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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐌 

𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌

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Barty Crouch Found Dead in the Forbidden Forest

By Zelda Burbage, Editor-in-Chief

In a shocking turn of events, the body of Bartemius Crouch Sr. was discovered in the Forbidden Forest late yesterday evening. Details surrounding Mr. Crouch's death remain scarce, and the Ministry of Magic has yet to release an official statement. 

Mr. Crouch was a prominent figure in this year's Triwizard Tournament. His sudden death raises questions about how this will impact the competition, now nearing its final stages.

Despite this tragedy, Hogwarts administration has confirmed that the Triwizard Tournament will continue as planned. The Third Task is set to take place in the coming weeks, with champions Cedric Diggory, Fleur Delacour, Viktor Krum, and Harry Potter preparing to face their final challenge.

Students are reminded to remain vigilant while enjoying the upcoming events and to report any unusual activity to a staff member or prefect.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.

"I can't believe he's dead," Sapphire murmured as she set the freshly printed issue of The Owl Post down on the table, her fingers lingering on the edge of the parchment.

Across from her, I sat hunched over my own copy, quill in hand, scanning each line for mistakes with a practiced eye. 

"One day, he's organizing the Tournament, and the next... found in the Forbidden Forest. Of all places," 

"It is rather curious," Luna chimed in thoughtfully. She sat at the far end of the table, her quill gliding smoothly across a fresh piece of parchment as she jotted down notes. A list of potential features on magical creatures was scrawled in her looping handwriting, her focus split between the conversation and her work.

Colin, on the other hand, was anything but focused. Reclined back in his chair, his hands propped lazily behind his head, he smirked as if he knew something the rest of us didn't. His scuffed shoes were kicked up on the edge of the table, and he regarded us with a casual air.

"He was obviously murdered," Colin declared, the nonchalant edge to his voice making my quill pause mid-correction.

"Colin," Sapphire snapped, her brow furrowing as she gestured toward his feet. "First of all, get your shoes off the table. Second, that's a bold claim to throw around."

He smirked, dropping his feet with a thud. "Come on, it doesn't take a genius to figure it out. People don't just wander into the Forbidden Forest and die of natural causes. Not people like him anyway."

I glanced at Luna, who was now tilting her head thoughtfully, her quill hovering just above her parchment. "He does have a point," she murmured, her wide eyes flicking toward me. "The Forest is no place for aimless wandering."

"Exactly," Colin said, pointing at Luna as if she'd just proven his point. "And you're telling me no one's asking questions? The guy was a Ministry official. If you ask me, someone wanted him out of the way."

"Enough conspiracy theories," I said sharply, setting my quill down with a quiet clatter. My pulse quickened, though I wasn't sure if it was because Colin's words hit too close to the mark or because I was tired of hearing his casual speculation.

Still, the unease creeping through me was undeniable. As much as I wanted to brush off Colin's theatrics, a part of me couldn't ignore the growing sense that he wasn't entirely wrong.

✦

Ma droned on at the front of the Muggle Studies classroom, enthusiastically explaining the intricacies of a "telephone." Most of the class seemed mildly interested at best, but my attention wasn't on rotary dials or dial tones.

It was on Cedric Diggory, who sat far too close to me for my brain to function properly.

"You've got ink on your nose," he whispered, leaning in.

"Liar," I shot back, though I quickly swiped at my nose, just in case.

He grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Caught you. I didn't think you'd fall for it."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging at my lips. "Very funny, Diggory. Shouldn't ye be paying attention?"

"I am," he said innocently, though the glint in his eyes said otherwise. "I'm just multitasking. Taking notes and admiring you. Impressive, isn't it?"

My cheeks flushed, and I swatted his arm lightly. "Yer annoying."

"And you're distracted," he countered, leaning even closer. "What's got you so flustered?"

"Shut up," I hissed, unable to stop myself from laughing under my breath.

Across the room, Fred and George had taken notice of our exchange. George elbowed Fred, and the two of them began mimicking exaggerated whispers, their heads ducked together as they pretended to giggle like children.

"Oh, Cedric," Fred murmured, dramatically clutching his hands to his chest.

"My hero," George added, fluttering his lashes and pretending to swoon.

Several students around them stifled laughs, and I buried my face in my hands, wishing the floor would swallow me whole.

"Fred, George!" My ma's sharp voice cut through the commotion. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Sorry, Professor," Fred said, his grin anything but apologetic.

"We couldn't help but notice some whispering going on," George said, feigning innocence.

"Well, then, if yer so interested in what's being said, perhaps we need to rearrange the seating," Ma said, folding her arms. Her eyes flicked to me and Cedric. "Miss Burbage, Mr. Diggory—since the two of ye can't seem to focus, Fred, ye can switch with Cedric."

Cedric and I exchanged a look as he gathered his things. "See you later," he whispered before moving to sit beside George.

Fred flopped into the seat next to me with a dramatic sigh. "Well, this just became my favorite class."

We locked eyes for a fleeting moment and I quickly turned my attention to Ma at the front of the room. She was animatedly discussing this week's lesson but her words barely registered in my mind. 

"So, you and Diggory, huh?" Fred's breath tickled the shell of my ear, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

I hesitated. "Maybe," I said carefully, my tone nonchalant despite the warmth creeping up my neck. "I dunno."

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, trying to gauge his reaction. For a moment, just a fleeting second, I caught something flicker across his face. It wasn't his usual smirk or teasing bravado—it was something softer, rawer.

But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, masked by his usual air of playful confidence. He leaned back slightly, that infuriating smirk tugging at his lips, his composure fully restored. "Well," he said, his tone light but his eyes lingering on mine a beat too long, "As long as you're happy."

I blinked at him. "What's that supposed to mean?" 

Fred shrugged. "Just that. If you're happy, I'm happy. Simple as that."

"He's a good guy,"

"The best,"

I tilted my head, studying him carefully. 

"I mean it. Cedric's a stand-up guy. He'd probably bring you flowers, write you poetry, all that romantic rubbish girls seem to like." 

There was a faint edge to his words and I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. "Why are ye suddenly so interested in who I choose to date?"

"Because you deserve someone who's not just good, but the best."

"Like Cedric, apparently," 

"Yeah," he said softly, looking away. "Someone like that."

✦

"What if we get caught?" Cedric's voice wavered slightly behind me as I tugged him along by the hand, weaving through the empty corridors toward Ma's vacant classroom.

"Come on, you big baby," I teased over my shoulder. "It'll be fine."

The door creaked faintly as I pushed it open and without wasting a moment, I turned to face him, letting the door click softly shut behind us.

"See? No big deal," I said before I closed the space between us and pressed my lips to his.

Cedric's initial stiffness dissolved almost instantly, his arms finding their way around my waist as if they belonged there. The hesitation in his touch faded, replaced by something firmer, surer. His fingers pressed gently into my sides, anchoring me closer as he kissed me back with an urgency that made the rest of the world fall away.

The passion between us grew, each kiss deeper and more consuming than the last. We stumbled slightly, my back meeting the cool edge of a desk. 

With ease, he lifted me, his strong hands sliding from my waist to grip the tops of my thighs when he placed me atop the desk. His touch was firm, a perfect blend of control and tenderness that sent a rush of heat coursing through me.

I hummed in satisfaction, leaning into the confidence he exuded in that moment. It wasn't the reserved Cedric I was used to; this was someone sure of himself, sure of us, and the shift made my heart race.

His fingers pressed gently into my thighs as his lips traced a slow path along my jawline. My hands found their way into his hair, tangling in the soft strands as I tilted my head back, granting him access to the sensitive curve of my neck.

The way he responded—his hands tightening slightly, his lips grazing just below my ear—made me feel like I was the only thing in the world he cared about. His hands glided up the length of my thighs until his fingers slipped beneath the fabric of my skirt. The light brush of his touch against my hips sent a ripple of heat through me.

His lips trailed a path from my jaw to my collarbone, leaving a line of hasty, impassioned kisses that made my skin hum with electricity. He paused for a moment, as though savoring the curve of my collarbone before his mouth returned to mine.

The heat between us reignited as his hands kneaded my thighs, each squeeze sending jolts of pleasure through me. The pulse between my legs became an insistent drumbeat, a temptation that was almost too much to bear.

It was as if he could sense my need, every unspoken thought conveyed in the press of my lips or the arch of my back. One hand slid higher until his fingers found the edge of my knickers. With a featherlight touch, he brushed the fabric aside, his knuckles grazing the sensitive skin beneath.

A soft gasp escaped me, lost against his mouth as he kissed me with a new ferocity—hungry, possessive. His fingers traced a tantalizing path along my slick heat, exploring, teasing, gathering every bit of my desire for him. My breath hitched, my body trembling with anticipation, and then—he plunged his fingers inside me.

My lips parted against his, a soft moan escaping as my head fell back. Each pump ignited waves of pleasure that left me clinging to him, my nails digging into his shoulders.

His mouth left mine, trailing along my jaw and down my neck, murmuring low and unintelligible words against my skin. His fingers worked a rhythm that had my thighs quivering, his thumb brushing against the sensitive bundle of nerves that had me gasping his name. 

My eyes flew open, the haze of passion dissipating instantly as faint voices echoed from the corridor, drawing closer to the door. Panic surged through me, and I stifled a squeal, clutching Cedric's shoulders as I gently but urgently pushed him away.

"Someone's coming," I hissed, my voice a frantic whisper.

His smirk returned, maddeningly relaxed. "Well, I hope so,"

"Not me, ye absolute prat," I shot back, slapping his shoulder lightly, though the heat in my cheeks betrayed my embarrassment. "Now, move!"

I shoved him behind the nearest book locker, heart hammering in my chest. "Stay there," I ordered, glancing nervously at the door as the muffled chatter grew louder.

I smoothed down my skirt and quickly adjusted my hair, trying to appear as if I hadn't just been thoroughly snogged on top of a desk moments before. 

Ma's footsteps echoed through the room as she walked in. She waved a casual goodbye to Professor Sinistra, who was just about to leave, and her gaze shifted toward me. The instant her eyes met mine, her expression froze, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Zelda," she said, her voice reflecting her surprise.

"Ma," I replied, my voice coming out smaller than I intended, my nerves prickling at the back of my neck. 

"What are ye doing in here?" Ma asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Shouldn't ye be at dinner?"

I swallowed, panic bubbling up. "Oh, uh, I wanted to talk to ye. In yer bedroom. I need something," I said quickly, hoping my words wouldn't sound too forced. I tried to keep my expression casual, but I could feel my cheeks burning as I stumbled over the explanation. 

Hopefully, Ma wasn't catching onto my lie—hopefully, she wouldn't ask more questions.

Ma's gaze lingered for a moment, a slight crease between her brows as she looked around the room, her eyes bouncing from the cluttered desk to the half-empty shelves, then to the corners as if she was searching for something that didn't quite fit. There was a brief moment of hesitation, her lips pressing into a thin line, before she finally sighed. "Come on out, Diggory."

The room seemed to shrink around me, and I had no idea how to cover up the mess I'd just made. My palms were clammy, and I swallowed hard.

Cedric hesitated, but finally, he stepped out from behind the locker, straightening himself up with a sheepish grin plastered across his face. "Uh, hello, Professor," 

Ma raised an eyebrow, but she didn't say anything for a long moment. I could practically hear her calculating, her eyes flicking between me and Cedric. "Zelda," she finally said, her tone clipped but not harsh, "I hope you're both aware that some rules are meant to be followed."

I nodded quickly, trying to sound innocent despite my racing heartbeat. "Of course, Ma. Just... talking. About the paper, you know?" I winced internally at my own awkwardness, hoping she bought the excuse.

She eyed us both, then sighed, her expression softening just a bit. "I suppose you two aren't in any trouble... just don't let me catch you in here again, understand?"

"Understood," 

✦

"Well, look who finally decided to show up," Lottie drawled, her voice dripping with amusement as Cedric and I made our way to the Hufflepuff table. Her teasing grin tugged at the corner of her lips.

Cedric and I exchanged a brief glance before I rolled my eyes in response to her comment. 

"You two have been spending a suspicious amount of time together," Bellamy added as his gaze narrowed in on us, his eyes slitted like he was scrutinizing every detail.

I shook my head, offering him a playful smirk. "Isn't that the point of being friends?" 

"Do people usually snog their friends?" Elsie asked, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity as she raised an eyebrow.

"Well, we do," Bellamy retorted, grinning over at Elsie as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Because you have yet to ask me to be your girlfriend." Elsie shot back without missing a beat.

Girlfriend. My gaze flicked to Cedric, who was still listening to the bantering, but his face had stiffened ever so slightly. Cedric hadn't asked me that question yet, but was I supposed to just... wait?

"Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Bellamy asked suddenly, his voice softening as if he was unsure of how his words would land. His usually confident demeanor had cracked just enough to let a bit of vulnerability show.

Elsie stared at him for a beat, her lips parted as if she were choosing her words carefully. "Are you asking because I mentioned it, or because you actually want me to be?"

My eyes darted nervously from Bellamy to Elsie, and then to Cedric. I had to admit, I had been wondering for a while, too.

"I swear," Lottie interjected. "If all of you pair up and I'm the only single one, I will go mad." 

The table erupted in laughter, but before the mood could shift entirely, Bellamy's voice cut through the chatter. "What about you then, Cedric? Are you going to ask Zelda?"

My stomach fluttered at the sudden attention, my gaze snapping to Cedric. I hadn't expected the question to come up so bluntly.

Cedric paused, his eyes meeting mine briefly before looking back at Bellamy. "I am," he said. "I'm just waiting for the right moment."

Lottie shot me a playful look. "Well, look at that. He's got plans, then. Unlike Bell over here," she teased, her smile wide and full of warmth. 

"I literally just asked her!" Bellamy gaped, his voice cracking slightly.

"No, you asked if I wanted to be, not if I will," Elsie corrected, giving Bellamy a pointed look. 

Bellamy threw his hands up in exasperation, looking over at Cedric for some sort of solidarity. "Girls."

✦

I was heading toward the library, my bag swinging at my side and my thoughts preoccupied with the essay I had procrastinated far too long on. As I passed through the overhang, a flash of movement caught my eye. I glanced to my left, toward one of the towering stone columns, and froze mid-step.

It took a moment for my brain to catch up with what I was seeing: Violet, her back pressed against the column, and Sapphire, leaning into her, their faces inches apart. No, not just inches—connected. Snogging.

Heat rushed to my face, and I instinctively took a step back, my shoe scuffing against the stone floor with an unforgiving scrape.

Violet jerked away from Sapphire, her blonde hair falling into her face as she turned toward the sound. Sapphire simply straightened her posture and arched an eyebrow at me.

"Oh—uh, I didn't mean to..." I stammered, my voice cracking slightly as I tried to figure out whether to apologize or flee. "I didn't see anything!"

"Clearly, you did," Sapphire said coolly, her lips twitching in the beginnings of a smirk.

Violet's face, however, was a picture of mortification. Her pale cheeks were now a deep shade of crimson. "You—you can't just sneak up on people like that!" she hissed.

"I wasn't sneaking!" I protested, holding up my hands as if to prove my innocence. "I was just... walking."

"To the middle of nowhere in the courtyard?" Sapphire narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms and leaning lazily against the column. "Seems suspect."

I opened my mouth to respond but quickly closed it again, unsure how to navigate this without making it worse. "I'm not judging," I blurted out instead. "Ye two... do your thing. Honestly, I'm happy for ye!"

Violet groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Merlin's beard, kill me now."

Sapphire chuckled softly, reaching out to pull one of Violet's hands away from her face. "Relax," she murmured, her voice softer now, a small smile playing on her lips. "She's not going to run off and start writing a love story about us. Right, Zelda?"

"Right!" I said quickly, nodding fervently. "No stories. No talking. This never happened."

Sapphire shot me a pointed look but nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse us—"

"I was just leaving!" I interrupted, backing away with my hands still raised. "Back to the library! Ye know, essays and all that. Have fun!"

Before they could say another word, I spun on my heel and practically jogged out of the courtyard, my cheeks still burning. As I reached the safety of the castle walls, a small laugh escaped me.

✦

The sun hung lazily in the sky, its warmth tempered by the cool breeze that rippled across the Black Lake. It was one of those perfect June days where the temperature hovered at a comfortable 61 degrees, just warm enough to leave your robes behind but cool enough to keep the air crisp.

I stretched out on the grass, the soft blades tickling my arms as I leaned back on my elbows. Lottie was sprawled beside me, her hair fanning out like a halo, while Elsie sat cross-legged a few feet away, her hands idly weaving a daisy chain. 

"This is the life," Lottie sighed, adjusting her sunglasses. "No essays. No deadlines. Just us, the sun, and the lake. What more could we want?"

I grinned, but my gaze drifted to Elsie, who was unusually quiet. She was staring out over the lake, her daisy chain forgotten in her lap, her brow furrowed slightly.

"What's got ye all pensive?" I asked, tilting my head to look at her properly.

Elsie blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and gave a small, sheepish smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to zone out." She looked down at the daisies in her hands, fiddling with the stems. "It's just... I don't know. I've got this feeling."

"Feeling about what?" Lottie asked, propping herself up on one elbow.

Elsie shrugged, her gaze returning to the lake. "Like something big is coming. I can't explain it, but it's like this... weight in the air. Do you feel it?"

I exchanged a glance with Lottie, who raised an eyebrow. "Els, it's probably just end-of-term jitters," I said, trying to keep my tone light. 

"No, this is different," Elsie insisted as she turned to face us, her usually bright eyes clouded with something unreadable. "It's like the calm before a storm. I don't know if it's good or bad, but it feels... inevitable."

Lottie waved a hand dismissively. "You've been spending too much time with Trelawney. Next thing we know, you'll be predicting doom and gloom over our breakfast plates."

Something big.

The way Elsie had said it—she'd meant it. 

Was it just nerves? The Triwizard Tournament had thrown us all for a loop, and with Barty Crouch's death still fresh in everyone's minds, Hogwarts felt... off. 

I glanced at Elsie, who was now threading her daisy chain together again, her fingers nimble but her expression distant. Lottie had already brushed it off, her carefree nature protecting her from spiraling the way I was about to.

But I couldn't help it. My thoughts ran wild, piecing together every strange thing that had happened this year, every hushed conversation in corridors, every unease I'd felt but pushed aside.

The more I thought about it, the more my chest tightened, and I hated that Elsie's words had done this to me. Because now, every chirp of a bird, every ripple of the lake, felt like a warning sign I couldn't decipher.

✦