Dark Paradise

Chapter Two: Close Calls

If there were one word to describe Cordelia's current predicament, it would be chaotic. The scent that wafted through the air was that of scrumptious hot meals prepared in vast quantities, one that elected happy sighs and content hums at being provided food after a long journey. The food itself was heaven on a platter, cooked and served, as always, to perfection. A collection of dishes from various cuisines were set up across the four dark wood tables assigned to each house, each table bringing about pleasant memories in every student as they surged forward to find themselves a seat.

A sense of organised chaos hung in the air as bodies adorning sets of various colours moved against each other to reach their destinations, overwhelming chatter reaching unknown octaves and students engaging in mischievous or delirious acts adding to the chaos. People all around moved against or with the tide in order to spot a seat near their friends, the Slytherin sixth years contributing to the riot by their stubborn, egocentric traits.

Finally, after a minute of bustling around with the overpowering crowd, the pureblood heirs seated themselves near the centre of the table towards the far left. The green tablecloth brushed her knees as Cordelia seated herself besides Ignatius and Aurora, turning towards Druella who was sitting in front of her.

"Do you reckon he'll go on almost pridefully during his speech?"

"Certainly-" replied Cordelia "-if Dippet's one thing it's prideful, and we're all aware of his gloating habits."

The two of them carried on their discussion, including Theodore and Aurora who were seated towards their right. They briefly touched topics like the first day of school and skipping Dippit's speech before they were interrupted by Phyllis.

"Don't even think about it. Sluggy locked the common room due to the stunt you pulled last year."

Four pairs of eyes turned towards the Parkinson heir nestled between Rudolphus and Druella, each of them wearing variations of smirks.

"Now, now Philly, do you really think a mere locking charm will stop us?" Ignatius questioned, always up for a bit of rule-breaking.

"Seriously? It's not even been an hour, and you're already thinking of ways to dock off points?" The baffled expression strewn across Orion's face evoked a series of giggles and coos.

"Runoff and play with your little fifth-year babies Orion."

Cordelia giggled as he tossed a bit of bread at her, always up for teasing her brother. The bread-crumb drew her attention to the dishes around her while also reminding her of her dire hunger.

With their conversation finished, each of the eight snakes piled heaps of food onto their plates, all except the Black ladies, ever the modest and full of etiquettes.

The great hall had returned to its state of joyous conversation as its inhabitants filled up on various delicacies, occasionally asking one another to pass a dish. When they all had been content with their meals, the bowls, plates and goblets disappeared, returning the tables to their pristine, blank states.

"Now that we have all eaten our fill, we can go onto more important matters."

Headmaster Dippet announced as he proceeded towards the podium, taking his place in front of his audience. His receding hairline and awful burgundy robes made him seem akin to a toad rather than their headmaster, but his strict tone and queer stare made his position prominent.

"More specifically, the Triwizard Tournament due to take place this academic year."

Usually, the great hall's inhabitants would be on the brink of falling asleep as Dippet droned on for his welcoming speech, but tonight was different, extraordinary even. The night itself was insignificant, but the words ringing across the hall were more than important. So significant the Ravenclaws had abandoned their books to sit attentively and gaze at the headmaster like a bunch of owls, the Hufflepuffs, usually reserved and respectful, were murmuring amongst themselves and the Gryffindors weren't running rampant (which was a surprise more than ever.)