Through All the Pain // N. Longbottom

Fourth Year // Chapter 8

"Lori! Lori!" I got shaken awake by Hermione earlier than normal. I rolled over and tried to bury my head under my pillow, but that didn't work. Hermione yanked my pillow away and hit me with it.

"Okay! Okay! Bloody hell, I'M UP MIONE!" I shouted as I rolled off onto the floor. Landing in a pile on the floor, along with making a loud thump. The next thing I know, both Lavender and Parvati were chucking pillows at me.

"Lorrindaaaaa!" Lavender whined.

"Could you be any louder?" Parvati added. 

"Sorry!" I muttered getting back up on my bed. Once I was on my bed, I glared over at Hermione who was holding a book in her hands. "What is it, Hermione?"

"Follow me!" She yanked me off of my bed and we rushed down to the common room. 

"Hermione! I'm only in my PJ's!" I said as we got to the Common Room.

"I'm sorry but this couldn't wait!" She opened the book and pointed to a paragraph. "Read it." I sighed and grabbed the book from her hands and began to read what she had pointed out.

"'Among the many fallen victims of the Wizarding War, two victims that are hardly remembered are Alice and Frank Longbottom'..." I trailed off and looked up at Hermione. She waved for me to continue which I did. "'Shortly after the downfall of Lord Voldemort, some of his higher officers were convinced he was taken and not dead. They captured the two Aurors and tortured them into insanity by use of the Cruciatus Curse' ..."

"That explains why Neville freaked out in Dark Arts!" Hermione said reaching for the book. I yanked it back and scanned the page some more. However, there was nothing more on Neville's parents. 

"That's why he doesn't mention his family as much, AND why he lives with the Grandmother!" I said closing the book and placing it on the small desk closest to us. I walked over to the loveseat and sat down, facing the fireplace. "It all makes sense ..."

We must've sat and stared at the fireplace for an hour before we went back up to our dorm and got ready for the day. I had to push away all the sadness I was feeling for Neville and focus on making sure I was there for Cedric ... should he be chosen as a Triwizard champion.

***

"Any guesses as to who it will be?" Dean said as we sat down at the Gryffindor table. 

"I hope Angelina gets it," Seamus said. "I mean, Gryffindor deserves to have a champion."

"What's wrong with any other houses?" I stated as I grabbed some candy and placed them in my mouth. "I mean Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and the decent Slytherins deserve an equal chance as well."

"Do you really think Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw has a chance against Durmstrang and Beuxbatons?" Ron said. I sighed.

"Stop being so biased to Gryffindor. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are just a great as we are."

"We aren't biased!" he whined. I just sent him a look.

"Uh-huh, sure!"

"I mean, we have to favor our house ... we come from a long line of Gryffindor's!" Fred said as he sat down opposite of us, puffing out his chest. 

"Besides, we are brave and daring! We were basically built for such a tournament." George added.

"So? We Gryffindor's aren't devoid of fear here. I mean, just look at Ron!" I said pointing over at him.

"Oi! I'm not afraid of much," he responded as he plopped a small piece of candy in his mouth.

"Except for Spiders," Harry started.

"Basilisks," Hermione added.

"Dragons," George added.

"He who should not be named!" Harry finished.

"Alright! Alright! I'm not devoid of fear, but at least I'm not a -" Ron started but Hermione quickly cut him off. 

"Shush! It's starting!" We all turned to see Dumbledore walking down towards the Goblet.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! The time has come for the three champions to be chosen from the Goblet of Fire." Dumbledore spoke clearly. 

With a wave of his wand, the candles floating on the ceiling went out, except for a few floating over the staff table and about three over each house table. The entire room was silent and eagerly watching the Goblet. After a few moments, the bright blue flames grew brighter and rose higher. Suddenly they turned bright red and a piece of parchment was shot out of the flames. It floated down into Dumbledores palm as the flames went back to their magnificent blue.

"The champion for Durmstrang will be Viktor Krum!" All the boys from Durmstrang erupted in cheers and chants as Krum got up and made his way to Dumbledore.

"No surprises there!" Ron said as we all clapped for Krum. Eventually, the clapping and cheering died down and the room was completely silent once more. Once again the flames went from blue to red and another piece of parchment fell from the cup. This piece of parchment was a beautiful design in the colors of blue with a golden edge.

"The champion for Beauxbatons is ... Fleur Delacour!" The girls clapped and cheered as the lovely young lady got up and walked forward. Her long silvery blonde hair flowering behind her. Once she was away from the table some of the girls started sobbing and looking beyond upset that they weren't chosen. Once Fleur disappeared through the same door Krum did, the flames turn bright red one last time.

"And lastly, the Hogwarts champion ... Cedric Diggory!" 

The Hall erupted in cheers but honestly, they sounded miles away. I watched as he got up from his seat and walked to the middle of the room. I held back a wave of emotions as he walked on by. He looked over and gave me smile before continuing on up to Dumbledore.

"Silly git!" Ron remarked.

"He's NOT a git, Ronald." I snapped. "Need I remind you, he happens to be my boyfriend!"

"And he's a Prefect!" Hermione joined in.

Professor Sprout raced down to greet him and nearly shook his hand off in joy. As he disappeared through the door, Dumbledore started to speak.

"Excellent! Now that all three champions have been chosen, we are in for a wonderful tournament. I'm sure I can count upon all of you to give your full support to each and every champion selected. Now, let's -" Before he could continue the Goblet of Fire erupted once more. The bright red flames grew even brighter and rose even higher than before. The flames cast a red glow all over the Great Hall, which was almost blinding the staff and students sitting closest to the Goblet.

Another piece of parchment was released from the flames. All of us students watched closely as Dumbledore quickly caught the piece and stared at it with intent. He turned to face the staff table and whispered quietly to the staff. After a few moments, he turned back around and sent a concerning glance up and down the Gryffindor table. He took a deep breath and uttered a name, that we honestly should have seen coming.

"Harry Potter ..."