete incredibly dangerous tasks!" Skyler interrupts her friend, almost sounding angry. Hermione sighs.

"I, personally, think that Malfoy has influence on you, Sky. You're almost sounding like a Pure-Blood. Criticising Dumbledore's powers and trust, and I haven't even started on how you-"

"How I what? How I still defend your honour every time theycall you a Mudblood? How I just socialise inside my own house?" Skyler interrupts again, her tone icy. Hermione gasps and tears grow in her eyes.

"This is exactly what I mean. You're acting cold, distant and haughty! You're almost acting the same as a Slytherin." Hermione scolds, wending her eyes away from Skyler.

"You know what, Hermione? I ama Slytherin. Now you mention it, I think I'd rather sit with them, who accept me, then here." Before Hermione can say anything else, Skyler rises from her seat and walks to Malfoy's gang. Skyler tells them something and Malfoy nods, making place between him and Nott.

∞∞∞

"Tonight," Dumbledore starts, "we'll explain how the Champions are chosen. The Ministry and the Schools have debated long about this. Eventually, we came to one decision. One that Mr. Crouch will explain to us all." The Headmaster of Hogwarts' eyes twinkle with excitement, but Skyler notices that he feels a little worried too.

A middle-age man walks up. He's wearing fancy robes and the small amount of hair on the top of his head is hidden by a derby. 'Must be Crouch.'Skyler thinks bitterly, still not over her conversation with Hermione.

"As you all already know, the limit to enter the Triwizard Tournament is 17 years or older. Also, you must be confident about your magic abilities. Don't think of this as a funny game." Crouch speaks, his voice reminding Skyler of boring councilmen, her father used to complain about. Next to her, Theo scoffs.

"Yeah, sure. 'Confident about magical abilities.' I'm a Pure-Blood, of course I'm confident about my magical abilities." He whispers abrasive.

"The Champions will be chosen, by an impartial object.The Goblet of Fire!" Crouch continues dramatically, pointing to a goblet, made of dark stone. It holds a blue flame, which looks quite fascinating. "Everyone who is above the age of 17, can write their name on a piece of paper and put it in the goblet. But beware, once chosen, there's no going back. Once chosen, you have to complete all three tasks. The Goblet of Fire's choice is binding."

The words of Crouch are a warning, one that every student heard. Skyler still wonders how many underaged wizards and witches are going to try entering the Tournament.

"Thank you for those words, Mr. Crouch. The Champions will be chosen at the night of Halloween, so if you are willing to participate, put your names in the goblet beforethen. I bid you all a good night's sleep." Dumbledore announces. The students start to move, and all retire to their dorms.

∞∞∞

Skyler's late. Well, she isn't that late, but almost everyone is already in class. Lucky, her first class is Potions, and Snape always preludes his own house. When she runs around the corner, Skyler suddenly feels a wall of robes in her face. She falls to the ground and shakes her head in realisation.

"I'm so sorry! Ve veren't paying attention, here let me help you up." A familiar, Scandinavian accent apologises. Skyler looks up, meeting the dark blue eyes of Anatoli Krum. He offers her his hand for assistance and Skyler gladly takes it.

"Thank you, Anatoli. But I have to go, or I'll get late for class." She says with a smile.

"Let me accompany you." He offers as he picks up her back from the ground. Anatoli says something to his friends in a Norse dialect and lets Skyler lead the way. As Anatoli's friends are out of sight, Skyler starts to chuckle.

"What are you laughing avout?" Anatoli asks her confused.

"You had to tell your friends that I'm the Avenger, just to make them jealous, didn't you?" Skyler chuckles again. Anatoli starts to blush from embarrassment.

"You understand Norse dialects?" Skyler shakes her head.

"No, I speak old Norse. I didn't understand a few things, but I understood most of it." She answers with a smirk as they reach the Potions classroom.

"Well, I am late." Skyler mutters as she opens the door.

"Ms. Foster, what is the reason that you decided to join us a little later than agreed?" Professor Snape says sarcastically. Skyler laughs nervously, and opens her mouth to tell him an excuse, but Anatoli thinks different about it.

"I'm very sorry, professor Snape. I distracted her, it wasn't her fault." He says, a little shy and guilty.

"I see. Well, take your place Ms. Foster and make sure it won't happen again." Snape says, slightly amused. Her cheeks slightly blushed, Skyler takes place next to Pansy, who giggles when Skyler glares at her.

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I really hope you liked it. I know that the explanations of Crouch and the Tournament aren't really what they are in the books or the movies, but (1) I'm lazy, (2) I thought that this might fit better in the story. By the way, I think I've decided what I'm going to do with Skyler. And I'm not gonna tell you! - lots of love... x