A week passed in the blink of an eye.
The Abyssal Flame Demon Blood had undergone a dramatic transformation.
What had once resembled a pitch-black stone had now become a flawless crystal.
Inside the transparent crystal…
A dark crimson flame burned quietly.
Anyone who stared at it for too long would soon feel a sharp burning sensation in their eyes.
During the past week…
Hermione had devoted herself entirely to her Animagus training.
As a result…
She had temporarily abandoned her investigation into Snape.
Charlotte couldn’t have been happier with that development.
Several times recently…
He had considered sneaking into the chamber on the fourth floor.
However…
Every time he approached that area, an overwhelming sense of danger washed over him.
Charlotte was certain of one thing.
The moment he entered the chamber…
Dumbledore would appear before him instantly.
Even though Charlotte had already mastered the Disillusionment Charm…
It was still nowhere near enough to fool Dumbledore.
After all…
The Headmaster could even see through one of the three Deathly Hallows— The Cloak of Invisibility.
Morning classes ended.
The students gathered in the Great Hall for lunch.
Harry cautiously sipped his pumpkin juice.
He still had a Mandrake leaf hidden inside his mouth.
He was terrified that one careless movement would cause him to swallow it.
The three of them had spoken noticeably less over the past few days.
Hermione in particular remained silent whenever possible.
After noticing how rarely she volunteered answers during lessons…
Professor McGonagall assumed something was troubling her.
She had already spoken with Hermione twice in private.
Although Charlotte and his friends quietly ate their lunch…
The rest of the Great Hall buzzed with excitement.
Tomorrow was the annual Hogwarts Quidditch tournament.
The entire school was eagerly awaiting it.
“I’ll bet one Galleon!” “Slytherin’s winning the Cup again this year!” “Slytherin’s yesterday’s news!” “Gryffindor will take the championship!” “Harry Potter is the youngest Seeker Hogwarts has had in a century.” “He’ll catch the Golden Snitch before anyone else!” “Exactly!” “And don’t forget Fred and George Weasley.” “Those twins work together better than anyone.” “Gryffindor couldn’t even lift its head after Slytherin crushed them last year.” “Have you already forgotten?” “Last year was last year!” “This year we’ll beat you!” “…” Almost every heated argument in the Great Hall came from either Gryffindor or Slytherin.
Ever since Hogwarts had been founded…
The two Houses had been bitter rivals.
Whether it was the House Cup…
Or the Quidditch Cup…
They always fought tooth and nail.
Listening to everyone around him…
Harry whispered nervously, “Charlotte…” “I suddenly feel really nervous.” “It seems everyone’s expecting a lot from me.” “Especially Oliver.” “He’s desperate to win.” “What if…” “What if I don’t catch the Golden Snitch?” Charlotte smiled reassuringly.
“Relax.” “Just keep a clear head.” “At the end of the day…” “It’s only a game.” “Enjoy yourself.” He paused before adding with a grin, “But watch what you’ve got in your mouth.” “Don’t try catching the Golden Snitch with it.” Harry burst into laughter.
Everyone else assumed Charlotte was joking.
Only Charlotte himself knew…
That during tomorrow’s match against Slytherin…
The Golden Snitch would accidentally fly straight into Harry’s mouth.
That bizarre stroke of luck would ultimately win Gryffindor the match.
At that moment…
A handsome boy with sandy-brown hair approached Charlotte’s table.
“Hello.” “I’m Cedric Diggory.” “Hufflepuff’s Seeker.” “I hope we have an exciting match tomorrow.” Just as described in the original story…
Cedric was remarkably handsome.
Although only thirteen years old…
His exceptional magical talent and striking appearance had already made him one of Hogwarts’ rising stars.
Charlotte had seen him several times before.
But they had never actually spoken.
He hadn’t expected Cedric to approach him today.
Charlotte smiled politely.
“I’ve always admired Hufflepuff’s style.” “You’re a team with genuine sportsmanship.” “I’m looking forward to playing against you too.” Cedric smiled softly.
Instantly giving everyone the impression of a melancholy prince.
Charlotte couldn’t help thinking to himself…
No wonder so many girls fall for him.
Who could resist that kind of charisma?
Leaning closer…
Cedric lowered his voice.
“Be careful of Draco Malfoy.” “I accidentally overheard them talking.” “They’re planning to stop you from playing tomorrow.” Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
“Thank you for the warning.” “But…” “I don’t think they’ll succeed.” Watching Cedric walk away…
Charlotte couldn’t help sighing inwardly.
He’s a genuinely good person…
He just died far too young.
Back when he’d watched the films…
Charlotte had often wondered whether Cedric had been killed simply because he was too perfect.
Too kind.
Too talented.
Too likeable.
Perhaps he had shone too brightly beside the protagonist.
Hermione looked at him curiously.
“What did he say to you?” Charlotte glanced deliberately towards Draco Malfoy before raising his voice enough for everyone nearby to hear.
“Nothing much.” “He just warned me to be careful of Malfoy.” “Apparently…” “The Slytherins are planning to make sure I can’t enter the Quidditch pitch tomorrow.” The entire Great Hall instantly fell silent.
Then…
Every pair of eyes turned towards Draco Malfoy.
The looks they gave him were filled with open contempt.
Quidditch held an almost sacred place within the wizarding world.
More than ninety percent of witches and wizards adored the sport.
Slytherin already had a reputation for playing dirty during matches.
Now…
People believed they were willing to sabotage opponents before the game even began.
Draco’s face immediately turned crimson.
He was just about to leap to his feet and protest…
When the older Slytherin beside him calmly stood up first.
Grey Gustav smiled politely.
“As Slytherin Prefect…” “I swear this is nothing but a rumour.” “We have never considered using such despicable tactics to win the Quidditch Cup.” “We simply don’t need to.” “The fact that Slytherin has won the Quidditch Cup for five consecutive years speaks for itself.” He then looked directly at Charlotte.
“If Charlotte Elvis still has any concerns…” “I’m willing to assign two of Slytherin’s finest students to act as his bodyguards…” “And ensure his safety.” Draco stared at Grey in complete disbelief.
Has the Prefect lost his mind?
He’s actually sending people to protect Charlotte?
How am I supposed to get my revenge now?
Charlotte simply smiled.
“I was only joking.” “Please don’t take it seriously.” “And besides…” “I have complete faith in Slytherin’s integrity.” “I’m sure they would never dare do something like that.” CREATORS’ THOUGHTS Dark_Verse IF YOU LIKED THE CHAPTER PLEAsE WRITE REVIEW