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╰┈➤ ❝ [𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑆𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑁] ❞ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
⁺⤾·˚.⃗. [ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀɪᴡɪᴢᴀʀᴅ ᴛᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ ] 𑁍ࠜೄ ･ﾟˊˎ
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The Great Hall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
- Scottish Highlands
( September, 1994. )

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐘, The carriages rolled through the towering iron gates flanked by statues of winged boars, groaning as they swayed dangerously in the rising gale. Olympia pressed herself against the carriage window, squinting through sheets of rain to catch her first glimpse of Hogwarts. The castle's towering silhouette emerged gradually through the downpour, its many windows aglow, shimmering behind the thick, turbulent curtain of rain. Another fork of lightning split the sky as their carriage came to a halt before the great oak doors.

Around them, students scrambled from their carriages, hurrying up the stone steps. Olympia, Cassie, Judeth, Fred, and George jumped down, shielding their heads against the driving rain as they raced up the steps and into the warm refuge of the castle's torch-lit Entrance Hall. Here, the marble staircase gleamed, and the buzz of laughter and conversation rose to meet them, echoing against the high ceilings.

Inside, the warmth of the Entrance Hall welcomed them, with the golden glow from the torches casting dancing shadows across the marble floor. The echoing chatter of students filled the cavernous space, and Olympia found herself swept up in the excitement.

Olympia slipped away to join her house at the Ravenclaw table. Seraphina Zhao gave her a small, warm smile as she took a seat beside her. She greeted Olympia with a small smile, her dark eyes glinting beneath neatly cut bangs. She was already engrossed in a book on advanced charms, but looked up when Olympia sat down. "Back for another year of mystery and mayhem," she murmured softly, closing the book.

Elvira Oakes, seated across from them, immediately launched into tales of her summer in America, talking animatedly about the heat, the strange muggle accents, and the "odd habits" she observed. Elvira's bright, two-toned hair caught the candlelight as she gestured animatedly about her summer trip. "You have no idea, Olympia, the heat in Florida! I thought I'd melt like a cauldron left too close to a fire! And the muggles-oh, they were something else. Half of them I could barely understand with their accents, and they have the oddest customs! They talk so weird down there."

Olympia listened with a mix of amusement and distraction, casting glances across the hall toward the Gryffindor table where George sat. She caught his eye once, and he gave her a teasing look, causing her to turn back quickly.

"Are you and George...?" Elvira asked, noticing their exchange, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Olympia felt her cheeks heat. "It's nothing," she replied, brushing it off, though her heart seemed to skip a beat.

The Great Hall sparkled, golden plates and goblets gleaming under the glow of hundreds of candles floating over the tables. Students chattered eagerly, and at the head of the hall, the teachers sat along a long table. Professor Dumbledore, in his deep-green robes, watched them all with a contemplative gaze, his long fingers steepled as he gazed through his half-moon spectacles, appearing both present and lost in thought.

As the feast began, Olympia glanced up at the ceiling, enchanted to match the stormy sky outside. The black and purple clouds twisted, lightning flashing across them, setting the hall's atmosphere to a hum of excitement and curiosity.

When the final plates vanished, Dumbledore rose, drawing the hall's attention. The students fell silent, and Dumbledore's voice resonated through the hall as he began the customary announcements.

"Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs." He raised his eyebrows, his voice softening in amusement. "The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, should anyone care to check it."

Fred and George exchanged looks of exaggerated disappointment, each flashing a middle finger in Filch's direction, although Filch remained blissfully unaware. The corners of Dumbledore's mouth twitched with restrained laughter; the twins' antics never failed to bring him amusement.

The Headmaster's tone shifted, his voice now firm. "As ever, I would like to remind you all that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year."

But then, his voice softened with regret. "It is also my painful duty to inform you that the inter-house Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."

An audible gasp swept through the hall, students staring at him in disbelief. At the Gryffindor table, Fred and George mouthed wordlessly, too stunned to speak. Olympia could feel the weight of disappointment pressing over the hall, but Dumbledore continued, his voice gaining an excited edge.

"This is due to an event that will be starting in October and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy - but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-"

A tremendous clap of thunder crashed through the hall, silencing him as the doors swung open. Every head turned toward the entrance, where a shadowed figure stood leaning on a staff, a black cloak swirling around him as he strode into the hall, briefly illuminated by lightning. The man lowered his hood, revealing a face marked by countless scars, one eye small and dark, the other an unnaturally large, electric blue orb that roamed restlessly in all directions.

As the man made his way to the teachers' table, Olympia's breath caught. His face was rough and battered, as if chiseled from stone. The blue eye continued darting about, even rolling to the back of his head for a moment, leaving only an eerie whiteness visible. Dumbledore greeted him with a warm handshake, speaking in a low tone that no one else could hear, and gestured for him to take a seat.

Dumbledore's voice returned, breaking the silence. "May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher-Professor Moody."

A few students clapped politely, but most remained silent, transfixed by the strange figure who sat, now poking a sausage with a small knife he'd taken from his pocket, his blue eye still darting around the hall.

The Headmaster continued, "As I was saying, we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event which has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

Fred Weasley's voice rang out loudly, "You're JOKING!"

The hall erupted in laughter, Dumbledore himself chuckling before addressing Fred. "I am not joking, Mr. Weasley-though, now you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all walk into a bar..."

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat sternly, and Dumbledore smiled apologetically. "Er-perhaps this is not the time. Where was I? Ah, yes, the Triwizard Tournament..." He explained its origins and the purpose of fostering connections between schools, before cautioning that past tournaments were halted due to high fatalities.

The students whispered excitedly, although Hermione looked at him with alarm.

"But," Dumbledore continued, his voice a comforting reassurance, "this time, we have taken all precautions to ensure safety. The Heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October, with their short-listed contenders, and the selection of champions will take place on Hallowe'en."

As Dumbledore spoke of the thousand-Galleon prize money, Fred and George exchanged a look of gleeful ambition. Olympia saw their expressions and rolled her eyes, knowing that they'd likely already begun scheming.

But then Dumbledore's voice took a firmer note, reminding the hall that only those seventeen and older would be allowed to enter, glancing directly at Fred and George. Olympia could see their faces fall as he finished, "I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen."

After Dumbledore dismissed the students, Olympia caught up to Fred and George, who were muttering indignantly about the age restriction.

"They can't do that!" George said, glaring back toward the teachers' table. "We're seventeen in April-why can't we have a shot?"

"They're not stopping me from entering," Fred added stubbornly. "A thousand Galleons! We could buy a new house for Mum! One that's not falling apart."

Olympia gave them both a stern look, hands on her hips. "Don't tell me you two are planning something reckless."

Fred only grinned. "Reckless is just another word for interesting," he replied with a wink.

She shook her head, and George laughed, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "You worry too much, Olympia."

Olympia grabbed his arm, turning serious. "You can't put your name in that goblet, George," she said, her eyes fixed on his. "It's dangerous."

George's gaze softened, and he grinned, stepping closer. "Why, Olympia, care about me do you?"He teased.

She rolled her eyes just as Professor McGonagall's voice interrupted, "Miss Harrington, the Ravenclaw dormitories are that way." She looked between George and Olympia, knowing immediately.

Olympia gave George one last pleading look before she hurried off, hoping he'd listen-but knowing deep down, that when it came to Fred and George, rules were meant to be broken.

The Ravenclaw common room was a warm refuge from the storm still howling outside. Its circular walls were lined with high bookshelves, filled to the brim with dusty tomes and polished trinkets that glinted in the soft, enchanted blue glow. A fire crackled in the large, white-marble fireplace, its flames dancing and casting flickering shadows over the deep blue armchairs gathered in cozy clusters.

Olympia climbed through the entrance, still drying her damp hair with the edge of her robe, and spotted Elvira, Cho, and Seraphina huddled around a small table near the fire, their heads close together in animated conversation. Elvira was gesturing dramatically, her long red curls bouncing with each word, while Cho laughed, and Seraphina gave a bemused smile.

"There she is!" Elvira called, waving Olympia over. "Miss Olympia Harrington, fresh from Gryffindor territory, no doubt! I saw you sneaking over there during dinner."

Olympia rolled her eyes, taking the empty seat beside Seraphina. "I wasn't sneaking. Just...visiting."

"Oh, yes, visiting." Cho winked. "We saw you and George sharing quite the look across the hall."

"Did you?" Olympia felt her cheeks grow warm, but she tried to brush it off. "Anyway, did you all hear about the Triwizard Tournament?"

"Obviously," Seraphina replied with a grin. "Everyone's buzzing about it! I heard there's a chance that Beauxbatons is bringing their best fliers. You think they'll compete against the Ravenclaw team?"

"Maybe they'd let Cho show them how it's done," Elvira teased, nudging Cho, who rolled her eyes.

"I wish." Cho shook her head. "But there's no Quidditch at all this year, thanks to the tournament. It's devastating."

"I know," Elvira agreed. "But did you hear the prize money for the champion? A thousand Galleons! Fred and George looked like they'd already spent it all in their heads before Dumbledore even finished talking."

"Of course they did," Cho laughed. "Those two probably think they're invincible."

"They're not though." Olympia pouted, uneasiness settling in her stomach at the thought of ever loosing either of them.

Seraphina leaned in, her expression shifting to one of concern. "Speaking of...Olympia, you were at the Quidditch World Cup, right? I heard it was-well, I don't even know how to put it."

Olympia felt a shiver run through her at the memory. "Yeah, I was there. It was...intense." She paused, searching for the right words. "The match itself was amazing-more than I'd ever imagined. Ireland and Bulgaria played the most incredible game, and when Viktor Krum caught the Snitch, the whole stadium went wild."

Cho's eyes brightened. "It must've been incredible to see Krum play in person! He's brilliant."

"He really is," Olympia agreed. "But..." Her voice trailed off, and her gaze grew distant as the darker memories surfaced. "That night, after the match, everything changed. The Weasley's and I were camping not far from the stadium, and we'd just settled in when we heard these screams... People were running everywhere, and the sky was filled with flashes from wands. I saw this group of people in black masks-they were going through the tents, setting them on fire, and~" Olympia swallowed, her voice trembling slightly as she continued. "They were hurting muggleborns. Killing them. It was just so...horrible, like something out of a nightmare."

Seraphina placed a comforting hand on her arm, her face full of empathy. "That sounds terrifying, Olympia. I can't imagine."

"It was," Olympia nodded, giving a small, shaky smile. "The worst part was that we couldn't do anything to stop it. Mr. Weasley tried to keep us safe, but he didn't want us drawing attention to ourselves, so we just hid...waiting until it was over." She chose to leave out the part about her running into the mess to save that child, not wanting to draw too much attention toward it. She didn't want to seem like she may have been bragging.

Cho reached out, squeezing her hand. "I'm so sorry you went through that. No one should ever have to see something like that."

Olympia managed a weak smile. "Thanks. I've never been so scared in my life. It felt like the kind of darkness you don't just wake up from."

Elvira let out a slow breath, her expression uncharacteristically serious. "I heard people talking about it in Diagon Alley just before school started. Some were saying it's a warning-that dark wizards are getting braver, maybe even planning something bigger." She lowered her voice, eyes flicking around as if someone might overhear. "You know, like...You-Know-Who's followers."

Cho looked uneasy, glancing around the common room as if checking that no one else was listening. "My parents were worried about that, too. They said it's a sign that things might not be as safe as we think." She leaned closer to the group. "But do you think there's really something to worry about? I mean...He's gone, isn't he?"

"Yeah," Olympia replied, her voice filled with both reassurance and uncertainty. "But something felt wrong about that night. Those people in masks... they acted like they didn't care who saw them or what they did. It was like they thought they could do anything they wanted and get away with it." She shivered again, remembering the cold, detached faces behind those masks and the echoing screams in the dark.

"Do you think that's why they brought back the Triwizard Tournament?" Seraphina mused thoughtfully, her brow furrowing. "To try and bring us closer together with other schools? Like...to prepare us for something?"

The idea hung in the air for a moment, both thrilling and chilling. It was a thought none of them had dared to voice before, but with everything that had happened, it seemed almost plausible. Bringing wizards from other schools, from other countries, into Hogwarts felt like more than just a simple tournament. It felt like...unity, maybe even preparation.

Olympia nodded slowly. "Maybe. I hadn't thought of that, but...it would make sense. A united front, you know? If something's brewing, it's better to be ready."

Elvira, always one to lighten the mood, gave a small smile and said, "Well, if anything's brewing, they'd better let us Ravenclaws in on it. We'd be the ones to sort it out properly."

The girls laughed, and the tension eased just a little. For a few minutes, they allowed themselves to drift back into safer, lighter conversations-gossiping about the new teachers, comparing schedules, and dreaming up who might be brave (or foolish) enough to put their name in for the tournament.

As Cho yawned and stretched, she gave a tired wave to the others. "I'll see you all in the morning. Don't stay up too late talking about mysterious midnight adventures without me."

Elvira grinned. "Oh, you never know what might come up. Night, Cho!"

Once Cho had disappeared up the staircase to the girls' dormitory, Olympia leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "So...are we still on for the Black Lake Bash toight?"

Elvira's eyes lit up with excitement, and Seraphina gave a grin. "Are you kidding?" Elvira replied, almost bouncing in her seat. "I've been waiting all year for this! I still can't believe we're finally invited."

"I know," Seraphina said, her voice filled with anticipation. "Only sixth and seventh years get to go, and all we ever hear are rumors about how amazing it is. The lights, the music...they say you can see the lake glistening in the dark, like something out of a dream."

Olympia nodded eagerly. "Apparently, they set up floating lanterns all around the shore, and sometimes enchanted creatures from the lake come closer to watch. I heard a seventh year last year say there was a whole school of mermaids just listening to the music!"

Elvira laughed, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. "And let's not forget the secret charms and spells they put up so the professors don't catch on. I heard they even set up charms to make sure anyone under sixth year can't find it, no matter how hard they look."

Olympia grinned. "Smart, isn't it? I mean, this is the one night we really get to celebrate as older students without worrying about the younger years running off to snitch to Filch."

"Okay, so we need a plan," Seraphina interjected, her voice hushed but excited. "If we're going to sneak out and get down to the lake without getting caught, we should leave the common room at, say...eleven?"

Olympia nodded. "That's perfect. It gives us enough time to blend in with the shadows. Most students will be heading up to bed by then, so we'll have the corridors mostly to ourselves."

"Are we going in uniform, or...?" Elvira asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"Oh, definitely not," Olympia said with a laugh. "We'll need something a bit more exciting than our Ravenclaw robes. I'm thinking something warm but...you know, with a little style. It's a party, after all."

Elvira and Seraphina exchanged a grin, and Elvira said, "I've got a few ideas. Something easy to move in but nice enough for a party by the lake. Let's meet back here at eleven, and we'll make our grand escape together."

"Deal," Olympia said, smiling. She could already picture the lanterns lighting up the shore, the distant music, and the laughter echoing off the water. There was something thrilling about being invited into a tradition that only the older students got to experience-a secret, shared night under the stars, full of laughter and whispers.

"I can't wait!" she said, her heart racing with excitement. "Later toight, we'll finally get to see what all the fuss is about."

The three girls shared a glance, a shared sense of mischief and excitement passing between them. It was bound to be a night they'd never forget.