ripple effect

blue flames

"I don't believe it!" Ron said, in a stunned voice, as the Hogwarts students filed back up the steps behind the party from Durmstrang.

"Krum, Harry! Viktor Krum!"

"For heaven's sake, Ron, he's only a Quidditch player," said Hermione.

"Only a Quidditch player?" Ron said, looking at her as though he couldn't believe his ears. "Hermione — he's one of the best Seekers in the world! I had no idea he was still at school! (y/n) think you could introduce me?"

"(y/n)?" Harry said worriedly waving his hand in front of your face. "(y/n) you okay?"

"What?"

"You think you could go introduce me to Viktor Krum?" Ron asks, his eyes sparkling.

"Krum's here?"

As you recrossed the entrance hall with the rest of the Hogwarts students heading for the Great Hall, you try to spot Fleur's silvery hair in the crowd. Several sixth-year girls were frantically searching their pockets as they walked

"Oh I don't believe it, I haven't got a single quill on me"

"D'you think he'd sign my hat in lipstick?"

"Look it's his girlfriend." The other whispers.

"She looks awfully stunned, doesn't she?"

The other shrugs. "Maybe they've broken up."

When you enter the Great Hall, you follow your friends to the Gryffindor table without paying attention. You're still searching for Fleur in the crowds of students.

"Over here! Come and sit over here!" Ron hissed. "Over here! Hermione, budge up, make a space"

"What?"

"Too late," said Ron bitterly just as you spot your cousin at the Ravenclaw table.

"I have to go." You say distractedly.

"Where are you -" Harry starts but you're already gone.

There's a large herd of Ravenclaw students surrounding Fleur and her friends. You try inching your way forward when a girl stands in your way.

"Go back to your table, you're crowding us." Marietta Edgecombe says, flicking her nose as far up as it would go.

You sigh. "Could you please move."

"I ought to go tell Professor Flitwick that you won't stop harassing the Beauxbaton students.

"Marietta, I don't have time for your shit right now. Seriously move."

"Ah girlz tis is my couzin (y/n)" Fleur says coming behind Marietta. Marietta looks between you and Fleur and her eyes flash in understanding. The other Beauxbaton girls look at you bitterly, their faces reading Not another one. Fleur grabs you in a hug that feels more like a chokehold.

"Fleur! It is so nice to see you again." You tell her in French.

"You as well, my mother and father, send their warmest regards." She flashes a strained smile.

"Tell them I say thank you." Fleur obviously has no wish to continue this conversation and gets up from her seat.

"Do you know if there's any more Bouillabaisse?" Fleur asks, her eyes cold.

"Check the Gryffindor table."

You glance at the Slytherin table where Daphne and Millicent are practically dying of laughter. Krum! Daphnee mouths pointing to the brooding boy next to Draco.