Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Fifty-One

The common area of the Hogwarts Tent was bursting with energy! There were streamers and there was music playing. And drinks were flowing. Everyone was talking and laughing. I entered slowly, trying to be discreet. I had been in the Champion's Tent with Will and Bridgette only for a bit as my wounds were superficial and healed quickly after Wiggenweld Potions and a few healing spells. I still had a bandage on my arm though. But it barely stung anymore.

Will had to stay longer as his wound was still seeping greenish fluid. And Bridgette was almost totally incoherent. She never finished the task and they retrieved her lost in the maze mumbling to herself. I had a quick bout of fear that she would tell everyone what we did. But then they told us there were no rules and to handle it as we saw fit. Honestly, I thought she got what she deserved after the way she treated us.

I walked slowly, seeing if I could just get by the party and head to the dorm, the cup dangling in my hand still.

"THERE SHE IS! THE TRIWIZARD CHAMPION!" Someone yelled out and then I was surrounded. Everyone clapping, cheering and back slapping.

I smiled. I was back to being the "hero" again. I chuckled to myself. People had short memories.

I pulled the cup up to show everyone and they all "ooo"-ed and "aww"-ed at it. Then Professor Sharp took it, actually smiling at me, and placed it on a big pedestal that had been erected in the middle of the room.

Sebastian came over and picked me up in a huge hug, sighing deeply into my neck.

"I'm so proud of you, Rach! And I'm so glad you're ok." He said, placing me down on my feet again.

"Thanks." I said, blushing a little. "I must say, this feels pretty damn amazing. Maybe it's just the relief of being done but also... the winning sure doesn't suck." I smiled warmly at him and he laughed at my response.

"You're the winner. I still can't believe it! When I saw you round the bend on your graphorn, I nearly busted a vein! I was screaming so loudly, and I think I shook Ominis' brains loose I was so excited!" He slipped his fingers in mine and squeezed. "So proud." He added and then led me over to get a drink and some food.

"Congratulations, Rachel!"

"Congrats! You did well!"

"Congratulations!"

"We are the champions! We are the champions!"

I thanked everyone that passed and congratulated me. But I just really wanted to go somewhere and relax with my friends. But the party was in full swing. The Durmstrang house elves brought TONS of food, drinks and snacks and everyone seemed pleased to just stay where they were and celebrate. I don't think anyone went to the hall for dinner.

"So, tell us. We're all dying to hear. They could only commentate very little on what you guys were doing. There was a maze with obstacles and then something about retrieving keys from a Whomping Willow!" Nellie said, her excitement was filling me up.

So, we all sat around the fire by the boys' dorm, and I sat in my favorite spot, curled up against Seb on the couch, with a drink in my hand.

I retold everything I'd done. With the exception of confunding Bridgette. I did mention that I ran into her and she pushed me down. And I said Will and I ran into her again and she pushed him too. They assumed she was bewitched or something.

Garreth especially took the news hard. I grabbed his hand gently and squeezed. "Garreth, you should check on her soon. She wasn't able to finish and I think she was rather hurt. She would like to know that you cared enough to try to see her." He nodded but waited until I finished before he excused himself to go hunt down his girlfriend.