Uncanny Snake

IV - Esteemed Guests

After a full day of classes, I was exhausted, I just wanted to head to bed, but I was also famished. The food at Hogwarts was on par with the ones our cooks made, and it was mouthwatering, the same could not be said of the company, however. I was a Slytherin at heart, but even my own house disgusted me at times, a majority of the house wasn't that bad honestly. But a few bad apples are enough to rot the whole barrel, and in this case, it couldn't be more accurate, some even aspired on joining the death eaters after graduating. I did not speak up for my own well-being, but I felt sorry for those who felt the need to follow in their parent's footsteps, their expectations and reality were so disconnected, it made me bitter. They had no idea what the Dark Lord did to those under him, absolutely no idea.

My eyes shot up to the high table, exchanging glances with the headmaster as he tipped his goblet towards me, I nodded in acknowledgment and then looked to Sev, who was already staring at me intently, his brows furrowed in concern. I turned my head away avoiding his stare, it made me uncomfortable, especially since just days ago I had practically cried in his arms. I gulped down the pumpkin juice in my goblet and set the cup down watching it refill in a large orange swirl. At least this time though, I could, with confidence, say that I had not come crying on his shoulder, because of a boy. Truth be told, my taste in men was pretty shit based on my relationship history, it was not great. I was not even sure why I was thinking of this right now.

Midway through dinner, Dumbledore rose calling for attention, and the room grew silent as he cleared his throat. "As many of you may already be aware, this year Hogwarts has been given the privilege, no the honor of hosting the tri-wizard tournament." Ah yes, I heard it would be hosted this year, but it hadn't caught that much of my curiosity for me to investigate. "In regards to this, please welcome the young ladies of Beaubaxtons Academy of Magic!" The tall wooden double doors swung open, young women elegantly walking past, their blonde hair tied in a neat bun, their blue uniforms hugging their bodies.

I wasn't usually one to care, but wow, they were pretty, and it made me feel slightly self-conscious. After the Beaubaxtons walked through taking their seats, the school of Durmstrang followed. At the head, their headmaster Igor, his long white coat and signature wooden staff, tapping rhythmically against the stone tiles as he marched forward. His eyes met mine, and we stared at each other, long and hard until he finally averted his eyes as they trailed to Severus, the two staring at each other, sparks flying. Viktor Krum followed behind, close at his heels, his eyes met mine probably to see what had caught his headmaster's attention. He gave me a charming smile as he took off his coat throwing it at me as he took a running start with the rest of the men behind him, and off they were showing off in front of all the ladies, and guys I guess. Unfortunately for me, I caught his coat earning a few envious glares and grumbled under my breath, the last thing I needed was all this attention. I still had a hard time believing it was really Krum, I wouldn't say I was a die-hard fan, but you know, cool.

I couldn't deny, I was slightly flustered earning his full attention, he was not bad looking in the slightest, rather manly at that. But my mind couldn't help but wander to Igor by the way he had been looking at me, I had a good feeling he had some beef with me, and I was fully aware why. Wow, was I really that big of a bitch when I was 16? Probably yes. It was only then I caught Sev staring at me, glaring would be more accurate so I tilted my head, and he shook his head gently not wanting to attract attention. I tipped my goblet towards him, but the gesture was not reciprocated, so I looked away and set down the cup, another rejection. After Dumbledore welcomed the two schools the rest of the night was led by announcements and rules for those wishing to participate. I had no interest in doing so, and couldn't wait to go to bed.

Dinner finally came to an end, but I didn't want to get crushed by the masses of students exiting the great hall, so I waited sipping at the pumpkin juice in my goblet. I felt a presence at my side and glanced at the figure taking a seat beside me, my cheeks flushing pink from the attention. Play it cool Rynne. I smiled slightly and handed Krum his jacket back with a quick nod. "It's rude to throw clothes at people," I playfully scolded. To that, the young man raised his brow, it was probably the first time he had heard a girl tell him that, and his expression said it all.