Unreal

Chp 59 The Calm Before the Fire

Woke up.

Regretted it immediately.

For a second, I thought it was a normal day. That brief moment before reality kicked down the door and reminded me:

Right. Dragons.

Today was dragon day.

I groaned and rolled over, smashing my face into the pillow like I could suffocate the nerves out of me.

Spoiler alert: it didn't work.

Luna was already awake, of course. She sat cross-legged on her bed, hair half-brushed, humming something comforting. I don't even think it had a tune.

"You're up," she said dreamily, glancing my way.

I grunted. "Unfortunately."

I dragged myself out of bed, trying not to think about how this might be the last morning of my life. Not dramatic at all. Just facts.

By the time I finished getting ready — shaky hands and all — Luna was standing by the door with that calm, wide-eyed look that made it seem like she wasn't about to watch me get flambéed by a magical lizard.

"You'll be brilliant," she said.

I blinked at her. "I don't think so."

She tilted her head. "Doesn't matter. You've got something good in you. Like a star that hasn't exploded yet."

...Great. So I was going to be the most brilliantly barbecued star out there.

Still, I mumbled a "Thanks Luna" under my breath and followed her down the staircase.

••••••••

The castle was buzzing.

Even before we reached the Great Hall, I could hear it — excited chatter bouncing off the walls, footsteps echoing faster than usual. Like everyone had collectively chugged a cheering potion.

And when we stepped inside?

Chaos.

There were students everywhere. Tables packed, voices rising, food being ignored in favor of frantic predictions.

"I heard it's a chimera—"
"No, dragons, I swear—"
"Ten galleons says someone passes out—"

Luna and I made our way to the Ravenclaw table like it was just another morning. Like this wasn't the lead-up to a potentially fatal magical showdown.

I sat down.

Picked up a slice of toast.

Tried to eat without giving myself indigestion from overthinking about dragons.

Spoiler alert: failing miserably.

••••••

Someone from the professors' table stood up.

"All Triwizard champions, please make your way to the tent."

My stomach flipped.

Around me, the Great Hall buzzed with sudden movement and excitement, students whispering and leaning forward as if we were heading off to war. Which, honestly... wasn't far off.

I looked around, trying to spot the others.

There—Harry.

Already slipping through the crowd, head down.

I didn't wait.

Just pushed myself up, legs slightly wobbly, and followed him out the doors.

Harry didn't notice I was following him.