Today is the day that I have been waiting for, the first round of the tournament. The lack of sleep last night has left me feeling uneasy. A sense of fear sits in the pit of my stomach, as if something bad is about to happen.
Despite feeling tired, I force myself to get out of bed and start preparing for the day ahead. I remember that Dumbledore has provided us with house shirts, which have our last names printed on the back. I grab it out of my closet and grab out a pair of jeans as well.
I quickly pull on my black jeans and slip into my long-sleeved black and green shirt, which fits me perfectly. I walk over to the mirror and realize that my hair is a mess. I decide to put it into Dutch braids making sure the braids are tight and secure so that my hair won't get in the way during the tournament.
After taking the time to braid my hair, I slipped into my favorite high-top Converse sneakers. Just as I finished tying the laces, I heard a knock at the door. "Come in!" I called out, wondering who it could be.
In walked Pansy carrying a small box and a plate of delicious-looking food. "Good morning!" she greeted me cheerfully.
"Good morning?" I echoed, surprised by her early visit. I eyed the box curiously, wondering what could be inside.
Pansy's smile grew wider as she handed over the gifts. "This present is from me," she explained, pointing to the box, "and the food is from Mattheo. He was worried that you didn't get enough sleep last night, so he insisted on bringing you breakfast. But I intercepted it on the way here," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You're welcome."
I couldn't help but feel grateful for both Pansy and Mattheo's thoughtfulness. As I set the plate of food down, Pansy gestured for me to open the box. "Well, go on then. Don't keep us in suspense."
Eagerly, I untied the ribbon and lifted the lid, revealing a leather wand thigh holder. "Oh wow, Pansy..." I said, "You sure know how to make fashion work, especially for a tournament that I could die in."
"You're not going to die. Even if you do, at least you'll look hot." I shake my head as Pansy grinned wickedly. "But this will make all the boys go crazy over you," she teased, "But it will also allow you to have two hands during the tournament so that you don't have to carry your wand the whole time.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her playful comment. Pansy had always been a devious person, especially when it came to fashion. Whenever I was with Mattheo, she loved to give me clothing that showed off all my assets. And while Mattheo loved the way I looked in those outfits, he couldn't stand the way other guys would stare at me.
I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the gift in front of me. "Well Thank you, Pansy. I appreciate it." I said sincerely.
With a warm smile on her face, Pansy turns to me and says, "Anything for you." Then she pulls me into a tight hug and continues, "Good luck today, Dani. We are all rooting for you." Her embrace makes me feel secure and supported, and her words fill me with confidence and determination.
I return her hug, squeezing her tightly. "Thank you," I whisper.
As Pansy steps back, she looks at me with concern and adds, "Make sure you eat. You're going to need all the energy you can get today." I nod in agreement, promising to take care of myself. With a final smile and a nod, Pansy heads off.
As I glance down at the tray of food in front of me, my eyes immediately notice the assortment of mixed fruit, pastries, and a steaming cup of coffee all sitting there, waiting to be devoured.
I reach for one of the plates, but something catches my eye. A small envelope, neatly tucked away underneath a stack of pastries. I pause, curious about its presence. My heart beats a little faster, knowing that this note is from Mattheo. I carefully open the letter and immediately notice his handwriting:
Good luck today, Dani. These dragons aren't going to be easy, but you're more than capable to win this round. You are smart, Dani. You will find a way, you always do.
I believe in you...
-M
As I read his words, a sharp pain shoots through my chest. My heart feels heavy... I take a deep breath, fighting back tears, and try to compose myself.
I set the note down on the table and force myself to eat some of the food that Mattheo has brought me. The simple act of chewing and swallowing seems like an impossible task, but I know that I need to keep my strength up. Today is going to be a long and difficult day...
I glance at the clock and realize that I need to hurry if I'm going to make it to the stadium on time. With a deep sense of dread, I push myself away from the table and head out the door, preparing myself for the challenges that lie ahead.
Crouch stood in front of the champions, his gaze sweeping over the group. "We will go from oldest to youngest," he announced, his voice echoing through the tent. I observed Harry, who appeared anxious, and I could relate to his feelings. The task ahead was daunting, and the stakes were high.
As the speaker called out the first name, Victor Krum looked back at us, and nodded before striding out of the tent. The rest of us paced around, lost in our own thoughts and anxieties as we waited for our names to be called.
I noticed Harry talking to someone outside the tent and walked over to see Hermione standing beside him. "Dani, perfect timing," she greeted me warmly. "Your broom, as well as Harry's, are waiting for you outside the stadium. You know what to do."
I nodded, grateful for the reminder. "Thank you, Hermione," I said, feeling a sense of relief that we had one less thing to worry about.
Hermione smiled at us, her expression tinged with concern. "Be careful out there, you two," she cautioned. Harry and I nodded.
"Danielle Potter!"
My nerves kicked in and my heart started to race uncontrollably. "Hey, you got this." Harry places his hand on my shoulder, reassuring me.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded in agreement. Despite Harry's words of encouragement, a part of me couldn't help but wonder if this was it - if this was the moment that would define the rest of my life.
In that moment, I clung to my brother tightly. "Whatever happens out there, just know that I will always be with you, okay?"
Harry tightens his grip around me, "Nothing is going to happen. I will see you after, okay?" I nod and breakaway from our embrace.
With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and stepped out of the tent, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Stepping out of the tent, I am hit by the roar of the crowd. The stadium is massive, filled with hundreds of people, all here to witness the Triwizard Tournament. It's my turn, and I can hear the anticipation in their cheers and screams of my name. I scan the crowd, trying to locate my friends - Mattheo, Pansy, Enzo, Theo, and Draco. And there they are, in the front row, shouting their lungs out for me.
Despite their support, I know I need to focus on the task ahead. The golden egg is waiting for me somewhere in this stadium, and I need to find it. The egg is the key to the next challenge, and I can't let it slip away.
I take a deep breath and scan my surroundings. The stadium is a maze of rocks, and pillars. I look up and see the egg resting on the top of a tall boulder. It seems too easy, but I know better. I can feel the tension in the air.
I take a step forward, and suddenly, a searing pain jolts through my side. I stumble, my legs giving way beneath me. I hit the ground hard, gasping for breath. I turn my head and see the dragon, its eyes locked onto me, a fiery orange glow emanating from its mouth. It's ready to attack.
"Shit!" I curse under my breath, scrambling to my feet. My heart is racing as I look around, searching for an escape. And then I see it - a deep trench just a few steps away. It's my only chance.
Without thinking, I sprint towards it, my feet pounding against the hard ground. The dragon is right behind me, its flames hot on my heels. I dive into the trench, rolling and tumbling to the bottom. I lay there, panting, waiting for the dragon's next move.
I know I can't stay here forever. The clock is ticking, and I need to find a way out. I take a deep breath, gathering my strength, and crawl along the trench away from the dragon.
After struggling to climb out of the trench, I finally reach the top and quickly search for a hiding spot behind a large rock. From there, I try to assess the situation and locate the dragon. It doesn't take long for me to spot the creature peering down into the trench where I had previously rolled into.
Suddenly, the dragon's head turns, and its piercing gaze locks onto me. My heart races as I frantically search for a way out of this predicament. Then, I remember the broomsticks that Hermione had left me in my mind. With my wand in hand, I summon one of them with a swift flick.
The dragon unleashes another burst of flames and I quickly duck behind the rock, hoping it will provide enough cover to shield me from the heat. As the flames subside, I peer out from behind the rock to see the broomstick hurtling towards me.
I take a deep breath and steel myself for what's to come. I haven't ridden a broomstick in ages, and I'm not nearly as skilled as Harry. But I know I have to remember quickly if I want to survive this encounter.
The dragon looms over me, its eyes fixated on my every move. I can feel the heat of its breath on my skin, and I know that I'm running out of time. With a burst of adrenaline, I kick off the ground and soar towards the trench, landing on the moving broom.
The stadium erupts with the sound of cheering. However, I remain aware that the danger is far from over. It can't be this easy... I turn my gaze towards the dragon and observe its attempts to break free from the chains that hold it down. Despite its inability to escape, a part of me feels that the chain won't be able to hold back a pissed off dragon.
As if on cue, I watch the chain snaps, allowing the dragon to soar towards me. Without hesitation, I take flight, soaring out of the stadium with the dragon hot on my tail.
"Alright, let's see if I still got it..." I push my broom to its limit, flying faster and faster as the dragon gains on me. With adrenaline coursing through me, I navigate tight spaces of the castle and make daring maneuvers, causing the dragon to slow its pace. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I make a break for the stadium.
As the stadium appears in the distance, I realize that I've put enough distance between myself and the dragon to make a move for the golden egg. I swoop down into the stadium and come to a sudden halt, jumping off the broom with ease, and wasting no time in grabbing the egg to finish this once and for all.
I reach out to grab the dragon egg, my fingers barely brushing against its smooth surface. Before I can fully grasp it, Mattheo's urgent voice echoes in my head, "Dani, look out!" I whip around just in time to see a blur of scales hurtling towards me.
I'm knocked off my feet, landing hard on my back. The wind is knocked out of me as I gasp, staring up at the massive dragon looming over me. Its eyes are fierce, and I can feel the heat radiating from its mouth. Panic rises in my chest as I realize this could be the end.
I instinctively reach for my wand, my fingers closing tightly around the smooth wood. I mutter the incantation under my breath, "Reducio..." and the dragon immediately shrinks down to the size of a hamster. It lands on my stomach, and I let out a shaky breath, feeling relief flood through me.
The crowd erupts into thunderous applause, and I struggle to my feet, gently placing the miniature dragon on the ground. I lift the egg triumphantly, holding it up for everyone to see. The cheers and shouts of my name fill the air, and I can see Dumbledore, his eyes filled with pride, clapping for me among the others. My friends are cheering, waving their arms wildly in excitement.
I take a moment to bask in the glory of the victory before making my way out of the stadium. I stay in the tent to watch Harry compete in his round. Once the tournament is over, I make my way back to my room, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of the challenge.